Two Choices

Three days had passed since the Hollow attack in the World of the Living.

During that time, Hinamori Momo had barely been able to rest. The dark circles under her eyes were evidence enough.

It was currently lunchtime.

Sitting in the cafeteria of the Shin'ō Academy, Hinamori stared at the meal in front of her, seemingly lacking any appetite.

Instead, she kept glancing around, as if waiting for someone.

"Sorry for making you wait…"

The voice that greeted her was firm yet tinged with exhaustion.

Hinamori turned her head and saw Abarai Renji, who looked just as sleep-deprived.

"N-No, I just got here myself."

Closing his eyes, Kira Izuru sat down beside her, his tone flat but laced with fatigue.

"That's a poor lie, Hinamori."

He opened his tired eyes and glanced at her tray.

"Your curry's already cold."

She had been caught, but it wasn't particularly embarrassing.

After all, they were old friends.

"Hehe… That aside, you both don't seem well-rested either, huh?"

At the mention of this, the other two immediately perked up.

Renji slammed a fist onto the table, irritation written all over his face.

"After hearing that offer, how could anyone sleep properly?!"

For once, Kira didn't contradict him.

Instead, he nodded slightly, his tone carrying rare agreement.

"Exactly… These past few nights, every time I close my eyes, all I hear is Captain Arima's voice."

Which meant—

Hinamori was no exception.

"I mean, I get that better performance comes with perks, but I didn't think it'd be this extreme…"

Renji muttered, deep in thought.

"Two choices, huh…"

Kira propped his chin up on one hand, his expression troubled.

"The first—Captain Arima offers us financial support and scholarships under his name."

"If we take this, even if we don't land a job after graduation, we won't have to worry about making a living."

"In fact, we could just take up any easy job and live comfortably in Seireitei."

A solid safety net.

With this, even if one wanted to slack off, they'd have a stable future.

But…

Could they really accept that?

The answer was clear—no.

If they lacked ambition, they wouldn't have stepped forward during the Hollow attack.

It was in their nature, their character.

Perhaps Captain Arima had noticed this, which was why he gave them that offer.

The three exchanged glances before sighing deeply.

"That just leaves the second option, huh?"

Renji murmured.

"Temporarily withdraw from the Academy and undergo an internship in the Fifth Division."

Hinamori cupped her cheeks, a troubled expression on her face.

"Our credits would be awarded based on our performance, so we wouldn't have to worry about graduation."

Kira rolled a strand of his hair between his fingers, his brows furrowed.

"And after the internship, we'd receive a personal recommendation from Captain Arima to join any division of our choosing…"

A generous offer.

So what was stopping them?

It was that one sentence Arima had added with a smile—

"But don't underestimate this internship. In the name of the Fifth Division Captain, I will train you with the highest intensity… to turn you into individuals capable of standing on your own."

When they first heard this, they were stunned.

Because they simply couldn't wrap their heads around it.

—Wait, us?

They hadn't even graduated yet.

Could they really become people a captain would consider "capable of standing on their own"?

It sounded too unreal.

If the second option had been enticing before, that one condition made it a true dilemma.

Did they really have that kind of potential?

Was Captain Arima being too optimistic because of their past performance?

They exchanged hesitant looks, the weight of the decision hanging over them.

Today was the deadline to decide—hence, their meeting.

Kira took a deep breath and ran a hand down his face, forcing himself to focus.

"So? What have you both decided?"

Renji was the first to answer.

"I'm… going."

The first to take the leap was always the bravest.

Under the gaze of his two friends, Renji continued without hesitation.

"I didn't come to the Academy just to waste time. If an opportunity presents itself, I have to grab it."

More than that—

"If I get stronger, being near Rukia won't be impossible anymore."

What Kira had said before made sense, but Renji wasn't one for overly rational thinking.

"Even if I can't get close to her, I just want to see for myself."

"To know if she's happy or not."

"That alone is enough."

His voice was firm.

His eyes, resolute.

A man with a goal had motivation.

And in times of doubt, he could always find direction.

"I'm sure the training will be hell, but… That's exactly why I'm here."

"Yeah, I was hesitant at first."

"But talking to you both cleared my head."

Renji grinned, looking at his two friends.

"So? What about you guys?"

Kira remained silent. Hinamori sipped her tea.

Unlike Renji, they were more introspective.

And after a moment—

Hinamori spoke first.

"I… want to try."

Her voice was uncertain.

Lacking confidence.

She stirred her curry, mixing the congealed surface with the warmer contents beneath, making it easier to eat.

"I've always wanted to join the Fifth Division, but I wasn't confident enough… Now that this chance is here, I have to take it."

Her voice was still soft.

But her words carried enough weight to make her friends turn toward her in surprise.

The girl who usually hesitated…

Had spoken with certainty.

She blinked, then quickly covered her mouth.

"Ah—was that weird to say?"

Renji shrugged.

"Nah. If it's you, that sounds about right."

Kira chuckled softly.

Though half his face was hidden by his bangs, his lips curved into a faint smile.

"You're much more stubborn than you look, Hinamori."

She was shy and gentle—

But beneath that exterior was an iron will.

She had chosen to stand and fight when it mattered.

That alone spoke volumes.

But Hinamori frowned, puffing her cheeks slightly.

"Hey! That's not a nice thing to say!"

—People only got this flustered when you hit a sore spot.

Though Kira had that thought, he wisely kept silent.

Hinamori, however, wasn't done.

She turned to Kira.

"That just leaves you! What about you, Kira?"

Renji was also waiting for his answer.

Faced with their expectant gazes, Kira lowered his eyes.

"I…"

"I want to go, but…"

"I'll pass."

Disappointing others took a toll.

What if he couldn't meet expectations?

Maybe Captain Arima wouldn't care, but he would be crushed by guilt.

Those with reserved personalities were like that.

In the end, they chose not to be a burden to others—

Even if it meant burdening themselves.

For Kira, this was the least painful option.

For everyone else, however—

It was disappointing.

Forcing a smile, he spoke lightly.

"That's my decision."

His mind was set.

Kira exhaled softly and smiled.

"Good luck, Renji, Hinamori."

"…" x2

They wanted to persuade him.

But respecting his choice was also important.

He had clearly thought this through.

Seeing their silence, Kira nodded.

Renji chuckled and lightly punched Kira's shoulder.

"Then, see you around, Kira."

Hinamori opened her mouth to say something—

But another voice cut in.

"Oh? Didn't take you for someone this stubborn."

They turned—

To see Hisagi Shūhei standing behind them, arms crossed.

"Hisagi-senpai?!"

The man with "69" tattooed on his face smirked.

"Should've guessed. Captain Arima did say someone might refuse."

"He told me to try convincing that person."

So—

He placed a firm hand on Kira's shoulder.

"Have a little faith in yourself, Kira."

"You fought beside us. You have way more potential than you think."

"It's just a challenge. You really gonna back down from that?"

Kira opened his mouth—

But found himself unable to respond.

Did he really deserve this trust?

For a long moment, he hesitated.

Then—

He finally gave his answer.

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Powerstones?

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