Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 70: Farewell, Rangiku

Hitsugaya Tōshirō's talent was far from limited to combat or academics. After joining the Student Council, he quickly proved himself capable in handling various administrative tasks, often proposing insightful, pragmatic ideas that streamlined operations.

One day, Shin looked at him and asked, "Has anyone contacted you in private?"

Hitsugaya tilted his head. "You mean...?"

"From outside the Academy."

The white-haired prodigy shook his head, puzzled. "No. No one."

But Shin's suspicions were soon confirmed.

Shiba Kaien had returned.

After teaching a class in the First-Year A Division, he made a beeline for Hitsugaya and struck up a long conversation.

Only then did he come find Shin.

The smile on Kaien's face gave everything away.

"Vice-Captain Shiba. What brings you here?"

Without a hint of shame, Kaien threw an arm around Shin's shoulder. "Shin! Let me get to the point. This Hitsugaya Tōshirō—you have to help me out!"

Shin rolled his eyes. "Wow. First it was Hinamori and Kira, and now it's Hitsugaya. Do you think the Academy exists just to feed Squad Thirteen?"

Kaien grinned. "C'mon, we've got history, don't we?"

Shin groaned. "I don't decide these things. It depends on what Tōshirō wants."

"I already asked him," Kaien replied. "Said he hasn't decided yet. Which means now's the best time to make a move! He's not like you—if he puts in the effort, he could graduate this year."

Then he narrowed his eyes. "Just don't go infecting him with your 'stay-in-the-Academy-for-six-years' disease!"

Shin chuckled. "Aren't you worried other squads will take issue?"

Kaien puffed his chest. "Why should I be? I am the Honorary President of the Alumni Committee!"

He knew perfectly well that the other squads had already noticed Hitsugaya. Sixth-grade reiryoku was no small matter. Back when Kaien was at the Academy, multiple squads had tried to recruit him before graduation.

Shin considered it. "I could talk up Squad Thirteen a bit..."

Kaien's eyes lit up. "Really?!"

"But—"

"...But what?"

Shin's gaze turned sly. "Vice-Captain Shiba, haven't you been avoiding me lately?"

"Absolutely not!" Kaien lied instantly. "I've just been swamped with squad work. You know how it is—Squad Thirteen can't run without me."

Shin smiled. "Then you're free today?"

Kaien hesitated. "...Well, technically—"

Shin let out a sigh. "If that's the case, I'd hate to impose. As for Tōshirō—"

"Wait, wait! We can talk!" Kaien gave a sheepish grin, caught.

And so, he agreed to Shin's true request—a proper sparring match.

They didn't choose the usual kendo dojo but a wide clearing just outside the Academy grounds.

Unlike Ikkaku, Kaien wasn't a brute-force brawler. He was a true all-rounder—a genius in his own right. Their duel was exhilarating for Shin.

Hadō exchanges, Shunpo skirmishes, Hakuda clashes, and drawn-blade duels—Kaien excelled at all of them.

In the end, they didn't declare a winner. That wasn't the point.

What mattered was that Kaien, too, was surprised. He had underestimated Shin.

He started the bout with close-range swordplay but nearly lost in just two exchanges. Forced to retreat, Kaien changed tactics immediately, switching to a Kidō-based assault.

Initially, he suppressed Shin with his superior casting technique—but Shin adapted at breakneck speed. Before long, he'd synced to Kaien's tempo, and their exchange turned even.

Of course, they were holding back. Neither fought to kill.

"You're full of surprises, you brat," Kaien muttered, still catching his breath.

He realized that in a real fight, if Shin pressed with his sword, Kaien might not hold out.

Shin clearly used the match to polish his Kidō under live pressure.

After the duel, Kaien couldn't help recalling how last year he'd sent Ikkaku to spar with Shin. Ikkaku had reported back, astonished. Even with Vice-Captain-level strength, he couldn't last a few rounds.

That experience had made Kaien avoid Shin for a while.

"Feel better now?" Kaien asked, brushing dust off his sleeves.

"Eh, it was alright," Shin said, stretching. "I could go another few rounds."

"You little—!" Kaien barked a laugh, shaking his head. "Don't forget your end of the deal. About Hitsugaya."

"I'll mention Squad Thirteen to him, sure. That's the most I can promise."

Kaien nodded. "That's good enough."

The sky had turned dark. Kaien said his farewells and departed.

The very next day, Shin received another familiar visitor.

A graceful silhouette appeared at his office door, instantly lighting up his face.

"Miss Rangiku!"

Matsumoto Rangiku entered with her usual sway, settling across from Shin at his desk.

"This place's had a glow-up," she noted, glancing around.

Shin's tone grew nostalgic. "A parting gift from a friend. I'll treasure it always."

"...Mm." Rangiku smiled thinly.

"Did you come all this way just to see me?"

"Something like that."

Shin grinned. "I've got time. Want to grab a drink?"

"Sure."

The two left the Academy and wandered to a nearby izakaya.

Once seated, Rangiku gave him a sly look. "So? How's it going with that little Miss Kuchiki? Scored yet?"

"...That's awfully vulgar, Miss Rangiku."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Don't act coy with me."

"I'll have you know," Shin said with mock gravity, "Rukia and I are in a purely wholesome relationship—classmate, subordinate, comrade."

"Uh-huh." Rangiku sipped her sake, unimpressed. "So you haven't scored. On to the next girl, huh?"

Shin laughed, eyes locking onto her. "The truth is, I've already given my heart away, Miss Rangiku."

She smiled back, leaning lazily on one arm, hips shifting slightly—her zanpakutō now visible at her lower back.

Her voice dropped to a silky whisper.

"If you say my name, I'll cut your tongue out."

"..."

Shin broke into a cold sweat and immediately poured her another drink in silence.

Rangiku burst out laughing.

"Alright, enough flirting. Let's talk business. You know someone named Hitsugaya Tōshirō, right?"