Chapter 54: Renji's Jealousy?
Narrator POV
Location: Zekaikyū Shi-Shinrō (Central Spiritual Detention)
Rukia had been transferred to a new prison: the Zekaikyū Shi-Shinrō, a dark, cold and silent place reserved only for the highest-rank spiritual criminals. Escorted by several Shinigami guards and accompanied by Lieutenant Renji Abarai, she arrived without resisting.
Dressed in a simple white outfit with no markings or decorations, she was guided through a narrow stone corridor into a completely empty cell. The walls were smooth, white with a dull gray tint, and the only feature breaking the monotony was a small barred window. From there, the place where she would be executed could be clearly seen: the Sōkyoku.
Renji watched her as she slowly stepped into the cell.
—You can see it, right?. —he asked with a rough tone, as if trying not to feel anything. —From that window… you can look directly at the Sōkyoku. The instrument that will end your life, Rukia.
He spoke with an indifference that hurt more than shouting would. And although he had known her since childhood, his expression showed no empathy… only tension, held tightly in place.
—You can stay here and repent for your crimes while you look at it. That's why they call this place the 'Penitence Cell.' They'll give you time… time to die filled with regret.
Rukia didn't answer. Her gaze remained fixed on the light entering through the window, reflecting a calm resignation, as if she had already accepted her fate. There was no fear, no visible pain—just serene acceptance.
The guards approached and began removing the bindings from her wrists. Their movements were cautious, as though handling something fragile.
"Tch." Renji clicked his tongue in frustration. He took a few steps toward her, but Rukia didn't turn around, didn't look at him. She just stood there in silence.
At that moment, a voice stopped him.
"Lieutenant Abarai… that is forbidden," an officer warned after noticing Renji approaching the prisoner too closely.
Renji ignored the warning. Once he was close enough, despite the guards' stares, he reached out and placed a firm but gentle hand on Rukia's shoulder, turning her slightly toward him so their faces were at the same level.
—Listen… I have some news. —he whispered, his tone serious. Although the surroundings were silent, he preferred to keep it between them. —Yesterday at noon, a group of six people tried to enter the Soul Society. And one of them… managed to injure Captain Gin.
Rukia lifted her eyes slightly, startled. That wasn't something just anyone could do.
—The one who did it had black hair and used some strange daggers—unique ones. I think you know who I'm talking about, Rukia. And the other was a guy with orange hair and a giant sword.
Hearing this, Rukia's eyes widened faintly, shining with a spark she hadn't shown in days.
—…Akira and Ichigo. —she murmured softly, almost trembling, and for the first time in days, the resignation clouding her face began to fade. In its place, something new emerged: hope.
.
.
.
.
Minutes later…
Renji walked down the exit hallway of the prison, hands in his pockets and a deep frown on his face.
(Tch… All these days, Rukia had that empty expression, like she had already died inside.) —he thought, scratching his head in frustration. —(But when I mentioned those guys… her face lit up.)
He stopped for a moment, lowering his gaze, trying to sort the thoughts crowding his mind.
—How long has it been since I last saw her like that…?. — he muttered. —What the hell are Akira and Ichigo to Rukia?.
He didn't want to think it, but he felt it. Something squeezed tightly in his chest—an annoying, uncomfortable sensation… Jealousy?
He gritted his teeth and resumed walking, a silent shadow crossing his expression. It bothered him to remember how Akira had hugged Rukia, how he comforted her, how he promised to save her… and how she believed him without hesitation.
(Why does she trust him so much? They only spent a short time together in the human world, according to Rukia… and yet, it feels like they built more of a connection in those brief moments than I have managed in all these years…)
He clenched his teeth and looked up at the sky. His pride wouldn't let him say it out loud, but deep down… he feared he had been overtaken.
By Akira.
By Ichigo.
Two complete strangers to him—whom Renji simply couldn't understand why Rukia trusted so much.
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End of the chapter.
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I need to clarify a few things.
1. IT'S NOT A HAREM.
2. Don't misinterpret some of the characters' reactions. I know some of their intentions might seem romantic, but the original author of the story did this to confuse readers and encourage them to draw their own conclusions.
3. Rukia is one of those characters who quickly becomes attached to those who help her, so don't think of her as a potential love interest for the MC.
Of course, the final decision always rests with the original author of this story.