Shigure stopped what he was doing, straightened up, and smiled:
"Rukia, what brings you here?"
Rukia looked directly at Shigure, suddenly bowed deeply, and said respectfully and loudly:
"Excuse me! Captain Segawa!"
The moment she called out, Shigure raised an eyebrow.
He noticed that Rukia seemed different from before.
He could hear the difference even in her voice.
"Come in first." Shigure smiled. "Whatever you came to see me about, standing at the door is a bit strange."
"Yes." Rukia raised her head and walked in slowly.
Shigure had her sit in a chair to the side, then said:
"You look particularly serious today. Is something wrong?"
Rukia looked over at him, staring directly at Shigure.
After a long moment, she suddenly took a deep breath and said loudly:
"Captain Segawa, please let me... join your 5th Division!!"
She stared into Shigure's eyes without any sign of retreat as she spoke these words.
Shigure was slightly stunned.
He really hadn't expected Rukia Kuchiki to make such a decision.
This was clearly different from how Rukia had felt toward him before.
So he chuckled and said:
"Rukia, is this your own decision? Or did Captain Ukitake or Captain Kuchi..."
"It's my own decision!"
Rukia directly interrupted Shigure's words, her face flushing red with emotion.
But even so, she still stared seriously at Shigure.
Shigure's gaze shifted as he watched her for a moment, then smiled softly.
"Your heart seems to have become resolute."
"Then may I ask, do you have a compelling reason... for joining the 5th Division?"
"Captain Ukitake wouldn't mind you returning to the 13th Division."
Hearing Shigure's words, Rukia suddenly lowered her head and said quickly in a small voice:
"I... I also yearn to... become as strong as you, Captain Segawa!"
"Like you, able to act according to my own convictions and will!"
"Able to... save everything around me!"
"As long as I join under your command, I'll... have endless motivation!"
By the end, Rukia's head was lowered even more, her voice trembling slightly.
These were her deepest feelings after experiencing everything these past days.
From Kaien Shiba's death onward, she'd been regretting her own weakness.
But after Byakuya's words of guidance.
She finally understood.
What she needed wasn't regret over weakness, but to transform it into motivation to become stronger!
So she made this decision.
Hearing this answer, Shigure's heart stirred.
After a moment, he smiled: "I understand."
"Eh?"
Rukia raised her head, not understanding what Shigure's answer meant.
Shigure smiled: "I've understood your determination. The 5th Division's doors can open for you."
Hearing this, the expression on Rukia's face instantly transformed into excited joy.
"Thank you!!"
She quickly stood up: "I'll go tell Brother Byakuya and Captain Ukitake right away!!"
As she finished speaking, she bowed quickly again, then left the captain's office.
You could see she was truly excited.
Shigure chuckled softly.
Rukia's arrival had reminded him of something just right.
Since 5th Division Vice Captain Hinamori Momo had been removed, they were actually lacking a vice captain position.
Though those duties could be handled by the 3rd Seat and others, it wasn't a long-term solution.
But Shigure didn't want to promote someone untrustworthy as his aide.
Now, with Rukia applying to join the 5th Division, she could fill this gap perfectly.
Her strength hadn't improved yet.
But her talent was definitely not weak.
Plus she now had a strong conviction to become stronger. After some training and improvement, she could completely handle the vice captain position.
And Rukia's character was completely worthy of his trust.
Thinking of this, Shigure smiled softly.
This way, he'd have something to do for the next while.
"Now then... I should go apply to observe the Great Spirit Book Gallery."
After organizing some things in the room, Shigure left the 5th Division barracks.
But he didn't go directly to the 1st Division. Instead, he detoured to the 8th Division barracks.
A newly appointed captain directly applying to visit the Great Spirit Book Gallery would be too strange.
So he needed someone as a shield for this matter.
8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku was the perfect choice.
When Shigure entered the 8th Division barracks and reached the office, he saw Nanao Ise seriously handling paperwork.
But Shunsui was leaning back in a reclining chair with his hat covering his face, apparently sleeping.
The moment Nanao saw Shigure, she immediately stopped her work and said respectfully:
"Captain Segawa!"
Now that Shigure's status was different from before, she naturally paid attention to etiquette.
Shigure smiled: "Nanao, I'm here to see Captain Kyōraku."
As soon as he spoke, Shunsui's lazy voice immediately came from under the hat.
"Oh, Captain Segawa of the 5th Division..."
"So free? On your inauguration day, you're already visiting me?"
"Heh, not as free as you, Captain Kyōraku."
Shigure smiled as he walked in, speaking directly:
"Captain Kyōraku, I'll skip the small talk. I'm here because I want to apply with you to enter the 'Great Spirit Book Gallery.'"
Nanao's eyes immediately shifted upon hearing this.
Shunsui also sat up instantly, revealing his stubbled face.
He looked at Shigure with a strange smile.
"Let me guess, you want to go investigate Aizen's past... right?"
Shigure's expression didn't change as he nodded slightly: "That's right."
Hearing this, the smile on Shunsui's face grew.
"Then you came at just the right time. I already applied to old man Yama about this at noon today."
"We can go tonight after dark."
Thanks to all the brothers who stayed up late waiting for updates!
I'll try to adjust so all six chapters are finished before midnight from now on...
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
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