On the afternoon of the second day, Kurotsuki Renya's attire was entirely new.
Today was a day etched in his memory—Captain Soi Fon had, for the first time, invited him out to dinner. To Renya, this was nothing less than a date.
He held a single rose in hand, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. His heart raced at the thought. Holding hands is no longer enough. Tonight, I'll kiss her… tonight might be my chance to finally break through that barrier.
With that thought, he approached the door to Soi Fon's quarters and knocked.
When the door slid open, his breath caught in his throat.
"C-Captain Soi Fon… your hair?"
She stood before him in a delicate pink kimono, her usually practical hair brushed up into a refined bun. Her beauty was almost disarming.
"Don't stare," she said sharply, her eyes flashing. Then, after a beat, she turned on her heel, calling over her shoulder, "Just this once. Now hurry up and follow."
"Yes!" Renya straightened, still dazed, and quickly followed her through Seireitei's bustling food district until they stopped before one of the largest and most luxurious restaurants.
"Here…?" Renya blinked. He had never eaten at such a high-class place. The prices alone were enough to make even captains hesitate. His chest tightened. She really went this far…?
But when he turned to thank her, Soi Fon was already heading inside, climbing the stairs toward the second floor.
At the top stood a grand double door. Soi Fon gestured toward it. "Go in first."
Renya's heart leapt. She prepared something for me…?
He grinned, pushed the doors open—
Bang! Streamers burst over him in a shower of colors, ribbons wrapping around his arms.
"Renya! Happy thirtieth birthday!"
Renji's booming laughter filled the room, while Rukia covered her mouth with a smile. Hinamori and Kira Izuru waved from nearby, joined by Rangiku Matsumoto with her usual mischievous grin, Nanao Ise with calm composure, Nemu Kurotsuchi standing silently at the side, and Yachiru Kusajishi bouncing with excitement.
Even the Shiba family—Kaien, Kuukaku, and Ganju—were present. Nearly everyone Renya had grown close to over the years had gathered.
He froze, dumbstruck. "Th-this is…?"
Soi Fon stepped in behind him, lips curving into the faintest smile. "You turn thirty this year. The Women's Shinigami Association heard about it and insisted on hosting a celebration. So I invited everyone important to you."
"That's right!" Yachiru chimed, raising her hand. "It was my idea!"
Though part of him was disappointed—this wasn't the intimate evening he imagined—Renya's heart swelled at the sight of so many friends. He bent slightly toward Yachiru. "Thank you, Yachiru. Truly."
"Alright, let's eat already!" Yachiru clapped, and at once the banquet began. Tables overflowed with dishes: grilled meats, steaming soups, fruits, desserts, and fine sake.
Renji clapped Renya on the back, handing him a glass of sake. "Congratulations, Renya! Thirty years old… and twenty years since we first met."
Renya smiled, warmth in his chest. "Thank you, Renji."
Renji winked and drifted off with Rukia, Hinamori, and Kira to give him space.
Kaien Shiba approached, grinning. "Can't believe you're only thirty. You've accomplished more than most shinigami twice your age. You're a genius, Renya."
Renya waved him off modestly. "I'm still far behind others."
"You mean Hitsugaya, don't you?" Kaien smirked.
Renya chuckled. "That's right. Tōshirō Hitsugaya's talent is undeniable."
At that very moment, a small voice interrupted. "Talking about me again?"
Renya turned to find the silver-haired prodigy himself, Captain Hitsugaya, standing barely chest-high, a plate of food in his hand. At only 133 cm tall, he was shorter than Rukia, but the sharp edge in his teal eyes carried authority.
"We were complimenting you," Kaien said with a grin.
"Tch." Hitsugaya turned, walking off with his plate.
Renya shook his head with a smile. Even he came…
As the party carried on, Renya found himself beside Soi Fon once again. He glanced around. "Where's Kotetsu Isane?"
"She's stationed on assignment in the Living World," Soi Fon answered simply.
Renya nodded, then, on impulse, reached out and gently took her hand.
"There are so many people here…" she murmured, cheeks faintly pink.
Renya smirked. "And yet, do you think there's anyone left who doesn't already know?"
Soi Fon shot him a glare. "Know what?"
"That you're my girlfriend."
Her blush deepened instantly. "W-what nonsense are you spouting?"
Renya leaned closer, voice soft. "Whether you admit it or not, Captain… you're mine."
For once, she didn't pull away. Their hands remained entwined. Renya's heart pounded as he tilted his head closer, brushing the softest kiss against her cheek.
Soi Fon's eyes widened, her body stiff—but she didn't resist.
"Hahaha! What's this?!"
The booming laugh shattered the moment. Renya froze, glancing up to see none other than Kenpachi Zaraki looming over him, grin stretching ear to ear. Madarame Ikkaku snickered at his side.
"Were you just kissing, Renya? And with Captain Soi Fon, no less? Hah! Didn't think you had it in you."
Soi Fon's glare snapped toward them, sharp enough to kill. Ikkaku immediately ducked his head.
Behind them, Yumichika Ayasegawa folded his arms. Yachiru popped up on Zaraki's shoulder, grinning mischievously. In that moment, it felt as if half of the 11th Division had barged into the party.
"I hear it's your thirtieth birthday," Kenpachi said, drawing his zanpakutō with a wide grin. "Perfect. Let's celebrate with a fight!"
"Wh—at my birthday party?!" Renya sputtered.
"Ken-chan!" Yachiru stomped on his head with tiny feet. "No fighting! It's Renya's party!"
Kenpachi paused, glanced at her, and grunted. "Tch… fine. But you owe me a duel, Renya. Soon. Or I'll tear down the 2nd Division's barracks myself."
With that, he sheathed his blade and wandered toward the food, leaving Renya to exhale in relief.
Soi Fon scowled. "Why is that brute here?"
Renya only smiled faintly. "He's simple. At least he came."
But before he could say more, another presence filled the doorway—one that froze the entire room in silence.
"Well, it seems I've arrived just in time," came the smooth, gentle voice.
Everyone turned.
Sōsuke Aizen stood at the entrance, smiling politely, his calm gaze fixed on Renya.
"It seems today is your birthday, Kurotsuki Renya. Allow me to wish you a very happy thirtieth."