In recent years, Soul Society had been very peaceful.
That calm surprised Kazuma somewhat.
He had originally thought Aizen, who should have continued stirring up trouble, would make another move.
Yet during this period, Aizen had not caused any more incidents.
Kazuma spent this time fully enjoying his lazy, carefree life.
At the same time, however, he did not dare relax completely. He constantly recalled the original plot and remained wary of the corrective force of the world that might arise because of his many interventions.
...
On this day, Shin'ō Academy welcomed a special visitor—Rukia Kuchiki.
She had returned to this place she had not seen in a long time, her heart filled with emotion and confusion.
Once, this had been the place where she grew up, and it was also where she had spent many wonderful days with many friends.
Now, however, she carried a heavy burden.
Rukia still could not let go of Miyako's death in battle.
It was a wound carved into her life.
What pained her even more was Shiba Kaien's slumber, which plunged her into deep self-blame.
She began to doubt her own abilities, and her future seemed completely unclear.
At this crucial moment, Rukia needed to find her own answer and walk out of the turmoil in her heart.
Just as Rukia's thoughts were wandering, Renji suddenly appeared out of nowhere and kicked her in the rear.
"Rukia, so you still know how to come back? I thought that after entering the Kuchiki family, you'd completely forgotten about us."
Renji wore an annoyed expression.
However, this time, he knew that Rukia was the younger sister of the future lady of the Kuchiki family, so he did not keep his distance from her as he had in the original story.
"Ah! Ow, ow, ow!"
Rukia rubbed her rear and was just about to curse, only to realize that the person who had kicked her was Renji Abarai.
"Didn't you go to the Thirteenth Division? Why did you come back to the Academy?"
Renji was very confused by Rukia's return.
"Can't I come back to see you all?"
Rukia forced a smile. She did not want Renji to worry.
"It's just that too much has happened recently. I need some time to sort out my thoughts."
Renji looked at Rukia, and a wave of heartache rose in his chest.
He knew that Rukia might have gone through something painful, and he also understood that she must be suffering greatly inside right now.
"Fine. Since you're back, then rest properly for a bit. But don't forget, we're still friends! If you run into any trouble, come to me!"
Rukia looked at Renji gratefully and nodded.
She knew that at this difficult moment, having a friend like Renji by her side was a great comfort.
At that moment, a light breeze blew past, bringing with it a fresh scent.
Rukia took a deep breath, feeling the breeze brush against her.
Her mood gradually calmed down.
She decided that she had to pull herself together and find her own answer.
"Renji, enough about that. Which division are you planning to join after graduation?" Rukia asked curiously.
"The Fifth Division, of course. And not just me. Hisagi-senpai, Kira, and Momo are all going to join the Fifth Division too," Renji answered without hesitation.
"Huh? Why are all of you going to the Fifth Division?"
Rukia's eyes widened in surprise.
"Because Captain Aizen of the Fifth Division is our idol! And besides, he's also our savior." Renji spoke with a face full of admiration.
"Captain Aizen saved you?"
Rukia looked at Renji in confusion.
"Yeah. When we went to the World of the Living for field training before, we were suddenly attacked by Hollows. The situation was extremely dangerous back then, If Captain Aizen and Captain Ichimaru hadn't arrived in time and saved us, we probably would have been killed by the Hollows. That's why we're all filled with gratitude toward Captain Aizen, and we see him as our idol."
Renji excitedly recalled that frightening moment.
"So that's what happened... then you really do owe Captain Aizen," Rukia said with emotion.
"Exactly! Rukia, do you think I'll become a powerful Shinigami like Captain Aizen someday?"
Renji looked at her expectantly.
Rukia smiled faintly, a sly look flashing in her eyes.
"I believe you will."
"You've been in the Thirteenth Division for so long. Why don't we have a spar? I really want to see what you've learned there. But don't worry, I'll definitely go easy on you. Haha!"
Renji looked at Rukia with a mischievous grin.
"Tch! You? Go easy on me? Be careful, or I'll beat you so badly you won't be able to get up!" Rukia replied disdainfully.
"Well, well. Rukia, you've really gotten full of yourself lately!"
Renji laughed and teased her.
"Hmph. Enough nonsense! Let's go, Renji. We'll go to the training ground, and I'll show you the results of my training over the past few years!"
Rukia spoke with full confidence.
"Don't be in such a hurry, Rukia. I'll go call Senior Hisagi, Kira, and the others first. Let them come watch how I defeat you, a Shinigami who has already joined a division."
After saying this, Renji turned and prepared to go find them.
"Renji, are you sure you want to call them? Be careful not to embarrass yourself later!" Rukia reminded him.
"Don't worry, Rukia. I won't embarrass myself. The winner will definitely be me."
After saying that, Renji ran off.
Looking at Renji as he gradually ran into the distance, Rukia shouted loudly.
"I'll wait for you at the training ground!"
After saying that, she turned and walked toward the Academy's training ground.
...
Rukia waited quietly at the training ground and before long, Renji arrived with Hisagi, Kira, and Momo.
"Rukia! Long time no see!"
The others all smiled and greeted Rukia.
"Everyone, watch how I beat Rukia so badly!" Renji spoke proudly.
He was extremely confident in his own strength.
Rukia did not respond to Renji's provocation.
She merely walked silently to the side of the field, picked up two wooden sword, and casually threw one of them toward Renji.
Renji steadily caught the sword Rukia threw at him.
The corners of his mouth rose even higher, revealing a trace of disdain.
With a mocking tone, he said, "Rukia, back when you took the entrance exam for Shin'ō Academy, you failed to enter Class One because your Zanjutsu was too poor. I didn't expect that after all these years, you still wouldn't have improved. Are you sure you want to spar with me in Zanjutsu today?"
Rukia chuckled softly and replied,
"Renji, my Zanjutsu used to be poor, but that doesn't mean it still is now. Just wait and see how I defeat you."
Hisagi and the others, who were watching from the side, immediately became interested when they heard the conversation between the two.
They all knew that Rukia's Zanjutsu had never been especially outstanding.
Yet in today's spar against Renji, she had chosen the very skill she used to be the worst at.
This surprised everyone.
They all began wondering whether Rukia had learned some powerful Zanjutsu techniques after joining the Gotei 13.
Everyone's gazes focused on the field as they looked forward to the result of this spar.