Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!

Chapter 92: Kukaku’s Affection Meter

Chapter 92 - Kukaku’s Affection MeterThe Shiba estate.

With Ganju away studying at the Shin'ō Academy and no housekeeper around, the chore of cooking had fallen—grudgingly—onto the shoulders of Shiba Kukaku.

In the living room, Shin was chatting with Shiba Kaien about the matter of purchasing training equipment.

"Depends how far you want to go with it. Some specialized gear can only be made by the Department of Re

Shin's smile deepened.

Kukaku scarfed down the rest of her meal, then sat silently, staring at Shin. He felt... awkward.

He wasn't that hungry to begin with and gladly put down his chopsticks.

"Kukaku, this is rude," Kaien muttered.

"Aren't you supposed to be heading back to your squad?" she replied dryly.

Kaien choked again.

"Shall we go?" Shin offered.

Kukaku jumped to her feet.

"Kaien, you're on dish duty!"

Kaien: "..."

And so Shin and Kukaku set off for the Shin'ō Academy.

Thanks to Shin's position, they were allowed in without any trouble. It was Kukaku's first time there, and her eyes roamed curiously across the campus.

"What do you think of the place?"

"Not bad."

She replied casually, but her gaze didn't stop moving. She'd heard so many stories from Ganju, she already had an idea of what to expect.

It was still lunch hour, so the grounds were bustling. Their clothing drew attention—especially Shin's.

Some students recognized him and began whispering.

Kukaku, for her part, seemed totally unfazed.

They reached the Student Council office. Shin hesitated briefly, then knocked.

"Come in."

A familiar voice answered.

Shin smiled and pushed open the door.

"President?"

"Sis?!"

Ganju's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw Kukaku walk in behind Shin.

What the hell?! Was this because of that time he accidentally ruined her favorite coat while doing laundry? Had she come all the way to beat him up?!

Neither Rukia nor Hinamori were present—something Shin was quietly thankful for.

Kira Izuru stood up in surprise when he saw Shin.

"No need for formalities. I'm not the President anymore."

"Tachikawa-senpai," Kira corrected himself.

He then turned to Kukaku, having caught Ganju's greeting.

"This is Shiba Kukaku, Ganju's elder sister," Shin introduced. "We're here to discuss a fireworks partnership for this year's Cultural Festival. Where's Rukia?"

"She's probably in class. I'll go fetch her."

"Thanks."

Once Kira left, only the three of them remained. Kukaku didn't stand on ceremony, plopping into a chair.

Ganju quickly got her some water.

"Sis... why are you here?"

"Didn't he just say? It's about the Cultural Festival."

"But that's an Academy event. What does it have to do with you?"

Kukaku's foot shot out. Ganju barely dodged.

"You've been here for years and still haven't done anything to benefit the family!"

Ganju looked dazed.

Shin chuckled.

"You'll understand in a minute."

Before long, Rukia and Hinamori arrived.

"President!"

Shin sighed internally. But thankfully, both girls maintained a formal, reserved air. They understood he was here on business.

Shin laid out the proposal: a fireworks show for the Cultural Festival, with Kukaku as the exclusive provider.

"Miss Kukaku is the finest fireworks artisan in all of Soul Society," he concluded.

Rukia found the idea agreeable.

"Sounds great. I'll just need to get approval from the Academy directors."

"If they hesitate, I'll talk to them."

Rukia then began discussing details with Kukaku—how many people would attend, the campus size, what types of effects were feasible. Kukaku took the lead, excitedly throwing out ideas.

The agreement came together quickly. Once Rukia had approval, she'd bring the contract to Kukaku for signing.

Hinamori stood nearby, looking like she wanted to say something, but Shin cut her off.

"I've got other things this afternoon. Let's go, Miss Kukaku."

As they walked through campus, Kukaku kept glancing around.

"There'll be captains, vice-captains, squad members. Your fireworks will light up the night and steal the show."

"Damn right they will."

She stopped walking and stared at Shin.

He expected a thank-you. Instead:

"Did you really mean what you said earlier? That I'm the best fireworks maker in Soul Society?"

"Aren't you?"

Truth be told, he'd never seen her work—only one failed demo. It had clearly been flattery.

But Kukaku's face lit up with a brilliant grin.

"You've got a sharp eye, brat!"

She turned back toward the gate and tossed a final line over her shoulder.

"I'll overlook how you address me—for now."

Shin blinked. So, she'd noticed after all.

He smiled to himself and followed after her.

[Affection: 30]

[Reiatsu Level: 39]

[Zanpakutō Release Progress: 37%]