Chapter 184: Kuchiki Rukia's Defenses Break! Rukia: Kurosaki

Thus, the showdown between Ishida Uryū and Kurosaki Ichigo ended, with Ichigo using only a single blade to slay a Gillian-level Menos, bringing the curtain down!

Countless Hollows, seeing the endless crimson spray as the Gillian-level Menos collapsed behind it, no longer bothered with Ishida Uryū's bait; they ceased their rampage in Empty Seat Town, turned around, and swarmed into the black cavity where the Gillian was, incessantly feasting on its massive body!

Perhaps this is what they call 'a whale fall brings life to all'—before the corpse of a Gillian-level Menos, a vast congregation of powerful souls far surpassing ordinary Hollows, even countless wandering spirits cannot look down on it; such is the corpse's allure to ordinary Hollows.

The two words 'evolution' seem etched into the deepest part of every Hollow's soul; they clearly know that by devouring this Gillian-level Menos's corpse, they gain the means to evolve into Menos, and will then receive a fundamental upgrade.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, I lost!"

Ishida Uryū watched as, after the Menos fell, the Hollows instinctively feared Kurosaki Ichigo, scattering and fleeing; he lightly pushed up his glasses, spoke a sentence to Ichigo, and then left on his own.

"That guy..."

Kurosaki Ichigo watched as Ishida Uryū's arms bled, his body on the verge of collapse from overloading spiritual particles, already at the end of his rope; Ichigo had originally wanted to call out to him, bring Uryū home, and have his father—who is a well-known doctor in Empty Seat Town—examine him, but Uryū gave the Black Knight no chance to speak.

"Ichigo, let's go!"

At that moment, Rukia seemed to think of something, she drew close to Ichigo's side and whispered.

"Good!"

Kurosaki Ichigo didn't think much, simply gave Kuchiki Rukia a light nod.

The next day, Sunday.

Kurosaki Ichigo lay in bed all day—not because he wanted to, but because he simply couldn't move.

Perhaps it's because, while fighting the Menos on Saturday, he strained his potential and unleashed a spiritual pressure his current spirit body cannot withstand……

As a result, after waking today, Kurosaki Ichigo felt as if his body couldn't move, every muscle aching, each piece of flesh seeming to have suffered some damage.

"What a hassle!"

Kurosaki Ichigo kept sighing, his eyes seeming lifeless.

Fortunately, Kurosaki Ichigo's recovery was swift; by the next morning he found his body unharmed and could attend school normally.

"Ah..."

Thus, Kurosaki Ichigo yawned, and together with Rukia sleeping in his closet, they headed to Empty Seat Town First High School.

"Good morning, everyone~"

After Kurosaki Ichigo entered the classroom, he first greeted his acquaintances, then walked over to Inoue Orihime and Sado Yasutora.

"Thanks for yesterday's help!"

Kurosaki Ichigo looked at Orihime and Yasutora and thanked them.

"Where, where..."

"On the other hand, Auntie also treated us to some delicious juice~"

Orihime laughed after hearing Ichigo's words.

"That's not the same."

Kurosaki Ichigo merely gave a light smile at the kind Orihime.

"Ichigo, sorry for the trouble the other day."

Just as Ichigo, Orihime, and Yasutora were thanking them for their help the other day to the Kurosaki family, Ishida Uryū, his arms bandaged, arrived in Ichigo's class and apologized to him.

"It's fine; as long as no one's hurt, that's good~"

Ichigo merely gave a light laugh after hearing Uryū's words.

"By the way, are your injuries okay?"

Ichigo looked at Uryū's bandages and couldn't help asking.

"No need for you to worry about that."

Uryū nodded at Ichigo and then turned and left.

"That guy..."

Ichigo looked at Uryū's cool demeanor and couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

"Ishida, how did you end up like this? Were you bullied?"

Just as Ishida Uryū turned to leave the classroom where Kurosaki's class was, Teacher Xiao Mei entered, saw the bandages on Ishida, and couldn't help asking.

"No! I wasn't fighting anyone!"

"I just accidentally fell down the stairs at home yesterday!"

Ishida replied, his face not flushing nor his heart racing.

"Really? You should be more careful……"

As for that, Kurosaki Ichigo's homeroom teacher also didn't press further, merely reminding Uryū.

"Okay!"

Uryū, upon hearing that, simply gave a light nod.

"That guy..."

Kurosaki Ichigo watched Uryū's retreating back, a hint of worry in his eyes.

"Don't worry, that guy will be fine~"

Kuchiki Rukia saw this and advised Kurosaki Ichigo.

"That's true."

Kurosaki Ichigo heard that and nodded in agreement.

"……"

But Kurosaki Ichigo failed to notice the faint shadow and worry beneath Rukia's eyes; as a Soul Reaper, there are things she cannot say aloud, so only she herself knows she has lingered too long in the living world.

After school that day, Kurosaki Ichigo returned home and began previewing his lessons.

After Ichigo finished all his homework, he suddenly noticed that Rukia had not come to disturb him today, which was highly unusual, making his heart feel strangely odd~

"Rukia, do you not need to go out and exterminate Hollows today?"

Ichigo Kurosaki looked at his closet and spoke up, asking.

(none)

Ichigo (person short form) - but it's same person; we can list as Heiqi Yihu (already)

Rukia (person)

This made Ichigo Kurosaki's expression freeze slightly, then he immediately stood up and shoved the closet open.

(none)

When Ichigo opened the closet, he found that the inside was actually empty.

(none)

This made Ichigo Kurosaki feel a strange sensation; he furrowed his brows and began to think, until Ichigo Kurosaki picked up a letter from where Rukia was sleeping.

Ichigo Kurosaki (person)

Ichigo Kurosaki opened the envelope before him and saw a letter filled with kana, completely composed of 'pinyin', to the point of being unreadable.

(none)

Ichigo Kurosaki looked at the letter before him, and his eyelid twitched slightly.

"There are way too many 'ta's in this letter? After removing them…"

"For some reason, I must leave; don't come looking for me, and you don't need to worry about me. After reading this letter, please burn it, and if possible, please temporarily find a safer place to hide."

Ichigo Kurosaki (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

(none)

After Ichigo Kurosaki finished reading Rukia's letter, he balled up the letter in his hand and then shouted angrily.

Ichigo Kurosaki (classmate) (person with honorific) - still Heiqi Yihu

Ichigo Kurosaki (person), second floor (place? generic floor) - exclude

(none)

Ichigo Kurosaki looked at the newcomer, his gaze pausing slightly.

(none)

Urahara heard Ichigo's address to him, his eyelid twitched slightly; he gripped his cane and shoved hard at Ichigo's chest.

(none)

Instantly, Ichigo Kurosaki's soul detached from his body on its own.

At the same time, the sky gradually grew dark.

Rukia Kuchiki (person), Ichigo Kurosaki (person) (residence - residence, generic)

In fact, from the day Rukia met Ichigo Kurosaki, she had already guessed her own ending; she just hadn't expected it to come so soon.

"Hey hey hey! Isn't that Rukia?!"

"You're in such a hurry; where exactly are you headed?"

Just as Rukia was running down the street, a hoarse voice suddenly came from above her head.

Rukia Kuchiki (person), Renji (person short)

Hearing the voice, Rukia's expression shifted slightly; she turned around and looked up at the sky, and when she saw the red figure standing on the utility pole, she exclaimed in shock.

"How? Did seeing me scare you?"

Renji Abarai (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

Rukia Kuchiki (person), Renji Abarai (person)

"Catch you? This is just part of my job..."

Renji Abarai (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person), Gotei 13 (organization)

You even took advantage of the situation to steal the Soul Reaper power you painstakingly trained, you bastard—where is he now?! I'm going to go kill him right now to avenge you, upholding the honor of our Gotei 13!

Renji Abarai, having worked as vice-captain for a while, had mastered the art of speech; with just a few short words he transformed Rukia Kuchiki, from a heinous criminal who had given Soul Reaper power to a human, into a victim ambushed by a deceitful human.

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

Rukia isn't stupid either; she certainly knows what Renji means. Right now, if she does as he says, she won't just avoid conviction by Soul Society—she'll even receive some compensation—but the precondition is that she must invert black and white, condemning Ichigo Kurosaki as a madman who scorns Soul Society and plots to seize Soul Reaper power, which she cannot do.

"Rukia, snap out of it! Do you know your current situation?"

"Besides the method I just mentioned, you have no other recourse..."

Rukia Kuchiki (person), the one who stole your Shinigami powers (generic), Seireitei (place), Soul Society (organization), Central 46 (place)

Renji Abarai certainly knows that Rukia transferred her Soul Reaper power to a mortal; there must be her own reasons for doing so, and the human who received her power might truly be innocent!

But right now he can't worry about all that; the only thing that matters at the moment is to spare no effort to protect Rukia and have the Central 46 declare her innocent—everything else can wait until after she's acquitted.

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

"This matter is entirely on me, and has nothing to do with that human!"

Rukia Kuchiki (person), Renji Abarai (person)

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

"Sorry, Renji, I can't drag an innocent person into this..."

Rukia naturally knows Renji is saying these things for someone's sake, going against his conscience; she looks at him solemnly and speaks in a low voice.

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person)

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person), Ichigo Kurosaki (person) (via description)

Renji (person), Rukia Kuchiki (person), Kuchiki Captain (title), Ichigo Kurosaki (person) (via description)

Captain Rotten Wood?!

Rukia's complexion changed slightly after hearing Renji's words.

"Rukia, long time no see!"

Before Rukia could turn, she heard an extremely cold voice behind her, a voice like a thousand years of ice that made Rukia shiver.

"Sister... brother!"

Rukia turned her head, looking at the man beside her whose features were as sharp as a knife, sword‑like eyebrows that exuded authority without anger, whose whole being radiated a superior aura; she couldn't help but lower her head to state his identity.

Indeed, the newcomer was Rukia's brother‑in‑law, who was also her foster brother Byakuya Kuchiki.

"Asanui Renji, what do you think of this matter?"

Byakuya ignored Rukia beside him and, to himself, asked Renji.

"Captain, I now strongly suspect that Rukia has fallen under an enemy illusion; her mind is not clear at the moment and she cannot communicate with us normally!"

"Therefore, I think we should still follow the original plan: locate the human who seized Rukia's Shinigami power and put that human on trial..."

Renji also ignored Rukia; he decided to see the villain through to the end, to personally eliminate the one who took Rukia's Shinigami power and send him to Room 46 for trial. As for whether Rukia would despise this, he couldn't concern himself with that now.

"Renji!"

Rukia's complexion changed sharply after hearing Asanui Renji's words.

"Captain Kuchiki, what do you think?"

Renji dared not look at Rukia; he stared at the Byakuya before him and asked softly.

"Fine."

Byakuya, after hearing Renji, lightly nodded.

"Brother!"

Rukia did not expect that even her usually stern brother‑in‑law would plan, together with Renji, to involve innocent people.

"Rukia, your sister misses you. After you return today, go to the mansion and keep Hime company! The rest can be left to me and Renji..."

Byakuya turned, his gaze burning as he looked at Rukia, speaking in an utterly calm tone that left Rukia no room for rebuttal, and said gravely.

"Sister Hime."

Rukia did not expect Byakuya to mention Hime in front of her; this made her body tremble continuously, her complexion turning deathly pale.

If Rukia has any absolute soft spot she cannot abandon, it must be her full‑blood older sister, who is also Byakuya Kuchiki's wife, Hime Kuchiki.

"Alright, it's settled then."

At this moment, Renji quickly interjected, seeming to give a conclusion about Rukia losing her Shinigami power. The result was that everything was the fault of the human who took Rukia's Shinigami power, and Rukia was also a victim.

"Sorry, Renji, and brother!"

"I cannot let you harm him..."

"It's not about anything else; I just can't get past this hurdle in my heart!"

After pondering for a few seconds, Rukia resolutely stepped in front of Renji and Byakuya, speaking with an extremely serious demeanor.

"Rukia, do you know what you're saying?"

As Rukia's words fell, Renji's complexion changed sharply; he looked at Rukia and asked coldly.

"I know!"

Rukia, after hearing Renji, nodded vigorously.

"You will be sentenced to death!"

Renji warned Rukia.

"Never involve the innocent!"

"Renji, you forgot, this is what you told me when you were in school!"

Rukia replied in a firm tone.

"I..."

Renji's eye twitched slightly; indeed those were his words. When he was in school he was a rather angry youth, disdainful of those who bullied others, threatened people at a moment's notice, and implicated innocent nobles! Yet back then, how could he have known that he and others would one day become power holders in the Soul Society?!

To be fair, if Asanui Renji had known earlier that he would become the deputy captain of the Sixth Division and a member of the Soul Society's privileged class, and that various problems would arise with Rukia, he would have kept his mouth shut then. Now, however, he finds himself wildly slapping his own face...

"Deputy Captain Asanui!"

Just as Renji was about to stay silent, Byakuya's expression changed slightly; he deliberately reminded Renji with a sentence that seemed to hint at something.

"I..."

Renji looked at Byakuya's increasingly cold expression, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Indeed, his captain is a model aristocrat, a symbol of Soul Society's rules; such heretical words must never be spoken by the captain. Since the captain cannot say them, only the deputy captain can.

"In any case, Rukia, you don't have to deal with this!"

"What that human actually thinks is not up to you or me; it depends on what Room 46 decides..."

"But Rukia, there's one thing you must understand: regardless of whether the human who stole your Shinigami power is innocent, they must die!"

"This concerns the prestige of the Gotei 13 and Room 46; the higher‑ups of the Soul Society absolutely will not allow mere humans to wield Shinigami power."

Renji's complexion grew grim; he could not bear Rukia's suffering nor be cruel to her, but now he had no choice. Determined to save Rukia yet pressured by the gaze of his superior Byakuya Kuchiki, he settled on this villain.

"Renji..."

Rukia, after hearing Renji, seemed a bit despondent; her lips were dry, as if she wanted to say something, but she also understood that Renji was right.

"Anyway, I'll first return to the Soul Society with you; we can discuss the human's matter later. What do you think?!"

What Rukia can do now is buy time for Ichigo Kurosaki.

Fortunately, before leaving, Rukia had already informed Kisuke Urahara; with Urahara's care, Ichigo Kurosaki should be safe...

"You...!"

Renji looked at Rukia with a hint of helplessness; Rukia was still the kind, extraordinarily strong person who never wanted to hurt anyone.

"Fine."

Byakuya remained silent for a moment, then lightly nodded.

Translation: "Byakuya remained silent for a moment, then lightly nodded."

Byakuya remained silent for a moment, then lightly nodded.

"Vice Captain Abarai, go open the door."

"Vice Captain Abarai, go open the door."

Byakuya instructed Renji.

Byakuya instructed Renji.

"Yes, Captain!"

"Yes, Captain!" (Renji speaking). We'll translate: "\"Yes, Captain! \""

Renji said, holding his Zanpakutō, and was about to walk away.

Renji said, holding his Soul-Cutting Sword, and was about to walk away.

"Hey! Where are you taking Rukia?!"

"Hey! Where are you taking Rukia?" We'll translate: "\"Hey! Where are you taking Rukia? \""

However, at this critical moment, a man wearing a Shinigami uniform with a huge Zanpakutō on his back blocked Renji and company's path.

"However, at this critical moment, a man wearing a Shinigami uniform and carrying a huge Soul-Cutting Sword on his back blocked Renji and the others' path." We'll translate: "However, at this critical moment, a man wearing a Shinigami uniform and bearing a huge Soul-Cutting Sword on his back blocked Renji and the others' way."

"Huh? Who are you talking to, kid?!"

"Huh? Who are you talking to, kid?" We'll translate: "\"Huh? Who are you talking to, kid? \""

"Do you know who we are?!"

"Do you know who we are?" We'll translate: "\"Do you know who we are? \""

"Tell me which division you belong to?!"

"Tell me which division you belong to!" We'll translate: "\"Tell me which division you belong to! \""

Renji glanced at the newcomer; seeing the Shinigami uniform, he mistakenly assumed the person was a Gotei 13 Shinigami, thought Rukia's affair must stay secret, furrowed his brows, and loudly rebuked the uniformed person.

"Renji glanced at the newcomer; upon seeing the Shinigami uniform on the person, he, being somewhat sensitive, mistakenly thought the person was a Shinigami from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. He recalled that Rukia's affair must not be exposed, lest more people learn of it, so his brows instantly knit tightly, and he loudly rebuked the man wearing the Shinigami uniform." Need to keep meaning. We'll produce a concise but faithful translation: "Renji glanced at the newcomer; seeing the Shinigami uniform on the person, he, being somewhat sensitive, mistakenly took him for a Shinigami of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, recalled that Rukia's matter must not be made public, lest more people learn of it, so his brows instantly knit tight, and he loudly rebuked the man in the Shinigami uniform."

"I am Renji Abarai, vice-captain of the 6th Division!"

"I am Renji Abarai, Vice Captain of the Sixth Division!" We'll translate: "\"I am Renji Abarai, vice captain of the Sixth Division! \""

"From now on, when you see me, call me vice-captain, you brat!"

"From now on, when you see me, remember to call me vice captain! You brat..." We'll translate: "\"From now on, when you see me, remember to call me vice captain, you brat! \""

Because the Gotei 13 has many members, Renji didn't recognize the newcomer; but not recognizing him doesn't mean the stranger shouldn't know him, since Renji is the 6th Division vice-captain and a prominent figure in the Gotei 13, most officers should be familiar with him.

"Because there are too many members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, Renji also failed to recognize the newcomer's identity; however, Renji not recognizing the other person does not mean the other shouldn't recognize him, for he is the vice captain of the Sixth Division, a notable figure in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and most squad members should have some acquaintance with him." We'll translate: "Because the Thirteen Court Guard Squads have so many members, Renji also failed to recognize the newcomer's identity; but Renji not recognizing the other person doesn't mean the other shouldn't recognize him—he is the vice captain of the Sixth Division, a notable figure in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and most squad members ought to know him somewhat."

"What '6th Division vice-captain'? I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"What 'Sixth Division vice captain'? I don't understand at all!" We'll translate: "\"What 'Sixth Division vice captain'? I don't understand at all! \""

"No matter who you are, put Rukia down immediately before I get angry!"

"No matter who you are, put Rukia down right now before I get angry!" We'll translate: "\"No matter who you are, put Rukia down right now before I get angry! \""

The Shinigami wearing a Shinigami uniform with orange short hair shouted at Abarai Renji, the redhead.

The Shinigami in a Shinigami uniform with orange short hair shouted at Abarai Renji, the redhead.

"Huh?!"

"Huh?!" We'll translate: "\"Huh?! \""

Renji, hearing the blond's words, froze for a moment, seemingly not understanding what the blond Shinigami said.

"Renji, hearing the blond's words, froze for a moment; he seemed not to understand what the blond Shinigami in front of him said." We'll translate: "Renji, hearing the blond's words, froze for a moment; he seemed not to understand what the blond Shinigami before him said."

"Ichigo..."

" Ichigo..." Actually it's a call: "Ichigo..." We'll translate: "\"Ichigo... \""

In contrast, Rukia, held by Renji and Byakuya, had sweat beading on her forehead, nervously looking at Ichigo Kurosaki before her.

"On the other hand, Rukia, who had been seized by Renji and Byakuya, was covered in sweat on her forehead, nervously looking at Ichigo Kurosaki before her." We'll translate: "On the other hand, Rukia, seized by Renji and Byakuya, broke out in sweat on her forehead, nervously looking at Ichigo Kurosaki before her."

"I see, now I understand..."

"So that's how it is, I understand..." We'll translate: "\"Now I understand... \""

"You're the human who received Shinigami powers from Rukia, right?"

"You are the human to whom Rukia gave Shinigami powers, right?" We'll translate: "\"You're the human to whom Rukia gave Shinigami powers, right? \""

After a brief moment of shock, Renji suddenly reacted, glaring coldly at Ichigo Kurosaki and asking.

"After a brief moment of dazedness, Renji suddenly reacted, glaring at Ichigo Kurosaki before him and coldly inquiring." We'll translate: "After a brief moment of dazedness, Renji suddenly reacted, glaring at Ichigo Kurosaki before him and coldly inquiring."

"Who the hell are you?!"

"Who are you?!"

Ichigo Kurosaki, hearing Renji's words, furrowed his brows and asked coldly.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, hearing Renji's words, furrowed his brows and asked coldly." We'll translate: "Ichigo Kurosaki, hearing Renji's words, furrowed his brows and asked coldly."

"I already said my name is Renji Abarai!"

"I've already said my name is Renji Abarai!" We'll translate: "\"I've already said my name is Renji Abarai! \""

"Remember this: what is the name of the person you killed?"

"Remember this: what is the name of the person you killed?"

Renji said, drawing his Zanpakutō from his waist.

"Renji said, then directly drew his Soul-Cutting Sword from his waist." We'll translate: "Renji said, then drew his Soul-Cutting Sword from his waist."

"Renji!"

"Renji!" We'll translate: "\"Renji! \""

Rukia watched Renji draw his sword, her pupils trembling slightly.

"Rukia looked at the sword-drawing Renji, her pupils slightly trembling." We'll translate: "Rukia watched Renji draw his sword, her pupils trembling slightly."

"Rukia, saying more is useless! Once I settle this, you must explain your actions to Central 46! Do not let this human's sacrifice be in vain! Do you understand?!"

"Rukia, saying more is useless! Wait until I settle all this, then you explain your actions to the Central 46 Chambers! By no means let this human's sacrifice be in vain! Hear me clearly?!" We'll translate: "\"Rukia, saying more is useless! Wait until I settle all this, then you explain your actions to the Central 46 Chambers! By no means let this human's sacrifice be in vain! Hear me clearly?! \""

Renji glanced at Rukia behind him and spoke coldly.

"Renji glanced at Rukia behind him and said coldly." We'll translate: "Renji glanced at Rukia behind him and said coldly."

"Damn it! I don't need your help like this!"

"Damn it! I don't need your help like this..." We'll translate: "\"Damn it! I don't need your help like this... \""

Rukia said to Renji in a low voice.

"Rukia said to Renji in a low voice." We'll translate: "Rukia said to Renji in a low voice."

"This isn't just helping you; the Kuchiki clan also forbids anyone from unlawfully giving Shinigami powers to humans! Rukia, think about your sister's situation!"

"This isn't just helping you; the Kuchiki clan also does not allow clan members to arbitrarily bestow Shinigami powers on humans! Rukia, think carefully about your sister's situation!" We'll translate: "\"This isn't just helping you; the Kuchiki clan also forbids clan members from arbitrarily bestowing Shinigami powers on humans! Rukia, think carefully about your sister's situation! \""

Renji scolded Rukia.

"Renji scolded Rukia." We'll translate: "Renji scolded Rukia."

"I..."

"I..." We'll translate: "\"I... \""

Upon hearing Renji's words, Rukia's body trembled; she was indeed caught in a dilemma.

"Rukia, hearing Renji's words, trembled continuously; she indeed found herself in a dilemma." We'll translate: "Rukia, hearing Renji's words, trembled continuously; she indeed found herself in a dilemma."

"Rukia, stay where you are and watch how I defeat them!"

"Rukia, just stay where you are and watch how I defeat them!" We'll translate: "\"Rukia, just stay where you are and watch how I defeat them! \""

At the moment Rukia was distressed, Ichigo Kurosaki's voice rang out again.

"Just as Rukia was in distress, Ichigo Kurosaki's voice sounded again." We'll translate: "Just as Rukia was in distress, Ichigo Kurosaki's voice sounded again."

"Ichigo, run! You're no match for them."

"Run, Ichigo! You're no match for them." We'll translate: "\"Run, Ichigo! You're no match for them. \""

Rukia looked at Ichigo somewhat despairingly, hoping he would escape, not wishing him to sacrifice himself for her; she would bear the consequences of her mistake alone.

"Rukia looked at Ichigo somewhat desperately, hoping he could flee, not wishing him to sacrifice himself to save her; she would bear the consequences of her mistake alone." We'll translate: "Rukia looked at Ichigo somewhat desperately, hoping he could flee, not wishing him to sacrifice himself to save her; she would bear the consequences of her mistake alone."

"Heh heh! How do you know I can't win if we haven't fought?"

"Heh heh! You haven't fought me, how do you know I can't win?" We'll translate: "\"Heh heh! You haven't fought me, how do you know I can't win? \""

Ichigo merely laughed after hearing Rukia's words, seeming full of confidence.

"Ichigo, hearing Rukia's words, merely laughed loudly; he seemed full of confidence in himself." We'll translate: "Ichigo, hearing Rukia's words, merely laughed loudly; he seemed full of confidence in himself."

"Damn human brat..."

"Damn human brat..." We'll translate: "\"Damn human brat... \""

Upon hearing Ichigo's words, Renji furrowed his brows, deciding to teach the arrogant human brat a lesson.

"Renji, hearing Ichigo's words, furrowed his brows tightly; he decided to give this arrogant human brat a good lesson." We'll translate: "Renji, hearing Ichigo's words, furrowed his brows tightly; he decided to give this arrogant human brat a good lesson."

"Renji, protect Rukia."

"Renji, protect Rukia well." We'll translate: "\"Renji, protect Rukia well. \""

However, just as Renji was about to act, the perpetually silent Byakuya Kuchiki left a remark and then walked toward Ichigo Kurosaki.

"However, just as Renji was about to act, the perpetually silent Byakuya Kuchiki, after leaving a remark, proceeded on his own toward Ichigo Kurosaki." We'll translate: "However, just as Renji was about to act, the perpetually silent Byakuya Kuchiki, after leaving a remark, proceeded on his own toward Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Captain, are you going to personally engage?"

"Captain, are you going to act personally?" We'll translate: "\"Captain, are you going to act personally? \""

Renji, seeing Byakuya prepare to act, felt a chill; frankly, he couldn't recall how long it had been since he last saw Byakuya fight personally.

"Renji, looking at Byakuya preparing to act, felt a chill run down his spine. Frankly, he could no longer recall how long it had been since he last saw Byakuya act personally." We'll translate: "Renji, looking at Byakuya preparing to act, felt a chill run down his spine. Frankly, he could no longer recall how long it had been since he last saw Byakuya act personally."

"The Kuchiki clan's mistake will be corrected by the Kuchiki clan!"

"The Kuchiki clan's mistake will be corrected by the Kuchiki clan!" We'll translate: "\"The Kuchiki clan's mistake will be corrected by the Kuchiki clan! \""

Byakuya replied calmly, as if answering Renji, himself, and also explaining something to Rukia.

"Byakuya replied indifferently. He seemed to be answering Renji, answering himself, and at the same time explaining something to Rukia." We'll translate: "Byakuya replied indifferently, as if answering Renji, answering himself, and at the same time explaining something to Rukia."

"Elder brother!"

"Elder brother!" We'll translate: "\"Elder brother! \""

Rukia watched Byakuya prepare to act, her eyelid twitching slightly.

"Rukia, watching Byakuya prepare to act, felt her eyelid twitch slightly." We'll translate: "Rukia, watching Byakuya prepare to act, felt her eyelid twitch slightly."

"Watch over Rukia..."

"Rukia, watch well..." We'll translate: "\"Rukia, watch well... \""

Byakuya didn't turn to look at Rukia, merely left a half‑sentence and then walked straight to Ichigo Kurosaki's front.

"Byakuya did not turn to look at Rukia; he merely left a half‑sentence remark and then went straight to stand before Ichigo Kurosaki." We'll translate: "Byakuya did not turn to look at Rukia; he merely left a half‑sentence remark and then went straight to stand before Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Good timing!"

"Good timing!" We'll translate: "\"Good timing! \""

Ichigo Kurosaki, looking at Byakuya before him, burst into laughter, immediately swung his Zanpakutō from behind and slashed at Byakuya.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, looking at Byakuya before him, merely laughed wildly, then immediately swung the Soul‑Cutting Sword at his back and slashed at Byakuya." We'll translate: "Ichigo Kurosaki, looking at Byakuya before him, merely laughed wildly, then immediately swung the Soul‑Cutting Sword at his back and slashed at Byakuya."

Whoosh!

However, at the moment when Heiqi Yihu's sword fell, Xiumu Bai Zai, unbeknownst when, had already arrived behind Heiqi Yihu.

"How is that possible!!"

For a moment, everyone present froze in place, including Lu Qi Ya, including A San Jing Lian Ci, and even Heiqi Yihu themselves.

"Pa!"

Just as Heiqi Yihu was about to say something, the Soul-Cutting Sword in his hand suddenly emitted a soft sound, and then, like snow melting, it turned into countless fragments, scattering across the ground.

"Swish!"

Immediately, two blood stains appeared out of thin air on Heiqi Yihu's chest, countless bright red blood gushed from the wound, Heiqi Yihu looked at the wound on his body, his pupils dilated, and from beginning to end he never knew what had happened.

"Thud~"

Before Heiqi Yihu could think much, he had already lain on the ground, completely fainted.

"Yihu!"

Xiumu Lu Qi Ya couldn't believe what was before their eyes; they looked at Heiqi Yihu, their eyes filled with helplessness, they were truly too weak, so weak that they could not possibly help Heiqi Yihu, escaping the fate of being slain.

"It's over!"

After Bai Zai finished saying that, Yihu had completely lost consciousness.

"Let's go back, Lu Qi Ya and us!"

A San Jing Lian Ci looked at Lu Qi Ya, who had their head lowered because Heiqi Yihu had fallen, as if wanting to say something, but not knowing what to say.

In fact, A San Jing Lian Ci clearly understood that Bai Zai chose to personally act against a child who had just obtained Soul Reaper power merely because Bai Zai did not want, between Bai Zai and Lu Qi Ya, a rift to arise due to a human's death.

"……"

Lu Qi Ya lowered their head, they said nothing, merely nodding lightly.

Now, because of Lu Qi Ya's willfulness, Heiqi Yihu has collapsed; if Lu Qi Ya continues to be willful, everything they cherish in the mortal world may be mercilessly destroyed.

"Lu Qi Ya, don't go!"

However, just as Lu Qi Ya was about to leave with Bai Zai and A San Jing Lian Ci, their ears once again heard Heiqi Yihu's voice.

"Yihu?!!"

Lu Qi Ya turned around, looking at Heiqi Yihu, who had clearly lost consciousness yet was still faintly chanting their name, their eyes inevitably fogged over.

"Idiot! Are you stupid or what?"

Lu Qi Ya's body slightly undulated, and they revealed an extremely bitter smile toward Heiqi Yihu.

"Looks like they haven't died completely."

Bai Zai gazed at Heiqi Yihu, who had clearly collapsed yet kept chanting Lu Qi Ya's name, a flicker of complexity in their eyes; they ultimately still drew the Soul-Cutting Sword at their waist, intending to deliver a final blow to Heiqi Yihu! There was no way; given the current situation, only one of Lu Qi Ya and Heiqi Yihu could survive.

"This time it's really over!"

Bai Zai gripped the Soul-Cutting Sword, looking down at Yihu, and swung fiercely.

"Yihu!!"

Lu Qi Ya couldn't help but lunge forward.

"Hold on a bit! Lu Qi Ya..."

However, Lu Qi Ya had not stepped forward, yet was already stopped by A San Jing Lian Ci.

"Ding~"

At this moment, Lu Qi Ya was utterly despairing.

However, after Bai Zai's sword fell, the scene Lu Qi Ya imagined did not occur; instead, there was a remarkably clear sound of the two swords clashing.

"Who are you?!!"

The one who intended to directly slay Heiqi Yihu, Xiumu Bai Zai, upon seeing the arrival, had their pupils slightly tremble, their expression bearing a hint of shock.

"Bai Zai kid, show mercy where you can!"

"Let's end this battle here, okay?"

The speaker had a vortex-shaped tattoo on their face, their appearance somewhat resembling the fallen Heiqi Yihu, clad in black Shinigami attire, wielding a sharp Soul-Cutting Sword.

Former head of the Zhibo clan, Zhibo Tian Sun! Why are you interfering in this matter?

Bai Zai looked at the visitor, their eyes showing some solemnity, and asked in a cold voice.

Yes, the man who suddenly appeared and blocked Bai Zai's lethal strike aimed at Heiqi Yihu was none other than the former head of the Zhibo clan, Zhibo Tian Sun~, who had disappeared after heading to the mortal world hundreds of years ago.

"Former head of the Zhibo clan?!!"

"The one that can rival the Kuchiki clan, being one of the five great noble families alongside the Kuchiki clan and the Four Noble Houses, the former head of the Zhibo clan?!!"

After hearing Bai Zai's words, A San Jing Lian Ci and Lu Qi Ya both showed expressions of shock; they had originally thought that Zhibo Tian Sun was not an ordinary person, but they hadn't expected their background to be so significant.

"Former head of the Zhibo clan?"

"So this man in front of us is none other than the father of Vice-captain Hai Yan?!!"

Lu Qi Ya muttered to themselves.

"Of course we're going to save this little brat~"

"After all, this child is indeed a member of our Shiba family~"

"Just then, Tianjun revealed even more shocking news."

"Huh? That orange-haired little brat is actually a member of the Shiba family?"

"Renji, upon hearing Shiba Tianjun's words, was outright scared stupid."

"This..."

"As for Xiumu Luqiya, she suddenly recalled that she had once, when introducing herself and Heiqi Yihu's identity to her classmates, said that she was a distant cousin of Yihu. Thinking this way, isn't it that her words became a self-fulfilling prophecy?!"

"A member of the Shiba family? He is the brother of Haiyan and Konghe?"

"Bai Zai was slightly stunned; recalling Heiqi Yihu's detestable face, his brows slightly furrowed as he wondered how he felt that Yihu's face seemed somewhat familiar—seeing it made him unable to resist wanting to slash the opponent, and since he was the brother of Shiba Haiyan, it was no wonder……"

"Yihu is Haiyan's male cousin."

Tiansun shouldered his knife and explained to Bai Zai.

Cousin? In that case, the timing also matches up.

Kurosaki Ichigo is the son of Shiba Isshin, right?

Bai Zai understood something, and as he spoke he sheathed his Soul-Cutter Sword.

That blond idiot is actually the Shiba Captain's son?

Renji's face changed dramatically; he had heard too much information today, already beginning to feel overwhelmed, and even Renji started to doubt whether knowing so much about the Five Great Noble Houses would really not get him assassinated by the nobles?!

Ichigo is the Shiba Captain's son? If so, that seemingly clueless father of Ichigo's is actually the Shiba Captain himself?!

Rukia momentarily felt as if she had a bone stuck in her throat.

Rukia suddenly recalled the first time she had met Ichigo's parents, when she had cheerfully introduced her identity, and the kindness revealed by Ichigo's father—originally Rukia had thought Ichigo's father was simple-minded and easily deceived……

Now thinking about it, the simple-minded one was actually herself; Ichigo's father must have recognized her identity from the very first day, so he was just playing along~

My heart hurts so much!

Just thinking about how she had been staying at Ichigo's house these days, acting in front of Ichigo's father, made her want to find a crack in the ground to crawl into……

Even though not much time had passed, Rukia's memories of her past death had begun to resurface, repeatedly dealing critical blows to her.

At this moment, Rukia finally broke down……

If I could, I really want to kill that version of myself who kept acting in front of the former captain. Rukia, you're such an embarrassing fool……

Rukia's fingers trembled slightly; whenever she thought of Shiba Isshin, while watching her performance, she would inwardly surrender and extend to her a foolishly kind concern, leaving her breathless, wishing she could travel back in time and stab her past self in the chest.

I see, if Ichigo had been a member of the Shiba family from the start, then Rukia wouldn't be considered to have transferred her spiritual power to a human! This could only be regarded as a friendly exchange between Soul Reapers~

Bai Zai is a very adaptable person, especially with a sister-obsessed wife at home; he quickly devised a way to exonerate Rukia based on the information he controlled.

Exactly so……

After hearing Bai Zai's words, Shiba Tiansun nodded vigorously.

Rukia, Renji, let's head back!

I know how to deal with the Forty-Six Chamber.

Bai Zai said, lightly waving his hand forward.

Instantly, a trembling World-Piercing Gate appeared before Bai Zai.

Great, Captain!

Rukia can be saved!

Renji finally relaxed after hearing Bai Zai's words.

Um, Ichigo's condition……

Upon hearing that, Rukia didn't care about her own condition; she only wanted to know if Ichigo could still be saved, not wanting him to die because of her.

Leave it to me with peace of mind~

After all, he's my own nephew~

Shiba Tiansun smiled after hearing Rukia's words.

If I entrust Ichigo to you, I'll be at ease!

Upon hearing that, Rukia lightly nodded to Tiansun.

Mm~

See you in the Soul Society in a few days~

Tiansun smiled at Rukia upon hearing that, then uttered a brief sentence.

……

Upon hearing that, Bai Zai silently turned around, gave Tiansun a serious look, said nothing, and led Renji and Rukia toward the World-Piercing Gate.

What exactly is the Shiba family plotting?

Why expose Ichigo's identity at a time like this?

Bai Zai walked through the World-Piercing Gate, murmuring softly.

It seems I've gotten involved in a struggle I shouldn't have.

Renji, walking beside Bai Zai, looked somewhat grim after hearing Bai Zai's words.

Abarai Renji is merely a low-ranking vice-captain, lacking the strength and capital to contend with the Five Great Noble Houses! The struggle among the Five Great Noble Houses should be left to their own people to resolve~

Meanwhile……

After Kuchiki Byakuya and the others had left the mortal world for a few hours, Kurosaki Ichigo finally opened his eyes, and as soon as he did he loudly shouted: "Rukia!!"

Yo! Kurosaki-san, you're awake?

Don't worry! The surgery was a great success~

Now you are……

Unfortunately, when Ichigo opened his eyes, what appeared before him was not Rukia, but a shady merchant wearing a fisherman's hat on his head.

Ten-thousand-word chapter~