Ginrei Kuchiki stood at the front of the hall. In his dual capacity as Clan Head and Captain of the Sixth Division, he introduced the young man beside him: Kōga Kuchiki, the newest member of the Kuchiki family.
He emphasized Kōga's character, talent, and contributions to maintaining the order of the Seireitei. His words were concise.
Below the stage, Shinji Hirako tilted his head, sizing up Kōga Kuchiki. He muttered in a volume only those nearby could hear:
"Tsk. Mirai, seriously—that kid isn't half as handsome as you. Even that 'keep away' noble act of his isn't as convincing as yours."
Mirai's hand holding the teacup remained steady. His eyes didn't even flicker as he responded:
"Captain Shinji, teasing me is fine, but making such remarks about a new 'High Noble'—especially in this setting—could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble if the wrong person hears."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the prominent symbols Kōga was wearing.
"For the record: Kōga Kuchiki has not only inherited the 'Kuchiki' name, but he is also wearing the Kazahana scarf. He even has the Kenseikan in his hair. From this moment on, he is an official noble."
Inside, Mirai couldn't help but curse.
Just because I wrote The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth, this guy digs a hole for me every time he gets the chance!
While most of those seated nearby were colleagues from the Gotei 13, there were plenty of Shinigami among them who were either high-born or closely tied to the nobility.
Even Shunsui Kyōraku hadn't brought his Lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru, which spoke to the sensitivity of the occasion.
If a sycophant looking to curry favor with the Kuchikis overheard that remark and reported it, being marked by a formidable new noble would be a total disaster.
He glanced at Shinji. Behind those golden bangs, a mischievous glint flickered in the Captain's eyes.
Is this guy actually trying to set me up? Is it really that serious! I'm just a lowly 5th Seat who wants to write in peace and coast through life!
At that moment, Aizen leaned in slightly and asked in a low voice:
"Captain, I noticed the Kazahana scarf Lord Kōga is wearing is red. It's different from Captain Ginrei's white one. Is there a specific meaning behind that?"
Shinji let out a "che" sound, seemingly too lazy to explain. He shifted his gaze toward Shunsui Kyōraku.
Shunsui understood the cue. He gently traced the rim of his sake cup and explained:
"The colors of the Kazahana are distinct within the Kuchiki family. The white scarf can only be worn by those of the direct bloodline."
He continued, "Kōga joined through marriage. Therefore, according to the Kuchiki rules, he can only ever wear the red scarf."
He stated it plainly, but the rule itself was rigid.
"I see..." Aizen nodded slightly and did not add anything.
Mirai turned his gaze toward Yoruichi Shihōin, who was sitting next to him, boredly tapping her fingers on the table.
His look was clear: Does your Shihōin family have these kinds of annoying rules?
Yoruichi read him instantly. She said bluntly:
"Looking at me won't help. The Kazahana is something the Kuchikis came up with on their own. We don't do that.
"Every Great House likes to invent unique rules to show off—especially when they want to draw a clear line between 'their own' and 'outsiders.' It's incredibly boring."
She had always scoffed at these surface-level displays of status.
The ceremony on stage proceeded quickly with a simple flow.
In essence, this was Ginrei Kuchiki officially presenting Kōga to all the nobles and key Shinigami, declaring him a member of the clan.
One of the stars of the show, the eldest daughter of the Kuchiki family whom Kōga was to marry, did not make an appearance.
As the ceremony drew to a close and guests began to converse more freely, Aizen spoke up again, as if he were just bringing up a casual thought.
"Speaking of which, Lord Kōga's background and aura remind me of the protagonist Aisuke from Mirai's The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth.
"Both come from humble origins yet stand out through extraordinary talent, gaining opportunities that others could only dream of."
He paused, turning to Mirai. The gaze behind his lenses carried a friendly, investigative weight.
"Mirai, if you were to write a sequel to The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth, would you have Aisuke join a noble house?
"With his genius-level potential, being recruited by the nobility seems like a natural progression, wouldn't you say?"
"Oh? Aisuke joining the nobility in the sequel?" Shinji perked up immediately, looking very interested.
Shunsui also nodded, joining the discussion.
"From a narrative standpoint, joining the nobility isn't hard to understand. However, if that happens, the plot might lose some of its unexpected twists."
Mirai's brow twitched almost imperceptibly.
Is Aizen waiting for me here?
Combined with his earlier statement about "system and balance" and the current observation of Kōga Kuchiki...
Was Aizen tossing this question out to test Mirai's true views on "geniuses joining the establishment," or did he have another motive?
If he could truly "remix" the story at will, having Aisuke join a noble family would provide excellent conflict and development. It might even dispel some of Shinji's suspicions.
Unfortunately, his writing ability was tightly bound to his Spirit Power collection mechanism. He couldn't just change things on a whim.
Specifically, the second volume of The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth was a vital "Spirit Power Seed" he planned to use for his Spiritual Power breakthrough. He couldn't afford to mess with it.
The recent climate made him feel increasingly unsafe. Improving his strength was urgent, so his creative process had to remain precise.
He shook his head slightly and answered clearly, "In my story, Aisuke will not join any noble family."
Just as he finished, he noticed Ginrei Kuchiki ending his brief chat with several other nobles. Ginrei was leading Kōga Kuchiki toward them.
Mirai immediately set down his teacup and stood up first. His posture was respectful yet dignified. "Captain Kuchiki."
Aizen rose almost simultaneously, bowing slightly. "Captain Kuchiki."
Ginrei's gaze lingered on Mirai and Aizen for a moment.
The fact that these young 5th Seats had been brought to such an event by their respective Captains spoke volumes about their standing.
Mirai's cool composure and Aizen's polite propriety both left a positive initial impression on him.
"Kōga," Ginrei said to his adopted son, "these two are exceptional young men from the Gotei 13. You are of similar age; perhaps you should interact more."
Kōga's eyes fell on Mirai and Aizen. He could feel that these two were different from the other seated officers around them.
He nodded and was about to speak.
However, Mirai stepped forward half a pace. He spoke to Kōga calmly, "Kōga Kuchiki, I wonder if we might step aside for a private word?"
Kōga was momentarily stunned. He looked at Mirai with surprise, then glanced at his father-in-law.
Ginrei nodded in approval.
"Of course. This way, please," Kōga said, regaining his calm expression. He made an inviting gesture. "The backyard is quiet. Let's go there."
Mirai gave a slight nod to the Captains and Yoruichi before walking side-by-side with Kōga toward the side door.
Seeing this, Aizen also offered a polite greeting to the group and followed after them.
Watching the three young men leave, Ginrei Kuchiki did not follow.
He turned to the remaining Kensei Muguruma and Shinji Hirako. His face was even more solemn than before, and his voice was hushed.
"Captains, you have likely heard of the recent disputes within the Noble Council. I personally request that, unless absolutely necessary, you do not involve yourselves."
Shinji let out a yawn and waved his hand lazily.
"I have zero interest in the business of those noble lords. As long as it doesn't mess with the Seireitei's stability or cause trouble for my division, I'm happy to stay out of it."
Kensei nodded as well, his expression serious.
"Since Captain Kuchiki has personally brought it up, the situation must require control. As long as it doesn't affect the order of the Rukongai or the operation of the Gotei 13, we naturally won't interfere.
"But I also hope that Captain Kuchiki and the other High Houses can keep the impact within controllable limits."
The sternness on Ginrei's face softened slightly. He bowed his head to the two. "I thank both Captains for their understanding."
On the other side of the courtyard, Mirai and the other two stood under an ancient pine tree, far removed from the noise of the hall.
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