The gates of the Shiba family residence were wide open, and the large courtyard was decorated with lanterns, filled with a festive atmosphere.
As soon as Arata stepped over the threshold, a fragrant breeze hit him.
"Hey, Arata! You came?" The figure of Shiba Kūkaku jumped out from behind a corner, already dressed in a fiery red long-sleeved kimono.
In her long black hair, she wore a hairpin, and at its end was a bird with outstretched wings.
Arata was surprised by her outfit. Completely different from the unruly and laid-back older sister he had in his mind.
It's no wonder they say clothes make the man.
Just change your clothes and your whole temperament changes drastically.
Kūkaku cheerfully skipped two steps and jumped in front of Arata, grabbing him by the arm.
"The rest of the guests have already arrived, we're just waiting for you!"
With a slightly confused expression, Arata was pulled across the courtyard by Kūkaku. When he arrived, he discovered that the front hall was packed with people, and they were all familiar faces he had seen that afternoon.
Matsumoto Rangiku was in an exceptionally good mood, probably because she could eat and drink for free, and was sitting and toasting with the host, Shiba Kaien.
Kyōraku Shunsui, who usually liked to drink with girls at home parties, this time was sitting and playing shogi with his good friend Ukitake, probably because he wanted to maintain a dignified image in front of everyone.
Even Kuchiki Ginrei, who always preferred peace and solitude, came with his grandson Kuchiki Byakuya.
Grandfather and grandson were very dignified. They just sat in the main hall, quietly drinking tea and waiting.
This was the first time Arata saw Byakuya after the time travel. He didn't expect the other party to look almost exactly the same as at the beginning of the story.
Still the same cold expression on his face that said: "Don't come near me."
He thought to himself it was a pity; he had hoped to see a younger, still arrogant Byakuya.
"Kūkaku, what is this actually?..." Arata looked at the scene before him and couldn't help his confusion.
Didn't she say it was a house party?
How did they manage to bring even people from the Kuchiki family? Since when did the relations between the Kuchiki and Shiba families become this good?
Kūkaku wrapped her arm around Arata's neck and laughed loudly, speaking with a proud smile: "Ah, didn't I tell you, today is my 220th birthday!"
She leaned close to Arata's ear, and a warm breath with the scent of alcohol brushed against his earlobe.
"We're not going home tonight until we're drunk~"
Arata suddenly froze in place. That hot breath ran through his chest like an electric current, and his body shivered involuntarily.
No wonder… it turned out to be a birthday party after all…
He looked down at the modest gifts in his hands, the tea was of good quality, the two sets of porcelain tea wares also very fine, and the flower cakes popular with most people.
But as a birthday present for the daughter of one of the five great noble families… it seemed a bit unworthy.
Especially when he caught sight of the pile of gift boxes in the corner of the main hall from the corner of his eye, a cold sweat immediately appeared on his forehead.
"Don't just stand there like an idiot, come on, come on." Kūkaku didn't notice the change in Arata's mood at all, and just kept pulling him inside.
"Uncle Isshin even opened a bottle of top-grade wine from his private collection, he said he bought it long ago in the noble district. Not even the captain-commander tasted it when he came to visit."
When they entered the main hall, everyone greeted Arata.
"Our big star has finally arrived."
"Arata… tonight you must drink with me! Hic—"
"Rangiku-san, you're drinking too fast!"
"Don't worry, Kaien. We've got enough space in the house where he can sleep."
"Captain Shiba, you spoil your lieutenant too much. If only my Nanae-chan were that lenient with me."
Kuchiki Byakuya also cast a curious and probing glance toward Arata.
This was the first time he and Arata met, and he truly wanted to see what was so special about this young man whom his grandfather called "a once-in-a-century talent."
Once all the guests had arrived, the banquet quickly became very lively.
As the host of the evening, Shiba Kaien soon stopped drinking with Rangiku and rushed over to arrange a seat for Arata.
Kūkaku was the main star of the evening, the birthday girl, so of course she sat in the seat of honor.
Arata was seated between Isshin and Rangiku, across from Kaien and the Kuchiki grandfather–grandson pair.
Every time Byakuya's scrutinizing gaze swept over him, Arata could barely endure it.
Because this kid was really staring way too much.
In less than five minutes of eating, he had counted nearly ten times.
"I'm going to the restroom." Arata used the excuse to get up from the table and quickly walked off toward the backyard, under Rangiku's somewhat puzzled gaze.
The cool night breeze touched his face, he took a deep breath and opened the system panel.
[Destiny Value of host: 2888/7784]
[Weekly discount on ten consecutive draws has refreshed, please enter the roulette area and use it promptly]
Arata had already thought that, although he hadn't prepared a birthday gift in advance, it wasn't like he couldn't come up with something on the spot.
More than a week had passed since the last lottery, and the system discount had been reactivated.
Besides, if he didn't use it now, it would be wasted.
Holding to the principle of "don't waste blessings that come to you," Arata decided to play a round immediately.
The wheel on the panel quietly began to spin, and the colorful lights were especially striking against the night sky.
He decisively pressed the lottery button.
[Spent 150 Destiny Points, Wheel of Destiny is spinning…]
Ten wheels spun simultaneously, creating a dazzling glow in the air.
First flash – blue light.
[Obtained 1 Shiba family special firework, multicolored firework personally developed by Shiba Kūkaku]
Arata's lips twitched slightly. This must not be brought out.
If he gave the hostess something she made herself, she'd probably beat him up.
The second was also blue.
[Obtained Kotetsu Isane's belt*1, with a bit of sweat from training]
System, something's seriously wrong with you.
[Obtained wooden cat teaser*1, favorite toy of a certain black cat]
[Obtained Unohana Retsu's swimsuit poster*1, private collection of the special intelligence unit of the Soul Society.]
"What is this… nonsense…"
Arata held his forehead. This system was truly shameful to witness.
When the seventh wheel stopped, a blinding golden light suddenly burst out!
Excellent, a delivery has arrived!
[Obtained B-rank item: Sky Crane]
[Source: Fortune Wheel Special Zone]
[Effect: Can help the wearer feed and nurture spiritual pressure in the body, and provides a special bonus when using fire-based techniques.]
[Note: Can be gifted, cannot be enhanced.]
Perhaps due to the shock brought by the B-rank item, Arata completely ignored the three junk items he got afterward.
He pulled it out from the system space.
He looked at the bracelet in his palm, named "Sky Crane." On the red string was a crane, crafted so realistically it looked as if it might spread its wings and fly at any moment.
When he gently brushed his fingers over the bracelet, he could even feel the energy it contained.
An item that could create special effects just by investing spiritual pressure into it, a creation of this level was already approaching the heirloom artifacts of the Shihouin family.
"This time, the system was actually reliable," Arata muttered to himself and carefully put the bracelet away.
"Why is young master Byakuya here alone?" Arata stopped and asked.
Byakuya turned his head, and the probing look in his eyes was even more direct than during the banquet.
"I have no interest in such boring parties." He paused briefly.
"You've been gone quite a while… did you go to prepare a gift?"
———
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