With the Head Captain's decision finalized—
even though Byakuya Kuchiki still had objections—
he had no choice but to suppress his dissatisfaction and obey.
However—
because of that direct clash during the Captain's Meeting,
a seed of resentment quietly took root in his heart.
Until now, he and Bai Chen had never crossed paths.
But from this moment on—
that changed.
Byakuya's personality had always been cold and proud.
From the moment he was born into the Kuchiki noble clan—
he had carried the weight of its honor.
And because of that pride—
no matter how highly others praised Bai Chen,
Byakuya would never truly accept him.
In his eyes—
he was no weaker.
And three months later—
if there was even the slightest opportunity,
he would do everything in his power to stop Rukia from joining Squad Nine.
Even if she were destined to become a Shinigami—
she would never serve under Bai Chen.
That—
was Byakuya's resolve as he left the meeting.
Not long after—
the news spread across the Soul Society.
Bai Chen had been promoted to Captain of Squad Nine.
And even more shocking—
he had chosen an unknown academy student—
Rukia—
as his vice-captain.
The entire Gotei 13 was shaken.
Even the instructors and students at the Shin'o Academy thought it was a joke.
"What… is going on?!"
"Rukia… got promoted straight to vice-captain?!"
"Am I dreaming—or has the world gone insane?!"
At the academy training grounds—
after classes had ended—
a group of students stood frozen in disbelief.
And at the center of it all—
Rukia herself.
Her mind went blank.
Her face flushed.
She nearly fainted on the spot.
Happiness had come too suddenly.
So sudden—
it felt unreal.
To her—
this news sounded more like a mistake than a blessing.
Back when the classes were divided—
she had only been placed in Class One of the first year.
Which meant—
there were many students more talented than her.
So why—
out of everyone—
had Bai Chen chosen her?
"…Could it be…"
"That time… when we made eye contact…?"
The more she thought about it—
the more absurd it felt.
Her thoughts even began to wander wildly.
Was it possible…
that Bai Chen had fallen in love with her at first sight?
There was no logical explanation.
A completely ordinary student—
suddenly chosen by fate—
her destiny overturned overnight.
Even Rukia herself couldn't make sense of it.
It was simply too surreal.
"…Vice-Captain Rukia."
"You can ask Captain Bai Chen for the reason once you arrive."
"Our task is to assist you in packing and escort you to Squad Nine immediately."
The seated officer from Squad Nine spoke stiffly.
Even saying "Vice-Captain" felt unnatural.
Because not just Rukia—
even the members of Squad Nine themselves—
were struggling to accept this sudden decision.
If not for their respect for Bai Chen—
and the fear of displeasing a newly appointed captain—
they wouldn't have accepted it so easily.
After all—
a first-year student had just leaped over countless ranks—
to become their superior.
"…Right now… I have to pack… and go to Squad Nine…?"
"But I… I'm not ready at all!!!"
Rukia's legs went weak.
Her thoughts spiraled.
Her tongue nearly tied itself in knots.
If not for Izuru Kira and Renji Abarai supporting her—
she might have collapsed again.
"Don't worry, Vice-Captain."
"As classmates, we believe you'll quickly find your footing with Captain Bai Chen."
The officer gestured for Kira and Renji to let go.
From here on—
everything would be handled by Squad Nine.
Kira and Renji exchanged a glance.
Then sighed.
Reluctantly—
they let go.
Because they both understood—
from the moment Bai Chen chose her—
Rukia's fate had changed completely.
Regardless of whether she could secure the position long-term—
her future was now tied to Squad Nine.
Which meant—
the three of them—
who had grown up together in Rukongai,
who had sworn to become Shinigami and change their destinies—
were now walking different paths.
Rukia had risen overnight.
Skipping all struggle—
ascending directly to vice-captain.
And among them—
the one most devastated—
was Renji Abarai.
As he watched Rukia leave with Squad Nine—
a hollow feeling filled his chest.
It felt like—
the girl he had secretly loved for years—
had suddenly been taken away overnight.
And the one who took her—
was none other than Bai Chen.
Someone who had only been his classmate for a brief time.
That reality—
was too sudden.
Too overwhelming.
It shattered Renji's confidence.
Crushed his spirit.
And left him standing there—
completely broken.
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