The moonlight was like water, washing over the eaves of Seireitei.
Suō Tsukasa stepped out of his division quarters and followed the Shiba couple to a traditional restaurant called "Kagetsu." This was the venue Isshin Shiba had chosen for the evening's banquet.
Walking along a path paved with pebbles, Suō Tsukasa glanced at the surroundings. Inside the secluded Japanese-style courtyard, paper windows emitted a warm yellow glow, harmonizing with the lanterns hanging beneath the eaves. In one corner of the garden, the rhythmic clack of a bamboo water spout hitting stone echoed alongside the gentle murmur of a flowing stream. The scene was rich with atmosphere.
Most division areas housed a few elegant old establishments like this, favored by the nobility. It was Suō Tsukasa's first time in such a place; his money was usually reserved for more practical purposes.
A waitress led them to a private room. Standing before the sliding paper doors, she announced to those inside, "Excuse me, your guests have arrived."
"Come in," a voice answered from within.
"Guests, please!" The waitress quietly slid open the doors, which were painted with patterns of pines and cranes, and gestured respectfully.
The interior was a classic washitsu. The floor was covered in pale tatami mats, and a long black-lacquered table sat in the center, surrounded by several brocade floor cushions. In this moment of leisure, everyone had changed into their private clothes.
"Oh, you're here!"
Isshin Shiba, now dressed in a bright yellow yukata, sat cross-legged at the head of the table. Seeing them enter, he raised a hand with a smile. His collar was slightly loose; compared to his usual boisterous and unbridled demeanor, he carried an air of domestic relaxation.
Hitsugaya sat to his left, wearing an indigo yukata. He turned his head and nodded toward Suō Tsukasa and the others with a smile, his expression maintaining its habitual calm.
Rangiku Matsumoto had also shed her previous attire. She wore an exquisite yet understated white wisteria-patterned kimono that draped elegantly over her frame. Her blonde hair, usually left to flow freely, was meticulously gathered into a low bun secured by a white jade hairpin, with a few stray locks hanging softly by her ears and neck. Sitting straight with a dignified posture next to Hitsugaya, she looked remarkably composed.
On a normal day, she was like a cosmos flower blooming wildly in the sun—vibrant and eye-catching. Yet now, bathed in the warm yellow light, she possessed the gentle grace of a traditional Yamato Nadeshiko.
"Vice-Captain Kaien, Miyako-san, Tsukasa, welcome." She looked toward the door, her voice a bit softer than usual.
"Sorry to keep everyone waiting," Shiba Kaien greeted them with a hearty smile, wearing a light gray yukata. He led Shiba Miyako to their seats on the right. "Rangiku, you look really lovely tonight."
Shiba Miyako smiled gently. Tonight, she wore a pale mauve kimono with a small floral print. Her black hair was loosely pinned back, with a few strands falling near her neck, enhancing her refined appearance.
"Miyako-san, you flatter me," Rangiku replied, the corners of her mouth curving into a slight arc.
"It is very beautiful. It suits you well." Suō Tsukasa sat down next to Shiba Miyako, his eyes meeting Rangiku's across the table. He nodded and offered a casual, direct compliment. He was dressed in a light black yukata today, his hair left natural. The loose collar and casual hair gave him an exceptionally relaxed look.
"Thank you!" Rangiku was momentarily stunned by his words, but the smile on her face deepened.
Soon, waitresses in pale kimonos brought out an array of exquisite appetizers. Soft, white tofu soaked in clear, light soy sauce, topped with bonito flakes and grated ginger. Glistening sunomono was served in delicate glass bowls alongside a refreshing plate of cold vegetables.
"Please enjoy," the waitresses murmured, placing the dishes before each person before quietly withdrawing.
"Come, come, don't be shy. Have something light to open your appetite."
"Delicious!" Isshin was the first to pick up a piece of tofu, sliding it into his mouth with a slurping sound.
Suō Tsukasa didn't stand on ceremony either. He raised his chopsticks and cleared the appetizers in a few swift motions. Just as Isshin had said, the tender tofu paired with the slightly tart sunomono and chilled vegetables was indeed appetizing.
"How is it, Tsukasa? This place has good technique, right? Eat your fill tonight!" Isshin's smile widened as he saw Suō Tsukasa eating heartily.
"Don't worry, I won't be polite," Suō Tsukasa replied, setting down his chopsticks and taking a sip of the wheat tea at his side, his expression candid.
"Haha, then I won't be polite either!" Shiba Kaien laughed from the side, quickly finishing his own appetizer.
As soon as the appetizer plates were empty, the waitresses returned to clear them and serve drinks. Next came the sashimi platters. Once the sashimi was finished, grilled and simmered dishes were served in succession. Accompanied by the aroma of sake, the atmosphere at the table began to warm up.
Isshin Shiba raised his sake cup, filled with clear liquid. "First of all, many thanks to Kaien and Tsukasa. Not only did you help us out a great deal, but you also ended up getting warned because of it. This cup is a toast to you!" His face held a rare gravity. His gaze swept over Kaien and Tsukasa, and he drained his cup in a gesture of sincere gratitude.
"Uncle, you're being too kind," Kaien replied, raising his cup in return.
"Captain Isshin, you're overstating things—"
Suō Tsukasa also raised his cup. Halfway through his sentence, Isshin feigned displeasure, glaring at him. "What's with this 'Captain' talk? Call me Uncle, or I'll get angry!" Though there was a hint of a joke in his tone, his eyes were very serious. He clearly hoped Suō Tsukasa would change his form of address and become closer to him.
"Alright, Uncle Isshin. Since we're all family, there's no need for endless thanking."
"It was what I should have done." Suō Tsukasa adopted the new title immediately and drained his cup without hesitation. Beside him, Shiba Miyako covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes full of tenderness.
"Good!" The title made Isshin feel wonderful. He beamed instantly and happily downed another cup.
"Then allow me to offer one last word of thanks. Tsukasa, Kaien-aniki, that day was truly thanks to you," Rangiku said with a smile. She raised her cup of sake toward Suō Tsukasa and Shiba Kaien, her voice soft. She drank slowly. Tonight, she seemed exceptionally serene, even her drinking carrying a sense of restraint.
"Rangiku, you don't need to be so formal either. If it weren't for the good coordination between you and Tsukasa, that Hollow wouldn't have been taken down so easily," Kaien replied with a smile.
"It was indeed crucial," Suō Tsukasa nodded seriously.
That night, Rangiku had indeed helped him significantly. Serving as bait to draw the enemy's attention, she had even tanked that critical mechanical ability. If he hadn't had a Zanpakuto in hand, finishing off Metastacia would have required a much more difficult set of maneuvers.
"Then I'll take that as a compliment." Hearing this, Rangiku arched an eyebrow at Suō Tsukasa. Beneath her gentle facade, a glimpse of her usual lively and spirited self finally emerged.
"It was spoken with total sincerity, of course," Suō Tsukasa's answer remained direct as he returned the toast.
"Then I'll accept it without being polite." The light in her eyes brightened, and her voice grew more cheerful as she raised her cup again.
"Haha, that's the spirit!"
"Come, come! Eat more!" Isshin Shiba laughed at the sight. Beside him, Hitsugaya hadn't even had the chance to raise his tea cup before Isshin monopolized the conversation, leaving him unable to get a word in.
After several rounds of drinks and many courses of food, the meal drew to a close.
"Phew—tonight was truly a joy." Isshin let out a long, satisfied sigh, his face flushed from the alcohol.
"Thank you for the feast."
The summer breeze was slightly cool as the banquet ended. Everyone bid each other farewell and departed under the moonlight. Walking on the road back to his division quarters, Suō Tsukasa glanced back at the "little tail" in the distance. The corners of his mouth curled up in a relaxed smile; he didn't feel quite so annoyed anymore.
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