Rukia-sister, how have things been in the Thirteenth Division lately?"
Kurotsuki Renya and Kuchiki Rukia sat quietly by the moat, watching the slow gurgle of water pass beneath them. People strolled along the path nearby, their footsteps mingling with the hum of the current.
Renya had asked Rukia out today with the intention of cheering her up. But rather than confronting her feelings directly, he hoped she would speak on her own terms.
"…It's okay," Rukia answered with a flat expression.
Hearing her tone, Renya leaned in slightly and asked cautiously, "Something's wrong, isn't it?"
Rukia frowned lightly. "It's nothing serious."
Renya pressed gently, his voice full of concern. "But you don't look happy at all, Sister. Don't hold everything inside. Just tell me."
At that, Rukia glanced at him, then let out a sigh. "You're the only one who still looks for me these days."
Renya fell silent, watching her bitter smile as she continued.
"Ever since I entered the Kuchiki clan… Renji, Kira, Hinamori—they've all kept their distance. I didn't take the graduation exam like they did, yet I still entered the Thirteenth Division. Because of that, I've been criticized. Aside from Vice-Captain Kaien, very few people talk to me. Most of my division thinks I didn't earn my place."
Renya understood immediately what she meant. Renji Abarai had pulled away from her because of her new noble status.
In the Soul Society, nobility is a precious and delicate thing. Few know of the Soul King, and even Aizen only learned of it through overhearing conversations between Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake about Hikifune Kirio. For Renji, it wasn't just a matter of feeling inferior—it was also about protecting Rukia.
If people saw a noblewoman like her still mingling closely with someone from the Rukongai districts, especially Inuzuri, the gossip could be merciless. Renji once said as much himself: he chose distance to protect her.
As for the cold shoulders in the Thirteenth Division, Rukia had joined through the Kuchiki family's influence rather than through the Academy's trials. To her peers, that felt unfair. Combined with jealousy, she was isolated. Only Lieutenant Shiba Kaien truly looked after her, though even his care wasn't enough to make her feel accepted.
This was one of the loneliest stretches in Rukia's life—though what lay ahead would be far harsher: Kaien's death at her own hands, and the crushing guilt that would linger.
Renya finally spoke. "They didn't turn away because they hate you. They stepped back to protect you. Renji especially… he didn't want others tying you to the chaos of the Rukongai."
Rukia gave a small, sad smile. "I don't mind what people think."
"But they do," Renya countered. "They want you to grow stronger, to stand proud. So they chose distance."
Rukia's expression dimmed further. "If being part of the Kuchiki clan means being separated from friends and suffering constant criticism… then maybe I would've been better off without it."
Renya bit his tongue. He couldn't say aloud that it was through the Kuchiki adoption that her sister Hisana had once found belonging. Instead, he reassured gently: "Don't worry. Maybe you don't realize it, but Renji has been training harder than ever."
Rukia's eyes softened faintly. "I know. He always wanted to be stronger."
Renya shook his head. "That's not his real reason."
"Oh?" she asked curiously. "Then what is it?"
Renya's voice carried both a smile and seriousness. "He trains so that he can stand by your side."
Rukia blinked, her cheeks coloring. "What do you mean? Why would he need to do that just to be near me?"
"Sister Rukia," Renya said knowingly, "can't you see? Renji… likes you. A lot."
Her eyes widened slightly, her voice soft. "That can't be true…"
"It is," Renya insisted. "He believes only as a lieutenant can he be worthy of standing beside you. That's why he works himself so hard."
Canon itself bore this truth: Renji had long harbored feelings for Rukia. When he was first promoted to lieutenant, his eagerness to share the news was clear—yet she had already been dispatched to the World of the Living. His words at the time were simple: I'll wait for her return. Childhood bonds in Inuzuri, shared hardship through freezing winters and empty nights—those ties had forged something deeper than mere friendship.
Rukia, flustered, murmured, "He doesn't need to be lieutenant for that."
"So…" Renya teased lightly, "are you saying he doesn't need a title to pursue you?"
Rukia shook her hands quickly, flustered. "That's not what I meant! I don't like him like that. I just think… he should stay my friend, lieutenant or not."
Renya chuckled. "You may not care, but others will—your brother, the Kuchiki family. Renji wants to prove himself for your sake."
Rukia fell quiet, thoughtful.
Renya pressed on gently. "And as for your division's coldness—prove them wrong. Show them you belong in the Thirteenth Division, not because of family, but because of your own strength."
"I will," Rukia said firmly, nodding.
Renya smiled. "Good. And remember—no matter what happens, no matter where you are, we'll always be by your side."
If fate could not be changed, if she were still to be framed by Aizen, Renya silently vowed he would fight to protect her.
Rukia's smile turned genuine. "Thank you."
Though Renya hadn't solved her troubles, he had given her a reminder she needed—that her friends hadn't abandoned her completely.
"Don't mention it," Renya replied warmly.
But their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps.
A young division member rushed over, slightly out of breath. "Rukia! Lieutenant Kaien is calling for you."
"Lieutenant Kaien?" Rukia blinked. "Why? What's wrong?"
"It seems Kotetsu-san is having some trouble. She can't handle it alone and needs support. The lieutenant asked specifically for you."
"I see. I'll go right away." She turned to Renya. "We'll talk later."
"Be safe," Renya called after her.
"Got it!" she shouted back with a wave, disappearing with the messenger down the path.
Renya watched her until she was gone, then quietly turned away himself.