As Amamiya Miyako and Rukia Kuchiki's fight progressed, Ukitake quietly stood at the edge of the open ground behind the Thirteenth Division barracks.
Kiyone Kotetsu had just arrived and saw Captain Ukitake standing not far away. She quickly ran towards Captain Ukitake, trying to ask what had happened.
"Captain, what is this? Why are Miyako Amemiya and Rukia fighting?" Kiyone Kotetsu asked.
Ukitake had actually arrived very early, right when Amamiya Miyako and Rukia Kuchiki began their conversation. Ukitake had originally intended to hand over the detailed duties and regulations of the Thirteenth Division to Amamiya Miyako, but he hadn't expected such a fierce 'conflict' between the two. Amamiya Miyako's words also struck Ukitake as very interesting, so he didn't stop them, but instead let them continue.
"Miyako Amemiya is sparring with Rukia, or rather, fighting—a battle of wills," Ukitake said with a smile.
Why would a newcomer challenge a senior on their first day? That's too arrogant.
Kiyone Kotetsu didn't think highly of Amamiya, complaining because she knew Rukia's general skill level and didn't believe Amamiya had the ability to defeat Rukia.
Perhaps we were all mistaken.
Ukitake mused.
Mistaken?
Kiyone Kotetsu was puzzled.
I just overheard their conversation earlier, and Amamiya was right about one thing: Rukia is indeed overly immersed in Kaien's death.
But we've all been too gentle with her.
Whenever Rukia felt down, we only offered comfort instead of encouragement.
For Rukia, repeated comfort might only add to her inner burden.
Ukitake smiled helplessly, but at the same time, he held some anticipation in his heart.
He felt that Amamiya was different from Shiba Kaien, and perhaps he could truly bring a new face to the Thirteenth Division.
On the other side, the battle between Amamiya and Rukia Kuchiki was nearing its end.
Amamiya actually had a great talent for Kido, perhaps thanks to the Quincy's inherent ability to manipulate reishi.
The arrangement of reishi during Kido incantations seemed incredibly easy for him, so for low-level Kido, Amamiya was already able to perform incantation-less casting without losing its power.
However, his spiritual power was limited and couldn't sustain Amamiya's continuous use of Kido.
'My spiritual pressure is starting to wane; this battle ends here.'
Amamiya thought.
As the final clash of blades concluded, Amamiya quickly retreated, slowly sheathing his Asauchi.
What do you mean by this? We haven't determined a winner yet.
Rukia frowned; she could still continue fighting, and as the battle progressed, she had gained some understanding of Amamiya's fighting style, confident that she could win soon.
This battle, Rukia-senpai, is your victory.
My spiritual power is almost exhausted.
Amamiya said calmly.
Rukia felt a bit displeased, even though she was acknowledged as the winner, such an inconclusive battle was truly unpleasant.
But you should be careful, Rukia 'senpai,' I will catch up to you very quickly and surpass you, after all, my goal is the Vice Captain position.
Amamiya told Rukia with a smile, emphasizing the word 'senpai.'
However, Amamiya's true goal was far beyond the Vice Captain level.
Amamiya's words gave Rukia a sense of urgency, because she knew that Amamiya was not a man who spoke empty boasts; he truly had the ability to achieve it.
She gripped the sword in her hand, her mind starting to wander again.
'This is the genius who graduated early, such strength, and this combat awareness.
Am I truly without that talent...'
Rukia-senpai, may I ask a question.
Amamiya's words pulled Rukia back to reality.
What question?
Rukia was puzzled.
Rukia should be at the level of a high-ranking officer, given that your Kido and Shunpo are both very good.
I, I'm just a low-ranking officer...
Rukia spoke with a bit of embarrassment.
She hadn't thought about challenging a high-ranking officer, but each time she was stopped by Captain Ukitake.
She even thought she didn't have the ability.
'I'm sorry for being a low-ranking officer.'
Rukia's heart had already slumped and began to feel down.
No, Rukia, actually your strength is already quite good; you definitely have the standard to serve as a high-ranking officer in the Thirteenth Division.
At this moment, Captain Ukitake walked over and said to Rukia.
Captain!
Rukia only then noticed Ukitake standing by, and was also shocked by Ukitake's words.
Ukitake also smiled helplessly at this moment, "Actually, Rukia, your level has long been that of a high-ranking officer, but due to some unspoken reasons, I hope you will further refine yourself as a low-ranking officer.
In terms of strength, Rukia, you are already very outstanding."
Amamiya carefully pondered Ukitake's words.
Based on Ukitake's conversation, he could roughly deduce his current level.
Moreover, the unspoken reasons Ukitake mentioned could be, firstly, that Rukia's state of mind still had issues, and secondly, it might also be Kuchiki Byakuya's request, that he had been working to ensure Rukia remained without a high-ranking officer position.
Captain, then why, why do you stop me every time I want to challenge a high-ranking officer?
I, I also want to prove that I am a qualified Shinigami.
Rukia was a bit anxious, wanting to ask for the reason.
Amamiya interrupted him, "Rukia-senpai, lately, I've actually been 'communicating' with my Zanpakuto."
Communicating with your Zanpakuto?
What does that mean?
Rukia was puzzled why he suddenly brought that up.
Ukitake understood at this moment, smiling helplessly.
Even Amamiya saw it; I'm truly a derelict Captain.
Rukia, since then, how long has it been since you last conversed with your Zanpakuto.
Ukitake asked seriously.
How long...
Rukia was a bit embarrassed at this moment.
The progress of her Zanpakuto had basically stopped after that incident.
No matter how she called out, her Zanpakuto had no response, even though there had been some response before.
Kaien's death led to your inner closure; I'm afraid your Zanpakuto hasn't responded to you even once.
Ukitake stated his guess.
Rukia lowered her head and remained silent; it was indeed true.
Kaien, he, protected his dignity as a Shinigami until his death.
And Kaien deliberately ran onto your blade, which was also to protect his dignity, and he also wanted you to inherit, to inherit his will.
Ukitake explained.
But we have all been too gentle with you, causing you to remain in shadow.
Rukia pursed her lips, lowering her head, refusing to speak.
Rukia!
Ukitake's voice suddenly became stern at this moment, and he shouted loudly.
Kaien entrusted his will as a Shinigami to you, hoping that you would carry on with his will.
Your regrets and remorse are the greatest disrespect to him.
Do you understand.
Captain, I, I...
Rukia's eyes began to redden.
Rukia-senpai, would you like to have a competition, to see who, you or I, can first become the true Vice Captain of the Thirteenth Division.
Amamiya walked towards Rukia Kuchiki and asked seriously.
'What am I doing?
Being looked down upon by a newcomer, being reprimanded by the Captain, if I stay like this, won't I forever fail to catch up to Kaien Vice-Captain.'
Rukia only then began to slowly emerge from the gloom.
She took a deep breath, intending to respond seriously.
You newcomer, aren't you a bit too arrogant?
I am the current acting Vice Captain, and I won't easily give up this position.
It will definitely be me who becomes the officially appointed Vice Captain by Captain Ukitake!
Kiyone Kotetsu loudly retorted with her booming voice.
Don't speak too soon; I'm also an acting Vice Captain.
It's me who should become the official Vice Captain.
At this moment, Sentaro Kotsubaki also walked over.
Then the two began to stare at each other, as if intense sparks were colliding.
Miyako Amemiya, you're right; I've truly been out of line.
However, the one who becomes Vice Captain will definitely be me!
Rukia replied to Amamiya seriously this time.
Captain, thank you.
I won't continue like this.
Ukitake also smiled and nodded at her.
Amamiya smiled; his objective had been achieved.
The sparring with Rukia had successfully shown him his current level.
So Amamiya turned and left, planning to return and recover his spiritual power, then continue training.
When Amamiya was almost at the squad barracks, Rukia's shout came from behind.
Miyako Amemiya, wait.
Rukia quickly ran over.
Goodness, are you using Shunpo to travel?
Why are you so fast?
Rukia complained.
Is there anything else?
Amamiya was puzzled.
This is what the Captain wanted to give you.
Rukia pulled out a handbook.
This contains the rules and duties of the Thirteenth Division; every newcomer needs to understand them in detail.
And, and also...
At this moment, Rukia was a bit fidgety.
Amamiya had a question mark above his head.
What is this for?
Thank you so much for today...
After Rukia said this, her earlobes were a bit red, and her words became very slow.
Amamiya was surprised.
It was just a casual act, mainly to test his own strength.
However, seeing Rukia Kuchiki's expression, he muttered to himself, wanting to tease her a bit.
Oh, senpai, you're blushing.
Let me see.
Amamiya approached her with a mischievous smile.
Rukia's veins involuntarily twitched on her face, not expecting Amamiya to be such an unreliable person.
With a thud, Rukia jumped up and punched Amamiya on the head.
Accept people's gratitude properly!
Idiot.
After hitting him, Rukia turned and left.
Amamiya squatted down and rubbed her head, the force of that hit was truly strong.
Watching her disappearing back, Amamiya Miyako smiled slightly and turned to leave as well.