Back then, Toshiro and Momo entered Shin'o Academy together, where they met Renji, Rukia, and Kira. They all became friends.
But later, due to the Kuchiki Clan's intention to adopt Rukia, a rift emerged between Renji and Rukia.
Since then, Rukia and Renji hadn't spoken to each other. Consequently, Rukia's interactions with Toshiro and the others also gradually decreased, their relationship becoming somewhat distant.
Thinking this, Toshiro couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.
Of course, Toshiro had no particular feelings for Rukia… he simply felt down because their friendship had faded.
Thus, Toshiro couldn't help but say, "Rukia, just call me Toshiro like you did back at Shin'o Academy."
"No, no, no. Captain Hitsugaya is the esteemed 'Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13' and 10th Division Captain. An ordinary Shinigami like me cannot address you so informally."
Rukia looked up at Toshiro and said.
"Well, fine. Just get up first. Jushiro and I are only here to see you off. Don't casually perform a deep bow like that."
Toshiro said helplessly.
Saying so, Toshiro reached out to help Rukia up from the ground. This time, Rukia didn't refuse, cooperating as Toshiro pulled her up.
"Oh, right, Rukia. Have you informed Byakuya about your garrison mission to the Living World?"
Ukitake suddenly asked.
"Ah... not yet..."
"It's only a one-month garrison in the Living World. Such a trivial matter doesn't need reporting to Nii-sama. I'll just depart directly."
Rukia said hesitantly.
Back then, Byakuya promised Toshiro he would care more for Rukia. So over the years, unlike the original work where he cared inwardly but appeared cold outwardly, Byakuya actually fulfilled his responsibilities as an elder brother.
Even so, it couldn't change the entire Kuchiki Clan's rejection of Rukia, who came from the commoner districts.
Therefore, this time, Rukia didn't plan to return to the Kuchiki household to inform Byakuya.
It wasn't that Rukia disliked Byakuya… she simply disliked the Kuchiki Clan's atmosphere.
Hearing Rukia's words, Toshiro frowned but didn't oppose her decision.
Ukitake also agreed, "Alright then. If that's what you think, we'll do as you wish."
"But someone should still inform Byakuya."
Ukitake added.
"I'll inform Byakuya."
Toshiro suddenly said.
"Jushiro, you're not in good health. So let me handle this."
Toshiro proactively took on the task.
"Mm, thank you for your concern, Toshiro."
Ukitake agreed.
"No need for thanks. It's a small matter."
Toshiro waved his hand.
Recently, to monitor Rukia's movements, Toshiro frequently visited the 13th Division under the pretext of checking on Ukitake. So he felt somewhat apologetic.
Then Toshiro said to Rukia, "I'll inform Byakuya. You can set off with peace of mind!"
"Thank you! Captain Hitsugaya!" Rukia said gratefully.
"Anyway, be careful in the Living World, Rukia."
Toshiro said meaningfully.
With that, Toshiro turned and left the 13th Division.
Kuchiki Manor.
"Master, 'Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13 and 10th Division Captain, Hitsugaya-dono' is here to visit."
The Kuchiki Clan's butler, Kuchiki Okuma, reported to Byakuya.
Byakuya, who had been sitting there meditating with closed eyes, suddenly opened them.
"Show him in."
Byakuya said solemnly.
"Yes."
Okuma nodded.
Shortly after, Toshiro entered under Okuma's guidance.
"Yo, Byakuya. I came to see you."
Toshiro greeted proactively.
"Hmph, came to see me? Is Captain Hitsugaya joking?"
Byakuya Kuchiki said noncommittally.
Then, with his usual aloofness, Byakuya said, "State your business directly, Captain Hitsugaya."
"Yare yare, really no helping it. I'll be direct then."
Toshiro said resignedly.
"It's like this: Rukia is going to the Living World for a one-month solo garrison mission. So I came to inform you."
Toshiro said.
Hearing this, Byakuya frowned. "And Rukia? Why didn't she return and tell me herself?"
"Why? Shouldn't that be your concern? The rejection Rukia faces from other Kuchiki Clan's members… aren't you aware?"
Toshiro asked pointedly.
"Those people..."
Byakuya couldn't help but feel angry.
However, although aware of the other Kuchiki Clan's members' rejection of Rukia, Byakuya could do little about it.
Byakuya forcing the Kuchiki Clan to adopt Rukia already violated noble customs, drawing much opposition.
Afterwards, although Byakuya ordered the clan members not to trouble Rukia, they, while not daring to bully her due to his orders, collectively ignored her as if she didn't exist.
Thus, Byakuya couldn't say much.
Then, Byakuya said somewhat worriedly, "This is Rukia's first solo garrison. There shouldn't be any danger, right?"
"Oh? You're really concerned about Rukia's safety."
Toshiro remarked.
"Of course. I promised Hisana I would protect Rukia no matter what."
Byakuya said resolutely.
"Is that so?"
Toshiro said noncommittally.
"And if protecting Rukia conflicts with obeying the Soul Society's rules, what would you do?"
Toshiro stared at Byakuya.
Hearing this, Byakuya's body trembled slightly.
Byakuya was undoubtedly someone who highly valued rules.
Previously, Byakuya violated rules twice: marrying Hisana from the Rukongai and adopting Rukia.
Thus, he swore before his parents' graves that henceforth, no matter what happened, he would never violate rules again.
'If protecting Rukia conflicted with obeying rules...'
Thinking this, Byakuya couldn't help but fall into confusion.
After a long time, Byakuya finally said gravely, "It won't... That won't happen."
"Is that so?"
Toshiro said noncommittally, then turned and left.
Although Byakuya believed such a situation wouldn't occur, Toshiro knew the gears of fate had already begun to turn. Soon, everything would unfold.
And Byakuya would also face the choice between Rukia and rules.