Death: Captain Millennium

In recent years, Soul Society has been remarkably peaceful, a tranquility that somewhat surprised Lin Yu. Aizen, who had been expected to continue stirring up trouble, hadn't stirred up any more. He had thoroughly enjoyed his life of playing it safe, but at the same time, he dared not relax, constantly recalling the plot of the original story and guarding against the world-shaking forces that might emerge as a result of his various interventions.

On this day, a special person arrived at the Shinō Spiritual Arts Academy—Rukia. She returned to this place she had long since left, filled with emotion and confusion. Once, this was where she grew up and shared wonderful times with many friends. However, now, she carries a heavy burden.

Rukia can never let go of Shiba Tou's death in battle, a painful memory that haunts her. Adding to her pain, Shiba Kaiyan's slumber plunges her into a deep well of self-blame. She begins to doubt her abilities and feels uncertain about the future. At this crucial moment, Rukia must find her own answers and find her way out of this inner dilemma.

Just when Rukia's thoughts were in a mess, Abarai Renji appeared out of nowhere and kicked her in the butt.

"Rukia, you still remember to come back. I thought you forgot about us after you joined the Kuchiki family." Renji put on a sour face, but this time he knew that Rukia was the sister of the next head of the Kuchiki family, so he did not keep a distance from her like in the original.

"Ah! It hurts, it hurts!" Rukia rubbed her butt and was about to curse when she found out that the person who kicked her was Abarai Renji.

"Didn't you go to the 13th Division? Why are you back to the academy?" Renji was very puzzled about Rukia's return.

"I can't come see you guys!" Rukia forced a smile. She didn't want to worry Renci. "It's just that so much has happened recently. I need some time to sort out my thoughts."

Renji looked at Rukia, a wave of heartache welling up in his heart. He knew that Rukia might have gone through something painful, and he also understood that she must be in great pain right now. "Well, now that you're back, take a good rest. But don't forget, we are still friends. If you have any difficulties, just come to me!"

Rukia looked at Renji gratefully and nodded. She knew that in this difficult time, having a friend like Renji by her side was a great comfort.

Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, bringing a breath of fresh air. Rukia took a deep breath, feeling the breeze's caress, and her mood gradually calmed down. She decided to pick herself up and find her own answers.

"Renci, let's not talk too much. Which team are you planning to join after graduation?" Rukia asked curiously.

"Of course it's the 5th Division. Not only me, but also Senior Shuhei, Kira, and Momoko will go to the 5th Division." Renji answered without hesitation.

"Ah! Why are you all going to the 5th Division?" Rukia opened her mouth in surprise.

"Because Captain Aizen of the 5th Division is our idol, and he is also our savior." Renji said with admiration.

"Captain Aizen saved you?" Rukia looked at Renji in confusion.

"Yes, when we went to the human world for internship, we were suddenly attacked by Hollows. The situation was very critical at that time. If Captain Aizen and Captain Ichimaru had not arrived in time to rescue us, I'm afraid we would have been killed by the Hollows long ago. So, we are full of gratitude to Captain Aizen and regard him as our idol." Renji excitedly recalled that thrilling moment.

"I see. That's really all thanks to Captain Aizen." Rukia sighed.

"Yes, Rukia, you said that I will become a powerful Shinigami like Captain Aizen in the future." Renji looked at her expectantly.

Rukia smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes, "I'm sure you will."

"Rukia, you've been in the 13th Division for so long, why don't we have a sparring match? I'd like to see what you've learned there. But don't worry, I'll definitely give in to you, haha!" Renji said to Rukia with a smirk on his face.

"Tsk! Just you? You still want me to do that? Be careful or I'll beat you so hard that you won't be able to get up." Rukia responded disdainfully.

"Oh, Rukia, you are really getting more and more inflated now!" Renji teased with a smile.

"Hmph, stop talking nonsense. Let's go, Renci, let's go to the training ground and let me show you the results of my training over the past few years!" Rukia said confidently.

"Don't be impatient, Rukia. I'll go call Senior Shuhei, Kira and the others first, and let them come and watch how I defeat you, the Shinigami who has already joined the team." After saying this, Renji turned around and prepared to look for someone.

"Renci, make sure you call them, or you might embarrass yourself later!" Rukia reminded.

"Don't worry, Rukia, I won't embarrass myself. I will definitely be the winner." Renci said and ran away.

Looking at Renji who was gradually running away, Rukia shouted loudly: "I'll go to the training ground and wait for you!" After that, she turned and walked towards the training ground of the academy.

Rukia waited quietly at the training ground, and soon Renji came over with Shuhei, Kira and Momoko.

"Rukia! Long time no see!" Several people greeted Rukia with a smile, without any sense of estrangement after not seeing her for several years.

"Everyone, just watch how I beat Rukia down!" Renji said with a proud look on his face. He was full of confidence in his own strength.

Rukia did not respond to Renji's provocation, but walked silently to the side of the field, took out two wooden shallow hits, and then threw one of them at Renji.

Renji steadily caught the shallow blow thrown by Rukia, his lips curled higher in a disdainful smile. He said sarcastically, "Rukia, when you first applied to the Shinō Spiritual Arts Academy, you weren't able to get into Class 1 because your slashing skills were so poor. I didn't expect that after all these years, you still haven't improved. Are you sure you want to spar with me today?"

Rukia chuckled and responded, "Renji, just because I wasn't good at slashing before doesn't mean I'm still bad now. Just wait and see how I defeat you!"

Shuhei and the others nearby, hearing the conversation, were immediately intrigued. They all knew Rukia's skill in slashing had never been exceptional, yet today, for her sparring match with Renji, she had unexpectedly chosen the very technique she had once struggled with. This surprised everyone, and they speculated whether Rukia had learned some powerful slashing technique since joining the Gotei 13. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the field, eagerly anticipating the outcome of this sparring match.