Seeing Shunsui Kyōraku approach, Shinji Hirako immediately broke into a smile and waved.
"Yo, Captain Shunsui, you're finally here. Hurry up and lead me in. While you're at it, teach me how to chat with the lords inside without being rude. I'd hate to accidentally say something that makes some high noble's beard curl in anger."
"Captain Shinji is too humble." Shunsui Kyōraku adjusted his straw hat and offered a smile, his gaze sweeping over Kensei and Mirai.
"Captain Kensei, you've arrived quite early as well."
"Captain Shunsui," Kensei nodded in greeting.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three Captains naturally teamed up and began walking toward the Kuchiki estate's gates.
Mirai finally understood. Shinji hadn't just been loitering; he had been waiting for Shunsui.
Shunsui came from a middle-tier noble family and was a Captain himself. Having him as a companion would bypass a lot of unnecessary formalities and probing questions.
At the very least, those nobles who prided themselves on status and liked to judge others by "rank" wouldn't easily bother a group led by him.
Mirai and Sosuke Aizen instinctively fell back a few paces, following behind the three Captains as they entered the Kuchiki manor.
The entrance was a wide foyer made from a single slab of green jade.
Ancient stone lanterns stood on either side, their Reishi flames steady and bright.
The floor beneath them was smooth black terrazzo, reflecting the ceiling murals that depicted the scenery of the four seasons. The air carried a faint scent.
From the moss-covered stone arrangements to the atmosphere, every detail reflected the Kuchiki family's taste.
Occasionally, servants dressed in simple, neat clothing could be seen standing respectfully under the corridors, their movements controlled.
Despite the quiet atmosphere, many eyes shifted toward them the moment they entered.
Most of these glances bypassed the three Captains in the lead and settled on Mirai and Aizen following behind.
Aizen turned toward Mirai and smiled. His voice was level. "No matter where you go, Mirai, you always seem to draw so much attention."
Mirai kept his eyes forward and his pace steady, replying evenly. "The one they are looking at is likely you, Aizen."
One cold, one warm. Both were young, both held the rank of 5th Seat, and both were able to follow Captain-level figures into the Kuchiki estate without showing discomfort.
This combination alone was enough to pique the interest of many nobles in attendance.
The Kuchiki family had made a grand display this time, setting a precedent by recruiting top talent from the commoner ranks. This undoubtedly provided other noble families with a new perspective.
If they could recruit exceptional young Shinigami into their families, it would be an excellent means of strengthening their own power.
A 5th Seat personally brought to such an occasion by a Captain held potential and importance that went without saying.
Aizen seemed oblivious to the true nature of those stares. He continued, "Mirai, why the sudden change in how you address me? You seem so distant. Have I done something inappropriate lately to upset you?"
Mirai rolled his eyes inwardly, but his face remained icy.
"You are no longer a student of the Shin'ō Academy, nor a fresh graduate. You are the 5th Seat of the Fifth Division. According to the rules, it is natural to use a more formal form of address."
His words were meant for Aizen, but even more so for Shinji walking ahead.
Aizen and I aren't close; we're just colleagues. Don't go guessing.
"Such a strict hierarchy and system always makes one feel a lack of warmth," Aizen said, sounding sincere. "However, I still hope to call you a friend."
Mirai's expression didn't change, his reply sounding like something straight out of a rulebook.
"The balance of the Seireitei, and even the three worlds, is built upon this system. Only through it can peace be maintained for a thousand years."
Here we go again. This guy Aizen was digging holes at every turn.
That line about the "strict system" would likely be interpreted by the three Captains ahead as a subtle grievance against the current noble and Shinigami hierarchy.
"Is that so? I thought that with your temperament, you would yearn for an unfettered 'freedom' instead," Aizen said with a chuckle.
"The value of 'freedom' is confirmed and guaranteed within the framework of the system," Mirai replied, his answer airtight.
After chatting like this all the way, they finally reached the heart of the estate: the main hall used by the Kuchiki family for large banquets.
The hall was incredibly spacious. Several large palace lanterns made of spirit jade and colored glass hung from the high vaulted ceiling, casting light that illuminated the entire space.
Dozens of long tables covered in white cloths were arranged inside, displaying exquisite vessels, food, and wine.
The seating arrangement was telling.
The left side was mostly occupied by members of the Gotei 13 in their Shihakushō, ranging from Captains and Lieutenants to seated officers.
The right side was filled with nobles in formal attire. The division was stark.
This seemingly natural distribution hinted at the boundary between Shinigami and the nobility.
Mirai followed the three Captains to their seats near the front on the left side.
Just as they sat down, Shinji Hirako lazily gestured with his chin toward Mirai and Aizen, his tone teasing as if he were waiting for a show.
"There you go. Opportunity is knocking. Those lords over there look very interested in you two. A shortcut to rising in the world is right in front of your eyes."
Sure enough, not long after Shinji spoke, three richly dressed middle-aged men rose from the noble section on the right and walked toward them.
Their target was clear. Their eyes bypassed the Captains and landed directly on Mirai and Aizen.
The trio first bowed respectfully to Shunsui, Shinji, and Kensei, exchanging a few polite words and expressing their gratitude for the Gotei 13's hard work.
Then, the topic shifted seamlessly to the two young 5th Seats.
"This must be 5th Seat Mirai of the Ninth Division? I have long heard of your 'Soul Society's Most Beautiful Noble' title. Seeing you today, your temperament is indeed extraordinary."
The lead noble, a man with a short beard, was all smiles, though his eyes were filled with appraisal.
"5th Seat Aizen, to be held in such high regard by Captain Shinji at such a young age, your future is limitless," another fair-skinned noble chimed in, his tone even more enthusiastic.
Their intentions became clear in the conversation that followed. First, they praised the two for being young and capable, the future pillars of the Seireitei.
Then, they lamented how great clans must recruit talented individuals to remain vibrant and enduring.
Finally, they subtly mentioned having daughters of a suitable age at home, women of excellent character and beauty. If they could form a bond with such talents, it would be a wonderful thing.
Though they didn't explicitly use the word "marry into the family," their intent to recruit them was blatant.
Compared to Mirai's expressionless and aloof cold face, the three nobles were clearly more interested in Aizen.
Aizen remained consistently polite, offering perfect smiles and appropriate responses. The enthusiasm in their conversation with him was noticeably higher.
Faced with the recruitment, Aizen's reply was humble and tactful. He thanked them for their appreciation but stated that his skills were shallow and he currently only wanted to focus on division duties to repay Captain Shinji's kindness.
He deflected the topic effortlessly, making it impossible to find fault. Instead, it only made him seem more composed and well-mannered.
When it was Mirai's turn, his response was far more blunt, one might even call it "low EQ."
"Thank you for the kind words. I was born a commoner and am used to a casual lifestyle. I fear I would struggle to adapt to the rules of a noble household. Furthermore, my ambitions do not lie there. I must respectfully decline."
His tone was flat, causing the smiles on the three nobles' faces to stiffen slightly.
The lead noble with the short beard furrowed his brow, his tone turning displeased.
"5th Seat Mirai, those words are misplaced. Lord Kuchiki has already set a precedent for us, showing the nobility's interest in talent.
"A commoner of talent should seize this opportunity to rise higher. Only then can you do justice to your training. Clinging to so-called 'habits' is that not being a bit… unaware of the times?"
His words were now tinged with a lecture and a hint of mockery.
Sitting next to Mirai, Kensei Muguruma's face darkened. He instinctively prepared to speak up.
He had brought Mirai here to help handle the social scene, not to be a punching bag for others' tempers.
However, Shinji Hirako, sitting on Kensei's other side, placed a hand casually on Kensei's forearm. With a light press, he stopped him.
Shinji himself maintained his lazy, "watching the show" expression, as if none of this concerned him.
Mirai's eyes turned cold. He was just about to find a more "refined" way to fire back a few lines...
"My, it's quite lively over here!"
A crisp female voice filled with amusement suddenly cut in.
Everyone turned toward the source. A figure had appeared at the hall entrance and was walking straight toward them.
Her long purple hair was tied in a sleek ponytail, and her tanned skin glowed under the palace lanterns. She wore a Captain's haori draped casually over her shoulders, signifying her rank.
It was the Captain of the Second Division, Yoruichi Shihōin.
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