Because of Shimo's words, Kaien Shiba successfully slew Metastacia and avenged his wife.
Kaien felt deep gratitude toward Shimo, and at the same time informed his family about what had happened.
Thus, at the Kyōraku household—
Shimo stood dumbfounded, staring at the mountain of spherical objects piled before him.
"Th-These… what on earth are these things?"
Scratching his head with an awkward smile, Kaien replied loudly:
"Ah, well, my sister heard about what you did. She said that, to thank you for your help, she'd give you some of her treasured creations as a token of appreciation."
At first, Shimo didn't think much of it.
But the moment Kaien mentioned these were his sister's treasures, his expression instantly changed.
"Wait, you said these are your sister's collection?"
Kaien laughed heartily, as though he had returned to his old, cheerful self. Yet, the fleeting sorrow in his eyes could not be hidden.
"That's right. She's been crafting and keeping these for a long time."
Shimo's mouth twitched. He suddenly remembered exactly who Kaien's sister was.
Kūkaku Shiba—the most renowned fireworks master in all of Rukongai.
Not only that, she also held the only legitimate method of accessing the Soul King's Palace.
Although the Shiba family had begun to decline, the presence of Kūkaku and Isshin ensured they remained among the five great noble clans.
However, because of her devotion to fireworks research, Kūkaku continued to live in Rukongai rather than Seireitei.
And so, these "gifts" before him were self-explanatory.
Shimo's lips twitched again.
"This… is what you mean by fireworks?"
"Exactly!" Kaien nodded firmly. "Kūkaku made these herself. They can create beautiful fireworks—and pack enormous destructive power!"
"Enormous destructive power."
Shimo rubbed his forehead, at a loss for words.
Though he knew Kaien had absolute faith in his sister's work, did he not worry about accidents?
From the sheer density of spiritual pressure infused in these fireworks, Shimo could already tell: if they all went off at once, not just the Kyōraku estate but the neighboring noble manors would also need to be rebuilt.
And then both Kaien and Kūkaku would face pursuit orders from Central 46 for the crime of endangering nobility.
"Well… thank you for your kind intentions," Shimō said helplessly.
It felt wrong to reject a gift given so earnestly—especially custom-made ones that were, hopefully, safe enough.
Hopefully.
Kaien suddenly added with a smile:
"Oh, right, Shimo-kun. Because of this matter, my uncle will be visiting you in the next few days."
Shimo raised a brow.
"Uncle? You mean… Captain Isshin Shiba?"
Kaien nodded with a bright smile. In his normal state, his grin was still as infectious as ever.
Isshin Shiba, head of the branch family, was both Kaien and Kūkaku's elder relative and the current Captain of Tenth Division, responsible for Seireitei's patrols and security.
His strength was by no means ordinary—even within the Gotei 13, he was considered one of the stronger captains.
Shimo scratched his head, confused.
"Isn't that going too far? You don't need to thank me like this. You're the one who killed the enemy—I just gave you a reminder."
Kaien's face grew solemn.
"This isn't just about personal revenge. It concerns the pride of the Shiba clan. Please don't belittle your contribution!"
Shimo sighed.
"…Fine. If Captain Isshin wants to come, let him."
---
Three Days Later
Isshin Shiba arrived right on time.
"Captain Isshin."
"Lieutenant Shimō."
When it came to business, Isshin appeared more formal. But the moment Shimō noticed the gift he had brought, he was once again speechless.
Clearly, the entire Shiba clan had the same quirk, regardless of branch or main family.
To Kūkaku, fireworks were the perfect gift. To Isshin, good sake was far more fitting.
Still, this particular offering did suit Shimo's tastes.
The Shiba clan, long rooted in Rukongai, had brought a local specialty—fiery Rukongai liquor.
"I came today mainly for two things," Isshin said.
The two sat opposite each other, savoring the drink with relaxed expressions.
Discovering Shimo shared his appreciation for alcohol, Isshin quickly loosened up.
Though he had heard Shimo's name before, their duties had kept them apart until now. Meeting in person, Shimo's character left a very favorable impression.
Shimo raised a brow.
"Two things? I thought you came only because of Kaien's matter."
Downing the spicy liquor with a satisfied grin, Isshin laughed.
"That's just one of them. Your reminder saved Kaien from injury, maybe even death. For that, the Shiba family will always remember your kindness."
Shimo swirled his cup.
"And the second?"
To him, this liquor was on par with the Kuchiki clan's exclusive sake—different styles, but both exquisite. The Shiba brew was bold and fiery; the Kuchiki's, fragrant and sweet.
Isshin leaned in, looking mischievous.
"The second thing… Well, Shimo, you're still unmarried, aren't you?"
Cough!
Shimo nearly choked on his drink.
What kind of ridiculous question was that?
So this was Isshin's infamous goofy side. Why the sudden leap from Kaien's matter to his personal life?
"Captain Isshin… why would you suddenly ask that?"
Isshin gave him a sly grin, as though making a life-altering decision.
"Just answer me first."
Shimō sighed.
"…No, I'm not married. Though—"
He hadn't finished before Isshin visibly relaxed in relief.
"Excellent! That makes this much easier."
He promptly pulled a photograph from his robes and handed it to Shimō.
Puzzled, Shimo accepted it—only to find himself staring at the image of a tall, slender young woman with a radiant smile, long black hair wrapped in white cloth, and a figure that left little to the imagination.
A stunning beauty.
"This is…"
He had a guess, but hesitated to say it aloud.
Isshin beamed.
"My niece, little Kūkaku! Though she's from the main family, she still calls me uncle since her parents died young and I've cared for her. She's of age now, but hasn't found a suitable partner. So…"
Isshin elbowed Shimo knowingly.
"Let's be honest—her looks are flawless, her personality bright, her spiritual power remarkable even if she isn't a Shinigami. And she comes from one of the Five Great Noble Houses."
If Shimo still couldn't understand what Isshin was hinting at, he truly would be an idiot.
"…I think that's something which requires more discussion," Shimō muttered.
Love arriving this suddenly—it felt like being swept into a whirlwind. Was there really such a thing as someone delivering a bride to your doorstep? A gorgeous, talented noblewoman, no less? It was absurd.
From outside the room, a playful voice interrupted:
"Discussion? I don't think so."
Shimo's face fell.
That familiar pink, flower-patterned haori entered his sight.
Kyōraku Shunsui sat himself down beside them without ceremony, pouring his own cup of liquor.
"Now, now. With such a good offer, why bother discussing it? Excellent Rukongai liquor like this is rare indeed. Cheers, in-law."
Isshin blinked, then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Let's drink, let's drink!"
And so the two "irresponsible old men" began conspiring how to force their junior into marriage.
Shimo tried desperately to defend himself:
"Shouldn't you at least respect my opinion in this matter?"
But Shunsui waved it off casually.
"No need. For the sake of our families' future, this is something only the heads of house can decide. Even if Isshin's just the branch head, he still has authority when needed."
The situation was spiraling far beyond Shimo's control.
He rubbed his chin, wondering—when exactly did things derail so badly?
---
Shiba Kūkaku
Unexpectedly, the photograph showed Kūkaku intact, smiling brilliantly, her robes embroidered with the whirlpool crest of the Shiba clan. On her left arm was the tattooed kanji for "Sky," adding to her wild beauty.
The Shiba naming custom was unique—using animals to symbolize their closeness to nature and to reflect their abilities.
Kaien's Zanpakutō, Nejibana, was a rare water-element Kidō-type blade. Though "spearmen have rotten luck," Shimo's intervention had slightly shifted Kaien's fate.
Kūkaku's mastery lay in fireworks and Kidō, both aligned with the sky.
As for Iwajū, his powers are stone-based.
Though the Shiba had fallen, their possession of the only route to the Soul King's Palace gave them undeniable weight in Soul Society.
But a bride delivered to his doorstep?
Shimō looked at the photo, torn.
Should I accept? Or… should I accept? Or… should I accept?
---
By the end of the meeting, Isshin and Shunsui were already calling each other "in-laws." Before leaving, Isshin arranged for Shimo to visit the Shiba household at month's end.
Despite Shimo's resistance, Shunsui invoked his authority as Kyōraku clan head, leaving Shimo no choice.
"Honestly, boy," Shunsui smirked, "you're just pretending to complain. Deep down, you're thrilled with this good fortune, aren't you?"
Shimō sighed in exasperation.
---
Shiba Residence
Rukongai, Junrin'an District.
Shimō stared at the eccentric Shiba estate, a foreboding chill in his heart.
"Did I agree to this far too hastily?"
The house was rough-hewn, still showing traces of unfinished repairs.
Behind it rose a massive chimney sealed with Kidō spells.
On either side of the home were enormous stone-carved arms, bent over the roof to hold up a great banner bearing Kaien Shiba's name—appropriate, since Kaien was the acting head.
But now, there was no turning back.
Shimo glanced gloomily at the man beside him.
"Tell me, you foolish old geezer… why are you here too?"
Shunsui shaded his eyes with his hand as though surveying the distance, his gaze fixed on the Shiba residence.
"As your only elder, of course I had to come. Marriages between noble clans aren't child's play."
Shimo felt black lines crawl across his forehead.
Coming from him, of all people?
This entire marriage scheme had been decided in a few casual sentences by these so-called "elders."
Truly shameless.
With a heavy sigh, Shimo strode toward the Shiba home.
-----------------------///
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