"Rukia, how are you feeling?" Hinamori Momo asked with genuine concern.
"Rukia, congratulations on being cleared of all charges," Kira Izuru added with a soft smile. Both were her friends, and the relief in their eyes was sincere. When they learned that Rukia's execution had been nullified, their joy was unfeigned.
Tetsuzaemon Iba had just left to handle division affairs, leaving only Hinamori and Kira behind with Rukia.
"I'm fine, thank you, Hinamori, Kira," Rukia replied, smiling warmly.
Shiraha, seated nearby, reached out and ruffled Rukia's hair affectionately before smiling. "So, tell me, what is it you wanted to ask me?"
Rukia hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. "Brother, can you come with me to the Shiba family?"
Since her sentencing at the Sōkyoku Hill, the Shiba clan had weighed heavily on her heart. Kaien's cousin, Shiba Ganju, had even risked his life to storm the Repentance Palace in an attempt to save her. Rukia knew she could no longer hide from that guilt. She had decided that she would go to the Shiba family herself—to bow before Shiba Kūkaku, to apologize, and to finally stop running away.
Yet, during her imprisonment, that decision had stayed buried within her. Now that her name was cleared, uncertainty and tension consumed her. After much inner conflict, she came to Shiraha first, seeking guidance.
"The Shiba family?" Shiraha asked, tilting his head thoughtfully. "You mean because of Kaien, the former vice-captain of the Thirteenth Division?"
"Yes, Brother," Rukia said quietly, nodding.
"Vice-Captain Kaien?" Hinamori's brows rose. "Isn't he the one who was devoured by a Hollow during a mission?"
Hinamori had only heard fragments of that story. During that time, she had been training under the Seventh Division and knew little of what had truly occurred. Later, she learned through others that Shiba Kaien had perished in battle against a Hollow—but the exact details had always remained unclear.
Her words made Rukia's expression darken. Ever since that night, the weight of Kaien's death had never left her. Though others had told her countless times that the man she struck down was no longer Kaien, Rukia could not forgive herself. The guilt had carved itself deep into her soul.
"Hinamori, that's enough," Kira murmured quietly as he leaned close to explain the truth of Kaien's death.
Hinamori's eyes widened. "I—I'm sorry, Rukia. I didn't know…" She bowed quickly, remorse in her voice.
"It's fine." Rukia forced a small smile, shaking her head.
Shiraha smiled faintly. "Then I'll accompany you to the Shiba family." He had no pressing duties at the moment, and accompanying Rukia would serve as both protection and peace of mind—a small journey to close a painful chapter.
"Thank you so much, Brother." Rukia bowed deeply, her voice filled with relief.
"As I recall," Shiraha said thoughtfully, "Kūkaku lost her right arm during the civil conflicts, didn't she?"
"Yes," Rukia answered softly.
"In that case," Shiraha said with a light smile, "we'll stop by the Thirteenth Division first. There's someone I want to see before we head to the Shiba estate."
"The Thirteenth Division? Why, Brother?" Rukia asked in confusion.
"You'll understand when we get there," Shiraha replied with an amused glint in his eye. Then, turning to Kira, he added, "Kira, do you have anything urgent today? If not, come along."
"No, Captain, I'm free," Kira answered promptly.
"Hinamori," Kira called back as he prepared to leave, "you can handle patrol on your own for now. I'll accompany Captain Shiraha."
Hinamori nodded reluctantly as she watched the three depart. When the barracks fell silent, she sighed softly. "Why is it always Kira who gets to go with Captain Shiraha?" she muttered with faint envy. Then, clenching her fists, she whispered with resolve, "I'll become stronger. Strong enough for Captain Shiraha to notice me."
Meanwhile, in the Thirteenth Division barracks, the usual calm had returned. Squad members glanced curiously toward the courtyard where Kurosaki Ichigo and his companions stood. Shiba Ganju had already returned to the Shiba household in West Rukongai, leaving Ichigo and his group behind in Seireitei.
"Ichigo, why are you still training?" Sado Yasutora asked as he watched Ichigo swing his Zanpakutō again and again, his body drenched in sweat.
"I have to get stronger," Ichigo answered between breaths, resting the blade against his shoulder.
Ever since his clash with Shiraha, he had been restless. Even with Bankai, he couldn't so much as graze the Seventh Division captain. The sheer difference in power haunted him. His pride as a fighter—and his duty as a protector—demanded he grow stronger.
Nearby, Ishida Uryū sat quietly, tailoring a piece of women's clothing by hand. Inoue Orihime stood beside him, eyes bright as she watched the delicate stitching.
From a distance, Sentarō Kotsubaki murmured, "Captain Ukitake, that boy Ichigo… he looks just like Vice-Captain Kaien."
Ukitake Jūshirō smiled faintly, lifting a teacup to his lips. "Yes," he said softly, nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "It's remarkable, isn't it?"
At that moment, three spiritual pressures approached. Shiraha, Rukia, and Kira appeared at the edge of the courtyard.
"Ichigo!" Rukia called, waving as she approached.
Ichigo turned, surprised. "Rukia? I thought you went to see Captain Shiraha—wait, Captain Shiraha, you're here too?"
Rukia nodded. Shiraha stood calmly beside her, his presence instantly commanding attention.
"Kuchiki-san," Ishida greeted politely, pushing his glasses up. Orihime and Sado waved cheerfully. "Rukia!"
Rukia smiled. "Ishida, Inoue, Sado. It's been a while." Then she turned to introduce the others. "This is my brother, Kuchiki Shiraha, Captain of the Seventh Division. And this is Kira Izuru, the third seat of our division."
"Captain Shiraha," Sado and Inoue greeted respectfully, while Ichigo and Ishida offered a polite nod.
Shiraha inclined his head slightly. "Rukia, correction—Kira isn't the fourth seat anymore. He's been promoted to third."
Rukia blinked in surprise. "Already? The last time I saw you, you were still fourth seat."
Kira gave a modest smile. "It's only because Captain Komamura transferred to the Ninth Division. That opened the way for my promotion."
"I see," Rukia said, smiling.
Ishida adjusted his glasses. "Rukia, Captain Shiraha—did you come here to see us?"
Rukia nodded. "Yes. My brother told me that Inoue has a remarkable healing ability. I came to ask for her help with something."
Inoue blinked, her expression softening with concern as everyone turned toward her.
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