Of course, Kyoya also knew that even if he became a Shinigami, as an ordinary person, he might still be nothing more than 'cannon fodder' in the face of these dangers.
In the Anime, he'd probably be the kind of background character who gets taken out in a single move by the enemy.
But Kyoya would rather put in the effort to train than live through crises like the ordinary residents of the Rukongai, oblivious and ignorant.
He didn't want to entrust his life to someone else's hands.
What's more, after living an ordinary life for thirty years in his previous world, Kyoya's resistance to 'supernatural power' was practically zero.
No… it was more accurate to say it was negative!
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so easily swayed by the so-called [One Piece Achievement System] into agreeing to bind with it and embark on an adventure in the One Piece World.
Though, judging by the current situation, it seemed like Kyoya had been scammed by this [One Piece Achievement System].
But being able to come to the Bleach World, where supernatural powers existed, was still a pleasant surprise for Kyoya.
The Kido System of the Bleach World was no less impressive than the Haki System of the One Piece World.
Zanpakuto were just as dazzling as Devil Fruit abilities.
And now, since Rangiku was about to search for a way to become a Shinigami, how could Kyoya pass up the chance to hitch a ride on this convenient opportunity?
From what Rangiku had said, Kyoya could tell that the current timeline was during the phase when Aizen was creating the Hogyoku.
Moreover, Aizen had already taken the [Nails of the Soul King] from Rangiku's soul.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Hogyoku in Aizen's hands was nearing completion.
Meanwhile, Ichimaru Gin, wanting to avenge Rangiku and take back what Aizen had stolen from her, had already left her side to begin his quest for vengeance.
Kyoya didn't know how long it would take for Rangiku to eventually enter the Shin'o Academy and train to become a Shinigami.
But at the very least, if he followed her, he would have a 100% chance of gaining the opportunity to become a Shinigami.
If he were to wander around aimlessly on his own, Kyoya wasn't even confident he could survive.
"This…"
Rangiku hesitated and was about to refuse.
Seeing this, Kyoya quickly assured her: "Nee-chan, don't worry, I can take responsibility for my own decisions."
"All I ask is for you to let me follow you. That's enough."
"Alright."
"Then, my name is Rangiku… Matsumoto Rangiku, what's your name?"
Since Kyoya had already gone this far, Rangiku didn't refuse.
Besides, having company along the way wouldn't just mean mutual support and it would also reduce many dangers.
Especially when dealing with groups that survived by plundering others' food, they often targeted those who seemed easy to bully.
Though Kyoya looked young and didn't seem very intimidating, at least with him around, Rangiku wouldn't be alone anymore… she'd be part of a 'group'.
As long as she didn't say anything, who would know whether she was a lone wolf or a member of some other group?
Having survived in the Rukongai with Gin for several years, Rangiku was no stranger to how to live in this lawless district.
"Kyoya. Rangiku-nee, my name is Yoru Kyoya!"
…
"So this is the Seireitei?"
Kyoya gasped as he took in the sight of the majestic structures before him.
To be honest, in his previous life, Kyoya had seen plenty of buildings just as tall, if not taller, than the towering stone pillars ahead.
But none of them had ever given him such an overwhelming sense of awe.
On one hand, it was the sheer 'miracle' of witnessing a two-dimensional world come to life before his very eyes.
On the other hand, after wandering the Rukongai with Rangiku for over a year, all he had seen were thatched huts, mud houses, and other relics of a backward era.
Even wooden houses only became common once they reached the districts closer to the inner zones.
Therefore, when suddenly being confronted with grand structures built entirely of white stone, the impact was staggering.
Of course, all Kyoya could see were the distant high-rise buildings peeking over the two-meter-high walls.
This wall completely separated the Seireitei from the Rukongai, making the inside and outside seem like two parallel worlds that never intersected.
"Yeah, that's the Seireitei… where the Shinigami and nobles live."
Rangiku twirled a strand of her hair around her finger.
For over a year now, she hadn't found even a trace of Gin.
But in her mind, if she had managed to make it this far, then someone as capable as Gin had probably already entered and become a Shinigami, right?
"Next, we just have to wait for the annual Shin'o Academy's entrance exam."
"Yeah… Thank you so much, Rangiku-nee."
After Kyoya came to his senses, he bowed deeply to Rangiku and said, "If it weren't for you taking care of me all this time, I wouldn't have made it here… hell, I'd probably have died in some random ditch by now."
"I'll never forget this kindness!"
"From now on, if you ever need anything, even if it means crawling through fire or climbing a mountain of blades, I won't hesitate!"
Hearing Kyoya say this, Rangiku blinked in surprise before hesitantly asking: "Kyoya… are you saying you want to go our separate ways?"
"Yeah."
Kyoya nodded and said: "I've already relied on you for too long. If I keep clinging to you, I'll start to despise myself."
To be honest, if possible, Kyoya naturally wanted to continue staying with Rangiku.
But he knew that once they entered the Seireitei, she would inevitably catch Gin's attention.
And once that happened, everyone around her would be under Gin's scrutiny.
Gin Ichimaru was a monster even by Bleach's standards… a 'super genius' few could rival.
By now, he had likely already killed the Shinigami who had accompanied Aizen during the attack on Rangiku and become one of Aizen's right-hand men.
As a transmigrator with a system, Kyoya should have had the potential to eventually stand against even the likes of Aizen or Yhwach… given enough time to grow.
But who made his system unreliable?
One Piece Achievement System… in the world of Bleach?!
Where the hell was he supposed to complete achievements?
So for now, laying low was the only option.
After parting ways with Rangiku, Kyoya began searching for a place to stay.
After all, according to the information they had gathered, there were still three months left before this year's Shin'o Academy's entrance exams.
While the living conditions in District 1 can't be compared to the Seireitei, but compared to the outer districts, it was practically heaven.
So it didn't take long for Kyoya to secure an apprenticeship at a noodle shop… trading labor for enough food to survive.