Chapter 165: Fireworks
The black cat also understood the praise, meowing once more.
Amber-like eyes turned toward him.
"Let's go—the workshop's in the back courtyard."
Shiba Kukaku watched this scene from the side, breathing an almost inaudible sigh of relief as she continued the unfinished tour.
Never expected that on his first visit to the Shiba household, he'd encounter such an unexpected guest.
Yoruichi Shihoin—this legendary Flash Goddess now appeared in an adorable form before him.
As for her reasons for appearing, Suoh felt no concern.
Whatever they were, they wouldn't affect him.
Yoruichi Shihoin, former head of one of the four great noble families—the 'Tenshiheisōban' Shihoin clan, former Second Division Captain, former Commander-in-Chief of the Stealth Force.
She possessed Soul Society's highest-grade background and status, yet proved most adept at breaking rules.
Rescuing prisoners from Central 46, betraying Soul Society—these achievements all displayed her disdain for rigid systems and corrupt regulations.
According to D&D alignment rules, she followed her heart's inclinations while disregarding rules and traditional constraints—standard chaotic good.
Suoh's daily behavioral decisions fundamentally aligned with her tendencies. Becoming friends and getting along would likely prove quite easy.
Moreover, watching Shiba Kukaku work so hard to maintain composure while trying to muddle through, plus the black cat Yoruichi's spirited performance, Suoh's heart couldn't help but ripple with amusement.
After all, connecting with legendary figures itself represented the beginning of stories becoming more interesting.
Two people and one cat proceeded along the corridor, atmosphere seemingly recovering its previous relaxation.
Shiba Kukaku held the black cat, fingers casually scratching under its chin.
The black cat comfortably narrowed its eyes, throat producing contented purring sounds.
"Since you're here, let me show you my proudest place."
"The fireworks workshop—the only one in all of Soul Society."
She raised her chin toward Suoh, eyes flashing with eager light.
"My honor—I couldn't ask for more."
Suoh smiled in response.
The two passed through the corridor, arriving before an independent building behind the mansion.
This structure appeared even more rough than the main residence, walls piled with thick stone, roof extremely high.
The fireworks platform on one side connected to that iconic massive chimney.
Shiba Kukaku pushed open the heavy wooden door as a mixture of saltpeter, charcoal and various material scents rushed forth.
Somewhat choking, carrying a dangerous, heavy atmosphere.
The workshop's interior space proved spacious, with several rows of wooden shelves reaching the ceiling standing against walls, neatly stacked with various raw materials.
Bundled bamboo tubes, powders of different hues, plus many mineral crystals Suoh couldn't name.
The center held several wide stone worktables, surfaces scattered with half-finished bamboo tubes, copper molds, measuring scales, and several unrolled design sketches.
Wall corners piled with several completed large firework cylinders, outer walls painted with the Shiba family's shattered falling sky vortex symbol.
"You made all these fireworks?"
Suoh surveyed his surroundings, praising sincerely.
This place's scale and professional level far exceeded his imagination—impressively formidable though he couldn't fully comprehend it.
"Yes."
Shiba Kukaku nodded, walking to the worktable's edge to pick up a bamboo firework tube, passing it over.
"Want to try? I just adjusted the formula—the effect should be good."
"Alright."
Suoh casually accepted it.
Fireworks' best verification lay in using them to illuminate the night sky.
The two exited the workshop, arriving at the spacious courtyard.
Night had completely fallen, stars gradually emerging.
Suoh placed the bamboo tube on the ground. His fingertips flashed with spiritual light, pointing toward the fuse at the end before withdrawing several steps.
Hiss—
A thin white light shot from the sphere, rising straight into the night sky. Upon reaching a certain height, it quietly bloomed.
No deafening explosion—only an extremely gentle light halo spreading outward, slowly rendering the night sky.
The halo's center was warm gold, transitioning outward through orange-red and pale purple before finally merging into the deep blue night curtain's edges, forming a hazy light ring that persisted several breaths before gradually dispersing.
"How was it?"
Shiba Kukaku crossed her arms, looking up as the light halo completely vanished, tone carrying faint pride and confidence.
"Transient brilliance—very beautiful."
Suoh gazed at the night sky restored to silence, praising with sincere heart.
"You like it?"
Shiba Kukaku turned her head to look at him, eyes sparkling brightly in the faint moonlight.
"Very much."
"Just didn't see quite enough."
Suoh nodded.
Winter night fireworks shows—felt like the New Year atmosphere lacked something. Turned out it was this.
"Didn't see enough? Simple!"
Hearing this, Shiba Kukaku's smile grew more pronounced—the pleasure craftspeople feel when their skills receive recognition.
She turned toward the front courtyard's direction, calling out loudly.
"Kanehiko, Ginpei! Help prepare everything and call the others over—let our guest watch to his heart's content tonight!"
"Yes, ma'am."
The twin strongmen responded from darkness, answering in unison.
Subsequently their figures swiftly vanished into the corridor's shadows, movements efficient and silent.
Taking advantage of the preparation interval, Shiba Kukaku enthusiastically led Suoh in selecting tonight's fireworks combination.
Suoh listened attentively, occasionally adding a few comments. Their conversation grew more animated.
Before long, Kanehiko's voice rang outside the door.
"Lady Kukaku, Lord Suoh, the courtyard is ready."
An open area in the courtyard's center, directly facing the fireworks platform, had been spread with a wide red carpet.
The carpet held neatly arranged backed chairs—clearly considering winter night's cold, thick wool blankets draped over the chair backs.
Low tables sat between chairs, properly arranged with prepared tea and sweets.
Besides these, a small platform had been thoughtfully set up bearing soft cushions and a small dish of dried fish—obviously prepared for a certain special guest.
Other Shiba family members had already taken their seats.
"Bonnie, stay quiet!"
Shiba Ganju wore a thick cotton robe, Bonnie in his arms attracted by the dried fish scent from the nearby platform, snorting and stirring restlessly.
However, suppressed in his master's embrace, he couldn't move.
"Wow, quite a production tonight! Kukaku's bringing out her masterpieces from the bottom of the chest!"
Shiba Kaien smiled while waving to the approaching Suoh and Kukaku.
"Please be seated, Lady Kukaku, Lord Suoh."
Kanehiko bowed in indication while Ginpei had already begun skillfully serving tea.
"Rare to have someone who appreciates my work."
Shiba Kukaku leaned back boldly into her chair, smiling in response.
The black cat leaped from nearby onto its own observation platform, settling down.
Everyone had taken their seats, gazes unanimously directed toward the fireworks platform in the courtyard.
Kanehiko and Ginpei had already securely installed over ten firework cylinders obviously much larger than earlier onto the launching rack.
Like a slumbering giant beast awaiting the moment to awaken its brilliance.
Then Shiba Kukaku raised her hand, snapping her fingers crisply.
"Kanehiko, Ginpei—light them!"
"Yes, Lady Kukaku!"
Both responded in unison, flames condensing in their hands precisely igniting the first row's fuses.
Hiss—!
Several dazzling sparks simultaneously shot into the night sky, piercing the deep blue night curtain like meteors flying in reverse.
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