The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting its cold, silvery glow over the land. Within Seireitei, all was silent.
A man dressed in fine brocade and jade accessories walked leisurely alongside a girl in tattered clothes, their steps unhurried as they strolled down the wide avenue.
Patrolling Shinigami took notice of the unusual pair and were about to step forward for a closer look.
However, when the leading Shinigami caught sight of the man's face under the lantern light, he imdiately stopped his subordinates from acting rashly.
...
On the spacious street, Masatsuki Aozaki observed the little girl beside him with amusent.
She tried to maintain a composed expression, but the curiosity in her eyes betrayed her.
It was hard to imagine that this small, ragged girl would one day beco the captain of the Thirteenth Division—a woman both charming and dignified.
Rukia clung tightly to Masatsuki Aozaki's hand, her gaze fixed on his ethereal, almost divine features. After a mont of hesitation, she asked with wide-eyed curiosity:
"Are you a god?"
"A god?"
Masatsuki Aozaki repeated the word softly, a faint smile curving his lips.
"For now, I'm just an ordinary human."
He had long surpassed the limits of an average soul, but he wasn't so arrogant as to think he could stand on equal footing with the Soul King.
At this mont in ti, the Soul King was still the supre being of this world.
Then, as if rembering sothing, Masatsuki Aozaki glanced down at Rukia and asked:
"Are you hungry? How about we get another al? I know a great place."
As he spoke, he gently ruffled her short black hair.
Rukia's face flushed red in embarrassnt, and she quickly shook her head.
"N-No... I'm not hungry."
The mories of her past resurfaced—days when she barely ate, tis when she went an entire day without so much as a bite of food.
But now, her belly was full, and this newfound sense of satisfaction and warmth filled her with happiness.
At this mont, she finally believed that the man beside her truly had no shortage of money.
Ever since entering Seireitei, they had stopped frequently to sample different foods, trying every local delicacy they ca across.
It almost felt as if he had taken the tavern keeper's words to heart—acting as though she might starve to death if he didn't feed her constantly.
She knew she got hungry more easily than most, but she wasn't a bottomless pit!
What she didn't yet realize was that her hunger wasn't a flaw—it was a gift.
...
Before long, they passed through the Noble District and arrived in front of a grand mansion.
Its architecture was solemn and dignified, exuding an air of noble elegance.
"This will be your ho from now on."
Masatsuki Aozaki gently held Rukia's small hands in his own, his gaze warm and affectionate.
It was as if he wished to transfer all his warmth to her.
"From today onward, I'll be your family. You can call ... 'Nii-san.' I like that better."
His voice was soft, tinged with gentle indulgence.
He understood what a real family ant to an orphan like Rukia.
"...Nii-san."
Rukia looked up at him carefully.
Her clear, bright eyes reflected his image, shimring with unshed tears.
Her voice was small and hesitant, yet within it lay deep gratitude.
Ever since she was sold to that tavern, she had lived every day in fear.
The beatings, the curses, the suffocating darkness—it had nearly crushed her.
She had dread of escaping for so long, clinging desperately to that hope.
And just when she had steeled herself to run away on her own—
Fate intervened.
Soone had not only taken her away, but had also given her sothing even more precious.
A ho.
A family.
"Am I dreaming?"
Little Rukia couldn't believe what was happening before her eyes.
She slowly placed her small hand on Masatsuki Aozaki's cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin.
She murmured to herself, afraid that this was just a fleeting dream.
"Of course not," Masatsuki Aozaki said with a gentle smile.
He lightly pinched Rukia's soft cheeks, feeling the smoothness of her skin. Running his fingers through her silky black hair, he spoke tenderly,
"From now on, you're my family. I'll take care of you, and no one will ever bully you again."
"Nii-san..."
Rukia felt the warmth of his large hand, her heart overflowing with emotion and joy. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Do I... really have a family now?" she murmured.
Masatsuki Aozaki gazed at the fragile yet resilient little girl before him.
Gently wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes, he comforted her softly,
"Don't cry. From now on, this is your ho. I'll be with you, and you'll never be alone again."
With that, he picked Rukia up, gently patting her back, offering her a sense of comfort.
Feeling his warmth and hearing his words, Rukia slowly relaxed. She lay quietly in his arms, cherishing this rare mont of tenderness.
Before long, she drifted into a deep sleep.
Masatsuki Aozaki looked down at the peacefully sleeping Rukia and smiled gently.
Carefully, he carried her into the room, laid her on the bed, and tucked her in.
...
As morning arrived, warm sunlight stread through the window, casting a golden glow over the tatami. The gentle light gradually woke the dark-haired girl.
Still lost in the comfort of her dream, Rukia suddenly tensed. Her expression changed, and she instinctively sat up.
"Oh no! I slept too soundly!"
Her eyes shot open in panic.
"The landlady is definitely going to be furious."
Having endured countless hardships in Rukongai, Rukia had learned to be exceptionally alert and perceptive.
In the past, whenever she overslept, that fierce woman would punish her with a thin bamboo stick.
And thin bamboo sticks hurt the most.
Thicker ones might cause severe injuries and look terrifying, but the pain was bearable.
But a thin bamboo stick? One strike felt like it cut straight to the bone.
Yet today, everything was eerily quiet.
Rukia frowned in confusion.
By now, she should have already heard the landlady's angry shouting.
But there was nothing.
A strange feeling settled in her heart.
Then, suddenly, the mories of yesterday flooded back.
That generous nobleman... had beco her Nii-san.
Realization dawned on her, and her expression shifted. She quickly took in her surroundings.
The luxurious beams and elegant furniture spoke volus.
This place was worlds apart from the dilapidated shack she used to live in.
Even the soft futon beneath her couldn't be compared to the rough hay and broken planks she had once slept on.
But still...
Scanning the room, Rukia anxiously searched with her bright, intelligent eyes, as if looking for sothing.
Or rather—soone.
Yet, after failing to find what she was looking for, she hurriedly slipped on her shoes and dashed toward the door without hesitation.
"Rukia, you slept so late yesterday. Why not rest a little longer today?"
A gentle voice called out from the courtyard, making Rukia stop in her tracks.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake
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