"So, Rukia, have confidence and be proud," Ailin spoke with conviction.

"Your talent has been recognized by me. But your strength must be cultivated through your own efforts. Remember, before you transform your potential as a 'genius' into the strength of a 'powerhouse,' all talent is merely an illusion."

"Yes, I understand, Teacher Ailin. I will not disappoint you!"

"I believe in you."

Ailin ruffled Rukia's hair again, a hint of amusement as he realized he couldn't mess up the perfectly styled bob. He then withdrew his hand.

"Alright, let's continue, Rukia. Your teacher, in terms of status, is the son-in-law of the Kuchiki family.

In all of Soul Society, only Byakuya Kuchiki, the head of the Kuchiki clan, and Yūshirō Shihōin, the head of the Shihōin clan, hold a higher position than me.

However, as you know, I am Byakuya's uncle and his teacher. Therefore, he wouldn't dare use his status as the head of the family to pressure me.

Similarly, I have a good relationship with Yoruichi Shihōin, the older sister of the current Shihōin clan head. Yūshirō is like a junior to me.

In short, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that your teacher holds the most esteemed position within the Seireitei. As for my strength, all you need to know is that I am very strong."

"How strong..."

"Hmm, let's just say that if I wanted to, I could destroy Soul Society."

"Huh?" Rukia's eyes widened in disbelief.

Destroy Soul Society?

What kind of power was that?

Could Teacher Ailin truly achieve such a feat?

"Haha..."

Ailin laughed heartily, enjoying Rukia's stunned expression.

As expected, interacting with familiar characters brought a sense of joy and fulfillment.

"Alright, the reason I'm telling you all this is to let you know that no matter what mistakes you make in this world, as long as you don't want to die, just call out your teacher's name. Even if it means destroying Soul Society, I will come to your rescue."

"Yes, Teacher."

Rukia could sense the importance of Ailin's words. Although she didn't believe she would ever make such grave mistakes, she nodded obediently.

"I understand, Teacher. If I don't want to die, I will call out your name."

As they walked, Rukia noticed an unusual atmosphere within the Kuchiki Manor.

Servants draped white cloths around the house, creating a somber ambiance.

Had someone important passed away?

"Teacher..."

"Don't ask, Rukia," Ailin said, sensing her curiosity but choosing not to explain just yet.

Some things were better left for the sisters to discuss themselves.

"Remember, I told you I had a specific reason for visiting the Shin'ō Academy today? This is the reason. Come, let's go inside."

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Ailin took Rukia's hand and led her through the corridors adorned with white decorations, heading towards a specific destination.

To Rukia's surprise, the servants seemed oblivious to their presence, continuing their tasks without acknowledging Ailin.

This continued until they reached a lavish bedroom.

A gentle and elegant woman lay on the bed with closed eyes. Beside her, a handsome young man with an air of nobility held her hand.

Rukia recognized the man, despite never having met him before. The large "six" on the back of his white haori identified him as Byakuya Kuchiki, the current head of the Kuchiki clan and captain of the Sixth Division.

Just a glance at Byakuya filled Rukia with a sense of inferiority.

Was she truly worthy of such a man?

"Byakuya."

"Uncle."

Byakuya looked up, his eyes lighting up with relief upon seeing Ailin.

"Uncle, Hisana... Hisana just fell unconscious," Byakuya was choked with emotion.

In Hisana's current state, falling unconscious was a sign that her life was nearing its end.

"Yes, I know," Ailin said. "Please wait outside. I have a few things to discuss with Hisana. Afterward, I will give you some time alone with her."

"But..."

Byakuya hesitated, torn between staying by Hisana's side and hoping for Ailin to awaken her, even for a brief moment, so he could hear her voice one last time.

"Alright, Uncle," Byakuya finally agreed. He gently patted Hisana's hand and left the room.

Throughout their interaction, Byakuya seemed completely unaware of Rukia's presence, his gaze never lingered on her.

However, Rukia wasn't paying attention to Byakuya either. From the moment she entered the bedroom and saw the woman lying on the bed, she had been frozen in shock.

"So familiar..."

Although she had never met this woman before, Rukia felt a surge of sadness welling up within her.

"Fall in love – Void Bandage!"

A golden spatial distortion appeared, and a white bandage extended from within, quickly enveloping Hisana's body.

Under the green light, Hisana's breathing stabilized. However, it was merely a stabilization, not a recovery. Still, it was enough to rouse Hisana from her unconscious state.

"Am I... not dead yet?"

Hisana opened her eyes and looked up at the familiar ceiling. As long as she had a breath left, she wanted to be in Byakuya's arms, feeling his heartbeat.

Recognizing the sensation, Hisana knew it was the power of one of Uncle Ailin's Zanpakutō. She turned her head to thank Ailin but froze in astonishment.

"This... Am I dreaming? You... Are you Rukia?"

Tears streamed down Hisana's face as she gazed at the familiar face before her.

"It's really you, Rukia. You're alright."

Hisana reached out with trembling hands, wanting to touch Rukia, but the power of Void Bandage prevented her from doing so.

"Rukia, this is why I visited the Shin'ō Academy today. She doesn't have much time left. You two should talk." With those words, Ailin followed Byakuya and left the room.

Ailin didn't know what transpired between Hisana and Rukia, but Hisana's relieved smile and the tear stains on Rukia's face told him that the sisters had reconciled.

"Thank you, Teacher Ailin," Rukia said, bowing deeply before Ailin.

"Rukia, there's no need for thanks," Ailin replied. "As Hisana's uncle and your teacher, it is my duty to ensure she passes on without regrets and to resolve your uncertainties. Your sister's remaining time belongs to Byakuya. Let me prepare a room for you."

"Yes, Teacher."

In her sister's final moments, Rukia naturally wanted her to be with Byakuya.

Staying here would serve no purpose. What needed to be done and said had already been done and said.

Hisana Kuchiki's life was complete.

Ailin, naturally, wouldn't be the one to arrange Rukia's accommodations.

After Hisana fell ill, Haruko had taken over the household affairs of the Kuchiki Manor.

Upon seeing Rukia, Haruko was taken aback. However, after hearing Ailin's explanation, she felt a deep sense of compassion for the young girl.

If not for Ailin's intervention, preventing Haruko from further interaction with Rukia, Ailin might have gained a "daughter" that very night.

Although confused by Ailin's actions, Haruko trusted his judgment after so many years together.

Therefore, she refrained from questioning Ailin in front of Rukia. Instead, she personally settled Rukia into her room before returning to confront Ailin with a stern gaze.

Haruko yearned to have a child of her own with Ailin.

Years ago, they had encountered Nanao Ise but were ultimately rejected when Nanao chose to prioritize her responsibilities to the Ise family.

Now, with Haruko's desire to adopt Rukia thwarted, Ailin needed to provide a convincing explanation. Otherwise, he would face a long night.

"Haruko, don't be angry," Ailin said with a playful smile, leading Haruko into their room. After she sat down, Ailin revealed his plan.

Haruko gasped and rubbed her temples, trying to process the complex scheme.

"So, you're saying you want to bring Byakuya and Rukia together?"

"Yes. Haruko, you know how stubborn Byakuya can be. After Hisana's passing, he might shut himself off emotionally and remain alone for the rest of his life. But as the head of the Kuchiki clan, he has a responsibility to continue the bloodline.

Instead of forcing him to marry someone he doesn't love, causing them both pain, it's better to start cultivating a relationship between him and Rukia now.

When the time is right, I will nudge Byakuya in the right direction. If he comes to his senses and Rukia feels the same way, then everything will fall into place."