Passing a tavern, Yoshio suddenly stopped.
A new spiritual ability had appeared in his vision—
The Animals!
Wasn't that Rangiku Matsumoto's ability?
He remembered her joking invitation to drink together. To his surprise, here she was already.
He stepped closer, and sure enough—Rangiku was drinking inside. And sitting with her was Hisagi Shūhei—the very person Yoshio was looking for.
Glancing at Shūhei's profile, Yoshio froze.
[Soul Ability: "Black Sun"
Stores spiritual pressure during normal times. At critical moments, converts it into a black sun for attack.]
Now this—was interesting.
It seemed linked to Shūhei's future bankai, Kazeshini, which bound himself and the enemy with chains, shared life force, and conjured a black sun overhead. But right now, Yoshio couldn't directly obtain a bankai—soul abilities were different.
This "Black Sun" was purely offensive. He could store reiatsu in it little by little, then release it all at once as a devastating strike.
Another powerful attack skill! Yoshio had just unlocked a one-time use of Black Sun because Shūhei's favorability with him was already over 60.
Pleased, Yoshio approached and greeted them warmly:
"Miss Matsumoto, Shūhei—it really is a coincidence to see you both drinking here."
Rangiku's eyes lit up. "Yoshio! Come join us! Didn't you say you were too busy these days?"
"I was patrolling, so no time then—but nights I'm still free. Tried to sleep, couldn't, so thought I'd grab a drink," Yoshio replied casually, taking a seat.
Shūhei blinked.
"You know each other?"
Rangiku promptly bopped his head.
"What, only you're allowed to know Yoshio? How did you two meet, anyway?"
Shūhei rubbed his head. Yoshio answered, "We're old classmates. Graduated the same year."
"Eh? You're both class of 2061? Younger than me then," Rangiku said in surprise.
"Younger?! Are you kidding?" Shūhei protested. "How do you figure Yoshio's older than you?"
Rangiku smiled slyly. "Because he looks way more reliable than you."
"You wound me," Shūhei groaned, then looked at Yoshio again. "You're in… the 5th Division, right?"
"Yeah," Yoshio said with some feigned melancholy. "Just a lowly grunt in the 5th—not like you, an officer of the 9th."
Shūhei waved it off. "That's nothing. With your skills, it's only a matter of time."
He wasn't wrong—a seat officer role was well within reach for Yoshio.
"Anyway, let's not dwell on that. Cheers," Yoshio said, downing a full glass in one gulp.
"Ahh, that hits the spot."
He could handle strong liquor well. Rangiku, already tipsy, grabbed the bottle from him, poured herself another, then asked mischievously,
"So, tomorrow you're taking that kid to the Academy, right?"
"That's right. He didn't immediately say yes, but I'm sure he'll show up at the White Road Gate tomorrow to meet me."
"Hmm~" Rangiku rubbed her chin impishly. "What if I snatch him first? I'd like to recruit him for our squad."
"Don't you dare steal my credit," Yoshio shot back. "Even if he's destined for the 10th, he should spend time in the 5th first!"
"Huh?" Shūhei was confused. "What are you two talking about?"
"Yoshio found a super genius—but wants to hog him!" Rangiku exclaimed. "So Shūhei, let's team up. You get Yoshio drunk tonight, and tomorrow I'll swoop in and take the kid for the 10th!"
"W-wait, leave me out of this," Shūhei said quickly. "Besides, geniuses—I've seen plenty."
Yoshio just smiled faintly. Hitsugaya was no ordinary genius, but he kept that thought to himself.
He had planned just to greet Shūhei and leave, but since Rangiku was here too, he decided to join them both.
Of course, Rangiku was a notorious drinker—and an expert at ditching the bill. After enough rounds, she slipped away under the excuse of the restroom.
When she didn't return, Shūhei scowled, realizing she'd vanished.
"Damn, she ditched again!"
Yoshio forced a grin. A Lieutenant like her, making more than both of us combined, and she's still running from tabs?
His own salary was less than 200,000 kan a month. Enough for himself but not for dependents. Luckily he lived alone, and as a lower noble he still had some savings.
Rangiku's Lieutenant salary was 700,000 kan. Where did it all go? Booze? Clothes? With Seireitei's costs, blowing it all each month was actually believable.
"Forget it," Yoshio said, standing. "I joined you two uninvited anyway. Let me handle tonight's bill."
Shūhei's eyes widened with emotion.
"Yoshio… you're the best!"
He'd only been in the Gotei 13 a short time and already spent heavily each month. Between guitars, motorbikes, and hobbies, most of his pay was gone as soon as he got it.