Bleach: I Love Making Friends

As Haruki had anticipated, after encountering Metastacia, there were no further Hollow attacks. Aizen's philosophy wouldn't permit a follow-up assault so quickly. Instead, he'd likely sip tea, smile mysteriously, and ponder his next move, savoring the unfolding game.

Thus, Haruki returned to Seireitei unscathed. Since his patrol duties had been in Rukongai, there was no need to report back to Squad Five. Instead, he went straight home, where he found Renji, Kira, and Hinamori waiting at his doorstep.

Yesterday's training had been incredibly effective. In just one session, the trio had experienced a breakthrough, gaining clarity on concepts that had previously eluded them.

"Shinigami are amazing," Renji remarked as they left the previous night. "Even ordinary ones are so much better than us."

Hearing this, Haruki couldn't help but sweat.

Ordinary? Really?

What did he mean by "even ordinary Shinigami"? Still, Haruki let it slide. Winning their favorability was far more important than nitpicking comments.

Especially Hinamori's Ultimate Defense. That ability had saved him from being bitten in half by Metastacia. Thanks to it, his defense was comparable to a Hollow's Hierro or a Quincy's Blut Vene. Metastacia's bite hadn't even broken his skin.

...

"You're quite the diligent bunch," Haruki said, noticing the food they brought. "You're only fifth-year students, after all."

"Your teaching is just too good, Haruki-senpai!" Hinamori said gratefully. "As expected of a Squad Five member! I'm definitely joining Squad Five after graduation!"

"Squad Five is a great choice," Haruki replied, subtly encouraging them to stick with that decision. Having them in the same squad would allow him more opportunities to interact and increase their favorability.

He led them inside and, seeing their eager expressions, began another round of training. Teaching them felt natural, as though he instinctively knew what to say and how to guide them.

However, his Stern Master-Apprentice Bond ability only lasted for three days—meaning it would expire by tomorrow night. He couldn't teach them indefinitely; otherwise, they might start to notice inconsistencies.

While observing their Zanjutsu forms, Haruki said, "In a few days, I might not have time to continue training you. But as students, the three of you are already outstanding."

"So, don't push yourselves too hard... and I have a task for you."

"A task?" The trio's initial disappointment shifted to curiosity.

"This involves you, Hinamori," Haruki said, turning to her. "While patrolling Junrin'an today, I met Hitsugaya. Just as you said, he's an exceptionally talented child."

"I managed to convince him to join the Shin'ō Academy. Tomorrow, I'll be taking him there, so I'll need you to look after him."

"Little Shiro is coming to the academy?!" Hinamori's face lit up with joy. She'd always hoped he'd join her in Seireitei. Hitsugaya's previous indifference to becoming a Shinigami had been discouraging, but Haruki had persuaded him in just one visit.

"Is this the difference between us and real Shinigami?" she wondered.

"Hitsugaya?" Kira asked. "The one Hinamori calls her little brother? Is he really that talented?"

"Beyond talented," Haruki replied with a smirk.

He knew Kira took pride in being the top student in their class, but compared to Hitsugaya, Kira's abilities fell short.

Kira frowned. "We'll see just how talented he is."

"Don't bully Little Shiro!" Hinamori warned, glaring at Kira.

Blushing, Kira quickly defended himself. "I'd never bully a junior!"

"Actually..." Haruki mused, "if you want to, you should do it early. With his talent, I doubt you'll be able to bully him in four or five years."

"What?!" The trio stared at him in disbelief.

"It's true," Haruki said. "Maybe not surpass you, but at the very least, he'll be your equal."

In reality, Hitsugaya would far surpass them. According to the original story, Hitsugaya mastered Bankai before even graduating from the academy. Within four or five years, he'd be captain-level.

What kind of monstrous talent is that?

Most Shinigami struggled for centuries to achieve Bankai. Even Ichigo Kurosaki required special training to unlock it. Yet Hitsugaya had done so while casually attending the academy.

Recalling this, Haruki couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. If he had such talent, decades of hard work might at least grant him the strength to survive the Thousand-Year Blood War.

Seeing the trio's shocked expressions, Haruki decided not to press further. Everyone had their own strengths; it wasn't worth comparing endlessly.

...

That evening's training mirrored the previous night. After a productive session and a meal, the trio left. Favorability was harder to increase at higher levels—Renji's favorability rose from 75 to 76, while Hinamori and Kira reached 70.

Hurry and reach 80 already! Haruki thought. At 80, he could permanently acquire their abilities.

Using Ultimate Defense and Destructive Death Beam earlier had left him without a backup plan. If he encountered another enemy tomorrow, he'd be in serious trouble.

Lying in bed, Haruki couldn't sleep. Deciding to be proactive, he got up and headed out, aiming for District Nine.

...

Haruki had a decent relationship with Hisagi Shūhei, a fellow graduate. Perhaps he could gain an ability from him.

The streets were quiet, with only a few Shinigami patrolling. Most lacked soul abilities, and those who did had low favorability toward Haruki.

Quickening his pace, he continued toward his destination.