Rukia on the Stage

At the Seirei Academy plaza, near the elevated stage inside.

This was where each class would perform their programs later.

Kyōraku Shunsui and the other captains had already arrived, gathering together in discussion.

A notice was posted nearby, listing the program schedule and start time.

"The first program is from the Student Council," Kyōraku Shunsui said, stroking his chin. "Kanazawa, Hinamori Momo, and Rukia—just from the names, they sound like cute girls."

Fortunately, Ise Nanao wasn't around right now, or she'd definitely shoot him a look of disdain.

"I've seen that Rukia before; she's quite cute," Shiba Kaien said.

Hearing this made Kyōraku Shunsui's eyes light up—appreciating beautiful girls was one of his greatest pleasures.

"I'm starting to suspect that kid Tachikawa never graduates just so he can stay in the Student Council and enjoy the eye candy," Shiba Kaien brought up Xin again, his resentment clear.

Ukitake Jūshirō and Aizen were chatting idly.

Kuchiki Ginrei stood off to the side with a serene expression, smiling without a word. Though he wasn't the oldest present, he was already a grandfather—his grandson had even been married. He wasn't particularly interested in this so-called cultural festival; he'd only come as a favor to Shiba Kaien. His grandson was close in age to Shiba Kaien and would one day succeed him, so the two would have a long time working together.

He had originally wanted to bring his grandson along, but ever since that incident, his grandson had become increasingly withdrawn and unwilling to socialize.

This had been a constant worry for Kuchiki Ginrei. His son had already died in the line of duty, and now all his hopes rested on his grandson.

Many people had already gathered around the stage, waiting for the performance to begin. Because Kyōraku and the others were captains, people made way for them to take the front rows.

Kyōraku Shunsui was discussing something with his uncle Kuchiki Ginrei when he caught sight of Ise Nanao and Matsumoto Rangiku in the crowd nearby. He waved to greet them.

"Nanao-chan!"

Ise Nanao pretended not to see him, focusing on chatting with Matsumoto Rangiku.

This wounded Kyōraku Shunsui deeply. Shiba Kaien couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"You're already here."

At that moment, Unohana Retsu arrived with Kotsubaki Kotone and Xin.

"Captain Unohana," Aizen greeted with a smile.

"How did you find the festival after walking around, Captain Unohana?"

"This cultural festival is quite lively. Many things are well done."

"Indeed," Kyōraku Shunsui chimed in. "It would've been great if we'd had festivals like this when we were students."

He and Ukitake Jūshirō were among the first students of Seirei Academy. Back then, the Principal was still the Captain-Commander, but the academy was crude in many ways, having just been converted from the Captain-Commander's Genji Academy.

As the captains chatted idly, Xin remained silent, standing quietly to the side.

Before long, a figure walked to the center of the stage—the Arts Department head of the Student Council. He gave an opening speech.

"Welcome everyone to the first Seirei Academy Cultural Festival performance. Next up are the programs each class has carefully prepared to celebrate the occasion. Please enjoy them at your leisure."

"First, a dance drama from Student Council members Kanazawa, Rukia, and Hinamori Momo..."

To the students, Rukia and Hinamori Momo might not be well-known, but Kanazawa was the head of the Discipline Inspection Department—strict, serious, and ruthless in her duties. They knew her all too well.

So they were even more curious to see what Kanazawa dancing would look like. Amid the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, the Arts Department head stepped down, and three figures slowly emerged from the backstage curtains.

Leading the way was Hinamori Momo, dressed in a gorgeous pink kimono, her carefully applied makeup making her look much more mature.

Following her was Rukia. Compared to Hinamori, her face still held an undeniable shyness, as if she wasn't used to wearing such clothes in a public setting.

Kanazawa, on the other hand, maintained her usual expressionless face, though her slightly stiff steps betrayed her discomfort.

"How wonderful..." Kyōraku Shunsui watched with a grin, thinking how great it would be if all these cute, pretty girls joined the Eighth Division after graduation.

The venue gradually fell into a natural silence, but that quiet only put more pressure on the three girls on stage. The orchestra backstage began to play softly.

Xin watched with a smile as well, when his peripheral vision caught sight of the Sixth Division captain, Kuchiki Ginrei, staring intently at Rukia on stage.

This composed, steady captain's heart was now churning with stormy waves.

So similar! Too similar!

That girl on stage looked almost exactly like the granddaughter-in-law he had never acknowledged in the Kuchiki family!

"Rukia, go for it!"

A jarring voice suddenly rang out from the crowd. People turned to look with displeasure, seeing a red-haired boy enthusiastically waving at the stage.

Rukia, already nervous and shy, flushed even redder, cursing that idiot Renji in her mind.

Xin watched Kuchiki Ginrei's reaction thoughtfully.

It was inevitable that Rukia would be discovered by the Kuchiki family—perhaps a little earlier than originally.

Regardless, Kuchiki Byakuya at least genuinely cared for Rukia.

But being part of the Kuchiki family might not be easy for Rukia. Having a strong, outstanding, strict, and cold older brother only made her more insecure.

The performance had begun. The three girls danced slowly to the music on stage, their style soft and gentle, as if telling a moving story.

Though none of them were professionals, many in the audience were thoroughly captivated.

It wasn't just Seirei Academy—entertainment was scarce throughout all of Soul Society. Aside from a few noble families, most people had rarely seen such dance dramas.

The three girls on stage each had their own distinct style, and their appearances were quite pleasing to the eye, so many in the audience were captivated.

Although, by Xin's standards of appreciation, this dance drama might not even count as average, it was still a school event, so there was no need to be overly critical.

A few minutes later, the piece ended.

Kanazawa, Hinamori Momo, and Rukia took their bows and exited the stage, prompting an eruption of enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience.

"Bravo!"

Kyōraku Shunsui also clapped and cheered, showing his support.

But Kuchiki Ginrei suddenly spoke up at that moment: "My apologies, everyone. I recall I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

The other captains found this a bit strange, and Shiba Kaien wondered to himself, was the dance really that bad?

Kuchiki Ginrei, however, offered no further explanation and simply turned and walked away.