Rukia's Unease

Kuchiki Byakuya's words instantly made Rukia's brain crash for several seconds.

Hadn't they said they were looking for her because some noble lord of the Kuchiki family had taken a fancy to her?

And what did adoption mean?

Could it be some new game those noble lords were playing?

Feeling that her thoughts could no longer keep up, she looked toward her own President with confusion and a plea for help in her eyes.

Xin, who had expected this reaction, was not surprised. Noticing Rukia's gaze, he spoke up. "What does adoption mean?"

Although the Kuchiki elder was somewhat displeased by Xin's meddling, the question gave him a chance to explain further.

"From this day forth, Miss Rukia may bear the Kuchiki name. She will regard Young Master Byakuya as her blood brother, and Young Master Byakuya will likewise regard Miss Rukia as his blood sister."

Rukia understood what that meant this time, but she still could not understand why they would do such a thing.

She was merely an ordinary student of the Spirit Training Academy, an orphan from Inuzuri, a remote area of the Rukon District. Her talent and character were hardly exceptional. What had she done to earn the favor of the Kuchiki family?

She had not been dazzled by this sudden windfall. Something about it was strange, making the unease in her heart grow heavier and causing her to doubt the true intentions of these Kuchiki family members even more.

She could only continue relying on Xin, unconsciously clutching the corner of his clothes tightly.

Looking at Kuchiki Byakuya, Xin asked the question in Rukia's heart for her. "May I ask, Lieutenant Captain Kuchiki, why does the Kuchiki family wish to adopt Rukia?"

Kuchiki Byakuya had actually been watching Rukia's reactions the entire time, and he had also noticed Rukia's reliance and trust in Xin.

His emotions were complicated. Aside from some differences in temperament, the girl before him looked as though she had been carved from the same mold as his late wife.

Had he not already known that Rukia and Hisana were biological sisters, he would have found it difficult to believe that such similar people existed in the world.

He did not intend to reveal the truth. The elder beside him offered a further explanation instead. "We admire Miss Rukia's character. After joining the Kuchiki family, Miss Rukia may continue her studies at the Spirit Training Academy and receive superior educational resources and living conditions."

It sounded like nothing but a good thing.

Rukia still felt as though she were dreaming. As one of the Four Great Noble Clans of the Soul Society, the Kuchiki family had actually crossed paths with someone like her.

To her, even Kasumi Oji Gorō, the Vice President of the Student Council, was already a noble of immensely exalted status.

The Kuchiki family members seemed to have finished speaking and were waiting for Rukia's answer.

Yet seeing how flustered and helpless Rukia looked, they could understand. The elder glanced at Kuchiki Byakuya, then said again, "This matter is indeed of great importance. Miss Rukia may not yet be prepared. You may consider it carefully."

Rukia took a deep breath before finally stepping forward.

"Okay."

"Then we shall take our leave for now. We will return in three days to ask for your decision."

Kuchiki Byakuya gave Xin one final glance, then turned and left the room first. The rest of the Kuchiki family followed behind him and exited the office.

Listening to the footsteps in the hallway grow farther and farther away, Rukia suddenly deflated, slumping against the desk as if all her strength had left her.

She raised her head. "President..."

Xin spoke slowly. "The Kuchiki family is the most esteemed noble clan in the Soul Society. Their history stretches back farther than the Gotei 13 and the Spirit Training Academy, and they can even influence the will of Central 46."

Rukia pressed her lips together. "Are you advising me to accept, President?"

Xin's expression remained unchanged as he asked in return, "Do you not want to?"

Rukia spoke blankly. "I don't know. It does sound like an incredible opportunity, but I keep feeling that it shouldn't have fallen to me. The reason the Kuchiki family gave earlier didn't seem like it was describing me either. If that were the criterion, President, you are far more outstanding than I am..."

Xin laughed. "Maybe they just want a girl."

That only deepened the worry on Rukia's face. She thought of Kuchiki Byakuya's cold expression from earlier.

Become his sister?

It was too distant, too unreal.

Seeing that his words might have caused her to misunderstand again, Xin reached out and gently patted her head.

"Rukia, for something like this, just follow what your heart truly wants."

But Rukia did not know what she truly wanted either. She felt that no one should refuse such an offer, and perhaps she should not either. Her worry came from how absurd the entire matter was. She wanted to know the Kuchiki family's true intentions—an explanation that could convince her.

Then should she refuse?

If she refused, would she seem too oblivious to the situation? Would she bring some kind of disaster upon herself because of it?

At this moment, she wanted the President to make the decision for her. Whether he accepted or refused, she would be willing to follow and trust him.

But how could she casually throw such a decision onto someone else? Wouldn't that just put pressure on the President?

Even the warm touch of the President's hand on her head could not dispel the turmoil in Rukia's heart, though without it, she might have been even more flustered.

If the President had not been here earlier, she truly might not have known what to do.

"Rukia, don't rush. You can think it over slowly. Didn't they give you time to consider it? I can give you three days off from the Student Council as well."

"...President, what would you do?"

Xin raised an eyebrow slightly. This world ultimately respected strength. To be honest, if he had been an ordinary person presented with such an opportunity, he would certainly have accepted it. But with the system, such things no longer mattered much to him.

"I've never thought about it. I suppose I would accept." Xin smiled.

"..."

Rukia lowered her head and replied softly, "I understand..."

To Xin, whether Rukia became an adopted daughter of the Kuchiki family as in the original plot did not make much difference. There was only one practical benefit.

The Student Council could be handed directly to Rukia in the future.

That was probably all.

Overall, it was a good thing for Rukia. But because it had come so suddenly, and because Rukia knew nothing of the truth, she felt worried and uneasy.

Rukia was distracted throughout the entire afternoon's classes.

Until Renji came to find her after class.

"Yo, Rukia!"

Renji's face still bore its usual energetic and enthusiastic smile.

When he noticed the worry between Rukia's brows, he asked curiously, "Rukia, what's wrong?"

Rukia fell silent. She was hesitating over how to tell Renji.

Renji teased, "It's been two or three months already. Don't tell me you still haven't adjusted to life here?"

Rukia said, "The Kuchiki family wants to adopt me."

Renji froze. "What did you say?"

"...The Kuchiki family, one of the Four Great Noble Clans. They came to see me a few days ago, and today they said they wanted to adopt me into their family," Rukia said slowly.

Kuchiki... one of the Four Great Noble Clans...

Such words were far too distant for Renji.

Before he had time to think it through or consider it further, delight appeared on his face first. "That's a good thing, Rukia!"

"..."

Rukia stared at him blankly.

My cousin got married today, and I drank a lot yesterday.

Sorry.