At those words, Kuchiki Byakuya's pupils suddenly contracted, as if some unpleasant memory had surfaced.
"Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?"
Shimo smiled, wearing an expression Byakuya couldn't begin to decipher.
"Is there anything more thrilling than provoking the original Kenpachi—besides challenging the Captain-Commander himself?"
A faint tremor ran through the Zanpakutō at Byakuya's waist.
Shimo's words had shaken him deeply.
It took a long moment before Byakuya collected himself. Then, with a gaze filled with pity, he looked at Shimo and said:
"As thanks, I'll make sure your remains are properly buried."
"And as for Rukia, I'll take good care of her. After all, she is Hisana's little sister."
"If necessary, I can even use my authority as the head of the Kuchiki Clan to have her adopted into the family."
A black vein popped on Shimo's forehead as his expression fell.
"Can't you at least hope for the best?"
"After everything I've done for you!"
Byakuya shook his head, the sympathy on his face growing deeper.
"Kind words don't stop a dead man, and no amount of compassion can save someone who walks their own path to death."
"There are some things even I cannot stop."
Shimo was momentarily speechless.
He realized that ever since he and Byakuya had grown closer, the guy's hidden snark was beginning to and more.
In a way, Shimo only had himself to blame.
Byakuya had never talked before.
"Well then," Byakuya continued, his tone suddenly shifting back to his usual dignified self, "since you've made your decision, I won't try to dissuade you."
"However, know that the doors of the Sixth Division will always be open to you."
"Not only that—the position of lieutenant is yours, should you want it."
Hearing that, Shimo's expression finally brightened.
"Now that's more like it!"
"It's about time. I should take Rukia back to the Shin'ō Academy."
Shimo stood and prepared to head toward the annex.
Byakuya had no objections and followed closely behind.
On the way, Shimo suddenly remembered something.
"Right. I suggest you do everything in your power to keep Hisana alive."
"At the very least, hold on until I've achieved Shikai."
Byakuya's expression stiffened slightly as he asked:
Whenever it involved Hisana, his usually cold demeanor fell apart.
"Maybe… I might be able to fully bring her back."
A strange light flashed in Shimo's eyes, radiating a sense of calm confidence and trust.
"But even the Fourth Division…"
Byakuya looked troubled.
"If Fourth Division isn't enough, then try the Royal Guard. And if that doesn't work, I can introduce you to someone in the Human World."
Shimo walked alongside him in a relaxed, casual manner.
"That person in the Human World will definitely have a way."
Byakuya nodded, committing Shimo's words to memory.
When it came to Hisana's life, he wouldn't take any chances.
When they saw Rukia again, the girl's eyes were slightly red and puffy. Tear stains still marked her delicate cheeks.
She seemed to notice Shimo approaching and quickly wiped her face with her sleeve, trying to hide her vulnerability.
Forcing a smile onto her pale face, Hisana softly said:
"If there's ever anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."
Before Shimo could respond, Byakuya vanished with a flash of Shunpo, reappearing beside Hisana.
"Just focus on resting and recovering."
"Leave everything else to me."
The emotional highs and lows she had experienced would only harm her weakened body.
Shimo and Rukia didn't disturb them any further and quietly took their leave.
"Rukia, have you ever considered becoming part of a noble family?"
After some thought, Shimo asked the question.
Rukia looked a bit confused. Her eyes were still slightly red, clearly not fully recovered from earlier.
"Because of your connection to Hisana, Byakuya might choose to adopt you into the Kuchiki Clan."
"Though that might seem to go against certain traditions, things tend to happen—either never or endlessly."
"If he starts once, it's unlikely he'll stop," Shimo explained seriously.
"…The Kuchiki Clan, huh?"
Rukia lowered her head, deep in thought.
Shimo didn't interrupt her. The two simply walked in silence toward the Shin'ō Academy.
Just as they were about to reach the Academy's front gate, Rukia suddenly looked up and turned to Shimo.
"If I join the Kuchiki Clan… would that mean we'd be apart?"
"I—I mean, the Kuchiki are the highest among the Four Great Noble Houses…"
Her voice was flustered and uncertain.
Shimo leaned down slightly to meet her gaze.
"Don't worry. The head of the Kuchiki Clan still owes me dozens of favors."
"And besides, the Kyōraku family doesn't have all those uptight rules like the Kuchikis do."
At that, Rukia's face instantly turned bright red. She quickly pulled her hand out of Shimo's and ran toward the academy gate.
"W-what does this have to do with the Kyōraku family?!"
"I—I just didn't want to lose you as a friend!"
Watching her petite figure dash away, Shimo couldn't help but smile.