Chapter 173 172: The Kuchiki Family 40 Years Later

"Then I'll take my leave first."

"Well, I won't see you off."

There was a rustling sound.

Arima Shizuka also faced inwards, and at this moment he retreated respectfully and left the room.

He returned to the corridor.

But not in the direction he came in - on the other side of the room, Arima Shizuka also retreated to the inner area of ​​the Kuchiki family.

Arima Shizuka also closed the sliding door calmly, half turned around...

Until his eyes fell on the figure sitting beside him.

Kuchiki Byakuya.

Compared to the roughness and vigor of forty years ago, he is now more angular, and also has a bit of the cold temperament in the original work.

But compared to his appearance.

At the moment, he not only frowned, but even fell down with his body, making a kneeling posture.

It can be seen that he should have kept this look for a long time.

And there are obvious bumps on his head.

Arima Shizuka sighed softly, gazing at the scenery of the courtyard outside the corridor, and said in a rather casual tone.

"How long have you been here?"

"..."

"Don't tell me? Well... forget it, you heard what I just said to the old man anyway."

"..."

"When I came in before, I heard a family member mention that... you come here to kneel down every day after work recently."

"..."

"What is this? Are you trying to atone for your behavior?"

"..."

"Just now, I even kowtowed several times because I felt guilty?"

"..."

"There is no point in torturing yourself like this. If you really want to express your apology, wouldn't it be more direct to go in and talk directly?"

"..."

"Or do you want to express the central idea of ​​'even if you do this, you don't want to admit your mistakes'?"

"..."

Speak!

You are dumb!

Looking at the other party's unyielding appearance...

Arima Shizuka helplessly patted his cheek with his right hand, and showed a very helpless expression at this moment.

The grandfather and grandson are really awkward.

——The one inside just needs to say some words of understanding.

——The one outside just needs to give in and say some words of reassurance.

But the two of them just don't do that.

What do you want me, the mediator, to do? Ang?

I can't do it, both of you are reincarnated as donkeys!

Considering that Kuchiki Byakuya is in this state, he is no longer in a state where he can't listen to what you say...

If you try to forcefully change his mind and do something excessive.

He might suddenly jump up and hit you.

It's not an exaggeration, it's not like Arima Shizuka hasn't encountered this before...

So in the end, this guy is actually a grandfather and grandson who are very similar to Kuchiki Ginrei.

Both are extremely stubborn and very "good" at sticking to their own opinions.

Considering their own safety and the fact that most of today's affairs have been completed...

The parties decided not to participate.

Just as Arima Shizuka was thinking about whether to pretend not to see it and just walk away.

The voice of Kuchiki Ginrei came from inside the door.

"Bai Ya..."

"I'm here!"

Such a quick response...

"Don't waste time with me, go do what you should do."

"But I..."

"You, your ears shouldn't be blocked, right?"

"..."

Kuchiki Byakuya's expression became tangled, but the voice inside remained calm.

"You don't have to come tomorrow, I've just figured it out... I will never agree with you."

As a noble, as a member of the Kuchiki family.

This gap and distance in status is really like a chasm.

Kuchiki Byakuya's mouth opened slightly, and the expression on his face almost became panicked all of a sudden.

"Wait, grandpa, you..."

"But, Byakuya."

It's not a good thing to interrupt others.

But if it's between grandfather and grandson, it's naturally another matter.

"Ahem...I don't agree, but...you really love that girl, right?"

"..."

"That's enough. I can't stay with you for too long, but that girl will be with you for the rest of your life."

Therefore,

"Don't pay attention to my feelings anymore. As the head of the family, I cannot agree with your approach."

This is principle.

"But as an elder... I hope you can be happy."

This is rationality.

"Go back, Byakuya. In the last days, don't let me continue to worry about your troubles."

People are like yin and yang fish.

There are two sides, yin and yang.

Although Kuchiki Ginrei said so old-fashionedly at this moment, from a certain perspective, this is already a compromise.

After all...

The old man has already opened his mouth to "admit defeat", hasn't he?

Arima Shizuka also glanced deeply in the direction of the door, and the emotion in his heart did not diminish at all.

——Is this the answer you gave, Kuchiki head.

If so.

Then do as you wish...

"Stand up, Byakuya."

Looking at the white in front of him standing up ignorantly, Arima Shizuka also took a half step forward.

Just happened to support the other party's staggering figure due to paralysis of legs and feet.

So embarrassed.

Just being seen by others is enough to make people feel ashamed.

What's more, in this situation? Kuchiki Byakuya gritted his teeth and struggled subconsciously, trying to stand up by himself.

Arima Shizuka beside him also showed a disgusted expression.

"Come on, you have been kneeling for at least several hours. You still want to stand without anyone to help you? I'm afraid you will have to crawl back to the house later."

Lies don't hurt people, the truth is the sharpest knife.

Kuchiki Byakuya lowered his head and stopped talking at this moment - and also stopped struggling.

Arima Shizuka also put the other person's arm around his neck with ease.

While walking to the other side of the corridor, he said without looking back.

"Then I will take Byakuya away first, old man!"

"Ahem, well, then I'll leave it to you... Arima Shizuka."

The tone was far less relaxed than before, and at this moment there was even an indescribable sense of solemnity.

If it were someone else, it might be hard to understand the feelings and thoughts.

But after all, Arima Shizuya had just talked to the other party, so he could naturally understand the deep meaning at this moment.

There is not only a feeling similar to entrusting an orphan to someone, but also a sad farewell...

Kuchiki Ginling's time is running out.

Perhaps we will say goodbye today.

There may be no chance to meet again in the future.

The old man who has already stepped into the Sanzu River is making his final farewell to Arima Shizuya, who is on the side of the "living people".

Then.

How should I respond?

Maybe sad, maybe embarrassing. But considering the other party's mood and the relieved tone.

Arima Shizuya forced himself to cheer up a little, and smiled without looking back.

"Well, have a safe journey, old man."

"Hehe... Thank you for your good words."

But it's only a matter of time.

I'll go first.

After sending Kuchiki Byakuya back to the hands of other family members, Arima Shizuya was about to leave.

But he heard Dabai shouting behind him.

"Wait, Captain Arima!"

The person stopped and turned his head halfway.

His face was full of teasing.

"What's wrong, Master Kuchiki~ Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

This tone.

It is simply the ultimate interpretation of the four words "yin and yang".

Kuchiki Byakuya was obviously a little ashamed. Dabai was an honest man after all, and he was not as cold as in the original book...

Now he said it directly.

"Just now, I did something very rude to Captain Arima..."

Ignored the other party's words.

And let others see the embarrassing side.

No matter how you think about it, it is shameful and uncomfortable.

But fortunately, Arima Shizuka didn't care much about these things.

He showed a plain smile on his face, turned forward at this moment, raised his hand... and gently patted the other party's shoulder.

"You're so reserved, Byakuya."

"Don't be so nervous, after all, we're old acquaintances."

"I understand your temper, and I won't get hung up on these little details."

So.

"Just be yourself, just like your grandfather said..."

"Just choose the side that makes you happy."

"Besides, I came here today just for this matter."

The words of thanks condensed in his throat, but no matter how hard he squeezed, he couldn't utter a single word.

I couldn't say it.

Such a heavy feeling, you want to get rid of it with a light thank you?

Maybe Arima Shizuka can accept it.

But Kuchiki Byakuya will never forgive that frivolous self.

Words are too simple to express his mood-so at this time, he has to use actions...

"Are you going to do something very awkward with me?"

Arima Shizuka also pressed the other's shoulder with a subtle expression, and his tone was a little subtle.

"We have known each other for so many years. Don't you know my personality at this point?"

Don't be so fancy.

"Just give me some incense when you have time~"

Arima Shizuka also raised the sword at her waist with a smile. The incense on it had been patinated... Although it was well maintained, it was still 40 years old.

And it was also something she carried with her.

So the shell now has a tendency to crack slightly.

Kushiki Byakuya came back to his senses and said calmly.

"I'll take care of it!"

"Oh~Then I'll wait for your good news."

Asking for gifts is secondary.

The main thing is to give the other party a chance to please.

Otherwise, if you owe him such a big favor but don't give him a chance to return the favor...Such a tangled mood would make Kushiki Byakuya so tangled that he couldn't sleep at night.

"Then I'll leave first, and go back..."

"Ahem, Lord Byakuya...are you outside?"

A very strange voice.

The sliding door was pulled open.

At this moment, Arima Shizuka's expression changed slightly, and she looked to the side.

That...

was a very small figure.

Black hair, thin. The shoulder width was only half of the others...

A delicate woman like a doll.

She was wearing a kimono and was standing there at a loss.

After catching a glimpse of Arima Shizuka, she couldn't help but cover her mouth with her hands, her eyes full of surprise.

"Well, you are..."

The person involved smiled calmly, raised his right hand and pointed it at his cheek.

"I am Shizuya Arima. Do you remember?"

The other person's smile bloomed like a cherry blossom.

"Yes! I remember you, Captain Arima!"

Kuchiki Hijin... No, that shouldn't be his last name yet.

Not long after the other party met Kuchiki Byakuya, Arima Shizu also relied on her own connections to contact the other party.

The first time we met, I thought I was meeting Rukia.

These two sisters do look alike...

And because of his foresight, Arima Shizu also arranged some 'coincidences' so that Byakuya Kuchiki could know Hijin's physical condition in advance.

Unnecessary testing and conditioning are omitted.

With the help of Arima Shizuya, Hijin received professional treatment from the Fourth Division immediately.

Although the parties concerned are doing this with the mentality of doing their best and obeying fate.

But the result was unexpectedly good.

——It is just a lack of nutrition caused by being born in poverty.

‘If it takes longer, it may become a difficult and complicated disease that is difficult to deal with. ’

Uozhihua Lie's words lingered in his ears, and they were still clear at this moment.

Even with that smile.

'But fortunately, it's not too late. ’

Feizhen has been undergoing conditioning by Uozhihua Retsu, and it has been going on for quite some time now.

Thanks to this.

Arima Jingya is quite familiar with this guy.

Now that he heard the other party's excited response, the person involved couldn't help but chuckle.

"I didn't expect to be remembered by the upstart of the Kuchiki family. Ah~ I'm really honored."

"Ah! Then, that...I, I am not like this, I..."

Feizhen's face is far less thick-skinned than others.

At this moment, Arima Shizuya was teasing him, and he hesitated for a while but couldn't hold back anything decent to say.

Finally, his head shrank down, and he looked like he was about to burst into tears.

Arima Shizuya quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry, I'm just joking out of habit...don't take it to heart."

Just kidding, if you cry.

That idiot next to you can draw a knife at me.

Don't talk about old friends. If you dare to offend the daughter-in-law of the Kuchiki family... I guess the one on the hospital bed can make you jump right now.

After comforting each other for a while, the other party's mood eased significantly.

——Looking at such a tearful expression, Arima Shizu couldn't help but sigh.

What a surprise.

Kuchiki Byakuya originally liked this weak type.

It is somewhat consistent with his 'macho' style.

"So, have you been drinking the headache medicine well these days?"

Feizhen put her hands on her chest and nodded excitedly.

"Yeah! Although it's very bitter, I can barely swallow it with Lord Byakuya beside me to encourage me!"

"Oh~ It turns out that the young master of the Kuchiki family can do such things. It's very interesting."

Beside him, Byakuya Kuchiki's face turned red, and Hijin felt even more at a loss.

oops.

It's fun to tease this couple.

Arima Shizuya smiled and waved at Hijin.

"Okay, enough of the joking... take your medicine and I'll take you to the Fourth Division when I'm free."

"We will make a detailed diagnosis at that time to see if we need to continue with the treatment."

"Your body is your capital."

after all……

"Our eldest son of the Kuchiki family probably has no intention of taking a concubine, right?"