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The Second Division barracks, before the crossing gate.
A crowd had gathered: Kyoraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jūshirō, Kuchiki Byakuya, Zaraki Kenpachi with Kusajishi Yachiru perched on his shoulder, Komamura Sajin, Abarai Renji, and Kira Izuru. Among them, only Komamura, Renji, Kira, and Yachiru were not captains.
Word had already spread that Shiraha would soon return from the World of the Living. The captains and lieutenants had gathered here to greet him.
"Jūshirō, why is Shiraha taking so long?" Shunsui yawned, resting an arm lazily on Ukitake's shoulder. "I've been waiting ten years to share a drink with him at the Eighth Division. He'd better not make me wait another day."
Ukitake smiled gently. "Patience, Chunshui. I just received word. He'll be here any moment."
Byakuya stood silently beside Renji, eyes closed, his expression as impassive as stone.
"A-Ken, didn't you say you didn't care about seeing Shiraha again? Then why drag Yachiru here?" Yachiru grinned as she swung her legs on Kenpachi's broad shoulder.
"Shut it. I just came to see if that Kuchiki brat survived." Kenpachi turned his head away, voice hard as steel.
He remembered their clash in the Living World a decade ago. He and Yachiru had gone to support Shiraha, only to be humbled by that absurd, crushing power of gravity. Since then, his blood had burned with frustration. Nearly every week, he stormed the Eighth Division to force Shunsui into fights, desperate to sharpen his blade until the day he could face Shiraha again.
Meanwhile, Renji exchanged words with Kira. "Congratulations, Renji. Vice-captain of the Sixth Division now," Kira said with a small smile.
"Hah! You're not bad yourself, Kira. Fourth seat of the Seventh Division? Keep it up and you'll make vice-captain before long." Renji slapped his friend's shoulder with a hearty laugh.
Kira shook his head. "Impossible. With Komamura-fukutaichō and Tetsuzaemon-san ahead of me, unless I master Bankai I'll never reach vice-captain."
He and Hinamori had joined the Seventh Division years ago out of admiration for Shiraha. Yet with Komamura serving as acting captain, the vice-captain seat had long been filled. For now, Kira's dream seemed distant.
Komamura stepped closer, his deep voice rumbling from beneath the iron mask that concealed his true face. "Do not despair, Kira. I have watched your growth. With your resolve, you will reach Bankai one day."
Kira bowed deeply. "Thank you, Vice-captain Komamura."
At that moment, the crossing gate before them stirred. The great doors opened, a shimmer of light unfurling from within. A familiar figure stepped through.
Shiraha had returned.
"Captain Kyōraku, Captain Ukitake, Brother, Captain Zaraki, Yachiru, Vice-captain Komamura, Renji, Kira… all of you came?" His voice held a note of surprise. With his Observation Haki he had sensed them before exiting the gate, but even then he had not expected so many faces. He thought only Shunsui, Jūshirō, and Byakuya would be here. Yet Komamura, Renji, and Kira had also come.
"Long time no see, Xiaoyu!" Yachiru called cheerfully.
Kenpachi grunted, turning his face away the instant he confirmed Shiraha was alive and unharmed.
"See, Jūshirō? I told you he'd show up sooner or later." Shunsui's eyes crinkled in a smile as he stepped forward.
"Welcome back, Shiraha," Ukitake added warmly. "I've heard from Shunsui about your Shikai. A terrifying ability indeed."
Ten years ago, when Shunsui had returned from the Living World, he had reported everything to Yamamoto Genryūsai. Shiraha's Zanpakutō had shocked even the most seasoned captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
"Captain Shunsui, Captain Jūshirō," Shiraha greeted with a smile.
Byakuya inclined his head slightly. "Long time no see, Shiraha. To have mastered such a formidable Shikai… you have not wasted your exile."
"I was fortunate, Brother." Shiraha replied modestly.
"Grandfather knows as well. He was pleased," Byakuya said quietly.
Shiraha nodded, then asked, "Where is Rukia? Should she not be here with you?"
"Rukia was dispatched by me to Karakura Town," Ukitake answered. "She is serving as garrison Shinigami there."
"I see," Shiraha murmured. The pieces of fate were falling into place. Rukia's assignment marked the beginning of the events that would shake Soul Society. His time to prepare was dwindling.
Turning, he faced Komamura. "Vice-captain Komamura, thank you for tending to the Seventh Division in my absence."
"There is no need for thanks," Komamura replied with gravity. "It was only my duty."
Renji and Kira approached nervously. "Big brother Shiraha—no… Captain Shiraha." Both stumbled over the title, caught between old familiarity and present respect.
Shiraha chuckled. "No need for formality. Call me as before."
But Renji and Kira shook their heads in unison, determination in their eyes. "We are Shinigami now. Captain Shiraha deserves his proper title."
Shiraha exhaled lightly. "Then I leave it to you."
Shunsui clapped a hand on his shoulder, forcing a smile that did not quite hide his irritation. "Since you've returned, come with me and Jūshirō to the Eighth Division. You owe me drinks. Ten years ago you provoked Zaraki to use me as his sparring partner—do you know how many fights I've endured because of that? Today you won't escape. We'll drink until dawn."
Shiraha's lips curved in a helpless smile. Clearly, Shunsui had suffered greatly at Kenpachi's hands. "Very well, Captain Kyōraku. Tonight, I'll share a few cups with you."
Relief crossed Shunsui's face as he grinned. But before he could drag Shiraha away, Ukitake caught his sleeve.
"Chunshui, wait. Remember what the Head Captain said."
Shunsui froze, then slapped his forehead. "Ah, right. I almost forgot. Shiraha, the old man will be here soon."
"The Head Captain?" Shiraha frowned. "Why would Yamamoto Genryūsai come to me? Shouldn't I be reporting directly to him?"
Shunsui's smile turned sly. "When the Head Captain heard about your Shikai, he became… interested. He intends to test you himself. Consider it a small trial. By now he already knows of your return. He should be on his way."
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