Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 73: The Corrupted Hinamori

The corridor's end was a sheer curtain of scorching white, sunlight blazing down like molten swords in the throes of cicada-noon. The school's whitewashed walls refracted the heat into slicing glare, too sharp to look into. Rukia felt a sudden wave of dizziness and paused, letting the light steady inside her.

A figure approached from the other end, black shihakushō stark against the sunbleached surroundings.

Rukia recognized her. She came to see the Council President from time to time.

Vice-Captain of Squad Four, Kotetsu Isane.

Upon spotting Rukia, Isane offered a polite greeting. "Miss Kuchiki."

"Vice-Captain Kotetsu."

"Is the President in?"

"He is."

"Thank you."

Just that. The statuesque woman swept past with long-legged grace, heading for the student council office beyond.

Rukia watched her retreating form, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

—

Back in class, Rukia had just taken her seat when a voice called her name.

Hinamori waved from across the room. "Hey, Rukia!"

"What is it?"

"This year's culture festival—we're doing a performance again, right?"

"...A performance?" Rukia hadn't considered it. Last year's show had only happened because the President practically twisted their arms.

"Are you planning to go up on stage again?" she asked, a little wary.

Hinamori smiled, fox-like. "Depends on what the President says. Last year, remember? We only agreed because he promised us each a favor. So this year..."

Rukia hesitated. "He talked to me about the festival earlier. But he didn't mention anything about us performing again."

She didn't want to. Just thinking about last year's stage made her want to melt into the floor.

"It's still early," Hinamori said, smiling sweetly. "The class event proposals haven't even started yet."

Rukia gave her a look and lowered her voice. "Momo... are you trying to wrangle another promise out of the President?"

Hinamori blinked innocently.

Rukia rolled her eyes.

"Don't call me underhanded," Hinamori said, still smiling. "I'm telling you this up front. You could do the same, you know."

"I don't care about that sort of thing," Rukia muttered, looking away.

"By the way," Hinamori said airily. "What did you ask the President to do for you last year?"

Her eyes were watching Rukia carefully.

"Nothing," Rukia answered flatly. "I didn't ask him for anything."

"Really?" Hinamori said, her voice low.

"You can ask the President."

A beat—then Hinamori laughed brightly. "Of course I believe you, Rukia!"

Rukia just gave her a look.

"...So why didn't you ask for something?"

"Oh my god, would you stop already?!" Rukia snapped.

Hinamori had been about to press further, but stopped when she saw Rukia's growing irritation.

"...About the performance—"

"I'm not doing it," Rukia cut in. "If you want to, be my guest."

"Then I won't either," Hinamori said, cheerful.

Rukia squinted at her. She looked honest. Too honest.

Rukia's eyes narrowed. "Momo... you..."

"Hmm?" Hinamori tilted her head, eyes wide and bright.

"You scheming little—"

"I'm innocent!" Hinamori gasped with theatrical shock.

Rukia turned away, refusing to engage.

From the start, she realized now, Hinamori had probably never planned to perform. She'd just wanted to see what she would say. Rukia was annoyed, though she couldn't say why.

This sort of thing had happened more than once. Ever since the two of them had that "open-hearted talk," their relationship had changed in strange, subtle ways.

They'd agreed to "fair competition," but neither of them had ever actually competed. At least, not openly. Rukia didn't believe Hinamori had made any bold moves.

But Hinamori—she always acted like she was guarding something. Every time Rukia and the President spent time alone, even outside of Council work, she'd subtly interrogate her later.

And when Rukia confirmed nothing had happened between them, Hinamori would smile in that fake magnanimous way, like she'd never been worried in the first place.

Rukia didn't get it. What are you being so gracious about? she wanted to say. The one he likes is me.

She didn't trust Hinamori. She trusted Shin.

If the President said he liked her, then she believed he wouldn't cross any lines with anyone else.

—

Evening. The outdoor arena for practical Kidō classes.

As soon as Hinamori stepped inside, violent spiritual pressure crashed over her. It clung to the air like a storm. The sekki stone target dummies were scorched black. Smoke drifted low to the ground.

Outside, it had been peaceful. She couldn't believe this much reiryoku wasn't bleeding beyond the training ground.

It wasn't the first time. She'd asked the President about it before. He'd just said he set up a barrier ahead of time—so no one else would notice.

In her hands was a box of sakura mochi. She sat quietly on the wooden platform and watched Shin, whose body was slick with sweat and focus.

"Hadō #73: Sōren Sōkatsui!"

The massive Kidō roared forward, slamming into the sekki stones with a thundering impact. Even from where she sat, Hinamori felt the heat gust across her skin.

Though the targets held firm, her eyes sparkled.

Shin exhaled, feeling the last of his spiritual energy drain. His arm dropped to his side.

He glanced over and smiled. "What brings you here?"

"I brought sakura mochi," Hinamori said sweetly, opening the box to reveal delicate pink rice cakes arranged with care.

Shin sat beside her, plucking one and taking a bite.

"I've noticed," Hinamori said, "you never chant incantations when casting Kidō."

"They're too long. I can't be bothered to memorize them."

She blinked. That's a reason?

Shin added, "In a real fight, you don't always have the luxury of reciting a full chant. Casting without incantation is more practical."

Hinamori nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense..."

"You should use your free time to train more too."

"But training alone is so boring," she pouted.

"You could train with Kira or Abarai."

"Abarai? That guy's hopeless at Kidō," she scoffed. "No thanks."

Of all her subjects, she was best at Kidō—by far. Even most upperclassmen couldn't confidently claim full mastery over everything below level fifty.

"I'd rather train with you..."

She blushed faintly, voice trailing off.

Shin laughed, handing her the rest of his mochi. She bit the other half gently, eyes never leaving his lips.

"I've got time now," he said, standing.

"Okay!"

He asked, "How high can you cast without incantation?"

"Everything under level fifty!" Hinamori declared proudly.

"Show me a level-fifty spell, then."

"Sure!"

She stepped forward and raised both hands, aiming at the blackened target stones.

Just as she began gathering her reiryoku, Shin placed a hand gently on her arm.

"Your control is fine. Let me show you a quicker, more efficient way."

Their bodies nearly touched. Hinamori froze, warmth pooling in her chest. Shin's voice in her ear blurred into something dreamlike.

"...Are you listening?"

She glanced up—and found herself staring at the sharp angle of his jaw.

Overwhelmed, she lifted onto her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

"..."

Shin feigned a scowl, stepping back. "I said training. What was that?"

Hinamori blinked innocently, lips parted, gazing up at him with that breathless, open look that was anything but innocent.

Shin growled low, stepped forward, and pulled her against him with one arm. His other hand slipped around to the nape of her neck.

"Mm—"

Their lips met like two clouds colliding in still skies—warm and weightless. Sakura mochi sweetness lingered between them.

But the kiss deepened, rhythmic like tide swells, sending tremors through her.

She clung to his robe as if afraid the moment might vanish.

When they parted, her cheeks were flushed, her breath fast and shallow. She licked her lips slowly, savoring the aftertaste.

Shin pinched her chin and muttered, "You've gotten wicked. Figured out how to seduce men, have you?"

Hinamori pouted. "I have not."

Then, defiant, she stuck out her chest. "How do you know it's seduction? You been seduced before?"

Shin chuckled and released her.

She followed, leaning in again with that impish smirk, her twin buns bouncing as she teased, "You're one to talk. Zero self-control."

Shin tapped her forehead. "Enough. Train."

She rubbed the spot with a fake pout. "Okaaay~"

But her eyes sparkled with honeyed mischief.

Rukia... how could you possibly compete with me now?