Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 36: Rukia’s Unease

Byakuya Kuchiki's words hit Rukia like a blow to the head—her mind stalled for several seconds.

Weren't they supposed to be here because some noble from the Kuchiki clan had taken a liking to her?

But adoption? What did that mean?

Was this some new kind of twisted noble game?

Her thoughts spun into a blur. She turned her confused, pleading eyes toward the one person she trusted—her president.

Shin, already aware of what this visit entailed, was unsurprised. Catching her gaze, he stepped in.

"What exactly do you mean by 'adoption'?"

Though the elder of the Kuchiki clan seemed annoyed by Shin's interference, the question offered a convenient opening.

"Miss Rukia will henceforth bear the name Kuchiki. She shall address Lord Byakuya as her elder brother, and he shall treat her as his younger sister."

Rukia now understood clearly. But understanding didn't bring clarity—only deeper confusion.

She was just an ordinary student in the Shin'ō Academy, a no-name orphan from the outer Rukongai, District 78 of Inuzuri. Her talents and record weren't anything exceptional. What right did she have to be noticed by one of Soul Society's Four Great Noble Houses?

She wasn't blinded by this sudden honor. On the contrary, it filled her with more dread, more doubt. The situation made no sense. There had to be something behind it.

Unconsciously, her grip tightened on Shin's sleeve.

Shin turned his gaze to Byakuya. "If I may ask, Vice-Captain Kuchiki... why exactly does the Kuchiki family want to adopt Rukia?"

Byakuya had been quietly observing Rukia the whole time, taking in the way she clung to Shin with open trust and reliance. His emotions were complicated. The girl before him—in appearance, in bearing—looked uncannily like his late wife.

Had he not already confirmed that Rukia and Hisana were sisters, it would've been difficult to believe such resemblance could exist in this world.

But he said nothing of that.

Instead, the elder beside him stepped forward again and explained, "We've taken notice of Miss Rukia's character. Should she enter the Kuchiki family, she may continue her studies here in the Academy and receive vastly superior educational resources and living conditions."

It sounded like a perfect deal.

Yet Rukia felt as if she were dreaming. For someone like her to be approached by one of the Four Great Clans... it was surreal.

To her, even Vice-President Kasadōji Gōgorō was of incomparably high status. The Kuchiki clan was an entirely different dimension.

The Kuchiki envoys had said their piece and now waited for her reply.

But seeing her clear panic, the elder continued, "We understand this is a significant matter. Miss Rukia may not be ready to decide. Please take time to consider it carefully."

Rukia drew in a slow breath, then finally stepped forward.

"Okay."

The elder nodded. "We will return in three days to hear your decision."

Byakuya cast one final look at Shin before turning and leaving the room. The rest of the Kuchiki retainers followed him out in silence.

The echo of their footsteps faded down the hallway. Rukia suddenly slumped against the desk like a deflated balloon.

She looked up. "President..."

Shin spoke quietly, "The Kuchiki family is the most powerful and prestigious in all of Soul Society. Their legacy predates even the Gotei 13 or the Academy itself. They can even sway the will of the Central 46."

Rukia bit her lip. "Are you... telling me I should accept?"

Shin replied with a question of his own. "Do you not want to?"

"I... don't know," she murmured. "It sounds like such a great thing, too good to be true—but that's just it. I don't deserve it. What they said... it didn't feel like they were talking about me. Honestly, President, you're far more qualified than I am..."

Shin chuckled. "Maybe they just wanted a girl."

The remark made Rukia's face darken. She remembered Byakuya's cold, expressionless face.

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To become his sister?

It felt too far, too unreal.

Shin noticed she was taking it the wrong way and gently rested his hand atop her head.

"Rukia, what matters is what you want. Follow what feels right in your heart."

But the truth was... she didn't know what was in her heart. Anyone else in her position would've accepted in a heartbeat, wouldn't they? Shouldn't she say yes? Her unease came from how absurd it all felt. She needed a reason she could understand—something that would make this make sense.

Should she say no?

Would she be seen as ungrateful? Would it bring consequences?

Part of her wanted the President to decide for her. She trusted him completely—whether he said yes or no, she would accept it.

But putting that burden on him... that wasn't fair either.

The warmth of his palm on her head helped ease her chaotic thoughts, even if just a little. Without him there, she might've completely broken down.

"Take your time, Rukia. They gave you three days. I'll also give you time off from the Council to think."

She looked up. "President... what would you do?"

Shin arched a brow slightly.

In this world, strength was everything. Truthfully, if he were just a regular person offered such an opportunity, he would've accepted without hesitation.

But he had the system. None of it mattered much to him.

"I haven't really thought about it. But yeah, I probably would've said yes," he said, smiling faintly.

"...I see," Rukia murmured, lowering her gaze.

Shin didn't care much whether Rukia followed the canon path of becoming a Kuchiki or not. If anything, it would be convenient—he could eventually hand off the Student Council to her.

That aside, it really was a good opportunity for her.

But it had come too suddenly, and with no explanation. That's why she was so anxious.

All afternoon, Rukia was a ghost in class.

Until Renji came to find her.

"Yo, Rukia!"

His bright grin was as infectious as ever.

But when he saw the clouded look in her eyes, his own expression shifted. "Hey... you okay?"

She hesitated. How should she even tell him?

Renji joked, "C'mon, it's been months. Don't tell me you still haven't gotten used to life here?"

Rukia finally spoke. "The Kuchiki family... wants to adopt me."

Renji froze. "What?"

"One of the Four Great Noble Clans—Kuchiki. They came a few days ago. Today they said... they want to make me their adopted daughter."

Kuchiki... one of the Four Great Houses...

Those were words from a world far removed from Renji's own.

He didn't have time to think it through. Instead, his face lit up with honest excitement.

"That's amazing, Rukia!"

"..."

Rukia stared at him blankly.