Cups of wine were emptied one after another.
The atmosphere inside the small private room gradually became lively. The fragrance of sake mixed with the warm light of the lanterns hanging on the walls, and the sound of quiet conversation and occasional laughter filled the space.
After finishing another cup of wine, Shihouin Koshin set the cup down and looked toward Shigure with a somewhat emotional expression.
"To be honest," he said, "I didn't have much contact with Captain Gosuke before today. This is actually the first time we've had the chance to drink together like this."
He laughed softly.
"But now that we've shared a few drinks, I can see that Captain Gosuke also has a straightforward personality."
Koshin leaned slightly forward as he spoke.
"In the future, we should meet more often and spend time together."
Then he waved his hand casually.
"At the Shihouin estate, I don't have many things worth boasting about, but one thing we certainly do not lack is good wine."
Before Shigure could respond, Shunsui immediately interjected with a slightly exaggerated sigh.
"Captain Shihouin, that's not fair at all."
He leaned back lazily while holding his wine bowl.
"We've known each other for much longer than today. Yet you never once invited me to drink at the Shihouin residence."
His tone sounded half complaining, half joking.
Koshin did not show the slightest embarrassment.
Instead, he burst out laughing.
"In that case, it's settled!"
He raised his cup cheerfully.
"Captain Kyouraku must also come to the Shihouin estate for a drink next time."
Although the Shihouin family was one of the great noble houses of Soul Society while the Kyouraku family was merely a high-ranking noble clan, Koshin never treated Shunsui with any sense of superiority.
Shunsui had served as a captain of the Gotei 13 for many centuries. His strength and influence were unquestionable.
Even someone like Koshin would not underestimate such a figure.
More importantly, the Shihouin clan had always been known for their open and unrestrained nature. Unlike the rigid and conservative Kuchiki family, the Shihouins valued strength and character above rigid social hierarchy.
They were always willing to make friends with powerful individuals.
After speaking to Shunsui, Koshin turned toward Jushiro and reminded him with a smile.
"Captain Ukitake should come as well when the time comes."
Jushiro had been quietly sipping his drink throughout the conversation.
Unlike the others, he drank slowly, taking small and careful sips.
It was difficult to say whether this was due to his gentle personality or simply because of his fragile health.
His pale complexion had not changed, but his expression remained calm.
He placed his cup down and nodded.
"I will be sure to come."
His voice was soft, but his answer was clear.
Koshin nodded with obvious satisfaction.
Then his gaze returned to Shigure.
Shigure smiled faintly before replying.
"Since this is Captain Shihouin's invitation, I will obviously accept it."
He lifted his bowl slightly.
"But Captain Shihouin must prepare plenty of good wine."
A playful look appeared in his eyes.
"You should also be prepared for the possibility that I might drink all the best wine in your house."
Koshin laughed loudly when he heard that.
"If Captain Gosuke truly manages to drink all the wine in my home, that would actually make me very happy."
He shook his head while smiling.
"There is far more wine stored in the Shihouin estate than I could ever drink alone."
"It would be a great comfort if warriors like Captain Gosuke could help me finish it."
The atmosphere inside the izakaya became even more relaxed.
The four captains continued drinking and talking, their conversation drifting between casual stories and light-hearted teasing.
Among them, Koshin behaved with particular generosity.
Not only did he invite everyone to drink at the Shihouin estate in the future, but he also spoke openly and warmly, showing none of the arrogance that nobles were often known for.
Part of this was simply his natural personality.
He was a bold and straightforward man who enjoyed lively company.
But there was another reason as well.
Shigure's identity.
Shigure was the captain of the Eleventh Division and carried the name of Kenpachi.
Kenpachi was a title bestowed upon the strongest shinigami by Soul Society.
In most eras, it symbolized the greatest warrior beneath the position of Head-captain.
No matter how Shigure had obtained the title, the fact that he bore the name of Kenpachi alone made him someone worth befriending.
Yet there was another, more subtle reason behind Koshin's attitude.
That final reason was revealed later by Shunsui.
After the drinking ended and the two of them left together, only Shunsui and Shigure remained walking side by side through the quiet streets of Seireitei.
The night air was cool, and the lanterns along the roads cast long shadows.
Shunsui suddenly spoke.
"Do you know why Captain Shihouin treated you so warmly tonight?"
Shigure glanced at him with mild curiosity.
"I'd like to hear about that."
Shunsui chuckled softly before explaining.
"The Shihouin family, despite being great nobles, are actually the easiest among the noble houses to get along with."
"Their members have always been bold and carefree. They don't rely too heavily on their noble status, and they enjoy making friends."
"Because of that, many minor nobles are willing to attach themselves to the Shihouin family."
He paused briefly.
"Captain Shihouin befriending you so enthusiastically isn't only because of his personality."
"It's also because of your position."
Shunsui glanced sideways at Shigure.
"Even if you were originally a commoner, the moment you became a captain and inherited the name of Kenpachi, your identity changed completely."
Shigure's eyes flickered slightly.
But Shunsui continued.
"Of course, that isn't the main reason."
"The real reason is that the Shihouin family may be approaching a difficult period."
He spoke calmly.
"Captain Shihouin himself is an extremely powerful man. Even among past heads of the Shihouin clan, his strength is considered among the top."
"But he is already old."
Shunsui sighed lightly.
"It would be fine if the next successor were talented."
"Unfortunately, his son doesn't seem to possess the ability to carry the burden of the Shihouin family."
He continued walking slowly.
"This kind of situation is not uncommon among nobles. Even powerful families cannot guarantee that every generation will produce a capable heir."
"And for nobles, maintaining strength is essential to preserving their status."
"There have been many noble houses throughout history that declined simply because their successors were too weak."
Shunsui looked toward Shigure again.
"So, Captain Shihouin befriending you so warmly may also be a form of preparation."
"If the Shihouin family ever declines in the future, having someone as powerful as you protecting them would ensure that their fall would never become disastrous."
Shigure nodded slowly.
"I see."
Shunsui then added with a faint smile,
"I'm telling you this because I don't want you to misunderstand him."
"Captain Shihouin may have his own considerations, but he is genuinely someone worth befriending."
"Don't hold a grudge just because he has some selfish motives."
Shigure smiled calmly.
"Don't worry."
"I'm not that narrow-minded."
Still, Shunsui's words stirred something in his memories.
Even great nobles who appeared to possess everything did not necessarily live lives as glorious as others imagined.
In his previous life, he had once belonged to one of those great noble houses.
He had possessed power, resources, and status that ordinary people could never dream of.
With the backing of a great noble family, becoming powerful had been easy.
Yet when it came to the end of that life…
His ending had not been glorious at all.
In fact, it had been rather bleak.
*****
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✓ Killed For 100 Years in Hueco Mundo, Aizen Invited Me To Soul Society!
✓ Naruto: Senmei Asahi
✓ Naruto: Uchiha's Intelligence Dealer
✓ Naruto: The Fifth Hokage Is Naruto's Uncle
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✓ To Love-Ru: Spoiler Route [R-18]
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