The backyard of the Kuchiki manor was far removed from the lights and bustle of the front hall.
Moonlight, like water, spilled over the meticulously maintained dry landscape garden. The white sand shimmered under the clear glow, while several black stones stood in silent meditation, creating an atmosphere of wabi-sabi and profound mystery.
The three of them stood under the shadow of a vigorous, ancient pine tree.
Mirai skipped the pleasantries and looked directly at Kōga Kuchiki.
"Kōga Kuchiki, I'm inviting you so abruptly because I have something to discuss. I want to hear about your past experiences. I'm hoping to write them into a book and have it published."
The idea had struck Mirai while Ginrei Kuchiki was introducing Kōga. This man possessed strength comparable to a Captain, though how he stacked up against Kensei Muguruma was hard to say. But as a Spirit Power Seed, he was definitely qualified.
The story of a poor kid becoming the son-in-law of the highest-ranking noble family, how could that not be a hit?
Furthermore, Kōga was currently in an awkward position. Helping him boost his reputation was a move that benefited everyone involved.
"Eh? This…" Kōga Kuchiki was clearly stunned.
He was well aware that the Ninth Division's Fifth Seat, Mirai, also had another identity. He was a rising star among authors in the Seireitei and the creator of The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth.
Kōga had read the book in private. At one point, he had felt that certain traits of the protagonist, Aisuke, mirrored his own struggle, giving him a subtle sense of resonance.
Now that he had obtained the "Kuchiki" name, he considered himself to have long surpassed that fictional genius.
Publish a book? Write his story?
The proposal made his heart stir, but hesitation followed immediately.
His status was different now. As a member of the Kuchiki family, his every move had to account for the clan's face and regulations.
He had only just stepped into this new world and was still unfamiliar with the unwritten taboos among the nobility.
If he hastily agreed to make his past public, and some detail happened to violate a taboo or displease his father-in-law, Ginrei…
Just as he wavered, Aizen spoke up at the perfect moment.
A gentle smile played on his face, his voice soothing and calm.
"If Mirai truly writes and publishes your experiences, Lord Kōga, I imagine it would allow many more people to understand your talent and character.
"At that time, your reputation would surely become even more illustrious among both commoners and nobles."
He paused for a beat, adding as if it were an afterthought.
"I've heard that the deluxe edition of Mirai's The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth is quite popular in noble circles. To win the recognition of the nobility through the written word, its influence is not to be underestimated."
Internally, Mirai gave Aizen a silent thumbs up.
Even though this guy was always digging holes for him and had a mind so deep it made one's skin crawl, his ability to grasp the human heart was truly impressive.
The word "Reputation" echoed in Kōga Kuchiki's mind.
It was true. His father-in-law had introduced him to all the nobles present today, but that was only the beginning.
In the entire Soul Society, who didn't know Ginrei Kuchiki? Who wasn't aware of the Kuchiki name?
But the name "Kōga Kuchiki" was still a stranger to the vast majority of people.
He needed to prove himself, not just as a new member of the Kuchiki family, but through his own personal ability and value.
If there was a book that told his story, spread his fame, and let more people know of his hard work and achievements…
It would not only solidify his status in the eyes of the outside world, but perhaps even help him gain a foothold within the Kuchiki family and earn genuine respect.
Once he followed that logic to its conclusion, Kōga's gaze sharpened with resolve.
A smile returned to his face, though it carried a hint of noble reserve.
"Since you have such an interest, it would be rude of me to decline."
He gave a slight nod and began to recount his past.
The moonlight shifted slowly. The only sound in the courtyard was Kōga Kuchiki's steady narration, occasionally punctuated by Mirai's brief, clarifying questions and Aizen's perfectly timed nods of attention.
"…And that is essentially the gist of it." Kōga finished his tale and stood up from the stone bench covered in fine white sand. He faced Mirai, his expression becoming very solemn.
"Those are my experiences. Mirai, regarding this matter, I hope you can put pen to paper as soon as possible."
Mirai stood up as well and nodded, his tone steady as always.
"Don't worry. Your story is exciting enough on its own with a clear narrative thread. I won't need to do much additional brainstorming. I'll start organizing and writing it the moment I get back tonight and finish the draft as quickly as possible."
He paused, as if suddenly remembering something, and asked in a business-like tone, "Also, regarding the profit-sharing from the book sales…"
"Ah, that won't be necessary." Kōga immediately waved it off, his tone sincere and tinged with the implication that Mirai was being too formal.
"The fact that you're willing to write for me is already a massive help. Think of how many people want a biography written but have to pay out of their own pockets and go through endless trouble. How could I take a cut? I only hope you make the story as brilliant as possible."
Mirai nodded inwardly with satisfaction.
Sensible! He's on the right track!
As expected of someone who could rise to the heavens and be handpicked by the Kuchiki family. This level of social awareness and conduct definitely had its merits.
Mirai looked toward the main banquet hall. He saw Ginrei Kuchiki's figure reappear in a prominent spot, his gaze seemingly sweeping toward the backyard with intent.
It seemed the private conversation between the Captains had concluded.
"It looks like Captain Kuchiki has finished his talk. We won't disturb you any further," Mirai said.
"Then I'll leave it in your hands, Mirai," Kōga said solemnly once more. He turned and walked with a steady gait toward the main hall, his red Kazahana scarf cutting a sharp arc under the moon.
Under the ancient pine, only Mirai and Aizen remained.
The gentle smile on Aizen's face remained unchanged. He looked at Mirai and spoke as if they were merely chatting.
"Your writing method is truly unique, taking inspiration from the real 'pasts' of others.
"In that case, Aisuke from The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth, and Shuuhua from The Killer of Meteor City…
"Could they also be reflections of someone's 'past' in reality?"
Mirai's heart skipped a beat, but his face showed no sign of it. He answered calmly.
"Aizen, you're overthinking it. The stories of those two were characters born purely from my own imagination."
This guy's powers of association are terrifying! What exactly is going on in that head of his?
Aizen seemed to accept the explanation and didn't press further. Instead, he shifted the topic naturally.
"Speaking of which, back at the Shin'ō Academy, I had the honor of seeing your Shikai. That scroll of ice and snow… it truly is the 'most beautiful and tragic Zanpakutō in the Soul Society.' Its reputation is well-deserved and left a deep impression."
He pushed up his glasses, looking at Mirai with a sincere gaze.
"I haven't been in the Fifth Division for long, and there are many things I still don't understand regarding Zanpakutō training.
"I wonder when you might be free to… give me some guidance on my Shikai training?"
What?
Mirai's body froze instantly on the spot.
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