Kuchiki Clan.
In the quiet courtyard, occasional shouts instantly broke the surrounding atmosphere.
Along with the shouts came sharp whistling sounds.
In the center of the courtyard, Byakuya, a young man not yet a hundred years old, was concentrating on swinging the wooden sword in his hand.
His slender figure cast a long, thin shadow in the sunlight.
His perseverance was clearly visible as he exerted his strength, his arms covered in bulging veins.
"5001…"
"5002…"
He murmured a string of numbers to himself.
As the numbers continuously increased, he sweated more and more, as if a basin of hot water had been poured over his head, until the ground was completely soaked.
When the number reached ten thousand, he slowly stopped his movements, exhaling a long breath that dispersed like shackles.
Tap.
He turned to face one direction, looking at the approaching person.
Kuchiki Ginrei had appeared at the corner of the courtyard at some point, standing quietly.
His gaze was deep and gentle as he looked at Byakuya.
Byakuya panted, his voice tinged with excitement: "Grandfather, you've arrived."
The reason he trained with all his might was to support the Kuchiki Clan's next generation.
His father's health was not good; even after recuperation, he recovered somewhat, not to the point where even fighting was difficult, but his deterrent power was still insufficient.
Only with a healthy and powerful family head would the other noble families hold the Kuchiki Clan in awe.
He, Kuchiki Byakuya, was working tirelessly towards this goal.
Kuchiki Ginrei nodded gently: "Byakuya, get ready, the guests will be here in a little over an hour."
"Remember to rein in your temper; they are benefactors of our Kuchiki Clan, and I hope you can uphold the Kuchiki Clan's demeanor."
Byakuya's personality was impulsive and easily angered, and it was unclear who he took after.
Although Tsugikuni Yoriichi was a lower-ranking noble, his strength and background were not.
If Byakuya truly treated him as a lower-ranking noble upon meeting…
All the efforts made before would be in vain.
He was already old.
The family needed to rely on the next generation for support, and the next generation had to maintain good interpersonal relationships for the Kuchiki Clan to remain immortal.
In this regard, Soujun did very well.
Byakuya…
Even the head of the Shihouin Clan, Yoruichi Shihouin, could be called a cat demon by him. Is there anyone he wouldn't dare to speak ill of?
Such nicknames really ruin one's reputation.
Kuchiki Byakuya took a deep breath: "Yes, Grandfather, I understand!"
He had never met Tsugikuni Yoriichi, but since his grandfather had so solemnly instructed him, even out of family honor, he would not ruin his grandfather's plan.
Putting the Kenpachi aside, Kuchiki Byakuya went to bathe and change, preparing to greet the guests in his best state.
As he went, he somehow had a faint premonition, as if these guests were very important.
He didn't know where this premonition came from… perhaps it was just a misconception.
However, since it appeared, he couldn't ignore it.
Sometimes he still trusted his sixth sense very much.
… …
At the same time.
Tsugikuni Clan.
"Is it really okay for me to wear these clothes?"
Hisana looked at a maid matching her outfit, her eyes revealing a somewhat confused expression.
In her opinion, all clothes looked the same.
Behind her, a maid nodded gently:
"Of course it is."
"Miss Hisana, don't underestimate yourself."
"Your beauty is natural and requires no embellishment; simply putting on a suitable outfit can perfectly showcase it."
Feeling a little embarrassed from the praise, Hisana's cheeks flushed in front of the mirror: "Really?"
She lowered her gaze to look at the skirt, its hem gently swaying with her movements, as if petals dancing in the breeze.
The maid smiled upon hearing this question:
"Indeed, Miss Hisana, I never lie, and that is why Master Tsugikuni hired me."
"Now we just wait for Miss Rukia to return and put on this dress, then you can become the most beautiful pair of sisters."
She subtly glanced at the mirror beside her, at the skirt identical to Hisana's, and a clear sense of emotion showed in her eyes.
This dress alone would cost her at least a year's salary.
But considering both of them were Master Tsugikuni's sisters, this expense was nothing.
Compared to those high-ranking nobles, their clothing was truly extravagant; one piece, she couldn't afford even if she worked for a hundred years.
Feeling a pang of envy, she paused, then glanced at the clock on the wall, carefully choosing her words:
"Looking at the time, she should be back soon."
"Master Hisana, do you think we should prepare for Master Rukia to bathe and change now?"
"Just call me Miss Hisana. Prepare it, and also, for Rangiku…"
"My apologies, a slip of the tongue. Yes, Miss Hisana."
"As for Miss Rangiku, we are also preparing. Since we are unsure of the Kuchiki Clan's arrangements, Master Tsugikuni instructed us last night to purchase a dress from the commercial street."
"It has already been delivered, and we just need the word to have her change into it; there won't be any unexpected issues."
"Is that so… Then there's no problem." Hisana nodded gently, slowly sitting down in front of the mirror.
Seeing this, the maid turned and excused herself.
When Rukia returned, bathed, and changed, Rangiku felt a bit envious; she actually wanted to go too.
And at this moment.
The Tsugikuni Clan's gate was knocked upon.
It was the Kuchiki Clan's people.
Due to Matsumoto Rangiku's sudden appearance, the Kuchiki Clan was unaware of her standing in Tsugikuni Yoriichi's heart.
However, considering that she had already taken up residence in the Tsugikuni Clan, it meant she was also a member of the Tsugikuni Clan…
Thus, Kuchiki Soujun added her name, it was merely an extra portion of food.
Hearing this news, Matsumoto Rangiku was stunned for a second, then so happy she almost jumped. She quite liked getting free food and drinks.
But in the end, she also felt a little worried about her own situation.
High-ranking nobles.
Although she wasn't clear about their status, she imagined their rules were strict.
Someone like her, a country bumpkin…
"No need to worry." Hisana offered comfort at the right moment, "Just stay quiet."
"High-ranking nobles are still people at the end of the day. As long as you don't act impolitely, no one will care about your identity."
This was Hisana's experience.
After spending a long time with those girls, she gradually understood the difference between Rukongai and Seireitei.
The former was more about survival.
The latter was about living.
Once Matsumoto Rangiku had changed into her dress and learned that Yoriichi was in the Ninth Division and had gone ahead of them, the three of them officially set off under the guidance of the Kuchiki Clan members.
Before long, they arrived outside the Kuchiki Clan.
The surrounding environment was quite peaceful, with white and clean streets exuding a comforting scent.
Before entering, they heard sounds from the courtyard:
"Lord Yoriichi, this is my son, Kuchiki Byakuya."
"Your three sisters should be arriving soon, and since their ages are quite similar, letting them interact more can also help build their relationship."
"What do you think?"