Byakuya Kuchiki's words hit Rukia like a blow to the head—her mind stalled for several seconds.
Weren't they supposed to be here because so noble from the Kuchiki clan had taken a liking to her?
But adoption? What did that an?
Was this so new kind of twisted noble ga?
Her thoughts spun into a blur. She turned her confused, pleading eyes toward the one person she trusted—her president.
Shin, already aware of what this visit entailed, was unsurprised. Catching her gaze, he stepped in.
"What exactly do you an by 'adoption'?"
Though the elder of the Kuchiki clan seed annoyed by Shin's interference, the question offered a convenient opening.
"Miss Rukia will henceforth bear the na Kuchiki. She shall address Lord Byakuya as her elder brother, and he shall treat her as his younger sister."
Rukia now understood clearly. But understanding didn't bring clarity—only deeper confusion.
She was just an ordinary student in the Shin'ō Academy, a no-na orphan from the outer Rukongai, District 78 of Inuzuri. Her talents and record weren't anything exceptional. What right did she have to be noticed by one of Soul Society's Four Great Noble Houses?
She wasn't blinded by this sudden honor. On the contrary, it filled her with more dread, more doubt. The situation made no sense. There had to be sothing behind it.
Unconsciously, her grip tightened on Shin's sleeve.
Shin turned his gaze to Byakuya. "If I may ask, Vice-Captain Kuchiki... why exactly does the Kuchiki family want to adopt Rukia?"
Byakuya had been quietly observing Rukia the whole ti, taking in the way she clung to Shin with open trust and reliance. His emotions were complicated. The girl before him—in appearance, in bearing—looked uncannily like his late wife.
Had he not already confird that Rukia and Hisana were sisters, it would've been difficult to believe such resemblance could exist in this world.
But he said nothing of that.
Instead, the elder beside him stepped forward again and explained, "We've taken notice of Miss Rukia's character. Should she enter the Kuchiki family, she may continue her studies here in the Academy and receive vastly superior educational resources and living conditions."
It sounded like a perfect deal.
Yet Rukia felt as if she were dreaming. For soone like her to be approached by one of the Four Great Clans... it was surreal.
To her, even Vice-President Kasadōji Gōgorō was of incomparably high status. The Kuchiki clan was an entirely different dinsion.
The Kuchiki envoys had said their piece and now waited for her reply.
But seeing her clear panic, the elder continued, "We understand this is a significant matter. Miss Rukia may not be ready to decide. Please take ti to consider it carefully."
Rukia drew in a slow breath, then finally stepped forward.
"Okay."
The elder nodded. "We will return in three days to hear your decision."
Byakuya cast one final look at Shin before turning and leaving the room. The rest of the Kuchiki retainers followed him out in silence.
The echo of their footsteps faded down the hallway. Rukia suddenly slumped against the desk like a deflated balloon.
She looked up. "President..."
Shin spoke quietly, "The Kuchiki family is the most powerful and prestigious in all of Soul Society. Their legacy predates even the Gotei 13 or the Academy itself. They can even sway the will of the Central 46."
Rukia bit her lip. "Are you... telling I should accept?"
Shin replied with a question of his own. "Do you not want to?"
"I... don't know," she murmured. "It sounds like such a great thing, too good to be true—but that's just it. I don't deserve it. What they said... it didn't feel like they were talking about . Honestly, President, you're far more qualified than I am..."
Shin chuckled. "Maybe they just wanted a girl."
The remark made Rukia's face darken. She rembered Byakuya's cold, expressionless face.
To beco his sister?
It felt too far, too unreal.
Shin noticed she was taking it the wrong way and gently rested his hand atop her head.
"Rukia, what matters is what you want. Follow what feels right in your heart."
But the truth was... she didn't know what was in her heart. Anyone else in her position would've accepted in a heartbeat, wouldn't they? Shouldn't she say yes? Her unease ca from how absurd it all felt. She needed a reason she could understand—sothing that would make this make sense.
Should she say no?
Would she be seen as ungrateful? Would it bring consequences?
Part of her wanted the President to decide for her. She trusted him completely—whether he said yes or no, she would accept it.
But putting that burden on him... that wasn't fair either.
The warmth of his palm on her head helped ease her chaotic thoughts, even if just a little. Without him there, she might've completely broken down.
"Take your ti, Rukia. They gave you three days. I'll also give you ti off from the Council to think."
She looked up. "President... what would you do?"
Shin arched a brow slightly.
In this world, strength was everything. Truthfully, if he were just a regular person offered such an opportunity, he would've accepted without hesitation.
But he had the system. None of it mattered much to him.
"I haven't really thought about it. But yeah, I probably would've said yes," he said, smiling faintly.
"...I see," Rukia murmured, lowering her gaze.
Shin didn't care much whether Rukia followed the canon path of becoming a Kuchiki or not. If anything, it would be convenient—he could eventually hand off the Student Council to her.
That aside, it really was a good opportunity for her.
But it had co too suddenly, and with no explanation. That's why she was so anxious.
All afternoon, Rukia was a ghost in class.
Until Renji ca to find her.
"Yo, Rukia!"
His bright grin was as infectious as ever.
But when he saw the clouded look in her eyes, his own expression shifted. "Hey... you okay?"
She hesitated. How should she even tell him?
Renji joked, "C'mon, it's been months. Don't tell you still haven't gotten used to life here?"
Rukia finally spoke. "The Kuchiki family... wants to adopt ."
Renji froze. "What?"
"One of the Four Great Noble Clans—Kuchiki. They ca a few days ago. Today they said... they want to make their adopted daughter."
Kuchiki... one of the Four Great Houses...
Those were words from a world far removed from Renji's own.
He didn't have ti to think it through. Instead, his face lit up with honest excitent.
"That's amazing, Rukia!"
"..."
Rukia stared at him blankly.
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