So I managed to sneak in a Lenten update. Super. :D Have a blessed Holy Week to you all!
新生: 何か証明するもの
Rebirth: Something to Prove
"KEH!"
Renji winced when the blade connected to his stomach, forcing him a few feet back. Rukia smirked triumphantly before jumping back herself. "I win!"
The red-haired lieutenant smiled good naturedly, sheathing his sword. "Ten hits in less than three minutes! Great job there, Rukia!"
The two friends were currently sparring in the sixth Division courtyard, taking advantage of their free time before Renji had to brave all that paperwork again. Rukia beamed as she and Renji shared a high five. "Thanks! You did great yourself! You nearly got me with the last one!"
"Don't know about that. You've always been one fast little bugger." Renji said. "But you've really come a long way since our days in the Academy! Back then, you could hardly swat a fly with the bokken!"
"You can't expect me to stay weak forever! Besides, you're the one to talk: you couldn't even make a decent sized Shakkaho, even with the chant!"
"My Kido's better now than it used to be!" The taller Shinigami coughed. "Well, it's still not my best skill but at least I can do it!"
"Sure, whatever you say." Rukia teased as she and Renji took a seat on the porch.
Renji leaned against a wooden post, arms crossed over his chest. "I hear you'll be having a sparring demonstration with Ukitake-taichou later?"
"Ah." With her steadily improving after two months of training, Ukitake informed her yesterday that she will be conducting a demonstration of everything she had learned in a spar. Rukia was honestly looking forward to the opportunity to test the results of her training on someone other than Renji and his friends.
If only Ukitake didn't insist on doing it himself...
"I honestly don't know why he has to do it!" She remarked, still a bit cross. "Kiyone-san or Sentarou-san would have been fine, and Ukitake-taichou has just recovered from his illness a week ago!"
"I don't think Unohana-taichou would have cleared Ukitake-san if she thought he wouldn't be able to handle it." Renji reasoned.
"That's the only reason I agreed! Taichou pushes himself too hard sometimes he can forget his limitations." The black-haired girl huffed. "And I wish they gave me more time to train some more before doing this. There's still a lot I still need to work on!"
"Train some—!" Renji spluttered. "Rukia, that's all you've been doing these past two months, under the two most demanding captains in all of Soul Society except for maybe soutaichou! And what do you mean there's still a lot you need to work on? You've been kicking serious ass, in case you didn't notice! Your swings pack a lot more hurt than you used to! You even managed to bring Hisagi-san to a stalemate last time! He could barely hit you with you darting all over the place as if you were using shunpo! Seriously, Rukia, the way you've become this strong in just a few months had people talking—!"
Rukia grimaced at Renji's words. I honestly don't see what's so impressive about my current progress though. Compared to how I was in my previous life, I still have a long way to go!
/You were already at low level Captain strength at the time, Rukia-sama. Even if your body still needs to catch up, your current state still retains the knowledge, tactical skills and reiatsu from our previous life./ Sode no Shirayuki supplied. /And it will only be a matter of time before your physical strength returns to top form as well. Then we can focus on learning new skills./
The black-haired girl groaned. That might not be soon. I still don't know if I have to relearn your true shikai and Hakka no Togame all over again. The first time was already hard enough.
/But of course. The next dances become progressively harder to learn, and you actually tried to skip to the seventh dance just to get to our true shikai then go straight to bankai quickly! If the Quincy Blood War incident did not happen, I would have blocked off most of your reiatsu until you decide to slow down and go through the expected transition./
Rukia groaned. She remembered how angry Sode no Shirayuki had been when Rukia on learning her true shikai and her bankai as soon as possible. In hindsight, that had been a bullheaded move on her part, born out of her frustration to be more useful in battle.
Sode no Shirayuki reluctantly taught her their true shikai at Rukia's insistence, only later to find out that the snow spirit did so in order for Rukia to experience exactly why mastering the zanpakuto's abilities should not be rushed. As for the bankai, the necessity to win the Blood War outweighed any consequences for learning it too quickly.
/What was done is done, hime. But since you already have the theory down, learning the fourth to the last dances should come easier for you. And no, we are not skipping them this time if you wish to use your bankai for longer than a split second!/
All right, all right. Consider me chastised, Shirayuki.
Sode no Shirayuki let out a harrumph. /As you should be!/
"—and Kira's been asking if you're taking anything to help rush your recovery, and if he so, can he have some." Rukia turned back to her conversation with Renji just in time to catch the last random bit.
"It's just the result of training and hard work, really. Though it did help a lot that I have two of the best Soul Society has to offer as teachers. And also—" Rukia paused when she saw a familiar black butterfly fluttering towards them. "A hell butterfly? Wonder who's it from?"
The little creature flitted past Rukia to an equally surprised Renji who held out a finger for it to land on. A few seconds later, he groaned.
"What is it?"
Renji scratched the back of his head. "I'm being called to the 1st Division about some mission assignment. Geez, I haven't even had lunch yet!"
"Quit complaining! You can always grab something on the way to the meeting!" The shorter shinigami pushed him off the porch. "I've got some errands to run before the demonstration anyway."
"Huh? Errands?"
She shrugged. "Just a quick stop in the market, nothing big. Now get going! Don't keep the soutaichou waiting!"
"All right, all right, you naggy shrimp!"
"HEY!" Rukia growled when Renji ruffled her hair. "Oi, stop that!"
"Good luck with your demonstration later, shrimp!"
The girl was positively steaming when Renji merely gave her a carefree wave goodbye. "Don't call me a shrimp, you bird brained rooster head!"
There are a lot more people than I thought there would be.
Rukia fidgeted with her zanpakuto at the sight of the Shinigamis present in the 13th Division courtyard. She didn't expect most of her Division mates to be present for this, considering that she did not get on well with the most of them.
So why are they here? Rukia wondered from her spot behind a tree in the courtyard. After seeing all those people, she promptly hid herself, taking to peeking discreetly every now and then. So far, it appeared that they didn't notice her. Are they really here for the demonstration? I wonder if Ukitake-taichou invited them? He didn't say so yesterday.
/Maybe it was a last minute decision. That through watching your spar, they may be able to learn something as well./ Sode no Shirayuki suggested. /But what do they matter? Whatever the end result of this demonstration will bound to benefit you one way or another./
Well, when you put it that way...
"—that we were all pulled out of duty just to for this?"
Rukia pressed herself against the tree when she heard the voices of several Division members drawing closer to her spot. She could not tell who it was, so she just kept quiet and listened.
"Well, what did you expect? She's a Kuchiki! Of course the Gotei 13 would make a big deal out of whatever she does!"
"As if! This is all for a spoiled brat to prove that she can fight again after causing all that shit! And she had to have two captains to get her through it!" A scoff.
"Training under two captains is an overkill, even if one of them is Kuchiki-taichou himself."
"Again, it's the Kuchiki princess! I bet if Ukitake-taichou wasn't so sick, she would have had three captains!"
"Just like a member of the noble family to think they can make us do whatever the hell they want!"
/Why that absolutely idiotic—!/
Shirayuki. Rukia scolded her spirit friend lightly, even as her own hands began to ball into fists. Of all the downsides of her going back in time, this was one of the absolute worst.
Of course she'd tell anyone who asked that the 13th Division had always treated her kindly, not the reality that they subtly isolated her to the point of ostracization, or that they would always whisper about her status as a noble and the so-called "special treatment" she would get because of it.
They would always speak of her being too weak to be a good Shinigami, attributing any of her meager achievements to her family's influence over the Gotei 13 and the fact that she remained in an unseated position was proof. Even worse was that they would treat her as a bearer of bad luck, indirectly blaming her for the cause of Kaien's and Miyako's deaths.
Never mind that the said Gotei 13 who supposedly favored her had easily sent her to her death when the law told them to. Never mind that it was the same Kuchiki family influence that got her into the Division that kept her from getting promoted. Never mind that Miyako's death was beyond her control, and that because the Hollow had taken over Kaien and Ukitake was weakened, she had no choice but to kill him herself.
The passive-aggressiveness and rumors from her Division gradually dropped by the time she became Lieutenant, and while Rukia knew it would take a while, she had hoped that in time the 13th Division would eventually be able to look past her family name and see her for herself.
/So much for being a Division for the kind-hearted./
Don't be like that, Sode no Shirayuki. You know that for the new graduates, the 13th Division is one of the most kind and welcoming.
/With certain exemptions, it appears./
I can do this, Rukia told herself firmly. It's just a phase. It's nothing new. Just until I become strong enough to be Lieutenant again. They're just baseless words. I won't let them get to me—
"—didn't expect that Hitsugaya-taichou to be the type to be easily bought over by nobles. You'd think he'd be like Zaraki-taichou in not giving a shit about their orders!"
"Goes to show what kind of person he is, isn't he? Still just following orders from those bigshot families like a kid!"
—except for that one.
"You have a lot of nerve, speaking behind a captain's back like that."
The four shinigami conversing in front of her jumped back with a cry when Rukia made her reiatsu flare up on purpose. At this point, she was wholeheartedly agreeing with Sode no Shirayuki. Honestly, how stupid can they get?
While, admittedly, the noble houses of Seireitei had some hold in the Gotei 13, not even they were above the law. And unless they were bound by the rules or ordered by the Captain Commander to abide, the captains have no reason to follow the whimsies of any noble clan member, no matter how influential.
"Did you think that someone as fair and objective as Hitsugaya-taichou would agree to train me simply because he had been ordered to by my family?" Rukia said in a voice that could freeze icebergs anew. "Hitsugaya-taichou is one of the finest captains in the Gotei 13! Someone who had seriously given his all in everything he did to get to where he is now. Someone who can look past the Kuchiki name and push me to become the best Shinigami I can be! Someone who is definitely better than idiots who is only good at judging everything at face value!"
The foolish Shinigami then visibly cowered when the violet eyes turned into harshly glinting slits. "Say what you will about me, but you will not insult Hitsugaya-taichou in my presence! Not when he has proven himself to everyone here in Seireitei better than any of us here right now! And the next time you have a problem with me, have the guts to tell it to my face instead of mucking around like a bunch of spineless gossips!"
The world might as well have gone still with how deathly silent the courtyard had become after Rukia's declaration. Far as they knew, Rukia was still supposed to be a little butterfly who had just emerged from her cocoon, shy, awkward and unable to fully express herself. But this Rukia in front of them had been strong enough to be promoted to Lieutenant and had come to learn to lead and exert authority over others.
God help the idiot who will speak up to antagonize her after this, she will turn the bastard into a giant Tsukishiro popsicle, damn the consequences.
Lucky for the division, something else happened.
"My, aren't we all a bit livelier this afternoon!"
"Ukitake-taichou!"
A Division member greeted as the 13th Division captain descended from the barracks waving and smiling kindly at the shinigamis approaching him.
"Hello, everyone! I'm sorry I haven't been able to mingle with you all as much as I would like. Oh, there you are, Rukia! Have you been waiting long?"
Rukia greeted him with a bow, her expression serene and her reiatsu drawn back. "No, taichou, I've just arrived as well." She cast a wary look at the others around them. "Is it necessary to do the demonstration in front of everyone?"
"Sorry for not telling you in advance. It was just a spur of the moment idea. I hear you've been doing very well under your mentors so it will be a good opportunity for everyone to learn from it!"
"Oh, of course." Rukia nodded quickly, ignoring the looks she was getting from everyone else, ranging from unnerved to skeptical to outright disdain. At least no one dared to mention her outburst to their captain, who apparently didn't hear anything.
/Shall I freeze their eyes off, hime?/
Don't tempt me, Shirayuki...
"Rukia-chan!"
Rukia choked when she felt a strong arm wrap around her shoulder. "K-Kiyone-san?"
"Idiot! Get off her! You can't keep Ukitake-taichou waiting!" Sentaro pried Kiyone off the startled Shinigami.
"I was just wishing her luck, stupid Sentaro!" Kiyone scowled at her fellow third seat officer before smiling brightly at Rukia. "Do your best, Rukia-chan! Go show everyone what you're made of!"
"She doesn't need you telling her that! Kuchiki will do great, I just know it!" Sentaro gave Rukia a thumbs up. "Give them your best, Kuchiki, and I bet you're gonna get a seated position in no time!"
"I will." Rukia smiled back and bowed to both of them. "Thank you very much, Kiyone-san, Sentaro-san."
The two officers' energetic disposition still made Rukia confused at times, but she was truly grateful for their support for her. They were the only ones other than Ukitake and the Shibas who treated her like normal in the 13th Division. Not to mention that they also risked their lives to save her from her execution, even if it meant going against the Gotei 13.
"All right, settle down, everyone! It's time for the demonstration. Now Rukia, if you would," Ukitake was already in the middle of the courtyard, gesturing at the opposite side of him several feet away. "Before we begin, let me remind you of the rules. This will be a zanjutsu only demonstration, but you are allowed to use your shikai at any point during the match. The winner will be the one who makes their opponent yield in five minutes."
"Understood, taichou." Rukia drew her zanpakuto and readied herself.
"Very well." Ukitake drew his own blade as well. "Whenever you are ready, Rukia."
The girl's eyes narrowed and without word, shunpoed to her captain with a swift movement of her blade.
She heard more than a few gasps as Ukitake blocked her strike with a smile.
"You've become faster."
"Thank you, taichou. Speed has always been one of my best assets." Rukai said as she parried Ukitake's attack before returning with her own.
"You should have Byakuya improve your shunpo. In a few decades, I can see you becoming a master of it."
The two traded sword blows, weaving and darting past colliding steel as if they were dancing. It amazed Rukia that despite Ukitake's condition, he was still able to dodge and counter her movements with ease. If only his illness and his status as the host of Mimihagi weren't holding him back…
Rukia shook her head. If it weren't for Mimihagi, Ukitake-taichou wouldn't even be here.
She swiped at his left, which Ukitake parried aside and, with a jump forward, brought his blade down for a strike. Rukia quickly slid out the way and, taking her sword with both hands, sliced forward.
Ukitake jumped back to avoid the strike, but while he was in midair, Rukia raised her sword.
"Mae, Sode no Shirayuki!"
Her sword immediately turned white, and by the time her ribbon completely materialized, Rukia swung the blade. "Some no mai, Tsukishiro!"
The spectators around them gasped in shock when a pillar of frozen light shot up from where Ukitake stood moments before.
"Haha, that was a good move, Rukia!" Ukitake said cheerfully. "You nearly got me there!"
I doubt that. Rukia thought. Any Lieutenant worth his position would have been able to avoid it, let alone a captain. But she was pleased that she could manifest her shikai faster now in preparation for a surprise attack.
Over the last few weeks, she and Hitsugaya had been working on speeding up the transition of her zanpakuto from sealed to initial release for her to be able to strike at opponents without them expecting to be turned into a giant ice cube. It was a skill she had already learned in the past, but was glad that she could somehow pull it off successfully this early.
But this match isn't over yet!
Ukitake was attacking her again, and the two resumed trading sword strikes this time against the slowly dropping temperature. The captain's zanpakuto may still be in sealed form but his agility and precision of his attacks were enough to keep Rukia on her toes, and while she may have her shikai out, she didn't have any other attacks she could use successfully given how fast Ukitake was attacking.
Wait!
The trading of blows lasted a few more times, with Rukia jumping away every now and then, until Ukitake brought down his sword overhead and, anticipating this, Rukia parried the attack with the near end of her sword.
The silver haired man's eyes widened a fraction when the sword broke in half as if it were made of ice.
"San no Mai: Shirafune!"
Of all of the dances Rukia knew, despite its limited offensive use, Shirafune was the fastest. It was also the only one that was similar to a kido: she can use it without calling the dance name out, but the resulting ice blade would be weaker. In the old future, Rukia had learned to use that to her advantage by gradually lengthening the blade in the middle of combat then letting it break to surprise her opponent before going in for the kill with the real form of the dance.
But for this demonstration, Rukia made it so that her ice blade extension was only long enough to settle a few inches from Ukitake's neck. Rukia had no doubt that Ukitake would be able to counter the attack were this a serious fight. Yet it appeared that the man was already satisfied, for he brought his sword down with a nod and a proud smile on his face. "Good work, Rukia! Well done!"
Everyone else remained silent, almost as if they had forgotten to breathe. Rukia didn't dare look at their expressions, instead she reverted her sword to normal and placed it back in its sheath. "Only because you held back so much, taichou."
"Hardly relevant. You've improved not just in raw strength but also in your tactical abilities. You've become more adept in wielding your zanpakuto as well!" Ukitake nodded. "After this, I see no reason why you can't resume active duty."
Rukia blinked. "I can return to the Division?"
"I will need to clear it with the Captain Commander, but from my perspective, you are definitely ready for it."
"Oh, but," The girl looked down. She was hoping she had more time to train before she resumed active duty. But orders are orders. "Ah, if Ukitake-taichou thinks so, then…"
"Seeing that you did pretty well in your demonstration, can't you try to sound a little more confident?"
Rukia whirled around so fast it was a miracle she didn't snap her neck in the process.
"H—Hitsugaya-taichou?!" She stammered in surprise. Where did he—? Since when was he—?
"I was wondering when you'd show yourself!" Ukitake said as brightly as ever when the shorter captain coming towards them, seemingly appeared out of nowhere. "I invited Hitsugaya-taichou to watch your demonstration, seeing as he was one of your trainers, and the one I personally arranged for you! But he insisted on hanging back before we started!"
"Amazing what you can find out when people don't know you're there." The look on his cyan green eyes were the coldest she had ever seen on him thus far, so cold Rukia felt that it was burning her very soul. Not to mention the fury underlying in those irises.
The girl felt panic grip her insides. Had her performance displeased him somehow? But he said she did pretty well, so that had to mean she did fine by his standards, right?
/Oh do not worry, Rukia-sama./ Sode no Shirayuki sounded smug as she said this. /It is not you he is glaring at./
Really? Rukia blinked in confusion. Then who is he—?
"In any case, I do not see any reason why Kuchiki cannot return to active duty either." Hitsugaya ran an agitated hand through his hair. "The Hollows won't stop appearing just because we are occupied with Aizen."
Ukitake nodded solemnly. "Indeed."
There was a beat of silence before Hitsugaya spoke again. "If there is nothing else, I need to get back to my Division. I highly doubt that my Lieutenant managed to do any of the work I left behind."
Rukia bowed in gratitude at the retreating captain. "Thank you very much for your time, Hitsugaya-taichou."
"And one more thing." Hitsugaya's eyes narrowed, voice turned dangerously low. "If you have time to gossip, that time is better spent doing more productive work such as training. And if you ever get the bright idea of meddling in someone else's business, specifically mine," Rukia was positive the air around them dropped to near freezing. "know that I am always looking for an opportunity to test out my bankai. That's the only warning you'll be getting from me."
Rukia's mouth hung open in shock. No way. He can't have—did he overhear those guys talking about him? Shit, did he hear me talking back at them? Oh good Lord, please tell me he did not!
"Kuchiki."
Rukia's gaze sought his, readying herself for the cold steel and fury he shot the other members of her Division. Instead, and to her confusion, the green eyes that looked back at her were quite warm, and the voice behind them firm yet soft. "Same time today."
"Y—Yes, taichou!" She barely managed to say before Hitsugaya shunpoed out of view.
"Thank you for your time, Hitsugaya-taichou!" Ukitake called out after him as if his Division hadn't been threatened by the other captain, leaving Rukia to blink, trying to digest everything.
What just...happened?
Come quarter to five in the afternoon, Rukia was already on her way to lake Hibana, a wrapped box cradled carefully in her arms and her mind still puzzling over what happened during the demonstration.
/I must say, you are worrying too much over this, Rukia-sama./
But he heard us, Shirayuki! He heard those idiots back in 13th Division bad mouthing him and then what I've said afterwards! Rukia whined to her spirit friend. How am I supposed to face him after that? Is it possible to die out of embarrassment?
/It will be an amusing way to go, assuredly./
I'm being serious here!
/And so am I./ Sode no Shirayuki sighed loudly. /I cannot see why you are so bothered. You stood up for your mentor and friend's honor. If anything, he should be appreciative!/
Or he could be thinking that I'm meddling into his business when I shouldn't be. Or he could have found it offensive that he is being defended by a girl.
/We really must do something about you being so pessimistic./ The snow zanpakuto groaned. /Rukia-sama, believe me, Hitsugaya-sama would not have looked at you the way he did before he left if he were, as you put it, offended./
Softly glowing emerald eyes flashed in her mind, the strange expression in them making her heart flutter like beating wings.
What the hell—? Rukia shook her head. She must be more nervous than she thought if her heart was acting funny.
/If it is really bothering you this much, you can try apologizing to him for your so-called improper behavior then surprise him with your gift. If ever he was mad, he'll be bound to forget about it once he sees it!/
Rukia bit her lip. You think so?
/I am sure it will. This is not the first time you have brought snacks with you during your training session./
During her third or so week of training with Hitsugaya, Rukia came up with the idea of bringing packed snacks so that they can enjoy their breaks a little better. It would usually be something she can easily buy or make herself: rice balls, dumplings, confectionaries or sliced fruits along with a container of green tea to share.
Hitsugaya would always say that she didn't have to bring anything for him, yet he would never turn down an offer for a snack break either.
But this isn't a typical packed snack, Shirayuki, and you know it. Rukia felt the need to point out.
/All the more reason why I am confident that he will appreciate it! You obviously prepared this with him in mind! And so far, he always seemed to like what you would usually bring./
The petite girl sighed. Here's to hoping it will go as well as it did with Nii-sama, then.
For the last two months, Hitsugaya and Byakuya had been a huge help to her, so she wanted to give both of them something to show how grateful she was for all they have done. Her gift for her Nii-sama was a bit easier to find: while Byakuya typically disliked sweets, Rukia found that there are notable exceptions to that norm. The Seafood Ambassador cookie was one (though admittedly, it still tasted a bit bland). Sakuramochi was another, and she knew that he particularly favored the one made by one of their chefs.
She had the dessert ordered beforehand, presenting it to her brother after their early morning practice.
"I—I know it's not much. But p—please accept this," Rukia cursed herself for being a stuttering mess when she gave him the box containing the sakuramochi. "A small token of my gratitude. For—for taking the time to train me."
The best she had hoped for was for Byakuya to accept the treats without preamble. But he surprised her in turn by placing the open box on their tea tray and offering—insisting—on sharing it with her.
Not that Rukia wasn't happy for it (Sode no Shirayuki was highly amused at the sight of Rukia mentally skipping, giddy with joy, in the inner world), but she was also a little concerned.
About earlier, with Nii-sama, do you think I'm changing things a bit too much too fast? Rukia asked.
/You are changing things definitely, but it cannot be helped. You were already closer to Byakuya-sama in the old future, so it is understandable that you are more forward with him now than you would be at this time./
Is that a bad thing?
/Hardly./ Sode no Shirayuki paused. /Back then, after the Sokyoku Hill incident, your whole relationship with him was like a waiting game. You were both hesitant on going past that line you both wanted to cross. At least this time, you are making it easier by crossing it first./
Rukia frowned skeptically. And you know of that, why?
/Because of Senbonzakura-dono./
Of course. Rukia remembered being happy yet envious for how easier it was for Sode no Shirayuki to be closer to Senbonzakura than it was for her with Byakuya, while the she snow spirit insisted that it was merely because both zanpautos did not have the inhibitions the two Kuchikis imposed upon themselves back then.
Speaking of him, how are things with you two?
/Same as it had been, mostly. He is very happy that you were quick to forgive and mend things with Byakuya-sama. Their inner world is a lot less turbulent now thanks to that. Oh, and he also said that Byakuya-sama was pleasantly surprised by the sakuramochi and that they both really liked it!/
Rukia's face turned pink with happiness. At least I am able to help him somehow. She gave the box in her hand a squeeze. I hope Hitsugaya-taichou likes his surprise. And we could all just move on from what happened back at the 13th Division too!
/I'm sure he will. If he forgets to, I will make sure that Hyourinmaru-dono refreshes his memory!/
Shirayuki…
/My mistress spent an hour sampling wares in the market to find the best gift for him. He damn better be grateful!/
Rukia sweatdropped. It still boggled her mind how someone as soft spoken and graceful as Sode no Shirayuki could have such a fiery, strong willed temperament.
She was about to say something along the lines of "butt out of it" when she saw something that made her start. Hitsugaya was already at the lake, arms behind his head as he lay on the grass.
Hitsugaya-taichou? He's early!
/Or it could be that you're late./
As if. Rukia scoffed the tease aside as she paused a small distance away from the other Shinigami. On closer look, she realized that the captain appeared fast asleep, with his breathing even, eyes closed and face relaxed.
The girl Shinigami couldn't help but smile at the sight. Toushirou had always looked so peaceful when he's taking a nap. The few times in the old future when she would be awake before him, she always marveled how...young he looked while sleeping: his face smooth, eyes free from the lines of stress and sternness he acquired as captain, lips tugged the slightest bit upwards.
It's good that he's getting some rest. Being a captain is tough, and Hitsugaya-taichou's always working so hard. He deserves this. Rukia fidgeted. I should probably go somewhere else for—
"How long are you going to just stand there, Kuchiki?"
Rukia nearly shrieked, blushing bright red. Had he caught her staring? "H—Hitsugaya-taichou?! When did you wake up?"
"Since I sensed your reiatsu a few feet away," answered the other Shinigami with his eyes still closed.
Right. Rukia cleared her throat. "I'm sorry for disturbing your nap. I—I could go elsewhere if you want."
"I never said you did."
"Well, no, but—"
"You can stay here if you want. Just let me have a minute." Hitsugaya said. "Enough for me to get rid of this headache."
Rukia hesitated, before slowly stepping forward and taking a seat next to him. "So, rough day?"
"Rough does not even begin to cover it." The captain groaned, annoyance evident. "Matsumoto's been slacking off again, and she had the gall to complain about me freezing her stash of sake. That's what she gets for hiding it in the cabinet—my cabinet! —of all places!"
Rukia only nodded. Experience with both this and the older Hitsugaya taught her that when he is on a roll, it was best to let the younger boy have at it. And it's not as if she wasn't used to these rants; their snack breaks would have them every now and then.
"Then some 11th Division idiot thought it would be fun to break one of our walls and I had to deal with Zaraki being an obnoxious bastard about it." Hitsugaya massaged his temples. "He said that it was all in good fun, that I shouldn't lose my shit over it. What I'd give to get away with breaking his wall, see how he likes it."
"I'm getting better with my Hakuren." Rukia piped up with a smirk. "And there's a tall tree near the 12th Division with thick leaves…"
Hitsugaya shot a dubious look at her, making Rukia shrug. "If anything goes wrong, you can always pin it on the 12th Division. With all the strange things they're doing over there, small wonder they can wreck another Divisions' walls. All in good fun, of course."
The other Shinigami ran a hand through his white hair in apparent exasperation. "You're impossible."
The beginnings of a smile on his face however told Rukia another story. "You have to admit, it's also hilarious."
"Idiotic, far-fetched, hardly worth the risk, with a hundred ways the whole thing can go wrong." Hitsugaya ticked off each point in a drawl before pausing. "But, fine, I'll give it that it might be a little bit entertaining."
Rukia stuck her tongue out at him, making Hitsugaya smirk fully now despite him shaking his head. Over the course of her training sessions with him, she and the captain had managed to establish a sort of camaraderie, one built mainly out of nonsensical banter, smart ass teasing and poking fun at the most random things just for a good laugh.
Hitsugaya was obviously hesitant at first, rather like stepping into a lake for the first time without having any idea of its depth. Having experience with Toushirou helped Rukia gauge how far she could push the boundaries between subordinate and friend until the other ice wielder became used to her.
And for someone who had the image of being a stickler for rules and etiquette almost the same way Byakuya was, once she got past the stranger zone, Rukia found that Hitsugaya was lenient enough to allow her attempts at befriending him and any other lapses in her decorum so long as she respected his authority as captain.
Don't get her wrong. She knew there were several things that can test Hitsugaya's temper. It just so happened that she also knew how to avoid those landmines (most of the time).
Speaking of things that can anger him…
"Ano, Hitsugaya-taichou?"
The tan youth grunted in acknowledgment.
Rukia dipped her head to look at the box on her lap. "About earlier...if I have somehow embarrassed you from what you have heard…" She shifted her body so that she was sitting facing him and bowed. "I'm so sorry. I should not have let the conversation reach that point. I promise to be more mindful in the future."
No one said anything for a while, and Rukia didn't dare to look up until she heard the rustling of grass.
"Idiot." Hitsugaya sighed as he got into a seated position from next to her. "Only you would apologize for defending someone else."
"B—But I thought, that perhaps you would have taken offense in it. I know you don't need anyone to stand up for you! You can do it perfectly fine for yourself, and I don't mean to imply that you are incapable of that in any way!"
"Kuchiki—"
"And I don't care if they say bad things about me! It's fine! I've had decades to get used to that!" Rukia blurted. "I can take them doing that to me, but not to you! You don't deserve it!"
"And you do?"
"Well they do get some things right, don't they?" She chuckled mirthlessly. "I only graduated from the Academy and I was placed in the 13th Division without taking the entrance exam because of the Kuchiki family's influence. So far, I have brought nothing to them but Kaien-dono's and Miyako-dono's deaths, and that Sokyoku Hill disaster.
"But Hitsugaya-taichou, you've already proven to everyone in Seireitei how capable you are: the youngest captain in the Gotei 13 and one of the most dedicated Shinigami I've ever known! To hear someone judge you unfairly despite everything you have done…" The black-haired Shinigami shook her head. "Even if it will mean speaking out of turn, I won't stand idle while someone insults you without knowing who you are!"
There was a lengthy pause before Hitsugaya exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Why are you like that?"
Rukia blinked. "Like what?"
"We've only worked together for two months, even then just as mentor and student. And before this, we've hardly ever talked to each other. Yet someone insulting me is such a big deal to you, even when what they said about you is much worse." He gazed at her. "Why?"
"Because I don't like it when people insult my friends." Rukia answered truthfully.
Hitsugaya's eyes widened but she wasn't finished. "I've come to realize that when it comes to other people, the time I've spent with them is only secondary to the moments. While training under you, I learned from what you shared with me that's more than just about fighting. I felt that I could relate to your experiences and what you did about them. You always pushed me to give my best, even when I feel that I can't go on. You'd be there to help me back up and try again, and…"
It made her sad that she'll never be able to tell him how much strength he had given her in the last two months of her old life. How much she had come to trust and rely on him when it felt that it was just her against the world.
But he was here now, and even if he'll never understand how much his friendship meant to her, she has a second chance with him. And this time, she promised herself to be there for Hitsugaya the same way he had been for her in the past. She will make sure that he will survive beyond all the wars and be happy for a very long time.
She placed the box she had been carrying into his arms. The other Shinigami looked at it then her questioningly. "What's this?"
"It's for you. It—It's not much, but it's a token of my appreciation. You've done more for me than I can repay you, and, well, I hope you'll accept it." Rukia said quickly. "Because after these last two months, I hope—I'd like to think that you are my friend." She took a breath and steeled herself to meet his eyes. "No, I believe it. You are my friend."
He didn't say anything then, but his gaze was deep and searching, and the silence grew to a point that she had to break their eye contact first. "N—not that I'm imposing or anything! It's fine just the way things are, if it's what you want! Just because I see you as my friend doesn't mean you have to feel the same, so…"
"Amanatto."
Rukia started when she noticed just now that Hitsugaya had somehow opened the box without her seeing it. "I remember before that you had quite a lot the last time I brought some." That was an understatement. Hitsugaya practically finished all of that amanatto by himself, much to Rukia's amusement. "And I heard that it was actually your favorite so I asked around for the best I could find. I hope it's OK."
He was staring at her again (it unnerved Rukia a bit that he's been doing a lot of that today), but not in the searching manner like before. His green eyes burned into her in a different way; and, for some reason, it felt very, very familiar.
Rukia wondered, where had she seen that look before—?
"KON-NI-CHI-WAAAA!"
"What the—?" Rukia fell back on the grass, eyes wide, when a bubbly intruder popped out from the trees and right in between her and Hitsugaya.
The white-haired captain was amazingly unperturbed, but did give said intruder an unimpressed look. "Kusajishi."
Seemingly ignorant—or immune—to the cold glance sent her way, Yachiru Kusajishi plopped herself next to them as if she had always belonged there. "It's Yachiru!"
Rukia coughed. "Ah, Kusajishi-fukutaichou. What are you doing out here?"
"I'm bored! Ken-chan's playing with Baldy and the others. Watching them is usually fun, but today they're just boooring. There's nothing to do with the club, and I broke one of the wheels on my scooter so I can't play at your house either!" The little girl answered her. "No one wants to play with me, Ruru!"
The black-haired Shinigami sweatdropped. "I'm sorry to hear that, fukutaichou." Though a little bit of her is glad that her Nii-sama could get a short break from the energetic lieutenant.
"Soooo what are you guys doing out here?" Brown eyes sparkled mischievously. "Are Ruru and Hitsu-chin on a date?"
"WHAT?! NO!" Rukia and Hitsugaya shouted at the same time.
"We're here for training." Rukia added, trying to ignore the growing heat on her neck and face. "But we're just, err, talking a bit before—"
"UWAH! Is that food?" Hitsugaya's face twisted into a grimace when Yachiru jumped onto his shoulder excitedly. "That looks really good! Ne, ne, Hitsu-chin, let's eat already!"
"Ano, Kusajishi-fukutaichou—"
"Yachiru!" The pink head corrected. "Ya-chi-ru!"
"—Yachiru-fukutaichou," Rukia amended hastily. "That's Hitsugaya-taichou's food. If you like, I can buy you your own snack once we get back to Seireitei instead."
Yachiru pouted. "Aww, but the food's already right here! Mou, Hitsu-chin, don't be stingy! Give me and Ruru some!"
Rukia sweatdropped even more when Yachiru began shaking the lone male Shinigami. "Kusa—Yachiru-fukutaichou—!"
"Stop shaking me, idiot!" Hitsugya snapped at the pink haired girl, pushing her off his shoulder before setting the box of amanatto down. "Here."
Rukia blinked in confusion while Yachiru cheered. "But Hitsugaya-taichou, what about training?"
"Today's your last day before you resume active duty, right?" The young captain said. "Might as well enjoy it."
"And then after, Ruru and I will play!" Yachiru said over a mouthful of sugary bean goodness. "Tag over the lake! Tag over the lake!"
"Is this really all right?" Rukia shot a questioning look at her mentor, who had already taken a bit of amanatto for himself.
"It's fine." Hitsugaya assured her. "It's not bad to take a break once in a while. And here," Hitsuagaya was able to snatch the box of treats from Yachiru, making the smaller girl whine in protest. "Before Kusajishi eats them all."
"But that's—"
"If it's mine then I can get to decide what to do with it, right?" The white-haired captain interrupted. "Go on then."
Rukia mentally scowled when her blush returned full force while she daintily picked a bit of candied beans. He was just offering to share the amanatto, which was very nice of him, but why was her somersaulting heart making a big deal out of this? Friends share food, don't they?
No, it's just me who thinks we're friends. Hitsugaya-taichou's just being nice. She reminded herself. She wished the boy was easier to read at times, so he won't make her this confused.
"All done! Thank you for the food!" Yachiru cheered, again seemingly ignorant of the strange air circling the other two Shinigami. "Come on, Ruru, let's play tag by the lake!"
"R-Right, please wait a moment, Kusajishi-fukutaichou." Rukia said over her last bit of amanatto.
"Yachiru!" Despite Yachiru being smaller, the pink haired girl easily pulled Rukia to her feet and to the lake.
"Kuchiki."
Rukia turned around back to Hitsugaya. "Yes, Hitsugaya-taichou?"
The captain's lips lifted into a small smile. "...Thank you."
The black-haired girl felt her breath catch at the undisguised sincerity in his voice before her face lit up with a smile on its own volition. "You're welcome, taichou. I promise to bring you some more amanatto next time."
That odd, familiar look was back on his gaze, but before Rukia could try to remember again where she last saw it, there was an incessant tugging.
"Ruru, come on! Come on!"
Rukia smiled mischievously at the girl pulling at her shikakusho sleeve before slipping away and lightly pushing at Yachiru's shoulder. "You're it!"
"Wh—wha—?!" But Rukia had already shunpoed away to the other side of the lake. "Yay! Ruru's so fast! Haaah, wait for me!"
Hitsugaya lay back in the grass, finishing the amanatto he managed to hide from Yachiru, while the two Shinigami girls shunpoed around the lake, Yachiru laughing all the way.
All in all, Rukia thought, it was a good way to end her vacation.
With that, the Rebirth arc has officially come to a close. We're also seeing Rukia working her magic without her knowing it. But it might take a while before Hitsugaya admits that they are going past acquaintances territory. *winkwink*
And we have a little cameo from Yachiru the adorable Pink Menace!
HEADCANONS BOARD:
- Based on the fact that Rukia was a bit isolated on her first day at her Division, that she was shy and socially awkward pre-Ichigo, and that she had been involved in Kaien's and Miyako's deaths, Rukia's relationship with the 13th (other than Ukitake, Kiyone and Sentaro) was pretty distant. Ukitake tries his best to ease the tension, but he can only do so much. It became a little better when she was promoted, but now that she's back in the past, she has to do it all over again.
- Renji and Rukia spar on their off time, though because she's better now than she was in the old life at this point in time, Renji convinced her that she should also spar with Hisagi and Kira as well. So far, all of them are evenly matched and are finding the spars a lot of fun. In fact, they're making plans of looping Ikkaku into the mix.
- From what I have seen in both the anime and manga as well as some research, it appears that Sode no Shirayuki has a small number of attacks that lack flair compared to the other major Shinigami characters. So here, Shirayuki has several more dances that Rukia should have learned before achieving bankai, but because of what was mentioned above, she had to rush past them. Expect Rukia to have more tricks up her sleeves in the future.
- Byakuya has a secret fondness for sakuramochi. Actually, he loves anything with a sakura motif. Makes it a bit easier to find birthday gifts for him that way.
- The gossiping Shinigami idiots from earlier were assigned to clean up duty for the rest of the summer. Just so you know.
GLOSSARY:
- Kon'nichiwa:Good afternoon, or a way to say hello.
OMAKE:
/You do not wish to join them?/
Hitsugaya mentally rolled his eyes while he chewed on the amanatto. I'm not cut out for something that childish.
Hyourinmaru snorted. /Need I remind you, master, that you are a child yourself./
That doesn't mean I'll freely indulge in games. Hitsugaya inclined his head towards the playing Shinigamis. Besides, it's entertaining enough to watch those two running around the lake.
The ice dragon quieted thoughtfully before saying in an unusually light tone. /You enjoy watching her./
Hitsugaya could have choked on his food. D—Don't be ridiculous! Where did you even get the idea that I was watching Kuchiki?
The reply was in no small way smug. /Where did you even get the idea that I was referring to your student?/
The young master could scowl all he want, it won't hide the light red tinge on his cheeks. Well, Kusajishi would be a ridiculous choice, wouldn't it? And you're not answering my question!
/She amuses you, for one. You also find her interesting./
...She is far different than what I imagined her to be. She is certainly braver than I gave her credit for if she was able to survive me for two months. Hitsugaya admitted. And she has the strangest way of looking at things and asking the oddest questions! I still can't forget about that one with the firefly, and that's the first one she asked me!
/I am glad you agreed to take her in as your student. She makes you happy, master. It has been a while since you have had a reason to be./
Hitsugaya's eyes flickered towards the Kuchiki in the lake. He wouldn't deny that since she became his student, her presence had done wonders to his mood. Matsumoto commented on how he had been calmer and less prone to snapping at everyone these past two months. The stress over what happened to Hinamori still weighed on him, but it wasn't as bad as before. He also found that he was able to sleep better because the stress and nightmares that haunted him despite Hyourinmaru's best efforts to keep them at bay had lessened considerably.
Truth be told, he had grown to look forward to his six afternoons a week with Kuchiki. She was helping him far more than he was for her.
Which was why it bothered him that the girl looked up to him in such light. He knew he could be harsh and impatient with her at times, and he could tell that he sometimes drove her to exasperation. Yet she kept doing all those little things: talking and even joking with him, sharing her food with him, being open and honest with him.
Defending him against the slightest insult, even when the worst of it was aimed at her.
/Because she sees you as her friend, master. It is normal to do such a thing for your friends./
Friend? Hitsugaya chuckled bitterly. Why would anyone want to be my friend?
Hyourinmaru sighed. /Master, we have talked about this./
I couldn't save Kusaka from getting killed, and I couldn't stop Aizen from hurting Hinamori.
/None of those incidents are your fault, nor did they happen simply because they were associated with you./ Hyourinmaru countered.
The boy shook his head. I am her superior, her mentor at most. I may have been too lenient with her if she thought we could be anything other than that.
/Then perhaps you have forgotten that she specifically stated that she does not expect you to feel the same./ The dragon reasoned. /But master, are you so obtuse that you will deny that you have grown fond of her?/
Hitsugaya's cheeks colored further, his tone more snappish. I wouldn't go so far as to say fond! She is a subordinate who happens to be better than a lot of who I work with! It's natural that I feel more comfortable around Kuchiki!
/...There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a friend, master./
Hitsugaya said nothing, his eyes still fixed on the girls.
/You still believe she will turn you away someday? Do you wish her to?/
The green eyes closed. She deserves a better friend than I can ever be. Someday, she'll realize that.
/But do you WISH her to?/
The boy bit his inner cheek. It does not change the fact, Hyourinmaru.
After all, what was Hitsugaya Toushirou, if not an angry Shinigami of frightening power trying so hard to be an adult, scorned for the longest time for reasons he never really understood, a cause of suffering for the few who managed to see past his unusual appearance or his prickly cold mask?
"Hitsugaya-taichou?"
He looked up to see two eyes staring at him, one pair of confused violet and the other, of curious brown.
"Hehe, Hitsu-chin fell asleep like an old man!" Yachiru said brightly while petting the boy's white hair. "Grandpa Hitsu-chin!"
Hitsugaya's brows twitched, swatting the hand off. "I wasn't sleeping, Kusajishi. And show some respect!"
But Yachiru merely ran behind Rukia's leg and stuck waved merrily at the irritated captain.
Rukia frowned worriedly at him. "Taichou, is everything all right?"
The genuine concern in her gaze pinched at his chest. How long had it been since someone looked at him like that?
"...I'm fine. It's getting late. We should get going."
The black-haired Shinigami studied his expression for a moment before nodding. "Yes, taichou."
Hitsugaya cleared his throat. "Let's head back. You too, Kusajishi. I don't want Zaraki tearing down my wall looking for you again."
Said pink haired girl pouted. "Aww…"
But from the safety of their inner world, Hyourinmaru sighed unheard by the retreating snow head captain and his companions.
/Master. You forget I know you better than anyone else, including yourself./ The dragon thought. /I truly hope that you are wrong about her, for that girl is surely finding her way past your walls.
/And whether you admit it to yourself or not, you are already letting her./
