Restricted Death

Chapter 210 Ichigo

A subtle tension permeated the living room of the Shiba family.

Haiyan slumped awkwardly at the low table, his nose swollen and bruised, bloodstains still visible at the corner of his mouth. He occasionally hissed in pain, grimacing as he wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand. A few solid punches had completely jolted him awake from his hangover, leaving him only with guilt and embarrassment, his eyes darting away, unable to meet Konghe's gaze as he sat opposite him.

Shin knelt quietly to the side like a background figure. Although Sora's anger wasn't directly directed at him, her icy gaze was like invisible needles, sweeping coldly over him from time to time. Shin knew all too well the role he played in this awkward situation. Even if he wanted to explain, he could only swallow it back, lower his eyes, and remain silent.

With lingering resentment, Konghe poured himself a heavy glass of cold water, the bottom of the glass clattering against the table, making Haiyan, who was already feeling guilty, shiver unconsciously.

The atmosphere was unbearable, so Xin cleared his throat at the right moment, breaking the oppressive silence: "Well, if there's nothing else, I should go back. There's still a lot of work to do in the team."

Haiyan suddenly raised her head, her eyes, still bearing bruises, widened instantly, filled with accusation and unspoken sorrow, staring straight at the letter, as if silently saying: Do I look like I'm alright?
However, Kukaku remained with her arms crossed, staring blankly out the window, clearly showing no intention of stopping her.

Xin decisively avoided Haiyan's mournful gaze, quickly stood up, and walked steadily but with a hint of imperceptible urgency towards the sliding door of the entrance hall.

shhh-

The living room door opened for a moment, then quickly closed again.

"No need to see it off."

The letter's voice disappeared outside the door.

In the living room, only the brother and sister remained, and the air seemed to freeze. After a long while, Haiyan rubbed her swollen eyes and spoke in a low, slightly nasal voice: "Konghe, how could you be so rude in front of outsiders?"

Kong He immediately turned his head, his icy gaze shooting towards Haiyan once again, causing Haiyan to instinctively shrink back and hurriedly try to salvage the situation: "I admit, I was talking nonsense while drunk, but I'm still your brother, how could you..."

"Does being an elder brother give you the right to spout nonsense?" Konghe sneered.

Haiyan said with a forced smile, "I shouldn't have, I shouldn't have!"

Perhaps it was because those punches had truly vented her anger, or perhaps it was because Haiyan's comical yet pitiful state had somewhat eased her inner rage, but Konghe's tense expression finally softened a bit, and at least her tone was no longer so cold.

"You're about to become a father, is this how you set an example for your future son?"

Haiyan couldn't help but defend herself again: "My initial intention was also for you. Your sister-in-law and I both think Xin is a very good person, you..."

He was speaking when he saw that Kong He's face had darkened. He immediately fell silent, sniffed, and reached up to touch his cheek, wincing in pain.

That evening, Shiba returned from the Third Division barracks and was surprised to see Shiba Kaien in this state.

"what happened?"

Haiyan glanced quickly at the direction of Konghe's tightly closed door, pouted, and remained silent, looking aggrieved.

Shiba, quick-witted as ever, immediately understood and said helplessly, "Did you make Kukaku angry?"

Haiyan retorted angrily, "How could you immediately assume it's my fault? I'm your husband! You should unconditionally stand by my side!"

Shiba wasn't falling for his tricks. She rolled her eyes at him and said, "If I were to scold and complain about Kukaku immediately, you would definitely be unhappy again."

She found the home first-aid kit and began to treat Haiyan's facial injuries. As the team leader, it would be very embarrassing for her subordinates if she went to the barracks looking like this tomorrow.

"What did you do?" Zhibo dipped the ointment in the light green, cool liquid and gestured for Haiyan to sit still, preparing to apply the medicine to him.

"It's nothing, I just drank too much and called him 'brother-in-law' in front of Konghe," Haiyan said softly.

Upon hearing this, Zhibo couldn't help but chuckle, but he didn't stop applying the medicine: "Serves you right."

Haiyan looked helpless. Zhibo's hand, which was applying medicine, touched his bruised and swollen area again, causing him to cry out in pain: "Be gentle..."

Shiba asked thoughtfully, "What does that letter mean? What are your thoughts on Kukaku?"

Haiyan thought about it carefully, then shook her head and said, "I don't know, he doesn't seem that enthusiastic."

Shiba slowly said, "Although Shin is young, he seems to be a very clear-headed person when it comes to relationships. In contrast, Sora is straightforward and frank. She may seem sassy and strong, but her heart is the purest and most sensitive. She can't hide her thoughts. Her likes and dislikes are written all over her face. If she really gets together with Shin, and if any conflicts arise in the future, Sora will most likely be the one to suffer."

Haiyan's brows furrowed even more, her tone tinged with resentment and doubt: "Could Xin really let Konghe suffer a loss? He doesn't seem like an irresponsible person."

Zhibo chuckled again: "You're thinking too far ahead. There's not even a hint of anything between them yet."

Upon hearing this, Haiyan sighed in a seemingly serious manner, "They really are a handful."

Konghe came out, the frost on her face had mostly melted, but she still looked a little unnatural, especially when she saw her sister-in-law gently applying medicine to her brother.

"Sister-in-law," she greeted softly, her voice muffled, "you're back."

Zhibo smiled gently: "Hmm, what would you like to eat tonight? I'll go prepare dinner."

Although she was applying medicine to Haiyan's wounds, she didn't ask Konghe a single question.

Konghe immediately shook her head and quickly walked over: "Don't bother, you have a baby in your belly, I'll go make dinner."

Haiyan immediately chimed in, "Yes, you should rest!"

Zhibo sighed helplessly, "I haven't reached the point where I can't do anything yet."

She had only been pregnant for a month or two after the pregnancy was discovered, and as a grim reaper, her physical condition was far superior to that of ordinary people; she could still do some ordinary housework.

Haiyan stopped her, saying, "No... I think you shouldn't go to the team anymore. Take a break from the team for now. I'll approve a long leave for you and let Togakushi Sanke take over your work."

Shiba was somewhat reluctant: "Then what should I do? Staying at home all the time would be very boring."

At this moment, Kukaku said, "I can stay with you every day, sister-in-law."

Shiba paused, wondering if Kukaku was going to... tinker with her fireworks with him?

Konghe added, "I can accompany you, sister-in-law, to do whatever you want, whether it's chatting, taking a walk, or... quietly reading and writing."

She held her sister-in-law in the highest esteem, a respect far exceeding that for anyone else in the family. This stemmed from Zhibo's gentle yet resilient character, as well as his equal respect and care for her.

Normally, she might not listen to what Haiyan said, but she would definitely consider what Shiba said seriously. Looking at Konghe's serious and solemn eyes, and then at her husband's nervous appearance, Shiba's hesitation dissipated. She understood that her husband's suggestion was actually very practical. Even if she insisted on working now, she would eventually need to rest when her belly got bigger, and she would be even more overwhelmed after the baby was born.

She said to Haiyan, "Then I'll go to the team with you tomorrow and take this opportunity to announce my pregnancy to the team members. Then you can transfer me from the position of vice captain and take this opportunity to rearrange the personnel changes within the team."

"Okay." Haiyan agreed, then reached out and touched Shiba's abdomen.

"Your most important job from now on is to be happy and healthy, and then bring Ichigo to see me."

Shiba smiled and asked, "Ichigo? Has the name been decided yet?"

"Yes, let's call him Ichigo." Kaien nodded firmly and said to Shiba Miyako's belly, "Ichigo, Ichigo, grow up well in your mother's belly. There are many people outside who are looking forward to your arrival."

Shiba's face flushed gently, and she playfully slapped away her husband's restless hand: "What are you doing in front of Kūkaku?"

Haiyan, however, became unusually serious, as if she were doing something extremely sacred: "I'm doing what a father should do, Konghe, and you, as her aunt, can also touch it."

Surprisingly, after a moment's hesitation, Konghe actually came closer. She carefully reached out her hand and, imitating her brother, gently placed her palm on her sister-in-law's warm and soft abdomen, as if she could truly feel the energy pulse of a new life being conceived.

Zhibo was both amused and exasperated.

Kong He withdrew her hand, her face showing a mixture of confusion and curiosity, and couldn't help but ask, "Sister-in-law, what does it feel like to be pregnant?"

Shiba tilted his head and thought seriously for a moment. Just as he was about to describe that wonderful sense of fulfillment and happiness, his gaze fell on Kukaku's face, which was filled with confusion. His heart skipped a beat, and the words he had prepared for his mouth took a sudden turn.

She smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes: "You'll find out when you get pregnant."

"What if I get pregnant in the future?" Sora shuddered. The idea was far too distant and terrifying for her!
And... who will be the child's father?
The image of Tachikawa Shin flashed through her mind, and she quickly shook her head.

It's all my brother's fault; he made me start overthinking things too.

She quickly stood up: "I'll go cook."

Shiba watched Kukaku's departing figure with a smile, then suddenly said to Kaien, "To be honest, I'm also looking forward to seeing Kukaku act shy in front of the person she likes."

Haiyan shook her head, seemingly unsure: "She wouldn't."

Zhibo playfully slapped him: "You don't understand girls at all. No matter how strong a girl's personality is, she can't help but blush and have her heart race in front of someone she likes."

Haiyan became thoughtful, imagining Konghe standing shyly in front of Shin, but couldn't help but shudder and silently mourn for Shin.

Good bro, if you can really subdue Kukaku, I'll have to thank you!
#
A few days later, Kira Izuru took the initiative to visit the home of the person who wrote the letter.

Shin learned from him that Shiba had temporarily taken a break from the team due to her pregnancy, and Togakushi, the third seat in the team, was temporarily serving as the vice-captain. At the same time, many team members' positions had changed, but Shiba's position was not among them.

Xin could tell he was a little resentful, and said somewhat speechlessly, "You've only been a senior official for a short time, and you're already in such a hurry to get promoted? Do you have the qualifications and ability?"

Kira chuckled awkwardly upon hearing this, then muttered under his breath, "Didn't you say that I would definitely become a vice-captain after joining the Third Division?"

"fool."

The letter tapped him on the head and cursed.

"When did you become so ambitious? If you really want to be the vice-captain, fine, but do you even have fourth-level spiritual power?"

Kira covered his head with his hands but dared not resist, sitting there obediently listening to Shin's reprimand.

"The position of vice-captain of the Third Division is definitely yours. Although Togakushi is the third seat, he is a very honest person who has no interest in fame or fortune. Even if Kaien promotes him, he has no intention of becoming the vice-captain. You just need to do your job honestly and conscientiously."

"I understand, Chairman." Kira nodded repeatedly in agreement after Shin finished reprimanding him.

Then, he suddenly added, "By the way, Chairman, I went back to the Spirit Arts Academy a couple of days ago. When I saw Rukia, she suddenly mentioned to me that she was interested in joining our Third Division after graduation."

"Rukia wants to join the Third Division?" Shin was taken aback. "What's going on?"

Kira thought about it carefully for a moment and said, "I'm not really sure either. Judging from Rukia's appearance at the time, she seemed to have something on her mind."

Xin frowned and began to ponder.

Rukia will go to the 13th Division after graduation, which is something she mentioned before, and the Kuchiki family must have made arrangements as well.

Why the sudden change of heart?

Furthermore, if Rukia didn't want to join the 13th Division, her second choice should have been the 6th or 10th Division...

As Shin was thinking, he suddenly remembered the look Kuchiki Byakuya had given him when the captain's meeting ended a couple of days ago.

He had initially paid some attention to this, but after drinking with Haiyan that day, he completely forgot about it.

Could it be that something happened between Rukia and the Kuchiki family...?

Did the brother and sister have a fight?
Considering Rukia's gentle nature, what made her dare to confront Kuchiki Byakuya... was it because of herself?

"I understand," Xin said slowly. "If there's nothing else, you can go back now. Remember what I told you."

Kira bowed respectfully and then left Shin's house.

He was a sharp and intelligent man, and the main purpose of this letter was to report on Rukia's situation to his family. As for his own promotion, he certainly understood the reasons behind it.

However, the relationship between the president and Rukia is unclear, and it might be a bit presumptuous to come here and only talk about Rukia, so I made up this excuse and got scolded.

But since he was friends with Rukia, he was worried about Rukia's changes, which is why he did this.

Even after Kira left, Shin was still thinking about Rukia.

If Rukia has something on her mind, why doesn't she come to me to talk about it?

Did I not care enough about Rukia...?

(End of this chapter)