Thank you,
SandLeaf, for sharing another part of
MissStormCaller's translation! I can't thank both of you enough - also this part is one of my favourites.
Orihime and her camera - I can imagine that copies of these pictures will be placed in a special wedding edition of Hisagi's paper. It should sell well - maybe also among some of Ichigo's human friends who stayed on the world of the living. Rukia being surrounded by the female guests wearing colourful kimonos. I had to smile when Shunsui admired the sight when Orihime took that picture.
"Again a person has entrusted me with something of great importance and passed away" - this thought had a very strong impact on me. The word bittersweet comes to mind. This background of the captain's haori is about ends but also beginnings. Both men, Kaien and Ukitake, shaped Rukia and taught her, not only about her powers but also about being a good person, a good leader. It took Rukia a long time to move past the trauma of Kaien's tragic death and her experiences. Rukia had to learn to allow her heart to grow afterwards, something that also happened thanks to Ukitake.
I am happy that Rukia eventually felt ready to wear this precious haori but at this point in time, she was not quite ready. I think it was mentioned that Tite Kubo intended to tell the story how Rukia became a captain and it was probably not just the last two chapters. If the last arc will be rewritten for the anime, this should definitely be part of it.
I like the tradition of giving money to a newly wed couple and I smiled about the idea that Renji and Rukia, probably accompanied by Matsumoto and a few other good friends, going on a shopping trip to the world of the living, spending some of the money and have fun. They would invite Ichigo and his closest friends, too, maybe Isshin as well.
Speaking of Isshin: I don't think Rukia expected it that Ichigo's dad is Isshin Shiba. With his beard he also looked different. Even if she realized Isshin's true identity, I think she knew that she should keep this quiet. Ichigo obviously didn't know and even if Rukia did not understand, she would respect Isshin's decision.
What got my attention is this: Uryuu said "I have to go soon". Why? It could be harmless and just mean that Uryuu has to return in time for a new shift in the hospital. But maybe he was only allowed to attend the wedding withing a specific time frame. Especially with the lies being used as a substitute for truth, I am sure that the Royal Guard was not happy about his visit. But not inviting Uryuu at all wouldn't have been a good idea either - there would be opposition, from Ichigo definitely.
One last part and the novel is finished - I am looking forward to it but I am also hoping we will get news soon about the next one, the Hisagi novel.