The night had grown deep, and the banquet drew to a close amidst laughter and cheerful voices. The light within the lantern pillars flickered gently in the evening breeze, stretching the shadows of the crowd long against the ground.
Guests and hosts alike had enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
The food within the bamboo tableware had been consumed almost entirely. On the small tables of those fond of a drink, empty sake carafes stood upright, silent witnesses to the liveliness of the feast just past.
Shiba Kaien supported Ukitake Jushiro as they left the scene. Hikone Mitaka and Kotsubaki Sentaro were busy clearing away the dishes, while Kuchiki Rukia assisted Shiba Miyako by using a cloth to wipe down the table surfaces.
The moonlight, combined with the faint glow of the lanterns, illuminated the wooden corridor leading toward the division headquarters' main gate. Suō Tsukasa was currently seeing the guests from the Tenth Division to the exit.
While Shiba Isshin and Hitsugaya Toshiro walked ahead, Matsumoto Rangiku deliberately slowed her pace, falling back beside Suō Tsukasa.
"Tsukasa, the food at the banquet was delicious."
She lowered her voice, her tone turning exceptionally soft in the night air, laced with a hint of intoxication.
"It's just that there wasn't quite enough sake for this big sister to fully enjoy herself."
"Next time there's a banquet, remember to prepare more wine."
Her glamorous face was flushed with a subtle crimson hue under the influence of the light and alcohol. Matsumoto Rangiku tilted her head and winked at Suō Tsukasa, her tone carrying the playfulness of a coquette mixed with a serious reminder.
"Alright, I'll arrange it next time."
"Hehe, good boy!"
Having said her piece, she quickly caught up with the two in front, her golden hair trailing a glimmering arc in the moonlight.
They reached the gate.
"Tsukasa, no need to see us off further, we're heading back."
"If there's another good thing like this next time, remember to call me again!"
Shiba Isshin let out a boozy hiccup, waved his hand in farewell, and gave a hearty laugh.
"Certainly," Suō Tsukasa replied with a smile.
"Tsukasa, see you."
"Bye-bye."
The other two also nodded, and the three of them vanished into the night, heading toward the Tenth Division. Suō Tsukasa waved goodbye until the figures of the three from the Tenth Division disappeared from his sight.
He turned and returned to the courtyard.
The remaining few were moving quickly; the area was mostly tidied up. Hikone Mitaka was stacking the tables and chairs neatly under the eaves in preparation for the next gathering. Kotsubaki Sentaro was carrying a bucket, rinsing the ground.
The sound of running water for washing came from the kitchen. Suō Tsukasa rolled up his sleeves and joined in the final cleanup. In just a short while, the courtyard returned to its usual quiet state.
"Tsukasa, we're heading off."
Kotsubaki Sentaro patted Suō Tsukasa on the shoulder and walked toward the depths of the headquarters alongside Hikone Mitaka, their talking and laughing fading into the distance.
Only Suō Tsukasa, the Shiba couple, and Kuchiki Rukia remained.
Shiba Kaien jerked his chin toward Suō Tsukasa, his eyes full of smiles.
"Tsukasa, this banquet was just too fantastic."
His eyes instinctively flicked toward the unused bamboo tubes in the corner, still seemingly unsatisfied.
"It's true, Tsukasa. If there's a chance, I'd love to learn a few more tricks from you."
Shiba Miyako stood beside her husband, gently joining the conversation. Today, she had assisted Suō Tsukasa throughout the process and had arguably benefited a great deal.
Kuchiki Rukia stood quietly to the side, listening to the exchange. She couldn't help but recall the seamless blend of culinary arts and Kido techniques she had witnessed in the kitchen earlier.
"Of course. When the opportunity is right, naturally, the more of these banquets, the better."
Suō Tsukasa looked at the three smiling faces before him, a ripple of warmth rising in his heart as he laughed and replied. In life, there is little more important than eating and drinking; he certainly wouldn't refuse.
It was also time to take their leave.
"Alright, then Miyako and I will head back first. You should get some rest early as well."
"Third Seat Suō, goodbye!"
"Rukia, let me walk you part of the way."
"There is no need to trouble yourself. It is late, and Third Seat Suō should rest early as well."
Kuchiki Rukia's voice was soft, but her attitude carried an unquestionable firmness. She was unwilling to add any more trouble to Suō Tsukasa, who had already labored all day.
"Fine, be careful on the way."
Suō Tsukasa did not insist, simply watching as the figures of the three drifted further away.
Five days later.
The lingering echoes of the banquet had long since faded.
As dawn broke, Suō Tsukasa had already finished his preparations. He changed into a clean Shihakusho, his blade buckled at his waist, and closed his courtyard gate.
Using Shunpo, he arrived at the Ugeitodo.
Ukitake Jushiro opened the door and came out to meet him. Though his face was still somewhat pale, his straight back radiated a spiritual vigor that differed from his usual state.
Suō Tsukasa landed beside him and greeted him with a smile.
"Captain, good morning!"
"Tsukasa, morning. Are you ready?"
"Naturally."
Suō Tsukasa nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed firmly toward the First Division.
"Then let us go."
The two stood side by side, and with a burst of Shunpo, their figures quickly vanished into the morning light of the Seireitei.
Tall white-brick buildings, majestic and solemn, rose around them, carrying the unique austerity of the Seireitei. The two traveled along their path toward their destination, chatting as they went.
The headquarters of the First Division began to come into view. On the towering gates, a striking ink-black "One" was inscribed. Beside the gate, the sentries stood tall and rigid.
The two figures came to a halt before the main gate of the barracks.
Traveling with Ukitake Jushiro made every step extremely simple. Upon seeing Ukitake, the guards bowed respectfully in greeting. They cast only a curious glance at Suō Tsukasa beside him before letting them pass directly.
Walking along the corridors, the wooden floorboards beneath their feet were so clean they shone like mirrors. Many people along the way greeted Ukitake Jushiro and cast friendly, curious looks at Suō Tsukasa. Walking alongside the Captain, Suō Tsukasa felt as though his own status had been elevated.
The First Division was situated in the central heart of the Seireitei, where the density of Reishi was at its highest. In the eyes of ordinary Shinigami, the First Division was not only the command center of the Gotei 13 but also a hall where the elites of the Soul Society gathered.
And indeed, it was so. Among the soldiers they encountered along the way, even the one with the lowest spiritual power rank was sufficient to serve as a seated officer in another division.
Even more impressive was their grooming; every soldier, regardless of age or appearance, had their hair styled meticulously. This unique style gave the entire First Division an aura of sternness that allowed for no error.
"The Captain-Commander has always valued discipline and regulations. Personal grooming and appearance are likewise key aspects of the daily routine."
Ukitake Jushiro noticed Tsukasa's observation. He slowed his pace at a corner of the corridor and explained softly.
"There is no need for you to be nervous, Tsukasa. Young people like you, who are well-groomed and strive for progress, are exactly the kind he has always appreciated."
He looked at the tall, upright Suō Tsukasa beside him, a gentle smile appearing in his eyes as he spoke with certainty. As one of the only two disciples valued by Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, he had a significant say regarding his teacher's preferences.
"Understood," Suō Tsukasa replied.
Simultaneously, an imperceptible spiritual glow flickered in his hand as he lightly brushed his hair, his fingertips tidying every strand to make it even more proper. His already handsome features appeared even more upright and heroic after the subtle adjustment to his hairstyle.
"Haha."
Ukitake Jushiro took in this action and couldn't help but let out a light laugh. This was exactly what he appreciated most about Suō Tsukasa—he possessed both quick-witted perception and an understanding of appropriate boundaries. As both a Shinigami and a junior, every aspect of him was beyond reproach.
Even more rare was that one could see mature and steady responsibility in him, yet also a relaxed and interesting vitality. He truly suited Ukitake's tastes perfectly.
"Let's go, we're almost there."
"Yes."
Ukitake Jushiro also casually straightened the white Captain's Haori he wore, his gaze sweeping toward the end of the corridor.