Life is Short
She had a dream.
It recalled the events of that day and year, when her eldest brother, despite their parents' objections, insisted on becoming a Shinigami.
As a young girl, she hadn't wanted him to leave either. She opposed him fiercely, even threatening to disown him.
The siblings had quarreled bitterly.
In the end, nothing could shake her brother's determination. He left to join the Gotei 13.
Why did he want to become a Shinigami? She had never truly understood his motives, but she knew she had gone too far.
Even after they reconciled, she always wanted to apologize, yet her false pride held her back.
Next time, she told herself. Next time, I'll say it.
But that "next time" never came.
What awaited her instead was the sight of her eldest brother—Shiba Kaien—dragged into darkness by the hands of fate.
"Ah…"
Shiba Kūkaku jolted awake, cold sweat beading on her forehead. The rich stench of alcohol still lingered in the air. She gasped, wiped her brow, and glanced down.
Someone was sound asleep, head resting on her right thigh.
No wonder her leg was numb.
"That idiot…"
She exhaled heavily, recalling yesterday's drunken haze. Had she really kissed this guy? Her first kiss, stolen in a moment of weakness.
Kūkaku told herself she had no regrets, but that was a lie.
The alcohol, mixed with the weight of her brother's death, had left her needing to vent. So she kissed him.
If she had the chance to do it all over again, she would still do it.
Life is short. Do whatever you want.
She knew too well what it meant to hold back out of pride or duty.
One day, people were simply gone. Then you were left with nothing but regret.
She didn't want to repeat her mistake with Kaien.
Kūkaku's gaze softened. Looking at the peacefully sleeping Shiraishi, her chest tightened with anger and something else. She smacked his cheek.
"Hey. Wake up! Stop using my leg as a pillow."
"Mmm," Shiraishi hummed, rubbing his face against her thigh, trying to go back to sleep.
Boom!
Without hesitation, Kūkaku punched him in the back of the head. "What the hell are you doing? Get up!"
Shiraishi's eyes shot open. He blinked, dazed, staring at the smooth curve of her thigh. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming.
A lap pillow…? Seriously?
"I'll give you three seconds to move. Three."
Shiraishi immediately sprang up, dodging her next swing. "Wait, what about one and two?"
"I ate them. You got a problem with that?" Kūkaku shot back without missing a beat.
Shiraishi muttered under his breath, Fine, you've got big boobs, you win, then said aloud, "I'm starving. Let's go eat."
Kūkaku groaned, flexing her leg. "Then help me up. My leg's dead from carrying your big head all night."
Shiraishi scratched his cheek awkwardly, then offered his hand. "Alright, slowly."
She leaned on him, wincing. "Ouch, careful! Easy."
Together, they left the wine cellar. A dim corridor opened into bright sunlight, illuminating the grand estate and its surrounding gardens.
At the doorway, a figure was already waiting.
"Good morning, Yuune. Have you eaten? Want to join us?" Shiraishi called, recognizing her instantly.
Kotetsu Yuune shook her head, her tone serious. "I've eaten. You two should leave the Tsunayashiro estate quickly. The Kinshin Council and Central 46 are sending an investigation team regarding Tsunayashiro Takehiko."
The Kinshin Council—the supervisory body of the Great Noble Houses—handled everything from marriages to disputes, ensuring the five families' interests. Their presence meant serious scrutiny.
Kūkaku frowned. "They're not that strong. Why avoid them?"
Shiraishi wasn't so dismissive. He knew captains like Unohana Retsu and Soi Fon wouldn't ignore a noble's death forever. Even if Takehiko had been corrupt, he was still one of the Five Great Houses. For someone like Shiraishi—a commoner—to be implicated would bring nothing but resentment from Soul Society's ruling elite.
"It never hurts to be cautious," Yuune replied flatly, her words meant to cover more than they revealed.
Shiraishi grinned. "Fair enough. In that case, I'll go collect my reward for the Ryūdenji first."
Yuune shook her head. "The Ryūdenji has already been claimed. Captain Unohana secured it overnight—it's being used to treat an elder with critical organ failure."
"On an old man?" Shiraishi muttered, disappointed. "That herb's priceless."
Yuune's expression hardened. "For a healer, no life is worthless."
"Well said," Kūkaku praised sincerely. Her respect for Yuune deepened. She loved befriending strong-willed people. "I'm Shiba Kūkaku. What's your name?"
"Kotetsu Yuune."
"Then next time, let's share a drink."
"Count me in!" Shiraishi cut in before Yuune could answer. "Drinking with a beautiful woman is one of life's best pleasures. Who knows what might happen, eh?"
Kūkaku glared. "Quit trying to take advantage of drunk women."
"Hey, drinking buddies take advantage of each other equally," Shiraishi countered with a smirk.
Yuune opened her mouth to say she didn't drink, but thought better of it. "Just go. If you're seen here, you'll bring trouble down on all of us."
"Alright then. When you have time, visit me in the West Rukongai, Tenth District. My home's called Mi Village."
Yuune blinked. "Didn't you claim to be a wandering ronin?"
Shiraishi spread his arms. "Even ronin need a place to sleep. Can't wander forever."
Yuune puffed her cheeks in frustration, realizing she'd been tricked.
Shiraishi chuckled. "Okay, okay. I'll head out. See you."
"Don't die," Kūkaku said suddenly, her voice heavy with meaning. Kaien's loss still weighed on her; every parting felt final.
"Thanks for the thought," Shiraishi replied.
And with that, he vanished in a flash step, heading back toward the West Tenth District.