After a brief chat with Sato Homura, Shigure led Rukia deeper into the forest.
"Captain..." Rukia spoke up suddenly.
"Mm."
"Captain, did you... grow up in Seireitei?" Rukia asked carefully.
"That's right." Shigure nodded with a smile. "Why do you ask?"
Rukia shook her head softly.
"It's nothing... I just feel like you're different somehow..."
Shigure smiled but didn't respond.
After a moment, he stopped. He used his Resonance Vision to scan the area, then turned around.
"Here works."
Rukia stopped too, her expression turning serious. "Yes."
They were deep in the forest now. Academy students never trained this far out. No one would notice them here.
He knew Rukia's Zanpakutō packed serious power. Demonstrating it near other students wouldn't be smart.
Shigure stepped back, creating proper distance between them.
"Release your Zanpakutō. Show me everything you understand about Shikai."
Rukia nodded seriously and drew her blade. She exhaled softly.
Holding the sword in reverse grip, she whispered:
"Dance, Sode no Shirayuki."
Whoosh.
Pale white spiritual pressure flowed from the blade. The steel and guard transformed rapidly.
Moments later, the entire Zanpakutō turned pure snow white—blade, guard, hilt, everything. A pristine ribbon fluttered from the pommel.
Shigure's eyes lit up.
Such gorgeous beauty. This was truly Sode no Shirayuki, "Soul Society's most beautiful Zanpakutō."
"Captain, shall I begin?" Rukia asked.
Shigure nodded. "Yes. Attack me with your Shikai."
"Eh?" Rukia blinked. "Attack you?"
She'd thought he just wanted to observe.
Shigure chuckled. "I need to see your real combat ability, not some demonstration. That's how I can guide you properly."
Rukia understood immediately. She nodded quickly. "Got it."
She exhaled again and looked at Shigure. "Forgive me."
She instantly raised her hand and thrust Sode no Shirayuki into the ground.
The moment the tip touched earth, white frost exploded from the blade.
The frost shot through the ground straight toward Shigure.
Everything between blade and target froze solid. The pattern looked like an ice tree.
Some no mai, Tsukishiro!
Shigure's gaze shifted. He tapped the ground lightly and leaped aside.
Rukia was in full combat mode now. No holding back.
She raised her blade instantly and planted four white points around herself.
Then she held Sode no Shirayuki across her chest, tip pointing straight at Shigure.
White ice flowers rose from the four points, swirling around her.
At the same time, bright light gathered at her blade's tip.
The light flashed. A piercing frost blast shot from the tip, rushing toward Shigure.
The attack was fast and powerful.
Everything in its path froze instantly—even air moisture crystallized.
Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!
Shigure's eyes moved and he smiled unconsciously.
From this technique on, Rukia had completely shown vice-captain level strength.
The frost blast approached. Shigure didn't block—he used Flash Step to dodge sideways.
He wanted to see the move's full power.
The frost continued forward at high speed. Trees and grass gained thick ice layers.
Its range extended nearly half a mile.
Shigure straightened and looked at Rukia with a smile. "So these are your new insights?"
Rukia nodded eagerly. "Y-yes!"
Shigure smiled. "Very impressive. Continue. Show me everything."
"Yes!"
Rukia responded loudly, excitement filling her voice.
She'd witnessed Shigure's overwhelming power countless times.
It made her feel she could never catch up.
So his praise now felt more precious than even Byakuya's approval.
This filled her with even greater determination.
...
Their training lasted until noon.
Afterward, Shigure led her out of the Valley of Screams and back to the 5th Division barracks.
Soon, commotion spread throughout the division.
"Assembly! Assembly!"
"Eh? An assembly now?"
"The captain has important news. Move quickly!"
The seated officers urged everyone along. The 5th Division assembled rapidly.
But once gathered, they felt confused.
Shigure on the platform was normal. But 10th Seat Rukia Kuchiki stood beside him.
She tried to look serious, but excitement filled her eyes.
Many squad members saw this and suspected what was coming.
But no one spoke. They'd wait for their captain's announcement.
Shigure began speaking calmly.
"Fellow squad members, it's been over twenty days since I became 5th Division captain."
"Former Vice-Captain Hinamori Momo was dismissed. The vice-captain position has remained vacant."
"3rd Seat Shintani and 4th Seat Akishima have handled those duties."
The squad members below now knew exactly what this was about.
Shigure continued without pause:
"Today, by my authority as captain, I formally appoint—"
"Former 5th Division 10th Seat Rukia Kuchiki as our new Vice-Captain."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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