Rukia's Unease

Kuchiki Byakuya's words momentarily caused Rukia's brain to freeze for a few seconds.

Didn't they say they were looking for her because the nobles of the Kuchiki family had taken a liking to her?

What did "adopted son" even mean?

Could this be a new game for those nobles?

She felt her thoughts weren't quite keeping up, so she looked towards her guild leader with a gaze full of confusion and a plea for help.

Xin, who had already anticipated this situation, noticed Rukia's gaze and spoke, "What does 'adopted son' mean?"

Although the elder from the Kuchiki family was somewhat displeased by Xin's meddling, his question provided him with an opportunity to explain.

"From now on, Miss Rukia will bear the surname Kuchiki and will regard young master Byakuya as her elder brother. Young master Byakuya will also consider Miss Rukia as his sister."

Rukia finally understood what it meant, but she couldn't comprehend why they would do this.

She was just an ordinary student at the Spirit Training Academy, an orphan from Inudari, a remote area of the Rukon District. Her talent and character weren't exceptional, so how could she possibly be favored by someone from the Kuchiki family?

She didn't let this sudden surprise cloud her judgment. The strangeness of the situation made her feel more uneasy and increased her suspicion about the true intentions of these Kuchiki family members.

She could only continue to rely on Xin, instinctively clutching the corner of his clothing.

Xin looked at Kuchiki Byakuya and helped voice Rukia's inner doubts, "May I ask, Lieutenant Captain Kuchiki, why does the Kuchiki family wish to adopt Rukia?"

Kuchiki Byakuya had actually been observing Rukia's reactions throughout the entire exchange and noticed her reliance and trust in Xin.

His emotions were somewhat complex. This girl before him, apart from a slight difference in demeanor, looked exactly like his deceased wife in terms of her appearance.

If he hadn't already known that Rukia and Hisana were biological sisters, he would have found it hard to believe that such similar people could exist in the world.

He had no intention of revealing the truth. The elder beside him offered a further explanation: "We have taken notice of Miss Rukia's character. After Miss Rukia joins the Kuchiki family, she can continue her studies at the Spirit Training Academy and will receive more generous learning resources and a better living environment."

It sounded like entirely good news.

Rukia still felt a sense of unreality, as if she were dreaming. To have such an interaction with one of the four Great Noble families of the Soul Society.

Even Kasumi Oji Gorō, the vice president of the Student Council, was already a noble of extremely high status and respect in her eyes.

The Kuchiki family members seemed to have finished speaking and were awaiting Rukia's response.

However, seeing Rukia's flustered and helpless appearance, they seemed to understand. The elder glanced at Kuchiki Byakuya and then said, "This matter is indeed of great importance, and Miss Rukia may not be ready yet. You may consider it carefully."

Rukia took a deep breath and then took a step forward.

"Okay."

"Then we shall take our leave. We will inquire about your decision again in three days."

Kuchiki Byakuya cast one last glance at Xin before turning around and leaving the room first. All the members of the Kuchiki family followed behind him and exited the office.

Listening to the footsteps growing fainter in the hallway, Rukia suddenly slumped onto the desk as if all her strength had drained away.

She looked up, "Guild Leader..."

Xin slowly said, "The Kuchiki family is the most noble of the nobles in the Soul Society. Tracing back their history, their existence predates even the Gotei 13 and the Spirit Training Academy. They can even influence the decisions of Central 46."

Rukia pursed her lips, "Is the Guild Leader advising me to accept?"

Xin calmly retorted, "Do you not wish to?"

Rukia said blankly, "I don't know. This indeed sounds like an incredible opportunity, but I always feel like it shouldn't be falling upon me. The reasons the Kuchiki family gave just now don't sound like they're about me. If anything, Guild Leader, you are much more outstanding than I am..."

Xin chuckled, "Perhaps they just want a girl."

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

To become his sister?

It felt too distant, too unreal.

Seeing that his words might have caused another misunderstanding, Xin reached out and gently patted her head.

"Rukia, for something like this, just follow your true feelings."

But Rukia didn't know what her true feelings were. She felt that anyone else wouldn't refuse, and she probably shouldn't either. Her worry stemmed from the absurdity of the situation. She wanted to know the true intentions of the Kuchiki family, intentions that could convince her.

Should she refuse?

Would refusing make her seem unappreciative of the opportunity, and could it perhaps bring about some disaster?

At this moment, she wished the Guild Leader could make the decision for her. Whether to accept or refuse, she would follow and trust his judgment.

But how could such a decision be casually thrown to someone else? Wouldn't that put pressure on the Guild Leader?

The warmth of the Guild Leader's hand on her head did little to alleviate the turmoil in Rukia's heart, but without it, she might have become even more flustered.

If the Guild Leader hadn't been here just now, she might truly not have known what to do.

"Rukia, don't rush. You can take your time to think. Didn't they give you time to consider? I can also give you three days off from the Student Council."

"...Guild Leader, what if it were you?"

Xin raised an eyebrow slightly. In this world, strength truly reigned supreme. Honestly, if he were just an ordinary person encountering such an opportunity, he would definitely accept it. However, with the existence of the system, such matters were of little consequence to him.

"I haven't thought about it. I probably would have accepted," Xin said with a smile.

"..."

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

For Xin, whether Rukia became the Kuchiki family's adopted daughter according to the original plot didn't have a significant impact. However, there was one convenience regarding the benefits.

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

Perhaps that was all.

Overall, it was a good thing for Rukia, but because it came so suddenly and Rukia was completely unaware of the details, she felt worried and uneasy about it.

Rukia was somewhat absent-minded throughout the afternoon classes.

This continued until Renji came to find her after class.

"Yo, Rukia!"

Renji's face was still filled with his usual energetic and enthusiastic smile.

Upon seeing the worry between Rukia's eyebrows, he asked curiously, "Rukia, what's wrong?"

Rukia remained silent, hesitating on how to explain to Renji.

Renji then teased, "It's been two or three months, you haven't gotten used to life here yet, have you?"

Rukia said, "Someone from the Kuchiki family wants me to be their adopted daughter."

Renji froze, "What did you say?"

"... The Kuchiki family, one of the Four Great Noble Clans, approached me a few days ago, and today they told me they want me to be their adopted daughter," Rukia said slowly.

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

Such terms were too distant for Renji.

He didn't have time to think it through or consider it further, but his face immediately showed a surprised expression, "That's a good thing, Rukia!"

Rukia stared at him blankly.

Her cousin got married today, and she had drunk a lot yesterday.

Sorry.