Sunlight filtered through the paper windows of the Fourth Division's intensive care unit.
When Hasumi Ren pushed the door open, he saw that Matsumoto Rangiku had opened her eyes. They were bright, yet filled with the vacant daze of someone who had just woken up and a hint of uncertainty about her surroundings. Still just a young girl, she lay in bed, her short orange hair scattered messily across the pillow. Though her face remained pale and her lips lacked color, her eyes had regained some of their luster.
Ren walked over to the bedside.
"You're awake?"
Rangiku stared at him for a long time before speaking softly.
"Are you... the one who saved me?"
Her voice was faint and raspy. Ren nodded.
"How do you feel? Is anything hurting?"
Rangiku didn't answer, keeping her eyes fixed on him as they gradually grew red.
"Where's Gin?" she suddenly asked. "Where is he?"
Ren sighed; he knew she would ask this. After a brief pause, he said softly, "He didn't come back with us. He should have told you, right?"
Rangiku's eyelashes trembled slightly.
"Gin... Gin did say something. He said he still had things to take care of."
She lowered her head, showing no blame or resentment. When she looked up again, she asked, "He'll come look for me, right?"
Her eyes held nothing but a pure, desperate longing for an answer.
Ren looked at her and gave a gentle nod.
"He will. Don't worry."
Rangiku fell silent for a moment. Then, the corners of her mouth tugged upward into a slightly forced smile.
"...That's good."
As if she had used up all her energy, her eyes drifted closed once more.
Ren stood by the bed, watching her breathing even out in silence.
Footsteps approached from outside, and Unohana pushed the door open and stepped inside. She glanced at Rangiku on the bed, then at Ren.
"She woke up?"
Ren nodded.
"Just for a little bit. She fell back asleep."
Unohana walked to the bedside and placed her hand on Rangiku's forehead. A pale green Kaido spiritual pressure filtered into the girl's body, and a moment later, she withdrew her hand.
"Her recovery is acceptable. Her constitution is excellent—even better than I expected. And her talent is remarkable. If a piece of her soul hadn't been torn away, her future achievements wouldn't be low at all."
Unohana looked at her with a warm but slightly regretful gaze.
"It is a pity."
Her tone was entirely calm as she spoke those words. She had seen many such cases—young prodigies who, for one reason or another, were blocked from reaching the heights they rightfully belonged at.
"Even so, she is still a promising prospect," Unohana continued. "She has a solid foundation and steady spiritual pressure. With proper training, becoming a seated officer at the very least won't be an issue."
She looked down at Rangiku's sleeping face.
"Once her body recovers a bit more, you can ask her if she wants to become a Soul Reaper."
Ren nodded.
"I'll talk to her."
Unohana cast a glance at him.
"You certainly care quite a bit. I will continue to monitor her condition. As for you..." She turned her head to look at Ren. "Have you run into some trouble lately?"
Ren froze for a moment. This wasn't the first time Unohana had asked him this. She watched him, her gaze serene.
Ren fell silent for a brief moment.
"It's nothing major, really. I should be able to handle it myself."
Unohana didn't press further. She simply looked out the window, her voice soft.
"That's good then. If anything does happen, you can tell me. The Fourth Division might not be a combat squad, but we are more than capable of protecting you."
A wave of warmth filled Ren's chest.
"Thank you, Captain."
Unohana didn't look back as she turned to leave.
"Alright. Her recovery is progressing well, and she'll be staying awake longer and longer. If you're free today, spend some time talking to her. After all, it's best for someone who has just woken up to have company."
Ren nodded, walked back to the bedside, pulled up a chair, and sat down.
By the time Rangiku woke up again, dusk had already fallen. The setting sun poured through the window, bathing the entire room in a warm golden hue. Opening her eyes, she saw Ren still sitting by the bed, holding a book.
"You didn't leave?"
Her voice carried a bit more strength than before. Ren closed the book.
"I'll be leaving in a bit."
Rangiku fell silent for a moment.
"By the way... I can't quite remember your name. What was it again?"
"Hasumi Ren."
She softly repeated the name.
"I'm Matsumoto Rangiku."
"I know."
"Did Gin tell you?"
"Yeah."
Rangiku lapsed into silence again. She stared up at the ceiling for a long time before suddenly speaking.
"Is Gin... doing something really dangerous?"
Ren looked at her.
"What makes you ask that?"
"Because he didn't take me with him." Her voice was remarkably calm, far too calm for a child who had just woken up. "Before this, he never left me behind."
Ren fell silent, not knowing how to answer.
"He really does have some things to take care of," he said softly. "Once he's finished, he will come back for you."
Rangiku looked at him.
"Really?"
Ren met her bright eyes.
"Really."
Rangiku nodded and said no more. Closing her eyes, a faint smile played upon her lips.
A few days later, Rangiku's condition had improved significantly. She was already able to get out of bed and walk around. Though she grew winded after just a few steps, it was a massive improvement from when she first woke up. Unohana visited her frequently to check on her recovery, occasionally chatting with her.
One day, after finishing her examination, Unohana suddenly asked, "Matsumoto Rangiku, do you want to become a Soul Reaper?"
Rangiku froze. "A Soul Reaper?"
"Yes." Unohana's voice remained calm. "You possess spiritual talent, and your foundation is solid. With proper training, becoming a seated officer won't be an issue at all."
Rangiku fell silent for a long time. She had never even considered the idea; she was just an orphan from the Rukongai, surviving day-to-day with Gin. To her, Soul Reapers were exalted beings far beyond her reach.
"Can I... really do it?" She looked up, meeting Unohana's gaze.
Unohana nodded. "If you are willing."
Rangiku lowered her head, lapsing into a long silence. Then, she suddenly asked, "Will Gin... become a Soul Reaper too?"
Unohana cast a glance at Ren, who immediately answered, "He isn't one yet. But one day, he will be."
Rangiku nodded. "Then I want to be a Soul Reaper too." Her voice was quiet but resolute. "That way, when he comes back to find me, I won't be a burden anymore."
Looking at her, Ren felt a gentle stir in his chest. This girl, just like that silver-haired boy, possessed an unyielding stubbornness.
Unohana nodded. "Very well. You will stay here with the Fourth Division for now. Once you have fully recovered, I'll have Ren escort you to the Shin'o Academy."
Rangiku nodded, a faint smile gracing her face. "Thank you, Captain Unohana."
Unohana waved her hand dismissively and turned to leave. Just as she reached the door, she paused.
"Ren."
"Yes?"
"Keep a close eye on her. After all, you're the one who brought her back."
"Understood."
Unohana pushed open the door and stepped out. Only Ren and Rangiku remained in the room.
Rangiku leaned against the headboard, gazing out at the sky as the setting sun cast a soft glow over her face.
"Fourth Seat Hasumi."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
Ren smiled at her words, reaching out to gently ruffle the young girl's orange hair. He then walked over to the window, gazing out at the distant sky as his thoughts drifted to that silver-haired boy. 'I wonder when I'll see him again.'
The corners of Ren's mouth tugged upward. 'The next time we meet, Ichimaru Gin is bound to be thoroughly surprised.'