Restricted Death

Chapter 123 It's so cold
A few stars sparsely dot the sky, while human figures are scattered on the ground.

Most of the people who had gathered at the Spirit Arts Academy had already left, and the place, which had been bustling all day, was gradually becoming quiet.

Beside Shin, besides Rukia and Hinamori, were the members of the student council. Rukia had invited Shin to the student council members' dinner party that evening.

Upon seeing some familiar faces after a long time, Shin chatted with them and praised everyone for the success of this year's cultural festival, saying it was better than the previous two years.

The group chatted late into the night at a barbecue restaurant and drank quite a bit of alcohol. Many people kept surrounding Shin, asking him about Team Thirteen, including some details from the previous Shinigami sparring and exchange tournament.

During this time, Shin casually asked some members who were about to graduate about their preferred squads and found that not many people were willing to choose the Fourth Squad.

This is normal, though. Although the Fourth Division is trying to change its atmosphere, it has only just begun. It will take a long time to completely reverse its reputation.

When the party ended, a drunk Hinamori clung to Shin's arm in front of the shop, refusing to let go.

Despite her reluctance, it took a lot of persuasion before a girl finally helped Hinamori back.

"The president is really kind to Momoko."

Rukia suddenly said something, seemingly casually.

She doesn't need to go back to the Spiritual Arts Academy, so now it's just her and Xin here.

"Are you unhappy?" Xin asked rhetorically.

"..."

Rukia pursed her lips and said nothing.

The student council members had already walked far away, and the last one disappeared around the corner of the street. The barbecue restaurant behind them was still lit with warm lights, and the sound of the owner tidying up could be heard.

"President, do you know that Momo likes you?" Rukia suddenly asked.

"know."

"So what does the president think?"

Rukia asked this question, her clear eyes flickering uncertainly.

"How does the president view her feelings, and... how does she view the relationship between us? Today, the president held my hand, and also her hand; she ate what I fed her, but also what she fed her... Between me and Momoko, everything the president does is the same. I can't help but wonder... in private, does the president also have feelings for Momoko..."

As she spoke, her voice grew softer and softer, and her gaze shifted from Xin's face, falling downwards.

Xin tilted his head.

"Isn't this what you wanted?"

Rukia was taken aback upon hearing this.

Shin continued, "I've been watching for a long time. I wonder if something happened between you and Hinamori. If one of you does something to me, the other immediately does the same thing, and it seems like you can tolerate each other. I find this hard to understand, especially you, Rukia."

Rukia felt a buzzing in her head.

The president guessed it...

The sudden turn of events made her momentarily forget that she was the one asking the president about this matter.

Seeing her somewhat bewildered expression, Xin chuckled and asked, "So, what was the agreement between the two of you?"

"I……"

Rukia didn't know how to respond. Should she really tell the president that they were having a so-called "fair competition"? This was fine between her and Hinamori, but if the president found out, wouldn't that be too bad?

Does the president think they treat him like an object?

Do you think she's completely irresponsible in this relationship...?

The chairman probably guessed it, which is why he said it was done on purpose.

Rukia felt a sudden panic, which made her freeze in place, unable to respond for a long time.

Seeing the panic in her eyes, Xin couldn't help but sigh, walked up to her, and gently patted her head.

“Since I can guess it, I naturally know your reasons for doing this,” he said.

Rukia looked at him timidly.

"President, are you... angry about this?"

Credit tapped her forehead with his finger and smiled, "What do you think?"

"I'm sorry, President... Momoko, she's my best friend, but..."

Rukia wanted to explain something, but the chaos and complexity at this moment could not be explained in just a few words. She mumbled a few words and then fell silent again.

The letter then said to her, "Alright, stop overthinking it."

As he spoke, he gently pulled her into his arms again.

Rukia pressed her face against his chest and asked in a low, humming voice, "Then... does the student council president like peaches?"

Xin casually replied, "Yes, I like her. She's so lively and cute, and she's also quite serious about what she does."

Rukia was stunned again.

Xin tightened his arms around her: "However, my feelings for her are different from my feelings for you."

"..."

Rukia breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. She felt that what Shin meant was the kind of liking that comes from admiring outstanding juniors. If that was the case, Momoko certainly deserved it.

However, since the president has told me all this, shouldn't I find an opportunity to clarify everything with Momoko...?

What's bulging in your pocket?

"Eh?"

Before Rukia could react, Shin's hand had already reached into the pocket of her school uniform and pulled something out.

This left her mind blank, and she involuntarily let out an "Ah!" before reaching out to snatch it away.

But how could she possibly snatch the letter? The letter raised its palm, and after seeing what was in its hand, its expression turned strange.

Rukia blushed crimson; she dared not look at the letter, her fingers trembling uncontrollably.

"Give me……"

Without saying a word, Shin placed the item in her hand. Rukia took it and quickly stuffed it into her pocket, her head bowed so low it was almost buried in her chest.

"I'm leaving now..."

Rukia's voice was somewhat stiff as she tried to escape, but Shin grabbed her and pinned her against the wall.

"President..."

Her eyes were filled with fear and confusion, and they were watery and blinking. Her eyes were purple and very beautiful, which was the most beautiful thing about Rukia. In Shin's opinion, none of the girls he knew could compare to Rukia in this respect.

"President, what are you doing?"

Without a word, Shin kissed her, and only slowly released her after feeling Rukia's body soften from its stiffness.

Rukia was breathing heavily, her chest heaving. She was no longer afraid, and leaned back against the wall, staring intently at Shin. Shin chuckled softly, "Is it because of this morning…?"

Rukia bit her lip but didn't speak, unconsciously squeezing her legs together.

Xin moved even closer, so that their noses could touch.

He whispered again, "I want to check it out."

No...

Rukia said this in her mind. She didn't know why she didn't make a sound. She just felt that the scene in front of her became blurry for no reason, like a clear painting being soaked in water, with the colors of the pattern spreading out randomly.

She simply closed her eyes.

hiss--

The president's hands are so cold.

#
Xin wants a house.

He lived in the school dormitory when he was at the Spirit Arts Academy, then in the squad dormitory when he was in the Fourth Division, and was homeless when he was in Rukongai.

He didn't originally have this need, but recently he suddenly felt that having his own space would be nice.

Otherwise, they might not have let Rukia leave so easily that night.

The matter was simple. Although Seireitei was a place where nobles lived, the officers of the Thirteen Divisions received preferential treatment in terms of housing. As the third seat of the Fourth Division, Shin only needed to apply to his superiors to easily obtain a room of his own.

The approval process takes no more than a week.

Of course, location and size are things that only the team leader can enjoy.

As Shin begins to busy himself with his new residence, the time for Gin Ichimaru and Kaien Shiba to fight for the position of captain of the Third Division arrives.

This battle is different from the previous exchange conferences.

The essence of the exchange conference is just to learn from each other, but this is a real battle with almost no restrictions on the rules. You can use any method or means as long as you can win.

Even killing someone in battle can be forgiven.

Of course, Gin Ichimaru and Kaien Shiba had known each other for quite some time, and there was no deep-seated hatred between them, so it was impossible for them to actually kill each other.

Moreover, the final decision on the captain is still made by the chief captain and the 46th Division. If the winner's methods are really dishonorable, they can also propose to conduct another captain assessment or something similar.

Even so, it is foreseeable that the intensity of this battle will far exceed the sparring sessions at the previous exchange conference.

This battle might be even more exciting than the one between Shin and Gin Ichimaru.

For many people, it doesn't matter who becomes the captain of the third division. They are just watching for the excitement. It's not easy to witness a captain-level battle live. They didn't expect to be able to see another one so soon after the exchange conference ended.

On this day, Retsu Unohana arrived at the First Division barracks with several officers from the Fourth Division.

The First Division also has a very spacious open-air arena. When the members of the Fourth Division arrived here, they found that many people had already gathered here.

Kyoraku, Ukitake, Shiba Isshin, and Aizen were all present. Most of the various divisions had arrived, gathering in small groups and discussing something privately.

At this moment, Ukitake and Aizen, two people in Seireitei known for their good tempers, were chatting and laughing naturally, seemingly without any animosity arising from the competition between their respective vice-captains.

Shiba Kaien and Ichimaru Gin were also there, but they weren't standing next to their captain. Instead, they stood on opposite sides, seemingly facing each other from a distance.

The former looked calm, while the latter had a smiling expression.

There were many familiar faces here, including all the high-ranking members of Team Thirteen, several members of the Ghost Path Clan, and members of the Central Forty-Six Chambers.

Xin also met someone who surprised him quite a bit.

Crab Marsh.

Today, all the people from the thirteen teams who came to watch the game were high-ranking officials, but of course, not all of them were officials.

Hitsugaya from the 10th Division has also arrived. As a newly promoted genius Shinigami, it's understandable that he's been valued and brought here.

To Shin's surprise, Kani Sawa also showed up, and it seemed that she was being treated quite well in the Eighth Division.

Kani Sawa quietly followed beside the captain and vice-captain of the 8th Division. She also noticed Shin, who smiled at her. Kani Sawa didn't react much, but simply nodded slightly to Shin.

The members of the Third Division present were still under the leadership of Togakushi Riku. Although he would represent the Third Division at the Captains' Meeting, he was not involved in the Captains' circle at all. The upper limit that a person could reach was there. Togakushi Riku himself had said that he had reached the third seat and that was the limit. However, he was more concerned about today's result than many others.

Who will be appointed as the captain of the Third Division: Gin Ichimaru or Kaien Shiba?

Togakushi Riku's inclination was also very clear: Shiba Kaien was definitely the best candidate. This vice-captain of the Thirteenth Division was also well-known for his good personality, easy-going temperament, and strong personal abilities.

It's safe to say that even if Togakushi Riku were given the choice between Shin and Shiba Kaien, he would most likely choose Shiba Kaien.

Retsu Unohana walked directly among the captains, while Shin approached Kaien Shiba.

"How does it feel?"

Shiba Kaien smiled and said, "It's alright."

He seemed genuinely unnerved, which surprised Xin slightly, making him wonder if the other party really had some trump card up his sleeve.

Shin didn't know how strong Shiba Kaien was, but he should be able to witness her Bankai today.

Shiba Kaien said nonchalantly, "It's just a battle. Just give it your all. Whether you win or lose, it's the result you deserve."

Compared to Haiyan's composure, a beautiful woman beside him could not hide her worry.

Shin also felt a gaze, and looking over, he found it was Shiba Isshin. Their eyes met, and both were very calm.

In addition, Shin also noticed that Matsumoto Rangiku, who was next to Isshin, kept glancing at Ichimaru Gin, intentionally or unintentionally.

Shin smiled at Shiba Kaien and said, "I believe you can win."

Upon hearing this, Shiba Kaien laughed and said, "If I win, you'll have to respectfully call me Captain Kaien when we meet in the future."

He said this to distinguish himself from his uncle, Shiba Isshin.

If there are two Shiba captains in the Thirteenth Division at the same time, it is easy for people to get confused and call them by the wrong names.

"Row."

Shin and Shiba Kaien exchanged a smile. The latter stared at Shin for a while, then suddenly said, "You will become a captain in the future too."

"Thank you for your kind words. But if I really become the captain, please don't have any bad opinions about me or look down on me," Xin replied with a smile.

Haiyan burst into laughter upon hearing this: "How could that be!"

He was puzzled: "Why would you say that?"

"It's nothing, keep going."

After the Fourth Division, members from other divisions arrived one after another. Once almost everyone had arrived, Captain-Commander Yamamoto exchanged a few words with several members of the 46th Chamber, and then Chojiro Sasakibe took charge.

As Chojiro, the captain of the saga club, walked onto the stage, the chattering crowd quieted down and turned their attention to him.

The battle over who will be chosen as the captain of the Third Division is about to begin.

(End of this chapter)