Taking the Kuchiki Name

Rukia was completely stunned. Ye Yang had mentioned that Rukia was somewhat prepared for the possibility of becoming a noble family, but she could only think of the upper-level nobles. Who would have thought that it would be the Kuchiki Clan family, the head of the Four Great Noble Clans? It is safe to say that there is no noble family in the Seireien that is more powerful than the Kuchiki Clan. They are the nobles among nobles!

This situation is completely different from before. Rukia never dreamed that her sister would marry someone of such noble status. No wonder Rukia looked up to him just now, as if he wouldn't even glance at her if it weren't for Hisana. He was arrogant and aloof!

Rukia fell into a deep silence. Accepting Hisana one thing, but entering the ranks of the nobility was quite another. The life of the nobility was not what she longed for, and her own status was rather awkward, inevitably attracting criticism.

Furthermore, Hisana's identity is already quite delicate, and the Council of Elders turns a blind eye to it, since Hisana's lifespan won't be long. They can just let Byakuya marry someone else a few years after Hisana's death. But Rukia is different; she possesses Spiritual Power and will eventually become a Shinigami, Council of Elders definitely not agree to.

As Rukia was thinking, Byakuya walked in, and Hisana and Rukia stood up.

"Lord Byakuya"

"Lord Kuchiki"

Byakuya nodded and pointed at Rukia: "Three days from now, you will officially enter the Kuchiki Clan as my sister, becoming my Kuchiki Clan daughter. Alright, Hisana, let's go."

Byakuya's tone was unequivocal, leaving no room for negotiation and refusing any thought of resistance. As the head of the Kuchiki Clan, Byakuya already possessed the aura of a superior.

Rukia, intimidated by Byakuya's imposing presence, lowered her head and remained silent. Before she could answer, Byakuya took Hisana's hand and left. Hisana looked back at Rukia with lingering reluctance, hoping that Rukia would figure things out on her own.

Byakuya stepped out the door, his brow slightly furrowed. There was another person beside Ye Yang –Renji Abarai, the only one of Rukia's comrades who had survived alongside her. However, he ignored Renji and turned to Ye Yang, saying, "Brother Ye Yang, I'll head back now. Thank you for your concern regarding Hisana and Rukia."

"It's alright. You guys go back first, I'll go in and check on her," Ye Yang said, waving his hand.

"Um"

Goodbye, Brother Ye Yang.

After Byakuya and his wife left, Ye Yang couldn't help but smile wryly. Byakuya's actions were somewhat unexpected and a bit too domineering.

But then he heard someone nearby say, "Teacher Ye Yang, what exactly happened? Just now, that..." Renji asked, actually he wanted to ask Byakuya, but he didn't say it because he was intimidated by Byakuya's unapproachable face.

Just as Byakuya went inside, Renji suddenly ran over to find Rukia, Ye Yang stopped him, as it wouldn't be good to let him in at this moment. So Ye Yang told him to listen from the side, and that's when he overheard what Byakuya said.

Ye Yang explained, "I'll get straight to the point. The woman you just saw wasn't Rukia, but her biological sister, Hisana. They were separated when they were young, and Hisana came here today mainly to find Rukia. She's now married to the head of the Kuchiki Clan, the head of the Four Great Noble Clans, so Rukia is about to enter the Kuchiki Clan as well. Do you understand?"

Renji nodded blankly. He understood the general meaning. He was happy that Rukia had found her Renji, but now only one sentence remained in his heart: Rukia is going to join the Kuchiki Clan!

If she joins the Kuchiki Clan, will she still see him? And what is the point of all his efforts? Can Rukia live a noble life? These questions swirled in Renji's mind.

Finally, Renji asked, "Teacher Ye Yang, will Rukia continue studying at the Shin'ō after she joins the Kuchiki Clan?"

"No!" Ye Yang gave Renji an answer that broke his heart. "After joining the Kuchiki Clan, Rukia will be taught by the Kuchiki Clan, and she will receive a better education than Shin'ō."

Actually, many noble families are like this. Among the Four Great Noble Clans, only the Kuchiki Clan does this. Back then, Byakuya went directly to the Sixth Division without entering the Shin'ō. The Shihoin Clan and Shiba Clan would send their children to study at the Shin'ō, which can be considered a kind of training.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Renji's eyes, then she asked, "What would Rukia joined the Kuchiki Clan?"

"She will experience a life she never imagined before, an extremely luxurious lifestyle, and as you just saw, Rukia sister is the wife of the head of the Kuchiki Clan, so she will receive the care of her family."

Ye Yang patted Renji on the shoulder and said, "I know you're reluctant to Rukia, and I believe Rukia the same way. But for Rukia, joining the Kuchiki Clan would be entirely beneficial for her. Although it might be a bit cruel to you, I still want to say, please persuade Rukia to join the Kuchiki Clan, not only for Byakuya and the others, but also for Rukia herself."

Renji stood there pondering, finally revealing a resolute expression. "Teacher Ye Yang, I understand. I will go and persuade Rukia. I have a question to ask."

What's the problem?

"After receiving her education at the Kuchiki Clan, where will Rukia go?" Renji asked cautiously.

Ye Yang chuckled, "Of course they'll join the Thirteenth Division. Most of the Kuchiki Clan's children will stay in the Sixth Division, but other possibilities can't be ruled out."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Renji's eyes, and his previous hesitation vanished. "Teacher Ye Yang, I'm going in."

"Um"

Renji pushed open the office door and walked in; Ye Yang didn't hear their conversation...

Three days later, shocking news spread throughout the Seireien — Byakuya Kuchiki, the head of the Kuchiki Clan, had taken in a girl at the Shin'ō and adopted her as his stepsister! He had even given her the Kuchiki name, Rukia Kuchiki!

The news immediately caused a huge uproar, like a massive boulder suddenly thrown into a calm lake, and everyone began to discuss it.

The elders of the Kuchiki Clan had tried to stop the head of the family from making this decision, but he still insisted on Rukia into the Kuchiki Clan. Strangely, the patriarch of the Kuchiki Clan Ginrei Kuchiki, did not appear, as if he had tacitly approved of his grandson's decision.

A few years ago Byakuya married Hisana despite opposition from his family and others. Now, he has taken Rukia as his adopted sister, and everyone is wondering what kind of person this head of the Kuchiki Clan really is.

However, they were also speculating about who could make the head of the Kuchiki Clan disregard the dignity of nobility, and whether there was any connection between the two.

Rukia's attendance at the subsequent ceremony shocked everyone. Her appearance was identical to Hisana's, making people think about their relationship. It was obvious at a glance that Rukia was Hisana's sister, but Byakuya had recognized Rukia as his adopted sister. Although everyone understood, they had to pretend to be confused, after all, the Kuchiki Clan was not someone they could offend.

However, these rumors will gradually disappear with the passage of time. Ye Yang also went to the Kuchiki Clan to congratulate them and visit the old man. After all, he was his grandfather's friend, and he had not formally visited him since returning. Since he was here, he naturally paid a visit. The old man had really aged after fifty years.

Back then, although his hair was white, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. But now, it has to be said that time takes its toll! The sharpness in his eyes has disappeared, replaced by deep weariness. The old man has truly let go. He has handed over the Kuchiki Clan and the Sixth Division to Byakuya, so he can be considered to have no burdens left.

When Ye Yang came to visit him, he was always smiling, something that was never seen before. Before leaving, he asked Ye Yang a question, "Do you know why I ignored Byakuya's seemingly absurd decisions?"

Ye Yang shook his head.

The old man looked up at the sky and sighed softly, "I'm getting old... The world now belongs to you young people, so I'll support whatever decision Byakuya makes. I just hope he doesn't forget his responsibilities as the Kuchiki Clan Head. If Byakuya ever needs anything in the future, I hope you can lend him a hand."

"Certainly"

The old man simply nodded without speaking, turning his head to stare blankly at the sky. Looking at his aged back, Ye Yang knew that the old man was no longer the head of the Kuchiki Clan; he was simply an old man who wanted to enjoy his twilight years in peace...

The next day, Ye Yang arrived at the Shin'ō as usual. Today's lesson was Zanjutsu. Renji was the best among them in this skill. Although he had knocked his opponent to the ground as well, his condition seemed a bit off today.

Ye Yang discovered that Renji was quite fierce and ruthless. If Ye Yang hadn't stopped him in time, that student would have been bedridden for at least a few days.

Renji simply walked away without saying a word, and Ye Yang didn't say anything either. After all, he was the one most affected by Rukia's departure, and it was Ye Yang who had orchestrated it, so he always felt a little guilty.

"Alright, that's the end of class for today. Everyone can go home now, but don't slack off when you get back!" Finally, the day was over, Ye Yang prepared to leave after holding them off.

"Wait, Teacher Ye Yang," a voice called out from behind. Renji stepped forward and said, "Teacher Ye Yang, could you wait a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss with you privately."

Ye Yang was taken aback, then realized it might be related to Rukia. "Okay, Renji, come to my office."

"Good"

The two entered the office, Ye Yang asked, "Alright, Renji. What is it? Is it about Rukia?"

To everyone's surprise, Renji didn't directly mention Rukia. Instead, he said in a firm tone, "Teacher Ye Yang, please teach me how to become stronger!"