"You're not 'dumb,' Selphie," Rukia corrected gently. "Impulsive, perhaps. But I would not consider you stupid by any stretch." She smiled as the younger girl sat beside her, listening. She had a fierce fighting spirit, and Rukia respected the desire to fight and protect. Her heart was in the right place, and in the end, that was what mattered the most.

She laid a hand on Selphie's wrist, her smile warming. "I would like nothing better. I'll retrieve you at once after I've managed to settle my affairs." There were people likely to be worried about her, and duties she needed to fulfill, but she could easily find room in her schedule to build Selphie's swordplay skills. After all, she reminded her very much of a certain young friend back home who didn't want to be left behind either.