Kurotsuki Renya looked at Rukia and wanted to ask her why she refused, but thought that he should ask her reasons first, so he said, "Sister Rukia, why did they want you to join the Kuchiki family?"
Rukia replied: "The head of the Kuchiki family, Byakuya Kuchiki, said that I resemble his late wife, who passed away from illness not long ago. So he wished to take me in as his younger sister."
Renya knew the real reason was that Rukia was the younger sister of Kuchiki Hisana, but he didn't intend to say this now. Instead, he asked: "The Kuchiki family is one of the great noble houses, and the current Patriarch is willing to accept you as his younger sister. That's a good thing, Sister Rukia—why did you refuse?"
For Rukia, this was indeed a great honor. To be adopted into the Kuchiki clan, one of the Four Great Noble Houses, was an unparalleled opportunity.
Carrying the Kuchiki surname also meant that her future path would be far smoother than most.
Facing Renya's question, Rukia replied softly: "I just don't want to be separated from you."
"You don't want to be separated from us?"
Renya looked at Rukia and suddenly thought about how, in the original events, Rukia had only been especially close to Abarai Renji. Since they weren't in the same class, their bond had weakened over time.
But now, Rukia not only had her childhood friend Renji, she also had her younger "brother" Renya, along with friends like Hinamori Momo and Kira Izuru.
Since Renya had been injured before, they had naturally formed a small circle—children from Rukongai who relied on one another. Kira, who had lost his parents, was drawn into this bond. They became something like a family, watching each other's backs and sharing their struggles.
How could Rukia be willing to leave that behind?
Renya fell silent, and Renji—uncharacteristically calm—said softly: "Just because you join the Kuchiki family doesn't mean you'll be separated from us."
Rukia opened her mouth, but didn't know how to respond. Renya added: "The Kuchiki family is one of the highest nobles. Naturally, there will be a gap between them and us. We may not be permitted near you freely, and they may expect you to distance yourself from us."
Rukia's expression wavered at his words. Seeing this, Renji grew frustrated and snapped: "Do you think we care if you become a noble? What matters is you, Rukia!"
Renya stepped closer to Rukia, looking up at her taller figure, and said: "Sister, can I visit the Kuchiki estate?"
"Why?"
Rukia blinked, not understanding his intent.
Renya smiled: "Becoming a noble means better resources and a brighter future. That's something worth embracing."
"But…" Rukia started, still hesitant.
Renya cut her off: "Don't worry. We won't stay at this level forever. One day, we'll become seated officers, lieutenants, maybe even captains. Then our status will match yours."
Renji nodded firmly: "Renya's right. This is good for you, Rukia. You should accept it. We won't be separated from you."
Rukia fell silent. In truth, part of her heart wanted to accept. After all, Byakuya was her only living family.
Renya gently embraced her and said: "Go, Sister Rukia. I'll be with you."
Rukia finally nodded: "Alright… I'll go."
Renya and Renji left with her, walking down from the training grounds. Renya asked, "Where's Kuchiki Byakuya now?"
Renji replied: "He and his retainers left after Rukia refused. They told her to find them once she made her decision. I called her here once I learned of it."
Renya nodded: "Then let's go to the Kuchiki estate together."
But Renji shook his head and waved his hand: "Forget it. Renya, you take her."
After leaving those words, Renji turned and walked away.
Renya understood. Renji was protecting Rukia. Coming from the roughest district of Rukongai, Renji carried the stigma of a low-born commoner. If the Kuchiki clan knew he still clung to Rukia, it might hurt her position.
In the original timeline, because of Kira's persuasion, Renji distanced himself from her for decades, only approaching again after rising to lieutenant.
That was Renji—loyal, diligent, self-sacrificing, even reckless if it meant protecting those he cared about.
Watching him leave, Rukia whispered: "Should we really go?"
Renya said firmly: "You must."
Rukia nodded, following behind Renya as they made their way toward the noble district.
The noble quarter occupied a vast section of Seireitei. Its mansions were immense, guarded by squads of Shinigami. Ordinary souls couldn't even approach, and only high-seated officers could pass freely.
Technically, Renya had no right to enter, but as a patrol aide working under the Onmitsukidō, he had clearance. With his growing responsibilities, the guards did not stop him.
Renya led Rukia straight to the Kuchiki manor and knocked on its great gate.
An elderly servant opened the door and asked, "Young master, who calls?"
Renya stepped aside and gently pushed Rukia forward. "Please inform Lord Byakuya that Rukia has come."
The servant bowed and departed.
Moments later, soft footsteps approached, and the door opened again. A tall, graceful man appeared—Byakuya Kuchiki himself. His hair was long, adorned with the Kuchiki clan's white kenseikan, a silver scarf of the finest silk draped across his shoulders. His pale violet eyes were calm, though a faint light stirred within them.
He looked at Rukia and asked quietly: "Do you accept?"
Rukia lowered her head and whispered: "I am willing to join the Kuchiki family."
Byakuya gave a slight nod, stepping aside. "Then enter."
Rukia looked at Renya. He smiled and nodded encouragement. Taking a breath, she crossed the threshold into the Kuchiki estate.
Byakuya turned, following her inside. Just before stepping past the gate, he spoke softly: "Thank you."
Though the words were quiet, they carried real weight.
Renya smiled faintly. Byakuya was not one to express emotions easily. For him to voice gratitude at all showed how deeply he valued this moment—and Rukia.
Relieved, Renya turned to leave. But before he had taken more than a few steps, a cheerful voice called out:
"Renya-chan, don't you want to come in and take a peek?"
Renya turned his head. Not far away, a pink-haired girl lay sprawled atop the wall, watching him with wide, mischievous eyes.
Yachiru Kusajishi.
Why was she here?
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