As Kyoya had anticipated-
A week later, Zaraki and Yachiru returned from the 4th Division, and Zaraki did not refuse the position of Lieutenant in the 11th Division.
Yachiru also began her challenges according to the rules of the 11th Division. Not only did she easily defeat Rangiku, but even the original third seat of the 11th Division, Ichinose Maki, was no match for her.
Thinking about it, Ichinose was really unlucky.
During the time when Kiganjo was the Captain, Ichinose served as the Lieutenant of the 11th Division.
After Kyoya became the Captain of the 11th Division, Ichinose could have continued as Lieutenant.
Unfortunately, Ichinose had been recuperating in the 4th Division when Kyoya challenged Kiganjo. He couldn't believe that Kyoya, whose strength had been on par with his own just the day before, could defeat Kiganjo, so he refused to acknowledge Kyoya.
Thus, he naturally wouldn't serve as Kyoya's Lieutenant.
By the time Ichinose finally recognized Kyoya's strength, Kyoya had already invited Gin from the Gotei 13's joint 'exchange meeting' to become the Lieutenant of the 11th Division.
To make matters worse, during the exchange meeting, Ichinose had already lost to Gin. Even if he wanted to reclaim the Lieutenant's position, his strength simply wasn't enough.
Now that Gin had left the 11th Division, logically, Ichinose could have stepped up to become Lieutenant. But who could have predicted that while Gin was gone, an even stronger and more overwhelming figure, Zaraki, would take his place?
And what Ichinose never expected was that the little girl who joined the 11th Division alongside Zaraki would also possess such terrifying strength.
Facing Yachiru's attacks, Ichinose clearly blocked her Zanpakuto, yet he was still struck by two invisible slashes.
Fortunately, Yachiru had no killing intent.
Otherwise, Ichinose would have been finished.
Even Ichinose lost to Yachiru, so Rangiku stood no chance either.
However, after Kyoya's intense training over the past few days, Rangiku managed to defeat the former fourth seat and retain her position as the fifth seat.
…
"Captain Kuchiki, congratulations..."
At the Kuchiki Clan's estate, Kyoya brought Rangiku along to attend the wedding of Kuchiki Haruko and Kuchiki Koga.
"So this is Captain Kuchiki's son-in-law?"
"As expected of the genius favored by Captain Kuchiki. Whether in strength or character, there's nothing to criticize."
Looking at the still somewhat youthful Koga, Kyoya didn't hold back his praise.
But the truth was exactly as Kyoya said.
Koga and Sojun stood together behind Ginrei, but from the aura of the two, it was clear that Sojun paled in comparison to Koga.
"You flatter me, Captain Kyoya."
Though inwardly pleased by Kyoya's high praise, Koga showed no trace of arrogance, "At the Shin'o Academy, Captain Kyoya has always been my idol, the one we strive to catch up to."
"To finally meet you in person today is an honor."
"Haha, I'm honored to be your goal."
"Most of the time, I'm at the 11th Division."
"If you ever have any doubts about Zanjutsu, you can come find me there."
"This..."
Hearing Kyoya's words, Koga's heart swelled with joy.
However, just as he was about to agree, he suddenly remembered that he was no longer Hoshino Koga, but Kuchiki Koga.
Every decision he made now represented a certain 'alignment' of the Kuchiki Clan.
So, Koga turned his gaze toward his father-in-law, Ginrei.
If Ginrei forbade it, no matter how much he desired it, he would never do anything that might harm the Kuchiki Clan's reputation or interests.
"Koga, since Captain Kyoya is willing to guide you, you may visit the 11th Division whenever you have time."
Seeing Soga's hesitation, Ginrei felt deeply satisfied.
From this small gesture, he could tell that Koga had already shouldered the responsibilities of the Kuchiki Clan.
"Don't overthink it."
"Before you, Byakuya also received guidance from Captain Kyoya."
"Byakuya?"
"Ah, I see."
Suddenly, everything made sense to Koga.
After being taken in by Ginrei, he had crossed paths with Byakuya.
As another genius favored by the Kuchiki Clan, Byakuya naturally wanted to measure himself against the so-called 'prodigies' of the Shin'o Academy. So, the two had sparred.
Though Koga's spiritual pressure surpassed Byakuya's, in swordplay, he hadn't gained any clear advantage.
This made Koga wonder if Ginrei had held back in his training.
But now, it seemed the reason wasn't favoritism, and it's because Byakuya had received personal instruction from Kyoya.
'If I can also get guidance from Captain Kyoya, then my Zanjutsu can be further improved.'
"Then, Captain Kyoya, I'll be in your care at that time."
"Mm."
Kyoya nodded. Seeing other Captains arriving behind them, he stepped aside to let Ginrei and Koga greet the rest of the Gotei 13's Captains.
Everyone understood the real purpose behind Ginrei's decision to take in a son-in-law at this time.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Koga would likely become one of them in a few decades.
Therefore, the Captains were more than willing to show their respect, offering generous praise without reservation.
For the Captains, there is nothing wrong with this.
After all, Koga was a genius who had unlocked his Zanpakuto's Shikai in just three years. Though he wasn't on the same level as prodigies like Gin or Kyoya, he was still someone destined to reach Captain-level strength.
Building goodwill with the future Captain of the 6th Division now would prove useful later… especially when dealing with noble-related matters, as Koga could provide insight into the nobility's stance.
What was meant to be a wedding banquet had effectively turned into a networking event.
However, neither the Kuchiki Clan nor their guests saw anything wrong with this.
…
"How nice…"
After leaving the 6th Division, Rangiku trailed behind Kyoya, absentmindedly kicking a small pebble along the road, her voice tinged with envy.
"I wonder when I'll get to marry the person I love, just like Haruko-sama did."
"Relax."
"At most, within two hundred years, I'll drag Gin back and force him to marry you."
Hearing Rangiku's muttering, Kyoya replied casually: "But listen, Rangiku… the Seireitei might face some turbulence in the near future."
"So you can't slack off in your training."
"If you die on some mission before I can haul Gin to the altar, I don't have the power to resurrect you. You'll just have to die with regrets."
"Oh? Since when did Kyoya-chan learn to tease his nee-chan?"
Rangiku wasn't the least bit embarrassed. Instead, she leaned in closer, whispering mischievously, "But, Kyoya, is there any girl in the Seireitei you like?"
"Whisper it to me, and I'll scout her out for you. I'll dig up all her secrets!"
Kyoya rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, no."
"The only thing I'm interested in is training."
"Tch. Don't you find that boring?"
"Or…"
"Kyoya-chan, do you actually like me?"
"But since you know about me and Gin, you're stepping aside to let us be happy?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
Kyoya nearly laughed at her absurdity.
"Rangiku, you've clearly been slacking in your training if you have time to spout nonsense like this."