The shift in Dean's soul has been interesting to observe from afar. His reiatsu radiates now in a way that it hadn't before, like a dam newly released, gradually working its way towards a calmer equilibrium. She wonders whether or not Urahara has taught him to mask his powers at all — something he'll need to learn if he wants to avoid being too much of a magnet for Hollows and the like.

But first, she needs to break him out of that nervousness that lingers around him. With a small quirk of her lips, Rukia sheathes her sword, making her way over to Dean.

"It's decent practice, particularly on a windy day," Rukia admits with a nod. "And that's the benefit of swords. If you treat yours with care, it won't give out on you for a long time to come."

She crooks a finger once in front of him, the difference in their heights almost comical. "Bend down. I need to do something."