Chapter 1: Rivals

Normal POV

A girl strode down the hall confidently, her short black hair swayed behind her and her dark navy eyes blazed with determination. Being the next CEO of the Kuchiki Corporation she had to be focused and proud. Rukia made a swift turn at a corner and quickened her pace. Rukia had to see the results that were posted in the main hall for the first years, semester 1 exams. She had to know if she made the top mark again! She definitely couldn't allow herself to shame her company and Nii-Sama, especially at the best school in the nation. Shinigami Academy. Rukia always thought the name was a little out of place for a school. Especially when it was a school for upcoming powerful people to make their debut in the world. Either as CEOs, celebrities or politicians. Either way this was the best place to go to in order to have a stable economic future. All Rukia wanted to do was help her brother Byakuya run the Kuchiki Corporation full-time in the future and make it more successful than ever. Then Nii-Sama would be ever so grateful to her. Soon Rukia came to a halt at her desired location.

A massive crowd of first years surrounded the board in the main hall to witness their scores.

Rukia sighed and glared at the crowd. Her head held high, she barked, "Excuse me!" Walking towards the crowd, she says, "Let me through please! As I am Rukia Kuchiki of the Kuchiki Coporation!" This easily grasped everyone's attention. They immediately stepped to the side forming a walkway for her to pass through. Rukia nodded to them and stepped towards the notice board.

Loud whispers were spoken as she stormed past the students.

"Wow! The famous Rukia Kuchiki! I heard that since she joined the company as a part-timer its international finances increased by a 120%! Making it one of the most successful companies in the world!" One student mutters.

'That's true'...thought Rukia, 'but only because Nii-Sama was grumpy that the shares decreased by 2%...so i just wanted to help'.

"She is such a beautiful person! She has raised millions for charities and underprivileged schools. Have you seen her in the newspaper and how elegant and mature she looks!? She is definitely fit to lead their corporation to a brighter future. Man, I wish I was like her!" said another.

Sweat threatened to appear on her forehead. 'I wanted to help them, that's all...since it reminded me of how I was many years ago... And don't worry, I'm not all that great!'

"I've even heard that the co-CEOs are afraid of how good she is at her job compared to them. They see her and her brother as fearful competitors! Definitely since her brother runs the whole joint that she will easily take over. She is seen as most impressive amongst her co-workers".

'I sure hope so! After all I wish to aid Nii-Sama so I had to work hard to be seen as reliable'.

Rukia arrived at the board. The exam results were posted. She looked towards the top in hope. She nervously trembled on the inside but kept her outwards appearance passive.

1. Kuchiki Rukia

'Yes I did it! I hope I have made Nii-Sama proud!' Rukia smiled inwardly, turned on her heel and marched down the walkway, her face showing no emotion or any excitement from the exams results.

"That's Rukia Kuchiki-Sama for you! Being so cool with the results. If I was her I would be jumping up and down by now!"

Rukia hastily spun around the corner away from the adorning crowd so they couldn't see the faint blush creeping upon her cheeks. "Why do people say those things...it's embarrassing!" She mumbled to herself as she couldn't help suppress a small smile.

Ichigo Kurosaki is a member of the 'Court Squad'. The Court Squad were a group consisted of the most voted handsome guys in the school. He stood by the hot nerd Uryu Ishida and his best friend Renji Abarai (who were also members of the Squad) with that permanent scowl of his. Ichigo was positioned in the top three first-years in the Court Squad. Since he stood out with his spiky bright orange hair. This always brought him unwanted attention therefore making him quite 'popular' throughout the school.

"I just don't understand what's so great about Rukia Kuchiki, I mean it's not like she owns the world!" Ichigo complained as he eyed Rukia disappearing around the corner as the students resumed to normal.

Uryu sighed and pushed his glasses up. "You do realise the students stepped aside for us too, don't you Ichigo?"

Renji just smirked. "Nah, Uryu. This idiot's just jealous that Rukia scored higher than him—"

Ichigo furrowed his eyebrows together and gave Renji a shove. "Who are you calling an 'idiot' ya bas—"

"Now, now, Ichigo, control your tongue,"Uryu warned. "Anyway, why is it so big of a deal? You are an honour student, am I correct? So you should be happy with your score right?"

Ichigo grimaced and narrowed his eyes, "it's because I'm a honor student that I need to get the top marks...my moronic old man's business hasn't been doing so well lately..."

"Ah yeah, I've heard of that," spoke Renji, "must suck man". Renji gave a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

Ichigo sighed. "You know it doesn't matter because I hope I'll just beat that damn Kuchiki next time. I'm going to apply for a scholarship soon anyway, so, it's fine".

"I see," said Uryu with pursed lips, "well all I can say is good luck!"

Ichigo shrugged. "Thanks, anyway let's go join the other first year 'Court Guards' I'm starving".

Uryu and Renji nodded in approval and followed Ichigo to the cafeteria. Walking past girls who stared at them dreamily.