Bleach: I Love Making Friends

In addition, the 13th Division had many other soul abilities.

But Haruki couldn't obtain them right now.

The entire 13th Division was engulfed in grief, and this wasn't the right time to try to befriend them.

He hadn't even spoken much to Rukia.

White didn't make Haruki wait too long, either.

A day later, Ukitake summoned Haruki, Shiba Kaien, and Rukia Kuchiki.

"We've located the target," Ukitake said solemnly. "It's near Mount Koiwa. I'll accompany you, but unless you're on the verge of death, I won't intervene."

He looked seriously at Kaien, who nodded in response.

Haruki observed the two of them, thinking about what he should do next.

He really wanted to obtain Kaien's "Resemblance" ability and Rukia's "Star." This mission was a great opportunity to boost their favorability.

As for Ukitake…

Haruki also wanted his "Host" ability, but after seeing how Kyōraku's favorability was stuck at 50, he lost interest in Ukitake.

These centuries-old veterans had walls around their hearts that were too thick to breach. Dealing with them was like dealing with Shinji Ikari.

Hah, wait until I initiate the Human Instrumentality Project. Let's see how thick those walls are then.

Haruki inwardly cursed these ancient monsters.

But what should he do…

to both protect White and boost Kaien and Rukia's favorability?

Well, he'd just have to adapt to the situation as it unfolded.

If it came down to it, he could sacrifice Kaien, but he absolutely had to protect White.

White wasn't just crucial for his Hollowfication; it was also essential for "recruiting" Ichigo Kurosaki in the future. How could he let it be destroyed here?

So, when Haruki followed Ukitake to Mount Koiwa, he sensed White's malevolent spiritual pressure even before getting close.

White had grown significantly stronger. Its spiritual pressure was far more powerful than when it had first transformed.

Haruki glanced subtly at Kaien.

He…

couldn't win.

White now likely possessed captain-level combat strength. Kaien, though talented, wasn't yet at that level.

Haruki wasn't sure if Ukitake knew this, but he still allowed Kaien to fight alone.

The three of them stood on a cliff, watching as Kaien jumped down and confronted White.

At that moment, Haruki looked up at the sky.

The night was pitch black.

A crescent moon hung in the sky, struggling to emit even a faint light.

Beyond that, there was nothing.

Haruki narrowed his eyes, spotting three glowing soul abilities beneath the moon.

'Ascension'

'Viper'

'Spirit of Vengeance'

The first two were obviously Aizen and Gin's abilities, while the third belonged to Tōsen.

Haruki hadn't paid much attention to this ability before because it was almost useless to him.

'Spirit of Vengeance: When activated, summons a highly aggressive "Spirit of Vengeance" that attacks the target you harbor intense hatred toward.'

This ability…

wasn't bad.

But the only problem was that Haruki had no enemies.

He had none in the past, none now, and likely none in the future.

Enemies weren't the same as foes. If the ability could be used against foes, it would be quite useful.

But if it was limited to enemies, its utility was too narrow.

Haruki…

had no enemies.

In his heart, there was no hatred.

As if noticing his gaze, Haruki sensed that one of the three had glanced at him.

These three…

really had too much time on their hands.

In the original story, it made sense for Shiba Isshin, a captain, to deal with White. After all, he was a captain, and observing the data from White's battle with a captain was necessary.

But Kaien was just a vice-captain. Was it really worth the effort for all three of them to come and watch?

What a joke.

Haruki expressionlessly looked down.

"Roar!"

White had already spotted Kaien. Of course, it didn't know about Kaien's hatred for it, but as a Shinigami, Kaien was its prey.

"It really is a strange Hollow…"

Kaien voiced the confusion he and Ukitake shared.

Compared to other Hollows, White was indeed bizarre.

Its black shell, filled Hollow hole, and humanoid appearance all screamed abnormality.

"But no matter what, I…"

Kaien's angry face showed a hint of seriousness as he muttered, "Reverse the flow, Nejibana!"

He had already judged that his opponent was a formidable enemy and immediately released his Shikai.

His Zanpakutō transformed into a trident-shaped, deep blue spear. But at the same time, White appeared right in front of him.

So fast!

Kaien's pupils dilated. He had just released his Zanpakutō, and White was already attacking him?!

He quickly raised his spear to block, but White was not only fast but also incredibly strong.

With a single strike, Kaien was forced to retreat, but White relentlessly pursued him, quickly pushing him into a corner!

"Captain!"

Rukia exclaimed, "This is bad! Vice-Captain Kaien is no match for him. We have to—"

She didn't finish her sentence because she saw the look on Ukitake's face.

His eyes were filled with concern, and his body tensed with the urge to rescue his subordinate. But he suppressed that urge.

He didn't move!

"This is… Vice-Captain Kaien's battle for honor," Haruki said softly. "If we interfere, where will his honor stand?"

"But if we do nothing… Vice-Captain Kaien will…"

"Die," Haruki whispered.

"Rukia, remember this."

"Not everyone fears death. For some, honor outweighs death."

"I… don't necessarily agree with that view, but I respect those who hold it. You should too."

"If you truly respect your vice-captain, don't move."

"Rukia, you should go back," Ukitake said gently. "What's about to happen here isn't suitable for someone as young as you."

"I…" Rukia was stunned. She hadn't expected Haruki and Ukitake to say such things, but she quickly replied, "No! I won't be a burden!"

Haruki ignored her and focused on observing the battle between the Shinigami and the Hollow below.

Shiba Kaien, truly a genius regarded by Ukitake as his successor. Though still a vice-captain, he likely already possessed captain-level strength.

Even though he was at a disadvantage now, it wasn't accurate to say he was completely outmatched.

Perhaps Kaien could still pull off a miracle…

...

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