One week later

She looked at herself in the mirror one last time . She straightened her shihakusho for the fifth time and brushed her hair once more. It was getting pretty long, she noted. She told herself that she'd have to get a haircut soon.

She looked over at her door, where her brother now stood.

"Are you ready, Rukia?" he asked. Byakuya had almost smiled when she had turned around. She was wearing the hair pin he had gotten her.

Rukia nodded. The truth was, she had been ready to get back to work for days. But for some reason, now that the day was finally there, she was getting pretty nervous. She didn't understand why.

Like always, they walked silently. But this was a different silence than all the other times before. Rukia's heart fluttered when she thought about it.

It was no secret that, even though Rukia was Byakuya's adopted sister, their relationship was nothing like one would expect a brother's and sister's to be. Everyone knew how cold he was towards her. She never felt like she was a part of the family she had been adopted into, let alone Byakuya's sister. She always wondered why he had chosen to adopt her into the family. It made sense when he finally told her about Hisana.

Rukia had initially thought that their relationship was somehow fixed after he told her the truth. And yes, it had gotten better. It still wasn't right though. They still weren't like an actual brother and sister. And after she was diagnosed with PTSD, she thought that any chance of their relationship being fixed was gone.

But there they were, walking side by side to the 13th Division. Rukia had told Byakuya that she could walk herself to work, but he had decided to anyway. Could it be that Byakuya cared about her, she wondered. Is their relationship finally like one of brother and sister?

Rukia's hand drifted to the beautiful pin in her hair, and a small smile poked through the mask she was so used to wearing. She really hoped that was the case.


"Good morning, Captain Ukitake!"

"Ah, Rukia! I had forgotten that today was your first day back," Ukitake said, a huge smile on his face. "Thank goodness for that! It's been so overwhelming having to balance repairs, paperwork, and helping all the new recruits adjust into the Division. I know that you just got back, but do you think you could help with the trainees?"

Rukia was more than happy that her first day back would be eventful. After days of not being able to do anything, she was dying to get back to work.

"I would be more than happy to help out, Captain."

Ukitake smiled. "Thank you so much, Rukia! Kiyone and Sentaro will fill you in. Make sure you don't push yourself too hard, alright? If you need to take a break, please do. Your brother was very concerned about letting you come back so soon."

She smiled. He cares…

Rukia noticed Ukitake staring at her, a big smile on his face. She awkwardly smiled back at him. Her captain simply continued to stare back at her, his smile never wavering. After a few more seconds, Rukia finally asked, "What is it, Captain?"

"You're smiling, Rukia."

She blinked. She didn't know what to say.

Ukitake chuckled awkwardly. "I'm sorry, Rukia. What I mean to say is that it's been a while since I've seen you smile like that. And you look good. Better than you have in a while."

Rukia smiled at her Captain's words. She knew that Ukitake has always cared about her. But after Aizen's betrayal, their relationship had definitely been tested. It was reassuring to see that her Captain still cared very much for her.

"Anyway," he said sheepishly, "are you ready to get back to work?"

Rukia smiled. "Of course!"

"Great! Sentaro and Kiyone are at the training grounds. Unfortunately, I won't be able to join you three today. But I am confident that our trainees are in good hands."

"Yes, Sir! We won't let you down!"

Rukia bowed and made her way to the door.

"Oh, Rukia! One more thing!"

She turned to look at her captain.

Ukitake smiled with pride. "Congratulations, Fourth Seat," he said in a kind almost-whisper. He knew she wanted to keep her promotion quiet. But it was something to be proud of! He couldn't bear it. He had to at least congratulate her.

"Thank you, Captain."


Rukia made her way to the 13th Division's training grounds. She wore a smile the whole way there. She loved those training grounds because it was where she and her late lieutenant had spent hundreds of hours together. They had spent countless days there training and simply enjoying each other's presence.

And to think that the day was finally there. Kaien had put so much work into training Rukia to be worthy of a seated officer position. After years of having to turn down any sort of promotion, it finally happened. It was almost too good to be true.

She could hear the new recruits just past the trees. Rukia gupled. She began to get nervous again. She was excited to have the amazing opportunity to be able to train the future of her division. But all the doubts that she was continuously trying to suppress were coming back. Was she truly worthy? Was she even ready?

"I am the Fourth Seat," she whispered to herself in disbelief. "Am I good enough…?"

Rukia vigorously shook her head. She couldn't afford to let those thoughts control her like before. She had too much to prove to her loved ones and, more importantly, to herself. She would be damned if she allowed her demons to stop her and let down everyone she wanted to make proud.

With a deep breath, Rukia continued to walk to the training grounds. Some of the trainees stopped for a second to look at her, which made her a little nervous. She forgot that she was now their superior. All of these young men and women were going to need her help one way or another. She was excited to be able to help them like her beloved lieutenant had helped her. There was still that doubt in the back of her head though. Was she capable of helping them like Kaien had helped her?

Sentaro, who had been barking orders, stopped and smiled a huge smile at Rukia. She laughed a little. It was so funny how Sentaro's demeanor could change in a split second.

She joined Sentaro and Kiyone at the front. She felt kind of odd. Being someone important - someone who stood at the front - was something she wasn't used to.

"Trainees!" Sentaro shouted. "This is Rukia Kuchiki. You already met her during your Evaluations. She is going to be here alongside your Third Seats to help everyone adjust into the 13th Division." He turned to Rukia. "Do you want to say anything?"

She tried her best to ignore the feeling in her stomach. "Hello, everyone. It's nice to meet you. It's an honor to be able to be here today to help you. If there's ever anything you need, please do not hesitate to come to me. I am ready and eager to offer my assistance to you in any way I can."

Sentaro patted her quite firmly on the shoulder. This guy really didn't know his own strength.

"That's our Kuchiki! She's so humble! She didn't want a big deal made out of it, but I think it's worth at least an announcement!"

Rukia's heart skipped a beat. "Wait, no! Sentaro, don't-"

"Rukia has been a valuable member to the 13th Division for a long time now. And it's beyond me how she hasn't had a promotion since she's gotten here. It's about time! You are looking at the newly promoted Fourth Seat!"

"Not just that!" Kiyone chimed in. "There's already talk about her applying to take the Lieutenant's Exam soon!"

There were gasps and whispers throughout the crowd. Rukia internally groaned. This was the last thing she wanted.

To her relief, the crowd started cheering. It seemed that the trainees were taking the news very well. Sadly, she knew that it wouldn't be the same when the rest of her division found out.


They spent the next couple of hours going over basic swordsmanship and correcting postures. They had many gifted shinigami no doubt. But they definitely still had a lot to learn about working with their zanpakuto.

"Yes, just like that," Rukia said. "You've improved greatly in such a short time! Good job... I'm sorry, but what was your name again?"

Rukia felt bad when she saw the girl's disappointed face. "Ran Nakamura. I'm from West Rukongai." An awkward pause. "The Third District," the girl added, almost as if it were supposed to mean something.

Rukia smiled apologetically. "I'm so bad with names. I'll get it though, Ran. Third District, you said?" Rukia's heart fluttered. "I've been there before. It was such a long time ago."

Ran's face lit up. "So you do remember!"

Rukia was confused. But before she could ask what the girl meant, Sentaro butted in between then and began to yell.

"Nakamura! What are you doing just standing there? Kuchiki has been taking her time and trying to teach you the correct way to hold a damn sword! You think you'll luck out against another opponent the way you did during the Evaluations? Your swordsmanship is one of your greatest weaknesses! You should be taking advantage of today in order to improve!"

The young girl squeaked before putting up her sword and running through the exercises again.

Rukia smiled at the poor girl before continuing to make her way through the crowd, looking for the next person to help.

"Hey, you," a callous voice called out.

Rukia's stomach dropped. She had intentionally been walking far away from those two…

She took a deep breath. She turned around and watched as those two approached her. Rukia did not miss the eerie sneer that crossed Aia's features.

"Hi there, cousin," the girl snickered.

"Congratulations on the promotion," Sora said.

"Thank y-" Rukia started.

"How much did 'Byakuya-nii-sama,'" he said tauntingly, "have to pay for that fancy, new title?"

Rukia became flustered. The hurt that crossed her face for a split second made the twins bust out into an evil chuckle.

"Nii-sama would never-"

The two cut off Rukia by laughing louder. She couldn't stand it. They knew nothing about her brother! And for them to have the audacity to accuse him of bribery! It made her sick to her stomach. But she couldn't muster up the courage to say what she wanted to say.

Suddenly, Rukia felt a gust of wind pass her. Before she knew it, Sentaro was in front of her and Sora was flying backwards. Sentaro had punched him. Within the next second, he had grabbed Aia, twisted her arm behind her back, and pinned her to the ground. When the wide-eyed girl tried to get up, he brought his foot down onto her back and pushed her back down.

He cracked his neck slowly. "I don't know if you missed the announcement, but that was your Fourth Seat you were talking to. I don't know - and I don't care to know - how things are run at the Kuchiki Manor. But here in the Gotei 13, you respect your superiors. You address them and speak to them with the utmost respect because you are nothing! You think your name makes you a somebody?" He scoffed. "Well, you're wrong. You think a hollow cares that you have a fancy last name? You think Aizen cares? I asked you two a question!"

Aia tried to speak, but she was so stunned that no words came out of her open mouth. Sora looked up at the fuming third seat. He still could not believe this was happening.

"How dare you-"

Sentaro walked away from Aia and grabbed Sora by his shihakusho. Sentaro pulled the noble up to him so they were face to face. "Did I stutter?" he hollered. "Your superior just asked you a question!"

Sora gulped. "N-No, Sir. They don't care about my name."

"What was that? I couldn't hear you!" he yelled.

"They don't care about my name!" Sora repeated more loudly this time.

"That's right. And the same goes for the Gotei 13. You can waive around your name all you want. But this isn't your prestigious manor. This is the real world. The Gotei 13 are shinigami. We are warriors! I'll be damned if I allow you or anyone else walk around like hot shit based on their name and not their skill." Sentato put the boy down and pushed him back onto the ground. "How dare you disrespect the Fourth Seat and the Captain of the 13th Division. How dare you disrespect the Captain of the Sixth Division," he spat. "Kiyone, bring me that."

She smirked before turning to get a box. She brought it to Sentaro.

"Everyone, gather around! Care to explain to the trainees, Kiyone?" he asked her.

"This right here is a punishment for disrespect used here at Division 13. We call it a Sinner's Death." She pulled out two giant weights from the box with ease. She held up one. "This one represents shame." The word "shame" was written in giant letters. Kiyone handed it to Sora, who struggled to hold it up. She held up the other one, which also had something written on it. "This one represents repentance."

She handed the second weight to Sora. He almost fell to the ground from the combined weight of the two. He tried his best not to show how much he was struggling to hold up both weights, but his arms were starting to tremble.

"Here at the 13th Division, we do not punish you for being physically weak. We punish you for being mentally weak. Disrespect, dishonesty, and behavior such as that displayed today are frowned upon here. It is seen as a sign of weakness and immaturity. There's no place for that here. In this division, we aren't looking to make the smartest or strongest shinigami. We are looking to make better shinigami." She turned to Sora. "As punishment for the behavior you've displayed today, you have to carry the weight of your weakness and run 50 laps around the training grounds. All 50 laps have to be completed with both weights or it won't count."

Sora looked at the woman in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding-"

"60," Kiyone said.

"Wha-"

"70."

This time, Sora remained silent.

"When you speak to your superiors, you address them as 'Sir' or 'Ma'am.' And when your superior tells you to do something, you do it," Kiyone spat. "No questions asked."

"And one more thing," Sentaro chimined in. "No one is leaving until all 70 laps are finished."

The crowd of trainees burst into groans.

Sentaro nudged Rukia. She stepped up and began to explain. "The reason for this is to show that one man's weakness does not just affect him, it affects his whole team. Having a strong team means nothing if you have a weak link. Defeating a strong team is hard. But our enemies are smart. They will search for the weak link and exploit it. Once the weak link is exploited, the once strong team crumbles and is defeated.

"It is also to show the one receiving the punishment that they cannot afford to let their weaknesses control them," she continued. "Most of the time, we think that our weaknesses are just affecting us, and you would be mistaken. They affect those around us. We must do everything we can to overcome our weaknesses. For our own sake, and for the sake of those close to us."

Rukia turned to look at Sora. "I suggest you start running."


At around the tenth lap, Sora began to slow down. It was easy to see that running with those huge weights was no simple task. He was breathing heavily and there was so much sweat running down his face.

He took his first break after the twentieth lap. He could feel his arms and his legs burning, begging him to stop. The blazing sun was not making it any easier on him.

His stamina was rapidly decreasing. It was taking him ages to even take a few steps.

As he ran, the group continued to run through the drills. Unfortunately for the trainees, lunch time was approaching, but there was no end in sight for Sora's punishment.

During the break time - which was actually supposed to be lunch time - the sweaty trainees all collapsed under the shade of the trees.

Ran Nakamura sat on top of a tree branch. She rested her head on the palms of her hands and stared at her three superiors with a pout. Specifically, she was looking at Rukia.

"Something on your mind," an unfamiliar voice called from the ground.

Ran looked down to see two trainees whose names she couldn't remember. "No, not really. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. I guess you were just staring at Kuchiki-dono pretty intently," the boy answered.

"What is it?" the girl next to him asked. "You have a crush on her or something?"

"Eh?" Ran squeaked. The girl was so flustered that she lost her balance and fell off the tree. "Ow, ow, ow," she mumbled to herself after her not-so-graceful landing. She was so dazed by her fall that she forgot about the two people standing in front of her. She sheepishly looked up.

The boy smiled. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah…"

An awkward silence. "Do you want some water?" The boy handed her a water bottle and sat down next to Ran.

"Thank you. I guess I should drink some water so that I don't pass out from dehydration. It's just... I kind of have to go to the bathroom. Do you think we also have to hold it in until Sora finishes all 70 laps?"

The two laughed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't get your name," Ran said through her giggles.

The boy smiled. "My name is Haru. I'm from the 78th District of South Rukongai. What's your name?"

"My name is Ran. I'm from the Third District, West Rukongai. Nice to meet you."

"And I'm Aiko," the girl said in a tone that bothered Ran. "So, why were you so focused on Kuchiki-dono just then?"

"I didn't think anyone noticed," she said, almost embarrassed. "You see, when I was younger, I met her and her husband-"

"Huh? Kuchiki-dono isn't married," Haru blurted.

"Maybe he was just her boyfriend then? I don't remember too well. It was so many years ago. But anyway, she and this other shinigami came to my village. I knew them only briefly, but I never forgot them. Everything about them was just…" Ran squealed. "They were just perfect! And I want that for myself. That's why I'm here. They inspired me to become a shinigami."

"That's a cute story," Aiko stated in a way that made Ran wonder if she was serious or not.

"It is!" Haru marveled.

Ran chuckled. "You don't have to lie. I know it's kinda lame. So, why did you want to become a shinigami?"

Haru sat back and looked up at the sky. "Hmm, I guess I could kind of say the same. It's because of Rukia and Renji Abarai, another shinigami from Inuzuri. That's where I'm from. Just seeing that they were capable of so much good made me want to do the same. Inuzuri is different from most places, especially here. There is no law over there. It's dog-eat-dog, every man for himself. Everyone there is a criminal who would sell a child for their next meal. I wanted to prove that I was stronger than that. And I want to become strong enough to go back and do something about all that chaos. Rukongai has been practically abandoned by the shinigami and the results are devastating. I want to change that."

Ran was amazed. But before she could say anything, Haru turned to Aiko and said, "How about you? I heard that you were one of the youngest people to be accepted into and graduate from the Academy. That's incredible! Don't tell me one of your parents is a captain or something."

She looked at him seriously. "No. I chose to become a shinigami because I'm looking for answers. Plain and simple."

The way Aiko answered sent a shiver down Ran's spine. Nevertheless, she was curious. "W-What kind of answers?"

"You sure ask a lot of questions, Pinkey."

Ran gawked at the snobbish girl. She wondered how someone who wasn't a noble could be so snobby. "P-Pinkey?!"

"Yeah, 'Pinkey.' Because you have pink hair. Duh!" Aiko said as she rolled her eyes.

Haru laughed. "Aiko, don't call her that. Can't you see that she doesn't like it."

"Whatever. God, who are you? It's as if you're a completely different person from your fight against that Sora."

Haru chuckled. "I get a little carried away when I spar."

Aiko huffed. "Well, good thing you do. That guy, Sora, is so full of himself. He needed someone to take him down a notch. And after today," she laughed, "he's definitely down a few mo-HEY!"

Aiko was cut off when a bunch of water was spilled on her.

"Oopsie! Did I do that?"

The group got quiet. It was Sora's sister, Aia.

"Aia!" Aiko growled. "You know as well as I do that you did that on purpose!"

"Gosh, Aiko, you need to calm down. It was just an accident," Aia said innocently.

Aiko shot up, hand on the hilt of her zanpakuto.

Ran gasped. "Aiko, you shouldn't-"

Aiko ignored the girl's warning. "Listen here, Kuchiki! You better back off! Unless you want me to wipe the floor with you like I did during the Evaluations," she spat.

"Why you!" the noble shouted. In a hundredth of a second, Aia had grabbed her sword and was now bringing it down onto Aiko.

Ran gasped. She was seeing the whole thing in slow motion. Aiko was so shocked that Aia had actually taken their little argument that seriously. There was no way that she would be able to block the attack. Without even thinking it through, Ran jumped in between the two and put her arms up defensively. Her eyes closed tightly as she waited for the blow.

Ran shrieked.

And then she opened her eyes.

She looked at herself. "Huh? I'm alive?" she asked as she frantically checked herself for any wound. Ran finally looked up to see Rukia in front of her. In her superior's hands was a beautiful, white zanpakuto.

Aia looked furious. Despite how angry she looked, her sword was trembling. She pushed harder against Rukia's sword, but it was no good. Rukia's grip was steadfast.

"Aia, put your sword down!" Rukia ordered.

Aia's blood was boiling. How dare she speak to me that way. Where is this sense of authority coming from all of a sudden?

"I said to put it down! Put the sword away or you'll be running, just like your brother!"

Aia kept her thoughts to herself. With a final scowl, she put her zanpakuto away.

Rukia finally relaxed. That had been too close for comfort. Rukia looked back at Aia and Ran, who were still trying to process what had just happened. She couldn't believe that Aia had actually drawn her sword on one of her comrades. Rukia knew better than to fool herself into thinking Aia hadn't been serious.

Aia snickered. "How scary, Rukia," she exclaimed. "I was just messing around with my teammates. Isn't that right, Ran?"

Ran looked at the girl who would have decapitated her had it not been for Rukia. The look Aia was giving her sent chills down her spine. "Right…" she finally said.

Aia walked away.

Rukia let out the breath that she had been holding in. She had never stood up to Aia before in her life. She would have felt good about it had the situation not been so dire.

"Um, Kuchiki-dono," a timid voice said from behind her.

Rukia turned around to see the pink haired girl that she had been helping before. It's the one from the Third District…

Ran bowed. "Thank you very much for your help. If you hadn't stepped in when you did, that wouldn't have ended so well."

Rukia smiled at Ran and her group. "Don't worry about it. I'm here to help you all. If she keeps giving you a hard time, just look for me. Stay out of trouble, you three, ok?" Rukia turned away from the group and walked away.

Ran panicked. "W-Wait, Kuchiki-dono…!" Ran sighed when her words went unheard.

Aiko stood up and patted Ran on the back. "There, there. It's ok. I'm sure one day you'll be able to tell Kuchiki-dono you like her."

Ran's head hung in disappointment. "It's not that!" she cried.

Haru laughed. "Don't worry. Aiko's just giving you a hard time. It means she likes you. Come on, break time's over."


It was now the afternoon. All the trainees had still gone without eating, and Sora still had many more laps to go.

"Sora! Get up! You have to finish, damn it!" Aia yelled. "Brother, I'm starving!"

Sora had given up a while ago. He had been lying helplessly on the ground for some time now. He wouldn't budge.

Ran plopped down onto the floor. The sun was beating down on the trainees harder than before. She didn't know it was possible for her to sweat that much. Her friends soon joined her on the ground.

"I can't believe that guy!" Aiko growled as she gasped for air. "He's just been lying there for who knows how long now. I get that he's tired, but geez! We're all tired! And hungry too!"

"Maybe we should try to help him," Ran said.

"We can't go against orders. Third Seat Kotetsu made it very clear. Sora needs to carry the weights for all 70 laps," Haru explained. He used the sleeve of his shihakusho to wipe the sweat from his brow. His arm ached from doing so. These drills they were running would be the death of him.

"It's not fair that we are being punished as well!" Aiko said.

"Just look at him!" Ran exclaimed sadly.

The group turned to look at Sora. He was finally trying to get up. His arms were shaking violently as he tried to force them to lift him up. There was sweat and tears running down his face. He collapsed back onto the ground.

"This isn't right. I know that what he said was wrong. But this is getting crazy. He's on the brink of passing out!" Ran exclaimed.

"I guess that's why they call it a Sinner's Death," Haru said.

That comment made Ran sick to her stomach. "This needs to stop!"

"I agree."

Ran squealed when she heard a voice behind her. It was Rukia, Sentaro, and Kiyone. "Kuchiki-dono! Third Seat Kotsubaki! Third Seat Kotetsu! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be disrespectful!"

A gentle smile from Rukia put Ran at ease. "It's alright. I think you're right. It's time for this to end."

Sentaro called for the trainees to gather around Sora.

"This," Sentaro said, pointing to an almost lifeless Sora, "is why we call this punishment a Sinner's Death. It is a punishment so taxing that trying to complete it is practically impossible for most."

"Then why in the world would you make him do it?" Aia growled.

Sentaro ignored her. "What was the rule of this punishment?" he asked.

Haru stepped up. "Sir, it was said that Sora alone would have to carry the weights for all 70 laps."

Sentaro laughed. "That wasn't the rule."

Whispers erupted throughout the crowd.

Kiyone stepped up. "I believe I said, 'All laps have to be run with both weights or it won't count.' Am I wrong?"

The crowd remained silent.

Rukia stepped up. "This was not just a punishment; it was also a test. And you all failed."

The trainees burst into whispers once again. They looked around at one another.

Rukia walked over to Sora, who was still on the ground. "Sinners must repent. But repenting is no good when there is no forgiveness." She grabbed one of his weights. She didn't show it, but it felt much heavier than it used to be. "Just like he let all of you down today, you all let him down. His weakness slowed you all down and he had to pay for that. But what good does it do him to repent when no one is there to forgive him? What good does it do him to become stronger if his own team isn't there to support him? Yes, he made a mistake that hurt all of you. In a real life situation, that mistake could hurt you all so much worse than it did today. But only if you let it come to that. Each of you had hours to realize that there was no way he could complete this task. And each of you ignored that and let him suffer by himself. Look at him! Yes, he let you all down but he's been trying all day to make up for it. He could have given up long ago, but he is still trying. He knows he can't get up and he knows he can't finish this task, but he is still fighting to get up and continue!"

She sighed. "The real point of this isn't to punish the weak link of a team. It's to punish a team who lets the weak link go down by themselves instead of helping them become better."

With that, Rukia started walking. Sentaro and Kiyone caught up to her and helped her carry the weight she had taken from Sora. With a defeated look on her face, Ran tried lifting up the other weight. Haru, Aiko, and some of the other recruits helped her, and they also began to walk. Others helped Sora onto his feet and helped him continue walking his laps. The rest of the trainees followed close behind.

It was just about sundown, but the tired trainees had finally completed all 70 laps.

Kiyone turned to look at the defeated trainees. "I know we overdid it with the lame speeches today, but just hear me out. Plain and simple, you all epicly failed today. Take what happened today and learn from it. Don't make the same mistakes tomorrow. Kuchiki, Kotsubaki, and I will take care of cleaning up. Go back to the barracks, get some food, and take a shower!" She plugged her nose. "You all reek!"

The trainees chuckled.

As the trainees started to leave, Sentaro added, "If you all thought today was bad, just wait until you see what's to come."

The three officers chuckled to themselves when they heard the chorus of groans coming from the group of young shinigami.


Rangiku plopped down onto the couch and put her feet up onto the coffee table. She stretched. "Man! Today was such a long day!"

Toshiro joined her on the couch. "Who knew simple drills would be this difficult for the trainees!" he chided. "To think we handpicked these shinigami."

Rangiku laughed. "It went so bad for us, but imagine Captain Ukitake's bunch of trainees. Did you hear he passed every single one of his applicants?"

Toshiro rubbed his temples. "I did," he scoffed. Regardless, a smile came across Toshiro's face as he thought of Ukitake. "That old man... What is he thinking?"

A knock at the door made them both turn around.

"Who could it be?" Toshiro asked.

"Shiro-chan!" an all too familiar voice came from the other side of the door. "Are you there?"

His eyes twitch. After such a long day, the last thing Toshiro wanted was to deal with the overly bearing Captain of Division 13. "Don't answer the door!" he whispered. "We're not here-Hey, Matsumoto! Stop! Don't answer the door!"

As if she hadn't heard a word coming from her captain, Rangiku eagerly opened the door. "Captain Ukitake! Rukia-chan! Please, come in!"

The older man stepped right on in. He beamed at the younger captain. "Shiro-chan! It's so good to see you!"

Toshiro was sweating. "A-Ah, likewise. My apologies, Jushiro, but it's been such a long day and I have to get go-"

"Yes, yes, I understand. But this will only take a second. This is very important." Ukitake turned to look at Rukia, who was nervously staring at the floor.

Rangiku pushed the shy girl forward. "Captain, Rukia-chan would like to say something."

Rukia's heart was racing. "U-Um…" She bowed. "Captain Hitsugaya, thank you very much! When I woke up from my coma, I was told that it was all thanks to you that I was treated in time to save my life."

The young man looked at the girl in front of him. He was shocked. It was rare that people came and thanked the young captain. "That's quite alright. You don't need to thank me."

"But I do!" she insisted. "Isane told me that if you hadn't acted so fast, I may not have received the treatment I needed in time to save my life. And that even if I had survived, the damage from the lack of oxygen would have left irreversible damage. I don't know how to thank you enough. I wish there was a way to repay my debt to you, Sir."

"There's no need, Kuchiki," he insisted.

"Shiro-chan, you don't understand!" Ukitake chimed in. He placed his hand on Rukia's shoulder. "A few weeks ago, I promoted Rukia to fourth seat. And today, Rukia got to run trainees through drills. You and I both know how frustrating it is having to teach these young shinigami. It's as if they don't know the difference between their zanpakuto and a rock. But Rukia came back to the office beaming and thrilled to do it again the next day. And getting to see her so excited to teach our new recruits...it's priceless! None of these good things would have happened if it wasn't for you. I am also in your debt."

Toshiro was humbled. "W-Well, I'm glad that I could help. And congratulations on your promotion, Kuchiki. Fourth seat at your age, that's quite impressive."

Rukia looked at the Captain of the Tenth Division for a moment before smiling. "Thank you, Sir."

Toshiro became distracted for a moment. He had never seen purple eyes before…

With that, Ukitake and Rukia were on their way. Toshiro grabbed his things. He was so ready to get to bed.

But before he reached the door, Rangiku stepped in front of him, a smirk on her face.

"Yes?" he asked.

"I saw!" she sang.

"Saw what?" he asked impatiently. He didn't have time for this.

"You were staring!" she said matter-of-factly.

"What are you talking about?"

"You were staring at Rukia-chan," she corrected.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Toshiro tried to step around her.

"Maybe. But I do know that you were definitely blushing!" she teased.

He stopped. "I was?"

"Ha! I knew it! Don't tell me you have a little...crush?" she whispered slyly.

He was caught off guard. But he would be damned if he let his lieutenant know that he had, in fact, gotten a little flustered just then. He stepped around her and made his way to the door. "You're ridiculous."

"You know I could easily set you two up-"

"Good night, Matsumoto," he called.

"I'm serious, Captain! Come on!"

"No, thank you."

"There's no need to be scared. You're in capable hands! Let's go get some dinner and talk about it-"

Toshiro shut the door and started walking home.

As he walked, he noticed how his heart was racing. He tisked.

"It's just a fluke. Or high blood pressure," he joked. "That Matsumoto. Always trying to get under my skin."