The sun hung high over Soul Society, scattering dense spirit particles across Seireitei like fine dust.
Under the midday light, the noble district appeared especially grand.
Among its many estates, the Ōmaeda Family's mansion stood out unmistakably—ostentatious, dazzling, and completely unrestrained, as if every brick had been polished specifically to reflect wealth.
Unlike the understated elegance favored by the Four Great Noble Houses, the Ōmaeda Family—merely a mid-tier noble clan—radiated the unmistakable aura of nouveau riche extravagance.
Inside the main hall, a massive glazed dome filtered the sunlight into soft, luxurious brilliance.
Rare spiritual plants cultivated in the courtyard perfumed the air, while the hall itself gleamed like a palace.
Even an ordinary family lunch was treated as a display of status.
On the long dining table—
Deep-sea sturgeon gill meat was sliced into sashimi so thin it was nearly transparent, glowing faintly pink in the light.
Rare spirit mushrooms were simmered into a crystal-clear broth, releasing gentle steam.
Human World wagyu beef, wrapped in gold leaf, shimmered under perfect roasting.
Exquisite cream desserts were stacked like artworks.
Plate after plate filled the table, forming a blatant monument to the Ōmaeda Family's wealth.
In one corner, Uchiha Hiyo ate calmly.
She focused entirely on a plate of premium short ribs drenched in rich sauce, savoring each bite with visible satisfaction.
Having married into the Uchiha Clan more than ten years ago, returning to her maiden home for financial support had long since become routine.
Her husband, Uchiha Izuna, was deeply obsessed with researching spatial Kidō. The funding requirements only grew larger with time.
Today's purpose was simple: get money.
Since lunch happened to coincide, she decided to eat first.
Her family had never approved of her marriage.
To them, Izuna was a disgrace—poor, eccentric, and utterly unworthy.
Whenever he appeared, sarcasm and ridicule were guaranteed.
As a result, Izuna avoided visiting entirely.
Hiyo fully understood—and secretly supported—this decision.
If he didn't come, her ears were spared, and the "fundraising process" became far more efficient.
Right on cue, the familiar opening act began.
"Hmph!"
Ōmaeda Koshin, head of the family, slammed his jade-carved bowl with gold-inlaid chopsticks.
His booming voice filled the hall.
"Where's that good-for-nothing son-in-law?! Still hiding away, researching his useless Kidō nonsense?"
"He won't even step into his in-laws' home! No manners at all!"
His disgust was undisguised, his glare landing squarely on his youngest daughter.
Next came her mother.
Ōmaeda Kika's well-maintained face twisted sharply, her voice cutting like a needle against glass.
"Your father's right! Hiyo, look at yourself!"
"You married a useless man! Over ten years, and what has he accomplished?"
"Can he kill more Hollows? Earn even a single extra coin?"
"The entire Uchiha Clan depends on you now!"
"They eat our food, drink our supplies— even a good child like Shisui is being dragged down!"
She clutched her chest dramatically.
"Just thinking about Shisui carrying half that bloodline—my heart aches!"
Hiyo's younger brother, Ōmaeda Kijirō Saburō, struggled heroically with a crab claw larger than his face.
After swallowing a mouthful, he joined in vaguely:
"Mother's right! Cough—!"
"Little sister, what do you even see in him?"
"Divorce him early! Bring Shisui back and let him take the Ōmaeda name!"
"With our resources, raising him to lieutenant—or even captain—would be easy!"
His small eyes gleamed greedily.
"Oh, right—how's Shisui doing at the academy? Third place last assessment?"
That was his true concern.
The eldest sister, Ōmaeda Hime, finally spoke up, her jealousy barely concealed.
"Hmph. Even the best sapling can rot with a father like that."
"Hiyo, watch him closely."
"Where's his report card? Let me see it!"
"If his grades dropped, I'll blame that good-for-nothing!"
Throughout the verbal assault, Hiyo simply nodded.
"Mhm. Yes. You're right."
Only after finishing her ribs did she place the bone down neatly.
She dabbed her mouth with a gold-embroidered handkerchief, every movement elegant and unhurried.
Then, she calmly withdrew a freshly printed report card.
Her expression shifted instantly—professional, polite, faintly proud.
"Father. Mother. Elder Sister. Younger Brother."
"Shisui did quite well."
"In the latest interim assessment, he ranked first overall in Kidō Theory."
"For Hakuda, he consistently places within the top three."
"Several Kenjutsu instructors have privately praised his talent."
"And as for Shunpo—"
She smiled gently.
"I believe you've already heard his academy nickname."
"Shunshin Shisui."
Silence.
"…First place?" Koshin blinked.
His anger deflated instantly, replaced by swelling pride.
"Good! Excellent!"
"Truly worthy of the Ōmaeda bloodline!"
"…Though he has been slightly held back by certain unspeakable elements—Butler!"
"Bring the money prepared for Young Miss!"
Mother Kika scrutinized the report card, her expression softening despite herself.
"Hmph… at least the boy worked hard."
"Still—Butler!"
"Fetch that Toraya brown sugar yokan from my private vault. Shisui likes it."
Kijirō leaned over, squinting hard.
"That's impressive!"
"Is the money enough? Don't skimp on spirit food! If it's not enough, ask!"
Hime scoffed, bitterness leaking through.
"Hmph. Just don't let him be misled by his father's nonsense."
The Butler returned swiftly with a heavy money box and an exquisite lacquered package.
Hiyo accepted both with a bright, satisfied smile.
"Thank you, Father. Mother."
"I'll be sure to convey your expectations to Shisui."
As dessert was served, the table buzzed with dreams of "Ōmaeda Shisui, future captain."
Hiyo, meanwhile, focused entirely on the honey-drizzled cake before her.
Free food was free food.
Mission accomplished.
As she rose to leave, money secured, posture flawless—
She smiled.
After all, returning home for money wasn't shameful.
It was a skill.
And she was very, very good at it.