Chapter 119: Thank You Banquet
Night radiance flowed like water, washing over Seireitei's eaves.
Suoh departed the barracks, following the Shiba couple to a restaurant named "Kagetsu."
That was where Shiba Isshin had arranged tonight's banquet.
Walking along a cobblestone path, Suoh turned his head observing surroundings on both sides.
Within the secluded Japanese-style courtyard, paper windows transmitted warm yellow light halos, complementing hanging lanterns beneath corridors.
In one courtyard corner, bamboo tube striking stone sounded rhythmically, accompanied by flowing water sounds.
The scene held considerable texture.
Most division district areas contained some elegantly styled old establishments, deeply beloved by nobles.
Suoh visited this kind of place for the first time.
His money proved extremely useful.
A female attendant brought them before a private room, speaking through the paper sliding door to people inside.
"Excuse me, guests have arrived."
"Please enter."
A response came from inside the room.
"Guests, please!"
The attendant quietly slid open the door painted with pine and crane patterns, respectfully gesturing.
The interior used typical Japanese room construction. Floor covered with light-colored rush mat flooring, center holding a black lacquered long table, surrounding area scattered with several brocade cushions.
During such leisure moments, everyone had changed into private clothes.
"Oh, you're here!"
Shiba Isshin had changed into bright yellow yukata, sitting cross-legged at the head position. Seeing arrivals, he smiled while raising hand in greeting.
Collar slightly open, compared to usual bold unrestrained manner, he displayed several parts more domestic leisure.
Hitsugaya sat in the position near his left hand, wearing indigo blue yukata. Turning his face, he smiled toward Suoh and others, nodding, expression carrying habitual calm.
Matsumoto Rangiku had likewise shed previous attire. An exquisite yet elegant white wisteria kimono properly wrapped around her.
Golden hair wasn't freely flowing as usual, but rather meticulously arranged in a low bun, fixed with white jade hairpin, several loose strands softly hanging beside ears and neck.
Back straight, demeanor dignified, she sat quietly in the position beside Hitsugaya.
Usually she resembled Persian chrysanthemums blooming freely under sunlight—bright and dazzling.
Yet at this moment, warm yellow light halo enveloping her actually seemed to carry several parts traditional Yamato Nadeshiko's gentle quiet elegance.
"Kaien-fukutaichou, Miyako-neesan, Tsukasa, welcome."
She raised eyes toward the doorway, voice also somewhat gentler than usual.
"Apologies for keeping everyone waiting."
Shiba Kaien wore light gray yukata, greeting with hearty smile, bringing Shiba Miyako to sit down on the right side.
"Rangiku looks truly beautiful today."
Shiba Miyako smiled warmly. Tonight she wore lotus-pink floral kimono, black hair loosely gathered behind her head, several strands falling beside her neck, appearing even more gentle.
"Miyako-neesan, you flatter me."
Matsumoto Rangiku's lip corners curved into shallow arc.
"Indeed very pretty. Suits you well."
Suoh sat beside Shiba Miyako, gaze meeting Matsumoto Rangiku's across the table.
Nodding, quite casually offering direct praise.
Today he wore light black yukata, hair naturally loose, wide collar and casually scattered hair strands making him appear especially relaxed.
"Thank you!"
Hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku momentarily froze, smile on her face deepening.
Soon, female attendants wearing light-colored kimonos brought forth exquisite appetizers one after another.
White tender tofu soaked in clear light-flavored soy sauce, topped with bonito flakes and ginger paste.
Translucent pickled vegetables presented in delicate glass bowls, paired with refreshing vegetable cold platters.
"Please enjoy."
Female attendants spoke softly, arranging dishes before each person, subsequently quietly withdrawing.
"Come, come, don't be polite. First eat some light dishes to whet appetites."
"Delicious!"
Shiba Isshin first picked up a tofu piece, making slurping sound as he sent it into his mouth.
Suoh didn't hesitate, raising chopsticks, finishing appetizers completely in three or two moves.
Just as Shiba Isshin said, fragrant tender tofu paired with slightly sour pickles and ice-cool vegetables indeed proved very appetizing.
"How is it, Tsukasa? This restaurant's skills aren't bad, right? Eat plenty tonight!"
Seeing Suoh eating decisively, Shiba Isshin's smile grew even broader.
"Don't worry, I won't hold back."
Suoh set down chopsticks, raising the barley tea beside him for a sip, expression candid.
"Ha ha, then I won't hold back either!"
Beside him, Shiba Kaien laughed heartily, echoing, also rapidly finishing appetizers before him.
Shortly after appetizer dishes emptied, attendants swiftly entered to clear and replace them, presenting beverages.
Next, sashimi platters were brought forth.
After finishing sashimi, grilled and simmered dishes appeared in succession.
Accompanied by sake fragrance, atmosphere at the table gradually warmed.
Shiba Isshin raised the sake cup before him, containing clear liquor.
"First, many thanks to Kaien and Tsukasa. Not only helping us tremendously, but also causing you to receive warnings. This cup—I toast you both!"
His face carried rare solemnity. Gaze sweeping across Shiba Kaien and Suoh, carrying sincere gratitude, he drained it in one gulp.
"Uncle is too polite."
Shiba Kaien hurriedly raised his cup in response.
"Isshin-taichou is too kind..."
Suoh also raised his cup.
Halfway through speaking, Shiba Isshin feigned displeasure, glaring at him.
"Still calling me captain? Call me uncle, or I'll get angry!"
Though carrying several parts joking meaning, eyes proved very serious.
Clearly genuinely hoping Suoh would change address, could grow closer with him.
"Alright, Isshin-ojisan. Since we're all family, no need for constant thanks."
"This is what I should do."
Suoh directly changed address, quite decisively draining his cup.
Beside them, Shiba Miyako covered mouth laughing gently, eyes full of warmth.
"Good!"
This address left Shiba Isshin feeling thoroughly comfortable, immediately beaming, heartily draining another cup.
"Then allow me final thanks. Tsukasa, Kaien-niisan, that day truly thanks to you both."
Matsumoto Rangiku smiled, raising her own sake cup toward Suoh and Shiba Kaien, gesturing, speaking gently.
Slowly drinking.
Tonight she seemed especially calm, even drinking carried a kind of restraint.
"Rangiku, you needn't be so polite either."
"If not for your good coordination with Tsukasa, that Hollow wouldn't have been taken down so easily."
Shiba Kaien smiled in response.
"Indeed quite crucial."
Suoh seriously nodded.
That evening Matsumoto Rangiku indeed helped him considerably, serving as bait attracting enemy attention, also absorbing that critical mechanism ability.
Without zanpakuto in hand, he'd need spending considerable effort completely dealing with Metastacia.
"Then I'll take that as your compliment."
Hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku's eyebrow arched slightly looking toward Suoh. Beneath gentle exterior, she finally revealed some familiar liveliness and spirit from usual days.
"Of course spoken from genuine sincerity."
Suoh's response remained direct, returning the toast.
"Then I'll unceremoniously accept."
Brightness in her eyes increased several parts, voice also growing lighter, raising cup again.
"Ha ha, that's right!"
"Come, come! Eat more!"
Seeing this, Shiba Isshin laughed heartily.
While Hitsugaya beside him hadn't yet raised his teacup before Isshin seized the conversation, unable to speak.
After several rounds of sake, five flavors of dishes.
"Phew... tonight truly proved satisfying."
Shiba Isshin released a satisfied long breath, face carrying post-drinking flush.
"Thank you for the hospitality."
Summer wind slightly cool, banquet concluded.
Everyone bid each other farewell, departing under moonlight.
Suoh walked on the path returning to barracks, raising eyes glancing toward that distant little tail. Mouth corners relaxed, curving upward slightly. At this moment, heart also felt less annoyed.