Chapter 33: The Kuchiki Family

"Rukia, are you alright?"

On the way back after the party ended, Rukia couldn't help but show her concern for Hinamori. Hinamori’s behavior had shifted so drastically that something must have happened. Thinking back to the President and Senior Kani-sawa standing in front of the restroom, she wondered if they had done something that Hinamori happened to witness.

Rukia was no fool. As a bystander, she clearly understood the feelings Hinamori harbored and could guess at the potential feelings of Senior Kani-sawa. It would be strange if someone as exceptional as the President didn't stir some emotions in those who spent a lot of time with him. Therefore, it was perfectly normal for Peach to admire the President; she was simply surprised that Peach had been so bold.

Were Senior Kani-sawa and the President a good match? Rukia didn't think so.

Hinamori’s expression dimmed as she pursed her lips and shook her head. "I'm fine."

Seeing this, Rukia sighed silently. She had no experience with such matters and didn't know how to offer comfort. She only felt that if the President didn't harbor the same feelings, the behavior of Hinamori and Senior Kani-sawa would likely cause him great distress. She glanced at Shin Tachibana, who was walking at the front of the group, chatting with Shuhei. If it were her, she would certainly feel troubled.

The next day.

Even after the Cultural Festival, many students remained nostalgic, their conversations still centered on the events of the previous day. The Principal of the Spiritual Arts Academy expressed his great satisfaction with the success of the festival and heaped praise upon Shin. The Student Council had truly done something wonderful for the students; the Academy had never felt such vitality, which made Kototsugu Oomaeda feel that the institution was changing under his leadership. The Student Council had gained greater trust from the Academy, paving the way for more authority in the future.

Shin took the opportunity to share some new ideas with the Principal.

"Interest clubs," he proposed, intended to enrich the students' extracurricular lives.

Upon hearing this, Kototsugu Oomaeda didn't immediately express approval, frowning instead. "Wouldn't that affect the students' academic studies?"

Shin explained, "Interest clubs wouldn't be just any clubs. Initially, we could start with Kendo, Kidō, or Healing Arts clubs—those that benefit the students' academic performance. We would strictly control their types, number, scale, and membership. If things progress smoothly, we can slowly expand to include other healthy and positive club types."

Unlike the Student Council, these clubs would simply be gatherings of like-minded individuals to study, discuss, and improve together. In the spare time at the Spiritual Arts Academy, many students had nothing to do, and self-study was often dull. The Principal immediately saw the benefits such clubs could bring.

After careful consideration, Kototsugu Oomaeda remarked, "You really have a lot of clever ideas." He then added, "Draft a detailed proposal for me to review, and I will discuss it with the school's leadership."

Back at the Student Council headquarters, Shin began working on the detailed planning, recording it all on paper. It was class time, and he was the only one in the office. Indeed, he was skipping class again, though Shin didn't care at all. If Mr. Nandata asked, he would just say the Principal needed to discuss matters with him. His authority and influence within the Spiritual Arts Academy had already surpassed that of an ordinary homeroom teacher like Hidezawa Nandata.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Shin checked the time—it wasn't time for the break yet. "Come in."

The person at the door wasn't an Academy leader, but several men dressed in exquisite white robes. Shin looked up, stunned. These people were clearly nobles, and among them, a young man with handsome features and an extraordinary, noble aura stood out from the rest.

*The Kenseikan...*

The identity of the visitors was clear to Shin. Since Kuchiki Ginrei had seen Rukia performing on stage yesterday, it wasn't surprising that the Kuchiki family had come looking for her today.

"You must be the Student Council President, Shin Tachibana."

The speaker was an elderly man—not Kuchiki Ginrei, but someone who looked even older. However, for those in the Soul Society, appearance often did not reflect one's actual age.

"That is correct."

"This is Master Byakuya Kuchiki," the elder introduced the young man beside him. The introduction was brief, but the name "Kuchiki" already signified a great deal.

Shin stood up from his chair and walked to the desk. "May I ask what brings the dignitaries of the Kuchiki family here?" There had been no prior notice from the Academy; the fact that they could bypass the school's leadership and teachers showed the staggering influence of the Kuchiki family in the Seireitei.

"There is a student named Rukia in the Student Council, correct?"

"Yes."

"We have business with her."

The man's tone lacked any honorifics; the implication was that Shin should go fetch Rukia. Shin didn't show any resentment, merely pointing at the wall clock. "It is almost time for the break. Rukia will be here after class."

"You want us to wait?"

Shin looked puzzled. "Rukia is in class right now; shouldn't you wait? If you are in a rush, you can go find her in her classroom. She is in First-Year Class B."

Byakuya Kuchiki raised a hand to stop the elder from saying anything further. He looked at Shin and asked, "What is your relationship with Rukia?" His voice was cold, and his expression was icy.

"She is a member of the Student Council, and I am the President," Shin replied simply.

"What is her position in the Student Council?"

"Presidential Assistant."

"Your assistant?"

"That is correct."

Byakuya Kuchiki did not display any excess emotion; his cold face remained unreadable. Shin knew the purpose of their visit, so he didn't ask further questions. His lack of curiosity seemed to prevent Byakuya from saying what he had intended to explain, so he continued to ask about Rukia's situation.

"How does Rukia perform in the Student Council?"

"Quite well. She is diligent, responsible, intelligent, and gets along well with both her seniors and peers." He left out the parts about her lacking confidence and being shy.

"You mentioned she is in Class B?"

Class B was a standard class, much inferior to Class A. It seemed Byakuya Kuchiki hadn't investigated anything at all, likely having heard about Rukia from Ginrei yesterday and rushing over today.

"Class B is quite good," Shin said.

Byakuya Kuchiki stared at Shin. As the Lieutenant of the 6th Division, he could have taken over as Captain from Ginrei long ago, but his marriage had caused a massive rift with his family, delaying the transition. He had heard many rumors about this Student Council President. Since Byakuya had never attended the Spiritual Arts Academy—having been educated privately within his family—he held no particular opinion on this so-called Student Council. As a noble division, the 6th Division rarely accepted commoner Shinigami. Even though Shin Tachibana had caught people's attention due to his talent, it wasn't a concern for the 6th Division.

The atmosphere turned cold. A servant brought a chair for Byakuya to sit. Seeing that he wouldn't speak, Shin returned to his work. The Kuchiki family members frowned as they were ignored.

Minutes later, the bell rang. Byakuya seemed to sense something, but the first person to enter the office after the break wasn't Rukia—it was Goro Kasumioji. He had come to see Shin, but was surprised to see the members of the Kuchiki family.

"By... Byakuya-sama?"

Byakuya stood up politely, looking at Goro with a moment of thought. "You are... from the Kasumioji family?"

Goro bowed respectfully. "I am Goro Kasumioji. I am honored you remember me. May I ask what brings you here, Byakuya-sama?" Aside from the fact that the Kuchiki family was more prominent than his own, Byakuya’s status as the Lieutenant of the 6th Division was enough to command his respect. Goro was also likely to join the 6th Division after graduation.

Byakuya replied calmly, "Looking for someone."

"Looking for someone?" Goro was stunned, then looked at Shin, his eyes widening. *Could it be...*

Byakuya glanced at the wall clock again, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly told his servant, "Let's go."

"Master Byakuya?"

Goro immediately saw them off. "Safe travels, Byakuya-sama."

Byakuya might have felt there were too many outsiders present, or perhaps he had changed his mind. Shin also stood up and said, "Safe travels, Lieutenant Kuchiki."

After walking out of the office and into the corridor, Byakuya saw a figure jogging toward them. The familiar face made him freeze in place.

Rukia was surprised to see a group of strangers leaving the Student Council office. She moved to the edge of the corridor to let them pass and gave a polite, shallow bow. The elder beside Byakuya looked shocked.

"Master Byakuya, she... she looks exactly like Lady Hisana..."

Byakuya let out a heavy breath and closed his eyes. "Investigate everything about her... and that Shin Tachibana as well."

"Yes."

Inside the office, Goro was asking Shin what the Kuchiki family wanted.

"They were looking for Rukia."

"Looking for me?"

Rukia appeared at the office door just in time to hear their conversation and was shocked. "Looking for me... for what?" She was terrified; those people were clearly nobles, and she had nothing to do with them.

Goro was also confused. "Are you serious?"

"Of course."

Rukia walked in slowly. "President, are they really looking for me? Why?"

"I don't know. They didn't say. I told them you'd be here after class, and they were waiting, but then they suddenly left."

"..."

Shin teased, "Maybe they saw you performing on stage yesterday and these noble lords have taken a liking to you."

Rukia took it seriously and stood frozen in fear.

Goro frowned. "What are you talking about? Byakuya-sama is not that kind of person." He respected Byakuya deeply, not just because of his noble lineage, but because Byakuya was an exceptional Shinigami and his personal goal.

Shin asked casually, "Then why do you think they were looking for Rukia?"

"How should I know?"

Shin looked at the frightened Rukia and asked Goro, "Did you come for something?" Although Goro was the Vice-President, he rarely stayed in the office.

Goro finally remembered his purpose. "Is there a large amount of money left over from the Cultural Festival?"

"Is there... I suppose so..." Shin feigned ignorance. "I remember we spent quite a lot."

Goro frowned. "Don't play dumb. How much is left?"

Shin scratched his head. "I'll have to check the accounts to be sure. Why do you ask?"

"That's my money."

"Wasn't that money donated to the Student Council?"

"It was donated for the Cultural Festival."

Shin let out a long sigh. "Goro, don't be so stingy. You're the Vice-President of the Student Council; why be so petty?"

"I'll check the accounts myself." Goro ignored Shin's comment and turned to leave.

"Goro! Vice-President Goro!" Shin called out twice, but couldn't stop him, watching as Goro disappeared from the doorway.

Rukia asked anxiously, "President, what... what should I do?"

"Why are you so afraid?"

Rukia bit her lower lip, silent.

Seeing that she was so easily rattled, Shin said, "I was just guessing earlier. You don't need to worry too much; they probably came for some other reason."

"But what if..."

Shin chuckled. "That's the Kuchiki family—the most prominent and noble house in the Seireitei. Many people would kill for such an opportunity."

"I don't want that..."

Shin asked with a smile, "Why? Do you have someone you like? Is it that Renji?"

Rukia looked at Shin upon hearing this and said after a long silence, "Renji and I... we don't have that kind of relationship."

"You don't like Renji?" Shin looked surprised.

"..."

Rukia pursed her lips. "I just don't want... to be treated that way."

Seeing her looking so worried, Shin walked over and patted her head. "Don't worry, I won't let anyone treat you like that."

Rukia shivered, but hearing those words made her feel much more relaxed. "...President."

Shin was checking the favorability changes on his system when he noticed someone standing at the office door.

"Oh, Hinamori." Shin greeted her as if nothing were unusual.

Rukia’s expression changed abruptly. She quickly stepped back, looking at Hinamori, her face turning crimson. After the blush, an uncontrollable panic followed.

"Pe... Peach..."