Nara Dan speculated silently.
At the same time, Rukia and Renji Abarai noticed Nara Dan's gaze.
"Hello."
"My name is Rukia."
"This is Renji Abarai."
Though Rukia was still shy, the capable air she would one day possess was already starting to show. She greeted Nara Dan first.
"Are you going to enroll at Shino Academy too?"
Nara Dan nodded and smiled meaningfully.
"Of course."
"It looks like we'll be classmates from now on."
As he spoke, Nara Dan reached out and shook Rukia's hand.
Renji Abarai, standing nearby, watched Nara Dan warily. He thought the boy was some kind of creep who had his eye on Rukia.
"Hello."
"I'm Renji Abarai."
Suddenly, a hand extended in front of Nara Dan, poised for a handshake.
Nara Dan smiled faintly, let go of Rukia's small, fair hand, and gently shook it.
Renji Abarai wore a mischievous grin.
He was about to teach this guy, who kept staring at Rukia, a lesson.
Renji Abarai might have looked like a scrawny little kid, but his strength was actually more frightening than an adult's.
His Spirit Body was denser than that of an ordinary spirit, thanks to his superior Spiritual Power aptitude. He had easily surpassed the average spirit and reached a higher level.
But before Renji Abarai could even exert his strength, Nara Dan's arm gave a slight shake as they clasped hands. A strange vibration scattered the force Renji Abarai had built up.
Then an irresistible strength surged from the other boy's hand.
"Hmph."
Renji Abarai gritted his teeth and barely swallowed his groan, unwilling to embarrass himself in front of his childhood friend.
But Rukia still noticed that something was wrong and quickly asked Renji Abarai with concern,
"What's wrong, Renji?"
"Are you okay?"
Rukia could see that Renji Abarai looked