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"Well then, since so many others want to speak with you, I won't intrude. If you're ever free, come by the Third Division to find me."
With that, Ichimaru Gin's smile lingered only a moment longer before he vanished in a flicker of shunpo.
"Shiraha, you really put old man Genryusai in a difficult spot this time," said KyĹŤraku Shunsui, grinning with obvious delight. For years he had dreamed of seeing the Captain-Commander truly embarrassed, and today he had finally witnessed it.
"Shunsui," Ukitake JĹ«shirĹŤ said with his usual gentle smile, "if word reaches the Captain-Commander that you were laughing at him, you'll regret it."
"Oi, JĹ«shirĹŤ! Don't you dare tattle to him, or I'll never forgive you!" Shunsui's playful expression crumbled into mock panic.
Before he ever wore a captain's haori, Shunsui had spent much of his youth teasing Yamamoto Genryusai—and suffering the harsh consequences each time he was caught.
"Shiraha," Byakuya Kuchiki said calmly, though surprise flickered faintly in his eyes, "your Shikai ability is formidable."
Even he had never seen a ZanpakutĹŤ whose release left Yamamoto helpless. The thought of what Shiraha might become once he mastered Bankai was staggering.
Shiraha inclined his head with a faint smile. "Brother, you flatter me too much."
In truth, Shiraha knew his limits. His Reiatsu ranked only at the level of a high-tier captain, perhaps slightly stronger than Byakuya's own. The No-Limit Spell: Power of Stopping granted him unrivaled defense, but no offensive strength of its own. Against titans like Yamamoto, Unohana, or Aizen, he could strike for an eternity and still never pierce their defenses. In Soul Society, Reiatsu defined everything.
"That was not flattery," Byakuya replied evenly. He had been hailed since childhood as the most gifted heir of the Kuchiki line. Yet in only ten years since awakening his ZanpakutĹŤ, Shiraha had already surpassed him.
"Remember to return soon. Grandfather wishes to see you," Byakuya added. He did not object to Shiraha drinking with Shunsui; he merely urged him not to delay long.
"Renji, we're leaving."
"Yes, Captain Kuchiki." Renji glanced back at Shiraha, calling, "Captain Shiraha, I'll be off for now!"
Shiraha returned his farewell with a smile and a wave as Byakuya and Renji disappeared into shunpo.
"Well then," Shunsui said, his grin turning sly, "since everyone else has gone, let's head to the Eighth. Tonight, Shiraha, I swear I'll drink you under the table. After all, you're the reason Kenpachi keeps pestering me for fights! JĹ«shirĹŤ, you'll help me get him drunk, won't you?"
The Eighth Division captain had endured years of Kenpachi's challenges, and he blamed Shiraha as the source of that madness. Tonight, vengeance meant sake.
Ukitake sighed, helpless as ever before his friend's antics. "You never change, Shunsui."
"Glad to join you," Shiraha said lightly. From the look on Shunsui's face, it was clear Kenpachi's constant harassment had driven him half mad.
Turning to Komamura and Kira, Shiraha said, "Vice-captain Komamura, Kira, return ahead. I'll come to the Seventh Division later."
"Yes, Captain Shiraha," they answered together before departing.
Then a new presence appeared before them—a slender woman with long black hair parted left, purple eyes glinting behind glasses, and the badge of a vice-captain on her shoulder. Ise Nanao, the Eighth Division's lieutenant, Vice-President of the Women's Shinigami Association, and Shunsui's own niece.
"Well, little Nanao, what brings you here?" Shunsui asked with his usual disarming smile.
"Captain Ukitake. Captain Shiraha."
Nanao ignored her uncle entirely, offering formal greetings to the others first. Cautiously, she stole a glance at Shiraha. And when her eyes finally rested on him, she faltered in quiet surprise. She had never seen his face before—only heard his name whispered with awe. After all, soon after becoming Seventh Division captain, Central 46 had stationed him in the living world.
"Vice-captain Nanao," Ukitake replied kindly.
"Hello, Vice-captain Nanao," Shiraha said with a warm smile. Through his perception, he quietly admired her poise and beauty.
"Eh? Nanao-chan, why greet everyone but your poor captain? Did you forget about me?" Shunsui pressed a hand over his heart in feigned hurt.
"Captain," Nanao said, her tone edged with irritation, "do you realize you have neglected three months of division paperwork? Important matters require your personal attention."
Her brow furrowed, glasses flashing as she clenched her fists in restraint.
"Aw, Nanao, you can handle those things, can't you? That's what vice-captains are for, helping their captains with such boring affairs. You're reliable enough to manage it, while I—well, I've promised Shiraha and Jūshirō a drink."
Shunsui brushed it off with a laugh, but Nanao's expression darkened.
"There are matters only you can authorize. I cannot sign them in your place." Her voice was calm, though her anger simmered beneath. Were it not for those duties, she would never have bothered tracking him down herself.
"Ahh, what a headache…" Shunsui sighed, scratching his head. Then, turning apologetically to Shiraha, he said, "I'm sorry, Shiraha. It looks like I won't be able to drink with you tonight after all. Next time, I'll make it up to you."
"It's quite alright," Shiraha replied with an easy smile.
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