Night Talk

Seeing how frightened the children were of him, Asano Kiyoshi said nothing. At a time like this, Rukia and Renji needed to reassure them.

Renji might not have understood this, but the sensitive Rukia did. She tugged on Asano Kiyoshi's sleeve and said to her three equally gaunt companions:

"Don't be afraid, everyone. This is Big Brother Asano Kiyoshi, who's staying with us for the night. He's very strong and very kind."

Hearing Rukia's words, Renji caught on as well. He hurried forward and chimed in:

"Yeah! Big Brother Asano Kiyoshi is super strong! And he's a great person too. Anyway, you're not allowed to be scared!"

Perhaps because he lacked the words to express himself, Renji's attempt at persuasion sounded a little strange. Still, under the pair's reassurance, the children's fear of Asano Kiyoshi gradually faded.

One of the boys, whose hair slightly covered his eyes, gathered his courage. Holding a bowl of water, he approached Asano Kiyoshi and asked timidly:

"Um, Big Brother Asano Kiyoshi, are you thirsty? Would you like some water?"

Asano Kiyoshi lowered his head and looked at the water the child had brought him. The bowl had several chips along its rim, stained with faint traces of blood—perhaps the children had accidentally cut themselves on it. The water inside was even murkier, with cloudy sand settled at the bottom and unknown black particles floating up and down. Yet even so, the boy's eyes held longing when he looked at the water. His lips were dry, cracked, and peeling. He must have been terribly thirsty.

Even so, the child had handed the water to him without hesitation. Seeing this, Asano Kiyoshi felt a pang in his heart. He gently patted the child's head, then took a flask of clean water from the bundle on his back and handed it to him.

"Drink this instead. You're still children. You shouldn't be drinking water this murky."

Seeing the water glinting with clear light inside the flask, the boy panicked for a moment. He did not know whether he should accept it. Someone had treated him this way before, but after he took the flask, that person had kicked him to the ground and stomped on his stomach, laughing as he did so:

"You little piece of trash! You actually dared to take the water I offered you! Just as I thought—a bunch of worms who don't know their place! Hahaha!"

After that incident, his health had steadily worsened. Every now and then, he would cough up several mouthfuls of blood.

Remembering that scene, the child's body trembled slightly. He turned a pleading gaze toward Rukia, and only after receiving her reassuring response did he accept the water with trembling hands.

Then came something Asano Kiyoshi found even more unexpected. The moment the boy received the water, he did not greedily gulp it down himself. Instead, he hugged the flask tightly to his chest and went inside the house. After carefully pouring everyone a cup of water, he returned the flask to Asano Kiyoshi. More than half the water still remained inside. Looking at Asano Kiyoshi, the boy said somewhat embarrassedly:

"Big Brother Asano Kiyoshi, this water is precious. This much is enough!"

Hearing those sensible words, Asano Kiyoshi felt his heart ache. He ruffled the boy's hair, and then they all entered the dilapidated house together.

That night, Asano Kiyoshi talked with the children about many things.

How should he put it? These children were so sensible that it broke one's heart. Every one of them suffered, to varying degrees, from illness or injury. Each carried one or several tragic memories. Yet even so, their eyes still shone with light.

Looking at those children, Asano Kiyoshi felt as though a jar of mixed emotions had been overturned inside him.

He told them that if they wanted to leave this place, he would return in half a month and take away anyone willing to leave with him.

Whether or not they could enter Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy, he would provide them with a place to stay. He had already rented a house for Granny Hana near Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy. A few more people only meant a few more bowls and chopsticks, and Granny Hana liked children as well. She would surely welcome their company.

After hearing Asano Kiyoshi's words, all kinds of expressions appeared on the children's faces—hesitation, excitement, agitation, struggle, bewilderment, and confusion. But Asano Kiyoshi did not press them for an answer. He gave them ample time to think it over. At the same time, he made a request of them: whether or not they entered Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy, they had to regularly offer some degree of support and help to the children in the farther districts of Rukongai.

Asano Kiyoshi hoped to pass this kindness on, like a tiny spark that would one day kindle a blaze soaring into the sky, thoroughly illuminating the not-so-bright heavens of Soul Society!

After discussing the serious matters, Asano Kiyoshi also taught the children the most basic Reishi control and Kido. He did not expect these children to learn it, but Rukia was different. She had a chance.

The result was gratifying. Rukia's talent was exceptional. After just one night of study, she could cast one Bakudo and one Hado. Although they were both simple Kido numbered one, it was still astonishing talent for a child who had never received any training.

The sky was beginning to brighten, but the night had not yet fully faded. The steel-gray dawn felt somewhat cold and desolate.

Asano Kiyoshi quietly got up and left most of the food and water in his bundle behind. It was not much, but it was enough for the five children to eat and drink for a while. (Due to the timeline, there were not as many children here as in the original work.)

Then, while none of the children had awakened, Asano Kiyoshi quietly used Kaido to treat each of them. (Before heading to Rukongai, Asano Kiyoshi had gone to the Fourth Division to learn Kaido under Retsu Unohana's personal instruction.)

Because of the Road to the Underworld's passive skill, Asano Kiyoshi's Kaido had an effect similar to "restoring maximum HP." In other words, he could cure illnesses and partially repair the children's bodies, which had been worn down by years of hardship.

While treating Rukia, she suddenly woke up. Feeling her body improve, then seeing Asano Kiyoshi's gentle smile, her eyes reddened slightly. She was just about to say something, but Asano Kiyoshi stopped her. He lightly placed a finger to his lips and gestured toward the others still asleep nearby. Understanding, Rukia remained silent.

She merely looked at Asano Kiyoshi as an emotion called "admiration" slowly fermented and took root in her heart.

After silently bidding Rukia farewell, Asano Kiyoshi continued westward.

Morning light spilled forth, piercing the iron-gray dawn. The young man's figure walked beneath the sunlight, and that sight was etched deeply into Rukia's heart.