Chapter 28 Rukia on the Stage
The high platform near the inner part of the Spiritual Arts Academy square.
This was where various classes would perform their programs later.
Kyōraku Shunsui and the other Captains had already arrived, gathering together and discussing amongst themselves.
A notice board was also posted nearby, listing the program schedule and start times.
"The first program is from the Student Council," Kyōraku Shunsui said, stroking his chin. "Kanisawa, Hinamori Momo, and Rukia—just by their names, they sound like very cute girls."
Fortunately, Ise Nanao was not nearby at the moment, otherwise she would certainly have given him a look of disdain.
"I've met that Rukia; she is indeed quite cute," Shiba Kaien said.
Hearing this, Kyōraku Shunsui's eyes lit up. Admiring beautiful girls was one of his greatest pleasures.
"I've always suspected that Tachikawa fellow hasn't graduated because he wants to stay in the Student Council and enjoy the company of pretty girls," Shiba Kaien brought up again, showing how deeply resentful he was.
Jūshirō Ukitake and Aizen were chatting idly, on and off.
Kuchiki Ginrei stood calmly to the side, smiling without speaking. Although he wasn't the oldest present, he was already a grandfather, and his grandson had even married. He wasn't particularly interested in this so-called Cultural Festival. His willingness to come this time was to give Shiba Kaien some face. His own grandson and Shiba Kaien were similar in age, and his grandson would succeed him in the future, meaning the two would spend a long time together.
He had originally wanted his grandson to come along, but ever since that incident, his grandson had become increasingly silent and unwilling to interact with others.
This made Kuchiki Ginrei constantly worried. His son had died in the line of duty, and now all his hopes were placed on his grandson.
Many people had already gathered around the high platform, waiting for the performance to begin. Because Kyōraku and the others were Captains, someone automatically made way for them in the front rows.
Kyōraku Shunsui was discussing something with Shiba and his nephew when his peripheral vision caught sight of Ise Nanao and Matsumoto Rangiku in the crowd not far away. He waved and greeted them.
"Nanao-chan!"
Ise Nanao pretended not to see him, only chatting with Matsumoto Rangiku.
This deeply hurt Kyōraku Shunsui, while Shiba Kaien couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
"You're already here."
Just then, Retsu Unohana arrived with Kotetsu Isane and Shin.
"Captain Unohana!" Aizen greeted with a smile.
"Captain Unohana, how was your stroll?"
"This Cultural Festival is indeed lively; many things are well done."
"Yes," Kyōraku Shunsui chimed in. "It would have been great if we had such a festival when we were students."
He and Jūshirō Ukitake were the first batch of students at the Spiritual Arts Academy. At that time, the principal was still the Captain-Commander, but the Spiritual Arts Academy was still very rudimentary in all aspects, having just been converted from the Captain-Commander's Genjijuku.
The Captains chatted idly, and Shin did not say much, only standing quietly to the side.
Not long after, a person walked to the center of the high platform. It was the head of the Student Council's Arts and Culture Department, who delivered the opening remarks.
"Welcome everyone to the first Cultural Festival Exhibition of the Central Spirit Art Academy. Next are the programs meticulously prepared by each class to celebrate the festival. Please enjoy yourselves."
"First up is a dance drama by Student Council members Kanisawa, Rukia, and Hinamori Momo…"
For the students, they might not know Rukia and Hinamori Momo very well, but Kanisawa was the head of the Inspector Department, serious and meticulous, and showed no mercy in her work. They were all too familiar with her.
Thus, they were even more curious about what it would be like to see Kanisawa dance. Amidst the enthusiastic cheers from the audience, the head of the Arts and Culture Department stepped down, and three figures slowly emerged from behind the stage curtain.
Walking at the very front was Hinamori Momo. She had changed into a vibrant pink kimono, complemented by carefully applied makeup, making her appear much more mature.
Following her was Rukia. Compared to Hinamori, her face still held an undeniable shyness, seemingly unaccustomed to wearing such clothes in such a public setting.
Kanisawa, on the other hand, maintained an expressionless demeanor, but her slightly stiff movements revealed her discomfort.
"How wonderful…" Kyōraku Shunsui watched the scene with a smile, thinking to himself, if only these cute and beautiful girls would all join the Eighth Division after graduation.
The venue gradually quieted down on its own, and this silence put even greater pressure on the three girls on stage. The sound of the orchestra from backstage also slowly began to play at this moment.
Shin also watched this scene with a smile, and his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of Kuchiki Ginrei, the Sixth Division Captain, next to him, staring intently at Rukia on stage.
This steady and composed Sixth Division Captain's heart was currently in turmoil.
The resemblance! So striking!
The girl on stage, in terms of appearance, was identical to the granddaughter-in-law of the Kuchiki Family whom he had never acknowledged!
"Rukia, you can do it!"
An untimely voice suddenly rang out from the crowd. Everyone looked over with displeasure, seeing a red-haired boy waving excitedly towards the stage.
Rukia, already nervous and shy, blushed even more, inwardly cursing Renji for being an idiot.
Shin watched Kuchiki Ginrei's reaction thoughtfully.
It was inevitable that Rukia would be discovered by the Kuchiki Family; it might just happen a little earlier than originally planned.
Regardless, Kuchiki Byakuya's affection for Rukia was at least sincere.
However, being part of the Kuchiki Family might not be so easy for Rukia. Having a strong, excellent, strict, and aloof elder brother made her even more insecure.
The performance had already begun, with the three girls on stage slowly dancing to the music. The dance style was soft and gentle, as if narrating a touching story.
Although none of the three were professionals, many people found it quite enjoyable.
Not just the Spiritual Arts Academy, but entertainment activities throughout the Soul Society were very scarce. Except for a limited number of noble members, most people had never really seen such a dance drama.
The three girls on stage had different styles and were all very pleasing to the eye; many people were immersed in the performance.
Although, from Shin's appreciation level, this dance drama might not even be considered average, it was, after all, a school event, and there was no need to be overly critical.
A few minutes later, the song ended.
Kanisawa, Hinamori Momo, and Rukia bowed and exited the stage, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers and applause.
"Bravo!"
Kyōraku Shunsui also clapped and cheered enthusiastically, giving them face.
However, Kuchiki Ginrei suddenly spoke at this moment: "Excuse me, everyone, I just remembered I have something to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
The other Captains were somewhat puzzled by this. Shiba Kaien secretly wondered if the dance was really that bad.
But Kuchiki Ginrei offered no further explanation and simply turned and left.