Chapter 89: Reflection
Night had deepened. The banquet concluded amid cheerful laughter.
Lantern light swayed gently in the evening breeze, stretching everyone's shadows long.
Host and guests thoroughly satisfied.
Food in bamboo utensils had been enjoyed nearly to the last morsel. On sake lovers' tables stood empty bottles, testifying to the banquet's liveliness.
Shiba Kaien supported Ukitake Jushiro as he departed. Mitaka Hiko and Kotsubaki Sentaro busied themselves collecting tableware. Kuchiki Rukia helped Shiba Miyako wipe down table surfaces with cloths.
Moonlight accompanied by lantern glow illuminated the wooden corridor leading to the barracks gate.
Suoh was seeing the Tenth Division guests to the gate.
While Shiba Isshin and Hitsugaya Toshiro walked ahead, Matsumoto Rangiku deliberately slowed her pace, falling beside Suoh.
"Tsukasa, the banquet food was delicious."
She lowered her voice, her slightly inebriated tone especially soft in the night.
"Just not enough sake for big sister's satisfaction."
"Next time there's a banquet, remember to prepare more alcohol."
Her lovely face showed fine redness from light and alcohol's effects.
Matsumoto Rangiku turned her head, winking at Suoh, her tone both coquettish and seriously instructive.
"Alright, I'll arrange it next time."
"Hehe, good boy!"
Saying this, she quickly caught up with the two ahead, her golden hair trailing a flowing trajectory in the moonlight.
Arriving outside the gate.
"Tsukasa, no need to see us further. We're heading back."
"Next time something this good happens, remember to invite me again!"
Shiba Isshin belched from the alcohol, waving farewell with a hearty laugh.
"Definitely."
Suoh answered with a smile.
"Tsukasa, goodbye."
"Bye."
The other two also nodded. The three figures vanished, departing toward the Tenth Division.
Suoh waved farewell until the Tenth Division trio's figures disappeared from view.
Turning back to the courtyard.
The remaining few moved quickly. The scene was basically cleaned up.
Mitaka Hiko stacked tables and chairs properly under the eaves for the next banquet.
Kotsubaki Sentaro carried a water bucket, washing the ground.
Washing sounds came from the kitchen. Suoh rolled up his sleeves to join the final cleanup.
In just moments, the courtyard returned to its usual tranquil appearance.
"Tsukasa, we're off."
Kotsubaki Sentaro patted Suoh's shoulder. He and Mitaka Hiko walked shoulder to shoulder toward the barracks depths, their laughing voices gradually fading.
Only Suoh, the Shiba couple, and Kuchiki Rukia remained.
Shiba Kaien raised his chin toward Suoh, his eyes full of smiles.
"Tsukasa, this banquet was fantastic."
His gaze unconsciously glanced at the corner's still-unused bamboo tubes, lingering with regret.
"Yes, Tsukasa. Given the chance, I'd like to learn a few more tricks from you."
Shiba Miyako stood beside her husband, gently continuing. Today she'd assisted Suoh throughout—truly gaining immensely.
Kuchiki Rukia stood quietly beside them, listening to this conversation.
Couldn't help recalling witnessing earlier in the kitchen that flowing artistry combining culinary skills with Kido techniques.
"Of course. When opportunities suit, the more such banquets the better."
Suoh looked at these three smiling faces before him, warmth rising in his heart as he smiled in response.
Life in this world was nothing more than eating and drinking. He naturally wouldn't decline.
Also time for farewells.
"Alright, Miyako and I will head back first. You should also rest early."
"Suoh 3rd Seat, goodbye!"
"Rukia, let me see you part way."
"No need to trouble yourself. It's late. Suoh 3rd Seat should rest early."
Kuchiki Rukia's answering voice was soft but carried unquestionable firmness, unwilling to further trouble Suoh who'd already labored all day.
"Alright, be careful on the road."
Suoh didn't insist, merely watching the three figures gradually recede.
Five days later.
The banquet's lingering charm had long faded.
Just after daybreak, Suoh had already made proper preparations.
He changed into clean Shihakusho, sword at his waist, and closed the courtyard gate.
Using shunpo to Ugendo.
Ukitake Jushiro opened the door to greet him. Though his complexion remained somewhat pale, his straight back revealed spirit and resolve different from usual.
Suoh landed beside him, smiling in greeting.
"Captain, morning!"
"Tsukasa, morning. Are you ready?"
"Of course."
Suoh nodded solemnly, his gaze firmly directed toward the First Division.
"Then let's go."
The two stood side by side. Shunpo deployed, their figures quickly disappearing into the Seireitei's morning light.
Towering white brick buildings—majestic and solemn, carrying the Seireitei's unique gravity.
The two proceeded toward their destination.
Conversing as they went.
The First Division barracks began entering view.
On the towering gate was carved a conspicuous ink-black [一]. Guard sentries stood upright beside the gate.
Their figures stopped at the barracks gate.
Accompanying Ukitake Jushiro made all procedures very simple.
Guard squad members respectfully saluted and greeted upon seeing Ukitake Jushiro, merely curiously glancing at Suoh beside him before directly allowing passage.
Walking along corridors, the wooden floors beneath their feet clean enough to reflect images.
Along the way, many people greeted Ukitake Jushiro, casting curious yet kindly gazes toward Suoh.
Accompanying the captain, Suoh felt his identity had somehow elevated a degree.
The First Division sat at the Seireitei's central area, where spirit particle density was most concentrated.
In ordinary Shinigami eyes, the First Division wasn't merely the Gotei 13's command center, but a hall gathering Soul Society's elite.
And indeed so. Among squad members encountered along the way, even those with the lowest spiritual power class could serve as low-numbered seated officers in other divisions.
Even more impressive was their appearance. Regardless of age or looks, every squad member's hair was impeccably groomed.
This unique style made the entire First Division exude an uncompromising, solemn presence.
"The Captain-Commander has always valued discipline and standards. Appearance is equally key to daily routine."
Ukitake Jushiro noticed his observing gaze. At a corridor corner, he slowed his steps, softly explaining.
"Tsukasa, you needn't be nervous. Young people like you with proper appearance and pursuit of progress—he's always quite appreciated and favored them."
He looked at this upright Suoh beside him, warm smiles rising in his eyes, speaking with certainty.
As one of the two disciples Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni valued, he had considerable authority regarding his teacher's preferences.
"Understood."
Suoh answered. Simultaneously, barely perceptible spiritual light appeared in his hands, lightly brushing through his hair. His fingertips arranged every strand even more properly.
His already handsome features appeared even more upright and distinguished after subtle hairstyle adjustments.
"Haha."
Ukitake Jushiro took in this entire performance, couldn't help chuckling aloud.
This was precisely what he especially appreciated about Suoh. Both keen comprehension and understanding of what constituted appropriate propriety. As a Shinigami and junior, every aspect was beyond reproach.
Even rarer—in him could be seen mature, steady responsibility alongside relaxed, interesting vitality. He truly suited his heart perfectly.
"Let's go. Almost there."
"Yes."
Ukitake Jushiro also casually adjusted the white captain's haori draped on him, his gaze sweeping past the corridor's end—
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