Chapter 40: Byakuya Kuchiki

Yamahiko looked at Rukia, intending to ask her why she refused, but he thought he should first ask her for the reason. So he said, "Rukia, why did they want you to join the Kuchiki family?"

Rukia replied, "The current head of the Kuchiki family, Byakuya Kuchiki, thinks I look a lot like his wife, who passed away not long ago. So he wants to adopt me as his sister."

Yamahiko knew the real reason was that Rukia was the younger sister of Hisana Kuchiki, but he didn't plan to say that now. Instead, he asked, "The Kuchiki family is one of the high-ranking noble families, and the current head is willing to accept you as a member. This is a good thing, Rukia, why did you refuse?"

For Rukia, this was indeed a good thing, becoming a member of the Kuchiki family, which was one of the four great noble families, was considered a great honor.

Facing Yamahiko's question, Rukia answered, "I just don't want to be separated from all of you."

"Not want to be separated from us?" Yamahiko looked at Rukia and suddenly thought of the original story where Rukia was somewhat distant from Renji Abarai at the beginning. Moreover, they were not in the same class, so there was some distance between them.

But now, Rukia not only had Renji as her childhood friend but also had Yamahiko as her brother, and she had friends like Kira and Momo. They had formed a close-knit group since Yamahiko's injury when they were all from the Rukongai district, relying on each other without any family support. Now, telling her to leave this small group and go to the Kuchiki family, how could she be willing?

Yamahiko fell into slight silence, and Renji Abarai, who rarely appeared serious, said softly, "Becoming a member of the Kuchiki family doesn't mean you have to be separated from us."

Rukia opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. Yamahiko added, "The Kuchiki family is a high-ranking noble family, and they naturally have a gap with us. We don't have the qualifications to get close to them. They are also concerned about you and might have advised you to keep a distance from us."

"Is that so?" Renji Abarai saw Rukia's acquiescent attitude and was very angry. He said, "Did they really think Rukia would be eager to become a noble?"

Yamahiko walked to Rukia's side, looked at Rukia, who was slightly taller than him, and said, "Sister, can I go with you to the Kuchiki family?"

"Why?" Rukia didn't understand Yamahiko's approach.

Yamahiko smiled and said, "Becoming a noble means better resources, and it also means you have a broader future."

"But..." Rukia wanted to say something more, but Yamahiko said, "Don't worry; we won't stay where we are. One day, we will become vice-captains, and captains, achieving a status matching that of the nobles."

Renji Abarai added, "Yamahiko is right. This is a good thing for you, and you should join. We won't be separated from you."

After hearing this, Rukia fell into silence. In her heart, she was somewhat willing, and Byakuya Kuchiki was her only family left.

Yamahiko hugged Rukia and said, "Go ahead, Rukia. I'll go with you."

Rukia nodded and replied, "Alright, I'll go."

Yamahiko, accompanied by Rukia and Renji Abarai, left the squad and arrived at the foot of the mountain. He asked, "Where is Byakuya Kuchiki?"

Renji Abarai answered, "He left with his subordinates after being rejected. He asked Rukia to find them after thinking it over. I learned about it and called Rukia here."

Yamahiko nodded and said, "Then let's go to the Kuchiki family together."

Renji Abarai waved his hand and said, "I'll pass. Yamahiko, you take her."

With those words, Renji Abarai turned and ran.

Yamahiko understood that Renji didn't want the Kuchiki family to discover Rukia with him. After all, he came from the most chaotic area of the Rukongai district. Once their is a lost in balance between worlds, they would be easily killed as a lowly commoner.

In the original story, Renji hadn't met Rukia for decades. Only a month before the story began, when Rukia went to the human world for duty, did he get promoted to vice-captain and finally feel that he had the qualifications to see Rukia again. He was looking forward to her return but hadn't seen her yet. That's why Renji had to go and bring her back.

Renji Abarai was a kind person, loyal, hardworking, and diligent. Although he was a bit easygoing & rebellious, he was a good person. He would step forward when others were in danger, be loyal to his duties, and sacrifice himself for those he cared about.

Rukia watched Renji Abarai leave and looked at Yamahiko. She said, "Maybe we shouldn't go."

Yamahiko, however, said seriously, "You must go."

Rukia nodded and followed behind Yamahiko as they headed towards the noble district.

The noble district was located in one corner of the Seireitei, inhabited only by nobles. It was highly stratified, with clear distinctions of upper-ranking nobles.

The noble district was vast, with many houses occupying large areas of land. It was heavily guarded, making it difficult for ordinary Shinigami to approach. Only vice-captain-level Shinigami could move about freely.

In theory, Yamahiko, as a vice-captain and vice-officer, didn't have the qualifications to enter. However, he gradually took over the responsibilities of the patrol squad, and he was quite familiar with this area.

This was because the patrol squad responsible for the noble district was also under the jurisdiction of the Shihoin family. It's worth noting that the Onmitsukidō had always been led by the head of the Shihoin family, and many lower-ranking nobles joined the Stealth Force.

Yamahiko was gradually taking over the patrol squad's duties and was naturally very familiar with this area.

Yamahiko led Rukia inside without encountering any obstacles and went straight to the Kuchiki residence. He knocked on the door.

The door opened, and an elderly man saw Yamahiko. He asked, "Sir, who are you?"

Yamahiko pulled Rukia forward and said, "Please inform Lord Byakuya Kuchiki that Rukia has arrived."

The elderly man nodded and closed the door as he left.

After a short wait, footsteps approached from behind the door. The door swung open, revealing a tall and handsome man standing at the entrance.

The man had a handsome appearance, long hair, and wore ornate accessories on his head and neck, which were reserved for high-ranking nobles. He had the Celestial Seal and a silver-white windflower veil draped around his neck. His face had a cold and aloof expression, and his light purple eyes revealed a hint of anticipation.

When he saw Rukia, his eyebrows raised softly, and he asked, "Have you agreed?"

Rukia replied softly, "I am willing to join the Kuchiki family."

Byakuya Kuchiki nodded and stepped aside, saying, "Then come in."

Rukia glanced at Yamahiko, and when she saw him nod, she entered the Kuchiki estate's gate.

Byakuya Kuchiki followed her inside. Just as he was about to step over the threshold, he softly said, "Thank you."

Although barely audible, it was a genuine expression of gratitude.

Yamahiko smiled. Byakuya Kuchiki wasn't skilled at expressing emotions through words, but the fact that he could say thank you indicated that he cared deeply about this matter and cherished Rukia.

Yamahiko had initially been concerned that Byakuya might hold a grudge due to Rukia's initial rejection, but now it was clear that he cherished her.

As Yamahiko turned to leave, he hadn't taken more than a few steps when a voice rang out.

"Little Yama-yama, would you like to come in for a visit?"

Yamahiko turned around and saw a pink-haired girl perched on the wall not far away, staring at him with big eyes.

Is that Yachiru Kusajishi? How did she end up here?