Until He Can Bear the Responsibility

The gentle sound of flowing water drifted in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

After about three breaths of silence, a crisp sound suddenly rang out.

It was the sound of a bamboo water scoop filling with water and striking a stone slab as it tipped forward.

The accumulated water was emptied, lightening its weight… As the bamboo's balance shifted, it once again lifted one end into the air.

Seiya Arima couldn't help but glance sideways.

"..."

Before his eyes was a meticulously arranged courtyard, designed with a refined and deliberate aesthetic.

The bamboo ladle continuously tipped and reset, following a repetitive cycle, producing a rhythmic clacking sound—an ancient and simplistic noise,

Recording, in its own crude yet natural way, the passage of time.

Tap, tap, tap…

Footsteps sounded just outside the door, prompting Seiya to withdraw his gaze and turn his attention inward.

With a soft sliding noise, the door opened.

A woman dressed in a traditional kimono knelt at the entrance. She had elegant features, though faint wrinkles trailed at the corners of her eyes and across her cheeks.

The subtle traces of age on her face did not diminish her grace; instead, they simply marked the gentle passing of time.

She bowed respectfully toward Seiya.

"You must be Arima Seiya, the student here for the internship today?"

Seeing her formal attitude, Seiya wasted no time in returning the courtesy, bowing as he spoke politely.

"Yes, I am Arima Seiya. I submitted my application five days ago, hoping to intern here at the Sixth Division."

Indeed.

It had been nearly a week since his conversation with Kotetsu Kiyone.

Seireitei's lockdown was still in effect.

But just as both Aizen and Seiya had predicted, such measures couldn't last indefinitely.

If restrictions remained in place too long, people would start complaining.

Old man Yamamoto was stubborn, but not deaf to reason.

Now that the investigation had dragged on without results, compromise was inevitable.

And thanks to that…

The so-called "culprit"—Seiya—was now free to move about and resume his internship.

His chosen destination?

The place he had carefully considered before making his decision.

"Lord Kuchiki has already been informed of your arrival. Please follow me to the hall… Do you have any concerns before we proceed?"

Even something as simple as guiding a guest was treated with formality here.

The Sixth Division's style and conduct stood out among the diverse squads of the Gotei 13.

Seiya placed both hands at his sides, bent his knees to the floor, then pushed himself up into a formal kneeling stance before standing.

"Please lead the way."

The woman seemed pleased with his composure and demeanor, her gentle smile deepening.

"It is my duty."

As they walked along the wide corridor, Seiya passed through two courtyards, moving beneath sunlit walkways before arriving at a traditional room with an austere design.

The woman bowed slightly and made a formal gesture of invitation.

Seiya had done his research.

He immediately stepped aside, bowing his head.

Among nobles, propriety was paramount.

As a guest, he knew his place—he was here to observe and learn.

Since he could not see what was happening, he focused on listening.

The sliding of doors.

Soft greetings.

Brief conversation.

Then, footsteps approached…

"Arima-kun, Lord Kuchiki will see you now."

Success.

Seiya straightened up and lifted his gaze.

The room's interior unfolded before him.

As expected, the furnishings were not ostentatious.

A single long table, meant for formal kneeling posture, occupied the center.

And against the wall opposite the entrance hung a massive calligraphy scroll.

A single character written in bold strokes: "Exalt" (夸)

Its placement and composition were simple, yet commanding.

Having taken in his surroundings, Seiya turned his attention to the figure seated behind the table.

An elderly man.

His appearance was imposing—strict and serious.

Long silver-white hair was neatly combed back.

His beard, thick and well-groomed, extended past his chin, lending him an air of solemnity.

His narrow, sharp face bore no excess flesh, further accentuating his dignified presence.

As Seiya observed him, the old man calmly lifted his head, his gaze falling upon the younger visitor.

"This is our first meeting, is it not, Arima Seiya?"

"I am Kuchiki Ginrei."

"As you see, I am the Captain of the Sixth Division and the 27th Head of the Kuchiki Clan."

His voice was steady and measured, carrying an air of absolute certainty.

Seiya placed his hands at his sides, adjusting the sheathed Zanpakutō at his waist as he knelt formally.

He bowed deeply.

"A pleasure to meet you, Captain Kuchiki."

"I am Arima Seiya."

"I look forward to your guidance."

Had this been his first internship experience, Seiya might have felt some anxiety.

Compared to Ginrei, he would have seemed like a clueless country bumpkin.

But as the saying goes, everything is relative.

After enduring old man Yamamoto's grueling training, Seiya had long since learned to remain composed.

An imposing old noble?

No problem.

He might even be weaker than me.

That thought flickered through his mind, but his expression remained utterly neutral.

Ginrei, observing this, chuckled softly.

"Ah… So Yoruichi was right about you."

"...?"

Wait, what?

Why was Yoruichi involved in this?

Before Seiya could ask, Ginrei smiled and continued.

"You likely weren't aware, but Yoruichi sent me a letter in advance."

"She called you a trustworthy young man, someone who will one day be a pillar of Seireitei."

"Since we are fellow nobles, she asked me to extend my guidance to this promising talent of tomorrow."

Seiya was genuinely touched.

He hadn't expected Yoruichi to vouch for him like this.

But before he could fully appreciate her kindness, Ginrei's expression turned serious.

He reached into his robe.

"As the Captain of the Sixth Division, it is my duty to guide young souls like yourself in their training."

"Martial skill and discipline should not be limited by status."

From his sleeve, he withdrew a folded letter and placed it on the wooden table.

"This is a letter from Yamamoto Genryūsai-dono."

"Tell me, young man… do you know what it says?"

…

Oh no.

"Did the Head Captain ask something of you?"

"He specifically requested that I take special care in mentoring you and monitoring your growth."

…

Ah…

Yamamoto, do you seriously have nothing better to do?!

How did he even find out I was coming here? Does the Head Captain just sit around all day tracking my movements?!

Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location, a certain man sipping sake in a geisha's embrace suddenly sneezed.

"Achoo…"

"Oh my, are you catching a cold?"

Kyoraku Shunsui rubbed his nose, grinning lazily.

"Ahaha, no way~ Probably just some lovely young lady thinking about me."

"Hmph. Even when I'm right here, you say things that hurt my heart… My tears might just fall."

Lying on his back, Kyoraku laughed.

"A flower touched by morning dew… has its own kind of beauty."

"My, such smooth talk… Here, have another drink."

"Hehe, don't mind if I do~"

…

"Come in and sit, Arima Seiya."

Ginrei gestured to the seat across from him.

Seiya had no reason to refuse. He nodded and sat.

The atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed.

He had expected the Sixth Division to be overly rigid, but Ginrei seemed more like a strict yet reasonable elder.

Certainly easier to deal with than Yamamoto.

As Seiya settled in, Ginrei posed a question.

"Arima Seiya, do you know what our division is known as?"

A surprise quiz?

Was there a penalty for getting it wrong?

"…The Noble Affairs Enforcement Squad?"

"Hoh, not bad. You did your homework."

Ginrei raised his right hand, index finger extended, the rest curled into a fist.

"Unlike other divisions, our primary duty is maintaining order among the noble clans."

"Our headquarters includes a special prison. Do you understand what that means?"

Seiya wasn't slow.

"You have independent law enforcement authority?"

Exactly.

The Kuchiki Clan held a unique position.

"Matters concerning nobles should be handled among nobles… Is that what you mean?"

Ginrei nodded, pleased.

"Good. You understand quickly."

"From today onward, both you and Byakuya will train under me—learning about nobility while sharpening your skills."

"..."

Wait.

What?

----------

Powerstones?

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