The moment she heard those words, Rukia's face turned bright red—so red it seemed like it might start dripping blood.
Steam practically rose from her signature onion-shaped hairstyle as if her head were about to burst into flames.
Clearly, the dorm supervisor was a sentimental man… but he'd severely misjudged the relationship between the two.
Although Shimo very much wanted to agree on Rukia's behalf, he still had to be mindful of her feelings.
"…Let's consider that option later."
As soon as he said it, Rukia gave him a surprised look.
"Ahem, what I mean is, we still have to follow the Academy's rules," Shimo quickly added.
"One student per dormitory. That's the standard."
The supervising teacher still hadn't quite caught up.
"There are many students in the Academy who share rooms. If you're interested, I can help submit an application."
Shimo's eyes lit up; he couldn't help but raise his voice in excitement.
Before the dorm supervisor could even respond, Shimo felt a solid punch land squarely on his chest.
Rukia huffed and stormed off.
Watching her retreating figure, Shimo caught a glimpse of her ears, glowing red as blood.
The supervisor looked between the two of them with a meaningful, amused expression.
"Alright, stop being nosy," Shimo muttered, gesturing with his mouth. "I'll leave the aftermath to you, then."
The dorm supervisor tucked away his gossiping curiosity and nodded.
Shimo didn't chase after Rukia.
He figured she needed time to cool off.
Rushing things never ends well. Patience is key.
He returned alone to his own dormitory.
Having just broken through to Captain-class spiritual pressure, he needed some time to adjust and stabilize it.
But as he slid open the door—he found someone lying sideways in his spot. A man he didn't expect to see.
Long, wavy brown hair tied in a ponytail draped across his back, with ornamental hairpins on either side.
A pink floral-patterned haori draped over his shoulders, and his straw hat rested beside him. A tea set sat neatly on the desk before him.
Upon seeing the man, Shimo sighed and spoke with exasperation:
"My foolish, lazy uncle… What are you doing here?"
The visitor was none other than Kyōraku Shunsui, Captain of the Eight Division of the Gotei 13—
—and also Shimo's uncle, his strongest backing within Soul Society.
Kyōraku didn't react at all to Shimo's sarcastic greeting—clearly, he was long used to this kind of banter.
He sat up straight, resting his chin on one hand as he studied Shimo seriously.
"Color me surprised… I never expected you to be hiding such strength."
Shimo sighed again, settling into a seated position across from Shunsui, locking eyes with him.
"You've never really paid attention to my training, have you?"
Shunsui gave a dry laugh, trying to brush away the awkwardness forming in the room.
"Ha ha… Well, I am a squad captain, you know."
"You of all people should understand how busy captains are with paperwork and duties."
Shimo immediately dismantled the excuse without mercy:
"But isn't it Nanao-nee who handles all the actual work for the Eight Division?"
"Other than drinking, chatting, and napping, you don't seem to do much else."
The room fell into an abrupt silence.
…The air grew thick with tension.
Then again, someone who could become a Captain clearly had skin thicker than a Hollow's mask.
Shunsui quickly straightened his expression and said seriously:
"Shimo, you do realize that your spiritual pressure breakthrough has already reached the Captain-Commander's ears?"
Shimo gave him a disdainful glance.
"What a clumsy way to change the subject…"
"But it couldn't be helped. I figured all the Captains must've sensed it already."
Shunsui nodded in acknowledgment.
"That's right. But don't worry—I've already taken responsibility for the matter."
"However, there's one thing you need to remember."
Shimo's expression turned serious. He sat upright, giving his uncle his full attention.
"I reviewed your entrance records before coming here."
"Top of the class in swordsmanship among new students—not bad at all. You didn't bring shame to the Kyōraku family."
"But because of this incident, you've now officially entered the radar of every Captain in the Gotei 13."
"Once your time in the Academy ends, choosing a Division will be your first major trial."
Shunsui's concern wasn't just as a superior—it was personal.
Since he had no intention of settling down or starting a family, the burden of carrying on the Kyōraku bloodline now fell entirely on Shimo's shoulders.
"…I thought you were going to say something serious."
Shimo relaxed again, waving his hand dismissively.
"I've already decided which Division I want to join."
Shunsui took a sip of tea, raising an eyebrow curiously.
"Just so you know—the Eight Division isn't taking you in."
Shimo shot his unreliable uncle a glare and answered firmly:
"The Fourth Division."