Gosuke Shigure was wearing his captain's haori. Upon arriving at the gate of the Kuchiki estate, a servant greeted him politely and led him into the grand hall.
The interior layout was dignified and elegant, adorned with refined ikebana and subtle incense.
At the entrance to the hall stood a handsome young man, welcoming guests with a faint smile. This was Kuchiki Aojun, son of Kuchiki Ginrei. Although he possessed the dignified appearance of a noble, his spiritual pressure felt weak and his body seemed frail.
Even though the Kuchiki clan remained at its peak under Ginrei's leadership, its next generation looked uncertain. Aojun clearly lacked the qualifications to become a powerful Shinigami. From this point of view, the noble families often fell into such situations.
In the past, the Shihouin family faced the same problem. Shihouin Koukan's son had mediocre talent, but fortunately, his granddaughter Yoruichi possessed extraordinary ability. Now with Yoruichi's rapid growth, the future of the Shihouin family was secure.
The Shiba family also suffered decline, even though Shiba Kaien was a genius. However, after their expulsion from the noble ranks due to Kaien's death and the clan's weakened position, the Shiba family relocated to Rukongai. Many nobles were not optimistic about their revival.
The Ise family, too, gradually declined, becoming increasingly low-key.
It was evident that without strong successors to uphold their power, even the greatest noble houses would be swallowed up by the political tides of Seireitei.
Only those with genuine strength could maintain their family's prestige.
The Shiba family lost their standing due to a lack of successors, becoming commoners. Now, it seemed the Kuchiki family faced a similar crisis. Ginrei himself was strong, but what if he died? Who would uphold the Kuchiki prestige?
To prevent the clan's decline, Ginrei had to make arrangements to secure their future. If he could not nurture a powerful heir, he would recruit one through marriage. Fortunately, he had a daughter, and marrying her to a powerful Shinigami could at least stabilize the family until the next generation matured.
This practice was not uncommon among noble families. Throughout the long years, they often recruited powerful men as sons-in-law to maintain their strength and status.
After Gosuke Shigure entered the hall and saw Kuchiki Aojun, he quickly understood Ginrei's purpose in hosting this banquet.
He then saw two familiar figures among the guests and approached them with a calm smile.
"Captain Unohana. Captain Kyōraku."
"Gosuke, you're here too," Kyōraku Shunsui turned sideways, glancing at him with a relaxed greeting.
Hearing Kyōraku Shunsui's usual frivolous tone, Gosuke Shigure knew he had recovered from his recent sadness. After all, Kyōraku was no child; he had lived centuries, carried responsibilities as a captain and noble heir, and seen the darkness of life countless times. Even if grief consumed him briefly, he would always emerge with poise, though some sorrow would remain deep in his heart.
Gosuke Shigure nodded and glanced around. "I don't see Captain Ukitake. Has he not arrived yet?"
Kyōraku sighed lightly. "Jūshirō was planning to come, but he fell ill again yesterday. He's resting now."
"I see." Gosuke Shigure understood. Ukitake Jūshirō's illness had plagued him for years, often forcing him to remain absent from duties. Despite this, he remained the 13th Division's captain, proof of his overwhelming strength. If he were ever healthy, his power would undoubtedly be even more terrifying.
After exchanging greetings with Kyōraku, Gosuke Shigure turned to Unohana Retsu with a faint smile. "I didn't expect Captain Unohana to attend such an event."
"Oh?" Unohana squinted her eyes, her calm smile laced with subtle intimidation. "Is it so strange for me to be here?"
"Not at all," Gosuke Shigure shook his head slightly. "I merely thought Captain Unohana prefers quiet places over these lively banquets."
"Is that so?" Unohana seemed to accept his explanation, then abruptly asked, "How is Yachiru doing in your squad? Is she adjusting well?"
Gosuke Shigure blinked in surprise. "Captain Unohana knows about Yachiru?"
"Of course," Unohana replied gently. "I taught Zaraki for a time. Now that he has adopted a daughter, naturally I am curious."
She paused, her tone soft yet carrying something unfathomable. "Also, I think the name 'Yachiru' is quite beautiful."
When she said the name 'Yachiru,' her expression seemed to carry a nostalgic and almost imperceptible darkness.
"I see," Gosuke Shigure felt enlightened and smiled faintly. "Yachiru is well. The entire 11th Division has accepted her warmly."
"That is good." Unohana nodded gently, her calm gaze revealing fleeting softness.
The three captains conversed lightly as other guests arrived. Soon, Hirako Shinji of the 5th Division and Hikifune Kirio of the 12th Division entered. Though Gosuke Shigure was not particularly close to them, he still greeted them respectfully.
Suddenly, a cheerful female voice sounded from behind him.
"Teacher!"
The guests turned curiously at the voice. The speaker was Shihouin Yoruichi. In recent years, her name had spread widely as the Shihouin clan's genius, and it was known she would inherit the family as its next head.
Many captains and nobles were surprised to learn that the famous Captain of Squad 11, Gosuke Shigure, was her teacher. After all, when Shihouin Koukan requested Gosuke to mentor Yoruichi, there had been no grand apprentice ceremony, and so few people knew of this relationship.
Yoruichi's eyes curved in a mischievous smile as she approached Gosuke Shigure with graceful confidence, bringing a fresh breeze into the solemn hall.