Hisagi was relieved and deeply moved by Haruki's generosity in c the bill. Living in the cold, cutthroat world of Seireitei, moments of genuine kindness were rare.

  Tears welled up in Hisagi's eyes. "Finally, someone's got my back!"

  Normally, he was the one footing the bill when drinking with others. This time, Haruki's gesture had uedly boosted Hisagi's favorability toward him to 77, leaving Haruki pleasantly surprised.

  "Occasionally going out for a drink really does lift the mood," Haruki said with a smile. "ime, make sure to invite me."

  "Absolutely! You're always wele!" Hisagi responded enthusiastically.

  Haruki hoped to raise Hisagi's favorability to 80 soon, which would allow him to permaly acquire the Bck Sun ability. A reliable offensive skill was exactly what he needed.

  ...

  Stepping out of the tavern, Haruki let the cool night breeze clear his slightly foggy mind. His body handled alcohol remarkably well. Despite drinking almost as much as Rangiku and Hisagi, who were noticeably tipsy, he only felt slightly lightheaded.

  Walking home against the breeze, Haruki began eling spiritual energy into the Bck Sun. Without infusing energy, the ability wouldn't pack much of a punch. It was a skill meant for long-term cultivation—if he kept st captain-level spiritual energy in it over the years, perhaps it could eventually unleash a power capable of obliterating someone like Yhwach.

  The future looks bright, doesn't it? Haruki thought with a slight grin as he reached home.

  He infused about half of his avaible spiritual energy into the Bck Sun. Any more would have impacted his stamina, and he o be well-rested for the day.

  ...

  Rising before dawn, Haruki stretched zily, feeling well-rested despite the previous night's drinking. After freshening up, he set out for Rukongai with renewed energy. His pace was even quicker than the day before, and by the time the first light of dawn touched the horizon, he had already arrived at the White Way Gate.

  There, waiting with a small bundle, was Tōshirō Hitsugaya.

  He came. Haruki sighed in relief. Nothing had ged; Hitsugaya had decided to bee a Shinigami after all.

  In a fsh, Haruki appeared before him, smiling warmly. "Looks like you've made your decision."

  Hitsugaya, startled by Haruki's sudden appearance, quickly masked his surprise with his usual stoic demeanor. "Yes, I've decided to bee a Shinigami!"

  "That's the spirit!" Haruki said, ruffling Hitsugaya's silver hair. Uo escape the gesture in time, Hitsugaya gred at him and pulled away.

  "You mentioned you had patrol duties," Hitsugaya pointed out. "Won't takio the academy be ing your job?"

  "You don't uand," Haruki replied with mock seriousness. "Finding and nurturing talent like you is far more important than mere patrols."

  "Have you settled things with yrandmother?" Haruki asked.

  "Yes," Hitsugaya said, taking a deep breath, determination gleaming in his eyes.

  ...

  Haruki led Hitsugaya toward the White Way Gate, where they entered Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, one of the massive gatekeepers chosen from Rukongai's elite. While Shinigami could freely pass, Hitsugaya, as a Rukongai resident, posed a procedural issue.

  Haruki g Jidanbō's soul ability:

  "Gatekeeper: Designate a gate to guard. No one pass through it uhey defeat you."

  How fitting, Haruki thought. Though the ability wasn't immediately useful to him, its potential intrigued him. As long as Jidanbō wasn't defeated or forced into battle, no one could breach his designated gate.

  Jidanbō, t at over teers tall, scrutinized Haruki and Hitsugaya, making the tter visibly unfortable. "He's huge..." Hitsugaya murmured.

  Haruki chuckled. "Don't worry. There aren't many people as tall as Jidanbō in Seireitei—just four, actually."

  After a moment's hesitation, Jidanbō allowed them through. "Fine, go ahead."

  ...

  With Hitsugaya in tow, Haruki couldn't move as quickly, so by the time they reached the Shin'ō Academy, it was almost noon. Along the way, Haruki shared tidbits about Seireitei and taught Hitsugaya basic spiritual energy trol.

  Hitsugaya's progress was staggering. Even during their brief journey, his skills noticeably improved, leaving Haruki awestruck.

  What a monstrous talent! Haruki thought, feeling a mix of admiration and envy. pared to Hitsugaya, the gap between ordinary people and geniuses seemed rger than that between humans and dogs.

  ...

  At the academy, Haruki went directly to Daioh Naharasu Yanakurō, the teacher whose soul ability Haruki also hoped to acquire. Yanakurō was surprised to see Haruki, a fully-fledged Shinigami, visiting the academy again.

  "Teacher," Haruki began, sensing his fusion. "I've e because I discovered araordinary talent in Rukongai. With his abilities, it would be a waste for him to remain there. I'd like him to join the Shin'ō Academy and train to bee a Shinigami."