Chapter 50: The Lack of Courage (Seeking First Subscription)

For Renji Abarai, although he had lived in the District of the Dog Star alongside Rukia for a long time, she had always been someone he dared not casually approach in his heart.

He still remembered the first time he saw Rukia—despite her petite frame, her tone was boyish, and her resolute eyes made him feel she was no ordinary girl.

Rukia truly was extraordinary. She would step in to help when someone was being bullied, even if the other party seemed stronger than herself. She would share her own portion of konpeitō candy with others, something Renji had never done before.

In the District of the Dog Star, everyone knew how precious food was, especially for those with spiritual power.

No matter what Rukia did, Renji always sensed a certain noble elegance about her. He had never met a true aristocrat back then, but to him, not even real nobles seemed as good as Rukia.

Now, Rukia had truly become a noble—a most powerful kind at that.

She had become someone out of reach.

Yet he remained the same as before.

How much more effort must he make? To what extent must he push himself to catch up to her once again?

Renji despised this part of himself. He knew everything clearly, he longed more than anyone else, yet lacked the courage to reveal his true feelings.

“Renji.”

The familiar soft call was like a stone dropped into a deep pond, sending ripples across his heart.

“Yo, Rukia.”

Renji greeted her as usual, wearing a casual smile.

He always acted this way around Rukia—not only did he avoid showing any real emotion, but he feared exposing anything. He deliberately acted as if he treated her very casually, often joking and teasing her, as if to show the world how close they were.

That way, it wouldn’t seem like he was so down on himself.

“You want to join the Eleventh Division after graduation, right?” Rukia asked quietly.

“Uh… yeah.”

Renji was momentarily taken aback before nodding.

Rukia’s purple eyes were sincere and clear as she smiled, “That’s good. I think the Eleventh Division would suit you well.”

Renji was silent for a second, then burst out laughing, “Rukia, you really have an eye for things!”

“But why haven’t you told me this before?” she asked.

Renji shrugged indifferently. “We’re still new students, and graduation is far off. Talking about this now doesn’t really matter, does it?”

“That’s true.”

Rukia said earnestly, “Renji, when I was lost before, you supported me joining the Student Council and entering the Kuchiki family. Those two things changed my fate. So, I want to give you enough support in return.”

Renji’s feelings suddenly became extremely complicated. “...Thank you too, Rukia.”

Just as Rukia was about to say more, Renji suddenly pointed at her and laughed loudly, “Idiot, you don’t really think I’m touched, do you? Are you even Rukia? Why say such sentimental things? You’re giving me goosebumps!”

She kicked him in embarrassment. “Renji, you idiot!”

Renji quickly dodged and confidently said, “No matter where I go, I’ll definitely shine brightly!”

Rukia stormed off, while Renji kept teasing her from behind. When she glanced back midway, she found Renji making a mocking face at her.

What an idiot! Truly hopeless!

Only after Rukia’s figure disappeared around the classroom corner did Renji’s expression soften.

He looked left and right, then called out to Isane Kotetsu.

“Isane, where are you going?”

“I have some Student Council duties, so I won’t train with you today.”

Renji pouted. “What duties?”

Isane thought a moment and said, “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about this. The president submitted a request to the Spiritual Arts Academy, and now they’re setting up a bunch of interest clubs. Do you want to join one?”

“Clubs? What’s that?”

“They’re groups of students with similar hobbies. Like the Kendo Club—anyone interested in kendo from any grade can join. Everyone gets together to discuss and improve. Besides kendo, there’s also the Calligraphy Club, the Flash Step Club, and so on.”

Kendo Club?

Renji’s eyes lit up instantly as he understood. He was about to say he wanted to join, but then asked, “Does everyone who likes kendo have to join?”

“It’s voluntary.”

“Will the president join?”

Isane couldn’t help but smile. “Of course not.”

Renji was a bit disappointed and pouted. “Then I’ll join.”

He had always longed for another chance to spar with the Student Council president but never got the opportunity.

Isane said, “It’s still in the preparation stage. The school just approved it recently. We still have to promote it in each class and recruit members.”

“That’s a lot of hard work,” Renji said.

From what Isane said, these clubs were all the president’s idea. He really had a lot of strange plans, but what was he aiming for by doing all this?

Renji didn’t quite understand. What he couldn’t grasp even more was how the Student Council president, who seemed busy every day, managed to become so strong.

He really wanted to spar with him again!

Should he ask Rukia for help to plead with her president?

Isn’t Rukia his assistant? The president should give some face, right?

Meanwhile, on the other side,

Rukia was also helping promote the clubs. Members of the Student Council each had their own tasks, and Rukia happened to be working alongside Kanisawa.

There, she witnessed a truly remarkable scene.

Kanisawa entered a classroom and climbed onto the podium. The students below instantly fell silent.

Rukia couldn’t help but marvel at senior Kanisawa’s overwhelming presence.

This was no exaggeration. Kanisawa was an upperclassman and the head of the Student Council’s Discipline Department. Countless students who broke school rules had fallen under her strict hand. Coupled with her stern and impartial nature, her authority among students far exceeded that of some teachers.

So even during breaks, the moment Kanisawa entered a classroom, the students collectively fell silent and sat upright.

After leaving the classroom, Kanisawa ticked off some names on the roster, muttering to herself, “Everyone’s cooperating well.”

Rukia couldn’t help but smile.

“What are you laughing at?” Kanisawa glanced over.

“Nothing! I’m not laughing!” Rukia quickly replied.

Kanisawa ignored her and looked pleased with the progress.

If things continued this smoothly, Shin would be happy too.