Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!

Spring breezes stirred the cherry blossoms scattered over the academy benches. Petals landed soundlessly on the girl's shoulders as Hinamori tilted her face toward the sun, eyes half-closed in pleasure as golden rays warmed her cheeks.

When she noticed the white-haired boy walking toward her, she curled her lips into a playful smile.

"You're busier than me these days, huh?"

"The homeroom teacher had something to discuss," Hitsugaya replied, taking the seat beside her.

"Oh?" Hinamori glanced sidelong at the nearby students enjoying their afternoon break. "Did our dear Hitsugaya-kun get praised again for outstanding performance?"

Her voice was light, teasing.

"He asked what squad I want to join after graduation," Hitsugaya said plainly.

"Graduation?"

The word hit Hinamori like a splash of cold water. She blinked in disbelief. "You've only been here, what, two months?"

Hitsugaya shook his head slightly. "The President said that if I work hard, I can graduate by the end of this year. The teacher just now said the same—several divisions are already paying attention."

Mouth forming an O, Hinamori gasped. "Tōshirō! That's amazing! Graduating after just one year—how cool is that?!"

Hitsugaya cast her a glance. "I haven't really decided yet."

"Why not? You'd be the talk of the Academy!" Hinamori chirped, completely earnest.

Hitsugaya didn't answer. He leaned back, palms on the bench, letting sunlight filter through the cherry trees and warm his closed lids. The wind tousled his bangs gently.

"And you? Which squad do you want to join?"

Hinamori tilted her head, smiling dreamily. "I thought you already knew. Squad Four."

Hitsugaya's gaze flicked away.

"Because of the President?"

At that, a shy look fluttered over Hinamori's face. She realized she'd never told him she liked the Student Council President. Tōshirō had been her childhood friend... but somehow it felt embarrassing now.

How do you even bring something like that up?

So instead, she changed the topic.

"Have any members of the Gotei Thirteen approached you yet? Back when the President was in our year, several vice-captains came to recruit him."

"Vice-Captain Shiba of the Thirteenth came to see me a few days ago."

"Oh, him!" Hinamori brightened. "He's really nice! I remember him—he's close with the President too. That guy you joined the Council with, Shiba Ganju—he's probably related, right?"

Hitsugaya nodded distractedly. "They're brothers."

Thanks to their student council duties, he and Ganju had grown relatively close.

"So... do you want to join Squad Thirteen in the future?"

"...I don't know."

He really didn't. He'd barely even memorized his classmates' names, let alone planned out a career. He'd done a bit of reading on the Gotei's various divisions, trying to learn their roles, but the truth was—they weren't that different. He didn't have any grand aspirations, and most of what he'd done so far was reactive, not proactive.

"You should talk to the President," Hinamori said suddenly, as if struck by an idea. "He knows a lot about the squads—more than anyone. He's even connected to several vice-captains and captains!"

Her voice was warm and light as always, but for Hitsugaya, it was like swallowing a green plum—sharp and sour in the throat.

"Let's go now!"

"..."

She stood up, full of sudden energy.

Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes. Did she really want to help him... or was this just another excuse to go see that person?

"Later," he muttered. "I'm tired. I want to nap."

Hinamori huffed. "You really don't care about your own future, do you?"

He gave her the blank, dead-eyed stare of a beached fish.

"Fine, whatever," she sighed. "But if you graduate in a year, the Gotei will definitely be fighting over you. Don't let the opportunity slip."

Student Council Office.

Shin was sprawled in his chair, legs kicked up on the desk like a delinquent.

"President?"

Rukia, arms full of paperwork, stepped through the door—and caught sight of him looking utterly defeated.

"Oh, it's you, Rukia."

"What's wrong?" she asked, curious.

"...I miss Kōgorō."

"Huh?"

"The old vice-president," Shin sighed, staring at the ceiling. "If he were here, he'd be scolding me for this pose right now."

Rukia chuckled behind her hand.

"The principal came to talk to me," Shin continued. "Said it's time we start planning this year's Cultural Festival. Bigger and better than last year. More guests. More spectacle."

"So that's what's troubling you?" Rukia asked.

"I'm troubled by the money," Shin groaned. "The Academy barely increased the budget. And with Kōgorō gone, who the hell am I gonna mooch from now?! Why didn't that rich bastard stay back one more year?!"

"..."

Sure, Shin wasn't personally short on cash. The Kuchiki family's 'thank-you gift' alone was enough to fund the entire festival.

But—hey—why should he pay for a public event?

He muttered, "The Kakutori family's nobility too... Maybe this new VP is just as generous?"

Rukia hesitated. "President... If it's about money, I might be able to help."

He shot her a knowing glance. "Don't bother. Your brother isn't exactly the type to be persuaded. You ask him for funding, and he'll probably give you a lecture instead."

"It's okay," Rukia said softly. "If it's for the Student Council... for you..."

Her voice trailed off.

She didn't even know if she could pull it off.

Shin shook his head. "No need."

He smiled gently. "Save that kindness for when you're the president."

"Me?" Rukia blinked. "Wait—I become president?"

"I think you'd be great."

She shook her head quickly, flustered. "No, no—I couldn't possibly! I'm nowhere near as capable!"

In her mind, Hinamori and Kira were far more competent peers. At best, maybe she could run a department someday, but President? No way.

"You're still doubting yourself?" Shin asked, sitting up, fixing her with a steady look. "Rukia... haven't you outgrown that lack of confidence?"

She pouted inwardly. This isn't about confidence—this is the top position in the whole Council!

In the entire student body, no one would dare say they had what it took to replace him.

...Well, except Renji. But he didn't count.

Shin's thoughts drifted. Once he graduated, it would be time to pass the torch. With Hinamori and Kira by her side, Rukia could do it. She'd be a third-year, and as the Kuchiki heiress, she had the pedigree. It made sense.

"I really think you're expecting too much from me," Rukia murmured. "There are plenty of seniors still ahead of me..."

Shin leaned forward slowly. His gaze met hers, violet eyes locked in his own.

Then he smiled—soft, and dangerous.

"Rukia..."

"Are you really willing to let go of something that should rightfully be yours?"