Bleach: I Love Making Friends

While walking past a small tavern, Haruki paused abruptly.

He had just sensed a familiar soul ability: Big Supplement Pill.

"Isn't that Rangiku's ability?" Haruki thought, recalling their earlier conversation about grabbing drinks together. He hadn't expected to run into her so soon.

Curious, he stepped inside and, sure enough, found Rangiku Matsumoto drinking at a table. To his surprise, Hisagi Shūhei was there too—the very person he'd been hoping to find.

Haruki's gaze flickered toward Hisagi's soul ability, and his eyes widened in amazement.

"Black Sun: Stores spiritual pressure over time and releases it as a black sun to unleash a powerful attack when needed."

What an interesting ability.

Haruki immediately connected the ability to Hisagi's future Bankai, Kazeshini's Strangling Rope. His Bankai linked Hisagi and his opponent, binding their states together so that damage to one could restore the other. The visual manifestation of this power included a massive black sun suspended above, which absorbed the spiritual pressure of both parties to establish a "shared life."

However, the Black Sun soul ability was simpler—a pure offensive skill. It allowed the user to store spiritual pressure over time and release it all at once in the form of a devastating attack.

This ability is incredible. Another offensive skill to add to my arsenal!

Having reached a favorability of 60 with Hisagi, Haruki had already unlocked a one-time use of Black Sun. Feeling elated, he approached the two and greeted them warmly.

"Rangiku-san, Hisagi, what a coincidence! You're drinking here too?"

Rangiku looked up and smiled brightly. "Haruki! Weren't you saying you didn't have time for drinks this week?"

Haruki casually joined them at the table and explained, "I've been busy with patrols, so I didn't have time. But I couldn't sleep tonight and thought I'd grab a drink to relax."

Hisagi, surprised by their familiarity, asked, "You know Rangiku-san?"

Rangiku immediately knocked on Hisagi's head. "What, only you're allowed to know him? By the way, how do you two know each other?"

While Hisagi winced, Haruki replied, "Hisagi and I are old classmates. We graduated in the same cohort."

"Ah, so you're both from the 2061 class? You're both younger than me," Rangiku remarked with mild surprise.

Hisagi shot her a look. "Why would he be older than you? And what makes you think he looks older?"

"Because Haruki seems way more dependable than you," Rangiku teased.

"That hurts, Rangiku-san," Hisagi muttered, looking dejected. Then, turning to Haruki, he added, "You're with Squad Five now, right?"

"That's right," Haruki said with a wry smile. "Just a lowly grunt in Squad Five, unlike you, a seated officer in Squad Nine."

"Don't sweat it. With your skills, it's only a matter of time before you become a seated officer," Hisagi reassured him.

While Haruki knew Hisagi's words were well-meaning, he couldn't help but think that compared to true prodigies, his chances were slim. Still, he appreciated the encouragement.

...

"By the way," Rangiku chimed in, snatching the bottle from Haruki's hand to pour herself a drink. "Are you taking that kid to the academy tomorrow?"

"Yes," Haruki confirmed. "He didn't outright agree, but I'm sure he'll be waiting for me at the White Way Gate in the morning."

"Interesting," Rangiku mused, rubbing her chin mischievously. "What if I get there first and bring him to Squad Ten? I've got my eye on him for our squad."

"Hey, don't steal my thunder," Haruki protested. "Even if he joins Squad Ten, he should at least spend some time in Squad Five first!"

Hisagi, who had been listening in confusion, finally interjected. "Wait a minute. What are you two even talking about?"

"High-level secrets," Rangiku teased, before pointing accusingly at Haruki. "Haruki found a prodigy and wants to hog him all to himself!"

She then turned to Hisagi. "Let's get Haruki drunk tonight. Tomorrow, I'll bring the kid to Seireitei and have him spend some time in Squad Nine before he comes to Squad Ten."

"Don't drag me into this!" Hisagi said, waving his hands. "And I've seen plenty of prodigies."

Haruki smiled knowingly. Hitsugaya wasn't just any prodigy, but there was no need to elaborate.

Initially planning to leave after catching up with Hisagi, Haruki decided to stay when he saw Rangiku and Hisagi drinking together. The three shared drinks and stories late into the night.

...

As the evening wore on, Rangiku's mischievous side revealed itself. After drinking her fill, she excused herself to use the restroom and never returned.

When it became clear she wasn't coming back, Hisagi sighed in exasperation. "Damn it! Rangiku-san skipped out on the bill again!"

Haruki grimaced. Rangiku, a lieutenant with a salary nearly triple his and Hisagi's combined, had fled without paying. Haruki made a mental note to avoid letting her handle the check in the future.

With a monthly salary of less than 200,000 kan, Haruki could comfortably support himself but couldn't afford extravagant spending. Thankfully, he came from a minor noble family with some savings, so he wasn't strapped for cash.

Meanwhile, Rangiku earned 700,000 kan a month as a lieutenant. Yet between drinking and possibly splurging on clothes, she still managed to run short on funds.

"Forget it," Haruki said, standing up. "I crashed this little gathering, so this one's on me."

Hisagi's eyes widened in gratitude. "Haruki… you're the best!"

Hisagi, who had only recently joined the Gotei 13, was still adjusting to the financial realities of his new position. Much of his salary went toward hobbies like guitars and motorcycles, leaving him perpetually short on cash.

Haruki simply waved it off with a smile and settled the bill. It was all in the name of friendship—and future opportunities.