Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 69: Rukia’s Quiet Satisfaction

Shin reviewed the written exams submitted by Hitsugaya, Ganjaku, and Renji.

Renji had written more than last year—barely—but it was obviously forced. Some of his answers were just jumbled nonsense.

Still, because of the three friends' heartfelt requests—and because Shin didn't particularly dislike him—he passed him personally.

Ganjaku did fine. Above average, even.

Despite his rugged looks, Shin found him surprisingly detail-oriented. A rough shell, but sharp within.

He couldn't help but think... in the original timeline, this kid had been brash and reckless. Perhaps Kaien's death and Isshin's disappearance had broken something in him.

But Hitsugaya Tōshirō...

His test was flawless.

Shin had recycled the same question formats as last year. Hitsugaya's answers weren't just correct—they were masterclass. Concise, logical, intuitive. Like the questions were made just for him.

Even Shin had to click his tongue in admiration. No wonder this kid became a Captain so young.

In canon, Hitsugaya had graduated in a single year, joined Squad Ten as Third Seat, and ran it like a machine alongside Rangiku Matsumoto.

Everyone grading the tests couldn't help but murmur:

"No wonder they call him a genius..."

Even Hisagi said, "This kid's infuriatingly good."

Then looked at Shin. "Aren't you even a little worried he'll catch up to you?"

Shin just grinned. "Wouldn't that be great?"

Hitsugaya was what people thought of when they said "genius."

Shin? He had cheat codes.

A few days later, Renji, Hitsugaya, and Ganjaku officially joined the Student Council.

To celebrate, the whole Council went out drinking at a nearby izakaya.

The first-years sat awkwardly, still stiff and unsure. The upperclassmen laughed and drank without a care.

Shin, nursing his cup, found himself quietly nostalgic. Hard to believe I'm in my final year already... it feels like I just got here.

"You okay drinking?" Ganjaku asked, glancing at Hitsugaya across the table.

"I'm of age."

Hitsugaya had long gotten used to the misunderstandings. He didn't know why he still looked like a kid—especially when Hinamori now looked almost like an older sister to him.

He glanced toward her, laughing happily among friends. She really was thriving here. And despite only being enrolled a month, Hitsugaya found himself liking this place too.

But with his "Child Prodigy" reputation came side-eyes and pressure. Not just from students—teachers too.

Even the Headmaster had called him in, asking if he was adjusting, if he had any difficulties, what his future plans were. It had overwhelmed him at first, but now he understood.

In one month of classes, he'd realized how different he truly was.

Things he found trivial, others struggled with. In Kidō class, he could replicate spells after seeing them once. No one else could do that.

Is that what Tachikawa Shin is like too?

He'd heard plenty about the Student Council President—even before enrolling, thanks to Hinamori. A genius among geniuses, already eyed by Squad Four, with power rivaling seated officers.

"You're from Junrin'an, right?" Ganjaku asked.

"I am."

"I used to go there all the time," Ganjaku grinned.

Junrin'an, District 1 of Rukongai. Just one wall away from Seireitei.

Hitsugaya blinked. "Really?"

He hadn't expected a noble to spend time in Rukongai.

"I don't really like Seireitei," Ganjaku admitted. "Too boring. If my brother and uncle weren't Shinigami, I'd move out there permanently."

Hitsugaya noted Ganjaku's lack of arrogance. It left a good impression.

The two chatted on. Despite his upright appearance, Ganjaku quickly got casual once you got to know him—matching his rugged exterior.

He may have been comfortable around Shin, but Ganjaku still held back. After all, Shin was his brother's friend—and someone he deeply respected.

The party carried on into the night. The Academy had long since turned off its lights, but the Student Council had its privileges.

Shin didn't drink much. Others, however, got completely wasted—including Hinamori. She staggered back, leaning heavily on Rukia.

Rukia had abstained, needing to return to the Kuchiki estate. She was wondering who to leave this drunk mess to.

Ganjaku, slightly tipsy, was loudly chatting with Hitsugaya—his arm around the boy's shoulders.

Hitsugaya pulled away gently and walked over to Rukia and Hinamori.

"Momo," he said, exasperated.

"Shiro-chaaaan~" Hinamori slurred, face flushed. She looked stunning when she smiled like that. "Are you enjoying the Academy?"

Hitsugaya didn't answer—just sighed, then turned to Rukia. "Let me take her. You still have to go back, right?"

Rukia nodded. "Thank you."

Just as Hitsugaya reached out to take Hinamori's arm—

She slipped away, wobbling drunkenly...

...and dove toward another direction.

"President~!"

Shin was chatting with Hisagi and Vice President Katō when a warm, soft weight collapsed onto him, clinging tight.

Hitsugaya stood frozen, watching as Hinamori nestled into Shin's side.

Rukia stared too. But unlike Hitsugaya's silent confusion...

Her gaze glittered with something else.

Something faintly amused.

And maybe a little bit smug.