Chapter 170: Conclusion
"Find some time to invite her for tea and sweets, have a proper conversation."
"After all, she's a friend from childhood. This bond proves hard to come by. Terada-ya's location isn't far either—if she wants to visit in the future, she's welcome anytime."
"This represents basic courtesy, also respect for her."
Suoh ultimately just smiled, tone relaxed.
This was the limit of what he could do.
Toshiro lifted his eyes, looking toward Suoh.
In those always-gentle eyes, he saw encouragement, also saw consistent care.
"..."
Toshiro nodded, putting the final orange segment in his mouth.
Suoh smiled slightly, saying no more.
Extending his hand to adjust the kotatsu's temperature dial, making the warmth even greater.
The two idled for a while longer, orange peels piling on the table into a golden hill.
In tranquility, time itself seemed to slow.
Until light footsteps came from outside the door.
The door opened as Rangiku entered carrying cold air, her cheeks flushed from the chill, golden hair bearing several strands of water vapor.
"I'm alive again—so comfortable!"
She removed her shoes, walking straight to the kotatsu's edge without ceremony, exploring her lower body inside as well before sighing comfortably.
"Finished your tasks?"
Watching her appearance, Suoh's eyes floated with amusement as he passed over a cup of hot tea.
"Mm, those piled-up documents—finally all processed."
"You two certainly enjoyed yourselves, hiding here so early."
"And you, Toshiro—I asked you to help handle some, but you directly abandoned me and left. Heartless!"
Rangiku cupped the teacup, warmth seeping into her palms. She narrowed her eyes, drinking a large mouthful before having the mind to survey the two at the table and speak.
"Handle your own matters yourself. Asking me is useless."
Toshiro answered briefly, recovering his usual manner.
"Tch, being like this means no girls will like you."
Rangiku pursed her lips, teasingly mocking him.
While unfolding casual chat, her hands didn't stop—snatching the peeled half-orange from before Toshiro.
The entire sequence of movements flowed like clouds and water, completed in one breath.
"None of your business."
Toshiro didn't even lift an eyelid, replying flatly.
Rangiku's words proved neither painful nor itchy to him—light and drifting.
This scene fell within Suoh's expectations. He said nothing, merely helping peel another orange to place before her.
In any case he'd need to wash hands shortly—one more or less made no difference. Better than sitting idle.
"You two chat. I'll go prepare."
Subsequently he directly rose.
Some time remained before the evening banquet began—certain items needed preparation.
"I'll help too."
Toshiro rose to follow.
Watching the two rise and leave one after another, Rangiku didn't budge.
Several days at Terada-ya had depleted all her positive energy—right now she needed proper recharging.
Early spring evening air proved clear and cold, carrying earth and vegetation's awakening breath.
As time passed minute by minute, others from Thirteenth Division arrived afterward to help.
The courtyard suddenly grew lively.
"Everyone's here—I'm not late, right?"
Ukitake Jushiro's complexion appeared better than usual under the courtyard lamplight.
Captain's haori bore an added thick outer robe. Though his steps moved slowly, they proved steady and composed.
"And me—uninvited guest. Please don't mind, host of this place."
Just as his gentle voice fell, a carefree, casual voice came from behind him.
Suoh looked toward the sound, spotting a tall figure passing through the courtyard gate, leisurely strolling into the yard.
The newcomer wore a straw hat beneath which showed a clearly defined weathered face, lips curved upward bearing an irreverent smile.
Most eye-catching was the pink cape embroidered with various patterns he wore.
Against the plain-colored shihakusho and captain's haori underneath, it appeared especially vivid and striking in the courtyard's lamplight.
Precisely Eighth Division Captain, Kyoraku Shunsui.
One hand waved casually toward Suoh as greeting, the other resting casually on his waist belt.
"Captain."
"Captain Kyoraku, first meeting—welcome."
Suoh stepped forward, bowing toward Kyoraku Shunsui.
Eighth and Thirteenth Divisions had always been close as family.
But belonging to different divisions, Suoh and he hadn't yet met face to face.
Tonight marked their first meeting.
"Third Seat Suoh, hello. No need for excessive courtesy."
"I'm just a freeloader here for food and drink—don't be polite."
Kyoraku Shunsui waved his hand, speaking easily.
"Tsukasa, sorry—suddenly one more person. Can only trouble you to arrange another seat."
"Kyoraku happened to find me this evening to discuss some business. Hearing about tonight's gathering, he insisted on coming along."
Nearby Ukitake Jushiro spoke apologetically in low tones, face carrying some helplessness.
"Captain's too serious—small matter. Captain Kyoraku's presence is my honor."
"Tables and chairs were prepared loosely anyway—just adding one more."
Suoh paid no mind. Life needed some surprises to be more interesting.
With the final guests' arrival, people in the courtyard suddenly reached fourteen.
Before the banquet opened, Kyoraku Shunsui removed his straw hat, revealing long, slightly curled hair decorated with two ornamental hairpins, quickly and easily integrating into the crowd.
Though Kyoraku Shunsui's arrival came suddenly, it didn't damage the gathering's atmosphere.
On the contrary, under his casual, carefree personality's influence, the atmosphere grew even more harmonious.
Though he and Suoh met for the first time, he maintained deep relations with many present.
Not only familiar relationships with various captains, but even with Vice-Captain Shiba Kaien their temperaments aligned—private friendship proving good.
Everyone took seats in order.
Four captains sat adjacent at the head.
Others distributed casually on both sides according to their mutual relationships.
"Then."
"Thank you all for taking time to gather here tonight."
"The old year has bid farewell, new spring just beginning. With this cup of wine, I honor everyone, wishing you all peace and smoothness in the new year, success in all matters."
Suoh raised the already-filled wine cup before him, gaze sweeping across each face at the table, smiling as he drained it in one gulp.
As the banquet's host, Suoh's bearing proved confident and natural, without concealment or awkward affectation.
"Your family's young one truly proves remarkable—no wonder even the old man likes him so much."
Kyoraku Shunsui drained his cup, body tilting slightly toward Ukitake Jushiro beside him to speak with admiration.
Ukitake Jushiro watched this scene before him, heart full of relief.
"Tsukasa indeed proves quite excellent, but Seireitei's too large and he's too young, Kyora... you must help watch over him."
"Naturally."
"I'm quite accurate judging people—this kid won't disappoint."
Kyoraku Shunsui answered straightforwardly, pouring himself another cup.
Receiving this answer, Ukitake Jushiro smiled with satisfaction.
He understood Kyoraku Shunsui, knew this old friend appeared scattered but proved seriously responsible.
This answer represented not only recognition but also promise.
Time flowed past.
As the final firework ascended and bloomed, night sky returned to silence, leaving only starlight.
The New Year holiday concluded. The new year's cycle had already begun.
Knowledge, power, resources, connections...
Everything around Suoh quietly gathered in day-after-day accumulation.
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