Chapter 160: Return Journey
December 31st, New Year's Eve.
Suoh straightened the edges of the final document requiring year-end filing, rising to pass it to Shiba Kaien.
"Kaien-niisan, this is the year's final mission summary. I've confirmed everything—no problems."
"Thanks for the hard work, Tsukasa."
"You've been a huge help. Didn't expect we'd finish before noon."
Shiba Kaien accepted those thick pages, speaking with relief.
Outside the window, Seireitei's sky displayed winter's characteristic crystalline blue.
Sunlight slanted into the duty office, spreading warm patches of light across the floor.
"Tsukasa, this year the division operated so smoothly—much thanks to you."
Shiba Miyako approached smiling, hands holding freshly brewed hot tea.
Her black hair was loosely pinned up, a simple yet refined jade hairpin slanted through her hair.
Precisely the oseibo gift Suoh had prepared for her.
The hairpin's body was a warm jade-green, the top carved into a half-bloomed camellia flower with delicately layered petals, a small pearl embedded at the center.
It flowed with soft luster under the light following her movements.
"You're too kind, Miyako-neesan. I only did what needed doing."
Suoh responded modestly.
Shiba Kaien beside them looked at his smiling wife before him.
From her gently smiling brows and eyes to the jade hairpin in her hair radiating warm light, his eyes floated with unconcealed appreciation and fascination, watching somewhat entranced, even forgetting to set down the just-received documents.
"Kaien...!"
Shiba Miyako sensed his direct stare, ears heating slightly as she chided softly.
A touch of shyness rippled through her eyes, making her features appear even more soft and captivating.
For ease of movement, she usually didn't dress up much, her hair mostly secured with a simple plain wooden pin.
Today being year's end, plus Suoh's gift having an understated style, she'd specifically changed to wear it.
Now she slightly regretted it—hadn't expected her husband to watch all morning without tiring.
"What? I can't look at my own wife?"
"This hairpin looks truly beautiful on you—Tsukasa's eye for gifts is excellent!"
Only then did Shiba Kaien snap back to awareness. Not only did his face show no embarrassment, he grinned instead, tone forthright yet proud.
"It's alright."
"'Tamamodo' in the commercial district's middle section—next time Kaien-niisan can take Miyako-neesan there to look. They have many more styles."
Suoh ate a mouthful of dog food.
Feeling his throat somewhat dry, he sipped tea, lips curving upward, speaking with satisfaction.
When selecting this hairpin, he'd indeed thought of Shiba Miyako.
Thought of her usual quiet profile and that understated yet reassuring gentleness about her.
Jade's calm nature, camellia's subtle elegance—perfectly matched her as a person.
"Got it, Tamamodo right? I'll remember."
Shiba Kaien nodded knowingly.
"Don't think about spending money recklessly. With daily duties, how many chances are there to wear these things?"
Shiba Miyako gently chided the two enthusiastic men, eyes suffusing with warmth.
"Alright, alright, whatever you say."
Shiba Kaien nodded repeatedly.
Then turning to wave broadly at Suoh, he instructed.
"Tsukasa, work's finished."
"Go pack up. Didn't you arrange to meet those two from Tenth Division? Depart early."
"Mm."
Subsequently, after Suoh left the duty office, Shiba Kaien seized the opportunity with no one around to pull his wife close, speaking in low tones.
"You can wear it for me at home, that should be allowed?"
Year-end wrap-up work concluded smoothly, dust settled.
Suoh shouldered his travel pack, left the barracks, and met Hitsugaya and Rangiku at Tenth Division.
Approaching evening, the three walked shoulder to shoulder.
Along the route, many building doorways already hung shimenawa decorations, even Seireitei's usual solemn style seeming softened somewhat.
Passing the Central Spiritual Arts Academy, the main gate stood tightly closed.
Suoh briefly stopped, concisely explaining the situation to the gatekeeper.
He entrusted his thoughtfulness, having the gatekeeper pass along his regards to the various teachers on his behalf.
Suoh's reputation in the Gotei 13 had long since returned to the Central Spiritual Arts Academy, and because of this reputation's weight, the gatekeeper agreed to this somewhat special request.
Several minutes later, after receiving clearance, the three passed through the White Road Gate.
The moment they stepped beyond the White Road Gate, Seireitei's solemn and orderly atmosphere quietly receded.
What unfolded before them was Rukongai's sparse and open scenery.
Winter's cold wind blew through without obstruction.
"Let's go. While the light's still good, pick up Grandmother early and head to Terada-ya together."
Suoh spoke, voice steady.
"Mm."
Hitsugaya nodded, taking the lead on the homeward path.
Rangiku drew a deep breath of crisp cold air, her exhaled breath transforming into faint white mist before the wind quietly dispersed it.
Her face showed anticipatory expression as she quickly followed.
Hitsugaya household.
Terada-ya? Move there?
Grandmother Hitsugaya hadn't yet recovered from the joy of her grandson's return home.
She could never have imagined another surprise awaited her.
She looked at Hitsugaya, then at Suoh, some doubt and hesitation floating across her face.
Seeing the elderly woman's reaction, Suoh came prepared.
Without haste, he continued explaining.
His words contained no insistence, only thorough consideration and sincere invitation.
"Please don't worry or be polite. Toshiro and I are like brothers—Terada-ya is like my own home."
"Toshiro and I in Seireitei can't have our own residence quickly."
"With so few holidays normally, we can't often return to visit."
"Having a proper place to settle you gives him peace of mind, which is why I proposed this arrangement."
The elderly woman listened, her gaze resting momentarily on Hitsugaya's face that held hidden hope.
She and Hitsugaya represented each other's only attachment. For this home they'd lived in so long, she actually held little reluctance.
More was worry about troubling others, fear of becoming a burden—that anxiety.
"You children have all thought this through—then I'll listen to you all."
After a long moment, she smiled with warm softness, patting Hitsugaya's hand, speaking gently.
Subsequently, simple traveling bags were quickly packed—actually just a few cherished old items and clothing belonging to the elderly woman.
"Grandmother, I'll carry you on my back."
"Close your eyes—we'll arrive very quickly."
Suoh crouched slightly before the elderly woman, tone natural.
The spiritual pressure fluctuations during shunpo movement posed somewhat of a burden for the aged.
Having him provide protection proved most secure.
"Alright."
The elderly woman slowly leaned onto his back, arms gently encircling his shoulders.
Rising, stepping forward.
Wind abruptly stretched into howling flowing sound beside their ears, scenery on both sides rapidly retreating.
The elderly woman obeyed by closing her eyes. Protected thus, she felt neither noisy nor jarring.
West District Three's outline gradually clarified in the twilight, lanterns lighting one by one.
Then—
That wooden structure building bearing the familiar warm curtain, together with the thoroughly swept clearing before the door, the newly woven straw rope and pine branches swaying gently under the eaves, plus the wisps of smoke curling from the chimney.
All came completely into view.
Destination reached.