Bleach 0: Side B

I'm being transferred? To where?

No, that's not it! We're not going to transfer you out or anything as extreme as that.

We're just sending you to the world of the living. Just like the first mission you and I went on together back when you joined.

Do you remember that?

Uh... Actually, I, uh...

You see, Kiyone? She doesn't even remember going!

The experience was so bad, she probably erased it from her memory. Right, Rukia?

Nobody asked you for your opinion, so why don't you just go stick your head in the sand somewhere?!

Your new post is in a four kilometer radius around Karakura Town. And it's just for one month.

With your skills it should be easy. I'm sure you can handle it, Rukia.

Captain Ukitake!

Oh, Captain!

You shouldn't be out, sir! You need your rest!

Well, that's kind of you, but I'm feeling good today.

Even though this is just a month long assignment, Rukia, I thought you might be a little anxious about being sent out on your own for the first time.

So I came to see you off.

Ah, thank you, Captain!

Haha, please. It's nothing.

Have you told Byakuya yet?

Uh, of course...

I mean...

...not yet.

Captain Kuchiki hates it when I bother him with every little detail.

So, I was going to leave without saying anything to him about it.

I see.

It's all right.

If that's what you really want to do, then I support your decision.

I'll tell Byakuya for you. So go with a clear conscience.

Thank you, Captain!

I hereby promote Squad 11 Sixth Seat, Renji Abarai, to the position of Lieutenant, Squad 6.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Abarai!

Yes, thanks! Uh, I mean...

It is an honor! I humbly accept, Lieutenant!

Oh, you don't have to be so formal with me, Renji.

Well, are you happy, Renji?

You've gotten yourself one step closer to Captain Kuchiki...and his sister.

And just what does that mean?

Isn't it about time you talk to her? When are you gonna get over your insecurity with Rukia?

Even though she's some kind of royalty now, you can approach her since you've become a lieutenant.

You haven't spoken for 40 years. Don't you think it's about time you patch things up with her?

If you want to do that, then I suggest that you hurry.

Rukia's just been assigned a month long station in the world of the living, and she's scheduled to leave soon.

Oh, no! You've got to hurry up, Renji!

No.

I won't be officially promoted until the ceremony a month from now anyway.

So I'll wait until after that. I'll surprise her with the news that I'm a lieutenant after she comes back.