After all, Ichiki now had a favor to ask of Hisana.
Looking around at the servants, Ichiki said, "You all step out for a while. I need to speak with the Mistress Hisana."
No one moved.
Hearing Ichiki's words, the servants present exchanged glances, then looked down, ignoring him with remarkable unanimity!
They weren't stupid. They knew what Byakuya was like, and what kind of treatment the returning Hisana would receive.
What if they followed this old schemer's order to leave, and then he threatened Hisana?
They would be in serious trouble.
Seeing everyone completely ignoring his command, Ichiki's expression instantly soured.
But even though he felt like killing someone, Ichiki forced himself to hold back!
He just bowed deeply to Hisana: "Please, I beg you, Hisana!"
Hearing Ichiki's words and seeing his sincere expression, Hisana's eyes flickered.
Then, she waved her hand dismissively at the servants: "Leave us. I need to speak with Elder Ichiki."
"Yes, my lady!" The servants withdrew.
After everyone had left, Hisana looked at Ichiki, her demeanor cold.
"Speak, Elder Ichiki. What is it?"
At this moment, Ichiki didn't care about Hisana's cold attitude.
He just said excitedly: "Hisana, you see, the war is about to begin in a few days!"
"So, I was hoping you could leave an heir for Byakuya-sama! That way, just in case..."
Ichiki explained.
Hearing his words, Hisana felt a bit embarrassed, but she listened.
After some time, Ichiki took his leave.
The other servants returned.
Attended by the servants, Hisana bathed and changed. The mistress she once was had returned.
At this time, Byakuya did not yet know of Hisana's revival.
He was facing his Lieutenant, Renji Abarai.
Unusually, Renji, who was always very respectful to Byakuya, was now arguing with him.
Renji looked angrily at Byakuya: "Captain Kuchiki, I once thought of you as my role model, someone who could remain calm and composed no matter what."
"But how can you be so humble and subservient to that man? Rukia is now the Captain of the 13th Division. How many days has she spent at the 13th Division recently?"
"These days, she's been with that man, right? But she is a Captain! How can she be with a man like that!"
Renji was very unhappy.
However, looking at Renji, Byakuya sighed.
He had originally appreciated Renji and had considered, at one point, betrothing Rukia to him. But now, it seemed Renji still fell short.
Looking at Renji, Byakuya said: "First, Renji, Rukia is a Captain now. Please address her as Captain Kuchiki."
"Second, what Captain Kuchiki does or does not do is not for a mere Lieutenant to judge."
"Captain-Commander Ukitake has said nothing, Genryusai-dono has said nothing. Who are you to speak?"
Byakuya's expression was unusually cold: "Renji, I believe I have told you before: Rukia is no longer someone you can aspire to."
"Captain!" Hearing Byakuya's words, Renji looked at him in disbelief. He couldn't believe this was coming from his usually stoic but kind-hearted Captain.
However, faced with Sora, Byakuya's perspective was far higher than Renji's, so naturally, he saw further!
The rational Byakuya, except when dealing with family, was not swayed by emotion.
Furthermore, if Rukia liked Renji and Sora was forcing her, that would be one thing. Byakuya would take up his sword and defend his sister with his life.
But the problem was, Rukia hadn't shown any resistance. That was the crux!
Therefore, at this moment, Byakuya had already prepared to let go of his Lieutenant, Renji.
Seeing Byakuya's cold expression, a chill he had never seen before, Renji suddenly realized: "I see, Captain. Hahaha, so from start to finish, the only clown was me!"
"No one changed. I just thought too much! Hahaha, hahahaha!" Renji laughed until tears came.
"Yes, how could someone like me, a commoner, ever aspire to the exalted Lady Kuchiki?"
"I'm sorry, Captain. It was my fault." With deep despondency, Renji gave a slight bow.
Then, wiping his tears, he turned to leave.
But at that moment, looking at the Lieutenant he had trained, Byakuya sighed.
Renji had completely failed to understand his underlying logic.