Chapter 29 Hinamori's Thoughts
Backstage.
Rukia let out a long sigh of relief after coming off the stage.
"It's finally over."
She had never been so nervous in her life, it was even more agonizing than when she took the Student Council assessment.
Hinamori Momo, however, was in a joyful mood and couldn't help but say, "Did you hear the cheers for us? Our performance was great! And I noticed that even a Captain really liked it!"
Kanisawa tugged at her clothes and merely said, "I want to change out of these clothes quickly, they're a bit uncomfortable."
Among the staff and students waiting to go on stage backstage, a seemingly out-of-place figure stood out.
It was a silver-haired boy, standing there in an ill-fitting, oversized school uniform, and passersby couldn't help but point and whisper about him.
"Hinamori!"
He called out in the direction of the three girls.
Hinamori quickly walked over, smiling, and asked, "You watched carefully, right? How was my performance just now?"
Tōshirō Hitsugaya merely pursed his lips: "Average."
His words were a bit insincere. Having spent so much time with Hinamori Momo, it was the first time he had seen this side of her. To be honest, when he first saw Hinamori Momo in that outfit, he was indeed amazed.
"Eh? Wasn't it good?"
Tōshirō Hitsugaya didn't answer directly, only saying, "Since your performance is over, I should go back. Grandmother is still waiting at home."
"Wait a moment, I still want to introduce you to our President. It's thanks to him that you could come, so you should thank him in person."
"...Alright."
Hitsugaya also felt that he should thank him in person, as Hinamori Momo said, so he agreed.
Hinamori Momo then asked with some anticipation, "Shirobai, what do you think of the Spiritual Arts Academy?"
Hitsugaya knew what she meant and remained silent at her question.
Having witnessed the Cultural Festival scene firsthand today, it was indeed completely different from his life in Rukongai. So many peers gathered together, sharing similar interests and goals, striving and progressing together every day. It was indeed something he longed for.
No wonder Hinamori could be so happy every day, and she had also become more confident and radiant.
Besides Hinamori, he had almost no friends; the children around him didn't want to play with him.
Hitsugaya was actually much more mature than children his age.
However, he still had his grandmother to take care of; his grandmother couldn't do without him.
"Momo, are you going to change clothes?"
Rukia called out to her from not far away.
"Coming right now," Hinamori turned her head and replied.
"You wait for me, I'll change quickly and be right back, then I'll take you to see the President."
Hinamori, along with Rukia and Kanisawa, walked into the changing room.
Rukia was talking about some of the mistakes made during the performance, such as a movement not being done well, almost stepping on Kanisawa, and so on.
The three of them hadn't rehearsed for very long.
"It's over anyway, no need to think too much about it. I saw that the people below really liked it just now," Hinamori comforted.
"In any case, it's great that no major problems occurred."
Having changed back into her school uniform, Rukia looked at the brightly colored kimono placed nearby. She still had an unreal feeling, as if it wasn't herself who had just been on stage.
"By the way, Rukia, you and Renji..." Hinamori suddenly became gossipy.
Hinamori Momo and Renji were classmates, and because of Rukia, they were also familiar with each other.
Rukia immediately gritted her teeth at the mention: "That idiot, he actually yelled my name in that kind of setting!"
Hinamori smiled teasingly, "He was clearly cheering for you sincerely. You can go back and ask him how his own performance was? Ask him how he felt when he was watching."
Rukia wasn't stupid and immediately realized the meaning behind Hinamori's words, feeling a little flustered.
"Why ask him those things... He doesn't have that kind of appreciation ability!"
"Is that so?"
Kanisawa, who had finished changing and removed her makeup, spoke up, "I'm leaving first."
"Okay, you've worked hard," Hinamori Momo and Rukia quickly said.
After Kanisawa left, Hinamori couldn't help but say, "It's really not easy for Senior Kanisawa to do this much. I never thought she would agree before."
Rukia pondered, "I feel like she did it because of the President."
Hinamori Momo pursed her lips lightly at the words: "Is that so...?"
Rukia nodded, then added, "I noticed the President was standing with some Captains just now."
Hinamori also laughed, "What's so strange about that? What kind of person is the President? He can become a Third Seat right after graduation! It's perfectly normal for him to interact with these important figures."
She had also heard about Shiba Kaien's mention of the Third Seat from Rukia.
Although the President probably wouldn't go to the Tenth Division in the future, if he was offered a Third Seat in the Tenth Division, he should also be a Third Seat in the Fourth Division.
No matter what, becoming a Seat Officer is incredibly impressive! And a high-ranking Seat Officer at that.
"Rukia, which Squad do you want to join after graduation?"
"I haven't thought about it at all. What about you?"
Hinamori pondered, "I feel like my Kido grades are much better than my other courses..."
"Do you want to join the Kido Corps?"
The Kido Corps is a special organization independent of the Gotei 13.
Hinamori Momo shook her head: "I heard that the Kido Corps currently doesn't have a Great Kido Chief. Rukia, since my Kido class grades are decent, do you think I could also develop well in Koten?"
"Koten?"
Rukia couldn't help but be startled. She looked at Hinamori's bright eyes, vaguely realizing something.
"Momo, you..."
Someone knocked on the changing room door, perhaps because they had been occupying it for too long.
Hinamori smiled, "Let's go out first, we can talk later."
..."
The two walked out of the changing room. After changing back into their school uniforms, their temperament reverted to their previous pretty and pure appearance.
"Shirobai!"
Hinamori called out to Hitsugaya, who was waiting there.
"How many times have I told you, don't call me Shirobai. Do you want me to say your nickname in public?" Hitsugaya said displeased.
Hinamori immediately shivered. She would rather die than let anyone at the Spiritual Arts Academy know that nickname.
She quickly smiled and changed the subject: "Let me introduce you, this is my good friend, Rukia."
Rukia smiled and greeted, "Hello, I often hear Momo talk about you. You must be Tōshirō Hitsugaya, right?"
Hitsugaya nodded lightly: "Aren't we going to see your President?"
"Not now, it'll probably have to wait until the Cultural Festival is almost over. The President is with several Captains right now. We can just continue watching the next performances and then I'll show you around."
Hitsugaya hesitated, "How long will that take?"
"Oh, don't worry, Grandmother will be fine."
..."