The Kuchiki Family Lineage

A birthday gift.

The very idea symbolized care and appreciation between family and friends.

"Even for someone who struggles to express themselves, a gift is a perfect way to convey their feelings… So, I think this would be a good choice for you, Byakuya."

Not good at speaking?

A natural-born introvert?

No problem—just shove a gift in their hands, and all your emotions will be perfectly understood.

Though technically an outsider, Seiya had spent enough time with the Kuchiki family to understand their dynamics.

"If you can't bring yourself to say anything, just let the gift do the talking. As long as they receive it, your message will get through."

Seiya chuckled as he watched Byakuya, still frozen in thought.

So this kid has never even considered celebrating his grandfather's birthday…

Well, that was understandable.

If no one ever taught you these things, you wouldn't just magically figure them out.

Or perhaps…

"Byakuya, do you not respect your grandfather that much?"

Byakuya snapped back to attention, quickly shaking his head.

"N-No! That's not it! Thank you, Seiya-sama, I understand now!"

A bit slow, a bit stubborn—

But still a good kid at heart.

Since Ginrei had given him full freedom to act, Seiya had no reservations about stepping in.

Lesson one: how to mend your relationship with your family.

Watching Byakuya carefully selecting the shape, material, and scheduling the production time for his gift, Seiya smiled in satisfaction.

Then, unexpectedly, Byakuya turned to him with a determined look.

"Seiya-sama, allow me to buy you a gift as well!"

Huh?

Why am I included in this?

"No, no, no need for that," Seiya waved his hand.

This shop wasn't cheap.

By his own financial standards, he could barely afford to breathe the air in here.

But Byakuya was relentless.

"You've helped me so much. If I'm giving a gift, then of course, I must include you as well."

Man, this guy really doesn't budge once he decides something.

Seeing no way to refuse, Seiya sighed and accepted.

He was not expecting Byakuya to go all out—

The kid bought him a handcrafted sandalwood incense pendant.

It was a small, finely carved piece with a hollow interior, designed to hold scented herbs.

Compact and practical, it could be discreetly tucked into the folds of a shihakushō.

The shopkeeper even pre-filled it with crushed aromatic leaves.

Seiya fastened it to his belt, near his sword sheath.

Not used to accessories, he fiddled with it for a while before awkwardly turning to Byakuya.

"Uh… How does it look?"

Byakuya, ever blunt, paused to evaluate.

"Ginrei-sama used to wear something similar when he was young. I've never seen it myself, but I imagine it looked like this… It suits you, Seiya-sama."

Really?

Well, that's kind of flattering…

Before Seiya could reply, Byakuya had already paid.

Noble kids sure were generous.

With everything settled, they were about to leave—

But suddenly, Seiya stopped in his tracks.

Byakuya, counting his remaining money, noticed and turned back.

"Seiya-sama? Is something wrong?"

Seiya hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

"Uh… Byakuya, could I borrow some money?"

"…Huh? O-Of course!"

No way he'd refuse.

If Seiya of all people was asking, he'd agree even without knowing the reason.

Still—

"Seiya-sama, is there something you wish to buy?"

Seiya smiled faintly.

"Yeah… Talking to you earlier reminded me—"

There's someone I need to thank as well.

With a quiet nod of gratitude, Seiya turned and walked back into the shop.

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Seiya never once slacked off in Byakuya's training.

Since Byakuya was naturally hardworking, Seiya saw no reason to hold back.

In terms of swordsmanship, he gave him everything he had.

He also provided targeted guidance based on Byakuya's fighting style.

"Your Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura, splits into countless blades and attacks from multiple angles, right?"

Byakuya nodded, gripping his sword.

"Yes."

"Then why aren't you leaning into that strength?"

Seiya sighed.

"It's fluid and versatile. You can adjust the speed and precision of the fragments with your hand movements."

"That means Senbonzakura isn't meant for brute force. It's best suited for harassment tactics and secondary attacks."

"Why the hell are you just dumping all the petals in one place and smashing them at your enemies?"

Sure, it looked flashy.

And against weaker opponents, it worked.

But, as Seiya pointed out—

"Every Zanpakutō has a purpose. Stop being stubborn and work with your sword instead of forcing it to do things the hard way."

Byakuya's movements were naturally bold and direct.

Even after training with the Shihōin family, that hadn't changed.

He clearly preferred honorable, face-to-face combat.

No wonder he developed all those variations in Senkei later…

"Maybe once you unlock Bankai, you can try that. But for now, take my advice."

"Understanding the proper way to use your power—that's part of my training as well."

He tapped his chin, then added:

"Oh, and if you feel like your offensive power isn't enough, work on your Kidō."

Admittedly, it was a lot to ask—

But it was the best path for Byakuya's growth.

"Mastering high-level Kidō while using Senbonzakura as a secondary attack… That combo would make you incredibly strong."

It was a battle style Seiya had carefully crafted for him.

And one that fit Byakuya's potential.

The only problem—

Byakuya wasn't particularly fond of Kidō.

Still, under Seiya's instruction, his resistance gradually faded.

After all—

Seiya's own Kidō skills were already at the level of an average captain.

Not good enough to challenge the best, but more than enough to teach.

Swordsmanship, Kidō—

And soon, Hakuda and Shunpō.

Byakuya's speed of improvement even shocked Seiya.

But after some thought, he realized—

"Well, of course. He's got captain-level potential. He just needed a proper push."

By Seiya's estimation, Byakuya was already easily vice-captain level.

Achieving Bankai and reaching third-rank Reiatsu would take more time—

But that was expected.

In preparation, Seiya even wrote to Yoruichi for permission to teach Byakuya Shunko techniques.

Yoruichi, unsurprisingly, agreed immediately.

Not that it was necessary—if Ginrei asked directly, Byakuya would've had access to the techniques anyway.

But it was a sign of respect.

After all, this was Yoruichi's knowledge. Seiya wouldn't just steal it without permission.

As for whether Byakuya would actually use it?

Seiya doubted it.

The guy was a hardcore sword fanatic.

He'd probably only resort to Hakuda if he had no other choice.

But still—

It was another trump card for his arsenal.

And during all of this, Seiya wasn't idle, either.

Teaching gave him a chance to reassess his own skills.

So, in the end—

Both of them grew stronger together.

Time passed quickly.

And before long—

Ginrei's birthday arrived.

Seiya had wanted to make it a surprise, but Byakuya insisted on doing it formally.

After dinner, Byakuya presented his gift.

"Grandfather… Thank you for everything."

Still calling him "Ginrei-sama" even now?

Seiya clicked his tongue.

Man, this kid is so stiff.

But Ginrei didn't seem to mind.

He accepted the gift, his usually rigid expression softening just slightly.

The tension between them eased—if only a little.

"Looks like there's still a long road ahead for these two."

That night, Seiya was summoned to Ginrei's chambers.

As expected.

But when he arrived—

Ginrei handed him an envelope.

It bore the Kuchiki crest.

"Seiya, have you considered joining the Sixth Division?"

And then, in a calm, almost casual voice—

"Or… perhaps you'd be interested in becoming part of the Kuchiki family?"

----------

Powerstones?

For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates