In addition to takoyaki, there were taiyaki, marshmallows, and candied apples at the summer festival. Most of the food came from the World of the Living, prepared by Shinigami who had spent time on assignment there.
Each delicacy carried its own charm. Kurotsuki Renya and Soi Fon bought plenty of them, nibbling as they strolled through the lively festival grounds.
Besides food, there were many games and activities: goldfish scooping, ring toss, bidding stalls, and more.
Renya wanted to show off his skill, but Soi Fon proved far superior. With practiced precision, she scooped up goldfish one after another without tearing the fragile paper net. When she threw the ring at the prizes, she never missed. Whenever she bid, she won.
By the end, the shopkeepers were on the verge of tears, reluctantly handing over prizes to the pair and practically begging them to leave.
Renya felt a pang of disappointment—he had wanted the chance to impress Soi Fon—but instead he found his arms full of gifts.
As they walked, Renya suddenly felt a hand clap down on his shoulder and heard a voice say:
"Renya, why don't you come with us? Since you've already got a female companion…"
Renya turned and saw Renji Abarai, Momo Hinamori, and Izuru Kira.
Renya coughed awkwardly, but before he could say anything, Renji grinned and blurted out:
"Your girlfriend's pretty cute."
Renya coughed again, louder this time.
Renji tilted his head. "Renya, you okay? You sound sick—"
Before he could finish, Momo tugged at his sleeve and whispered urgently:
"That's… Captain Soi Fon."
Renji froze, his face draining of color. His eyes flicked to Soi Fon, and he quickly stammered:
"C-Captain Soi Fon! Forgive me—I didn't recognize you at first!"
Soi Fon's expression remained cold and unreadable. "It's fine."
Renya quickly changed the subject. "Where's Rukia? I thought she was with you."
Renji scratched the back of his head awkwardly, saying nothing. Hinamori shifted uncomfortably and admitted, "We… didn't dare to invite her."
Renya frowned slightly, but Kira spoke up quickly:
"Don't worry, she's with Captain Kuchiki."
Realizing they were still treading carefully around Rukia's noble status, Renya didn't press the matter. Instead, he waved them off with a small grin. "Go on ahead then. I'll stay with Captain Soi Fon."
"Wow, leaving us behind for a date, huh?" Renji muttered, half-joking, half-bitter, as the three of them walked away.
Renya glanced at Soi Fon, but unlike earlier, she wasn't flustered. Instead, she simply said calmly: "Let's keep going."
At the next stall, Renya bought two sticks of cotton candy. The two of them walked side by side, each holding their treat, looking like children for the first time in years.
The festival's main attraction was on the central mountain, which was rarely opened to the public. Tonight, fireworks would be launched from its peak.
"Captain Zaraki? What are you doing here?" Renya suddenly called out, spotting a tall figure in the crowd with a small girl perched on his shoulder.
"Renya!" Yachiru Kusajishi waved enthusiastically, grinning.
Kenpachi Zaraki tilted his head toward them. "Oh, it's you, brat. Yachiru insists on watching these fireworks. Can't see what's so great about 'em."
"They're supposed to be amazing!" Yachiru replied, puffing out her cheeks. "I heard the best fireworks master in Rukongai is in charge tonight. I wanna see!"
"Tch. What a pain," Kenpachi muttered, striding off with Yachiru still on his shoulder.
Renya sweat-dropped. "If you hate fireworks so much, why are you going in the exact same direction as us?"
He glanced at Soi Fon, who was hiding a faint smile. When she noticed his gaze, she quickly smoothed her expression and said softly: "Let's go."
The two climbed the mountain and reached the festival's heart. The area near the top was roped off, with crowds gathering eagerly around it.
"Sister Kūkaku!" Renya called, waving.
Shiba Kūkaku, the famed fireworks master of Rukongai, stood at the launch site, accompanied by her loyal retainers, Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko.
She spotted him and grinned. "Well, well, little Renya! You came too. And this is… Captain Soi Fon, huh? What's with the outfit and hairstyle?"
Soi Fon flushed slightly and muttered, "Renya insisted I try it… I don't particularly like it."
Kūkaku smirked. "Don't be silly. It suits you. You look beautiful."
Soi Fon gave a stiff bow. "…Thank you."
Kūkaku pointed toward the crowd. "I've got things to set up. My brother and sister-in-law are here too, if you want to say hi."
Renya shook his head. "No need. I don't want to intrude."
"Suit yourself." Kūkaku winked at him. "But the surprise you asked for is ready. Just wait."
Renya smiled knowingly. After she left, he turned to Soi Fon. "Let's watch from here."
She nodded, and they stood at the front, waiting with quiet anticipation.
Finally, Kūkaku raised her hand high and shouted: "The fireworks show begins now!"
A roaring flame shot from her palm, igniting the first fuse. With a thunderous crack, the firework soared skyward, bursting into a rain of crimson sparks that painted the night sky.
One after another, the fireworks lit up the heavens—bursts of yellow, blue, and green filling the air with dazzling brilliance.
A special set came next: dandelion fireworks. They bloomed in three tiers of colors, the outermost a fiery orange. As the inner layers faded, orange sparks drifted down like falling stars. The last of them shifted into azure lights, creating a glittering field of stars overhead.
Soi Fon's eyes widened in awe. "Beautiful…"
Renya watched her expression and smiled. "There are even better ones coming."
The finale began. Dozens of flaming pillars shot into the air, bursting all at once into countless golden lights. The sparks intertwined, forming a luminous pattern—a bee.
Soi Fon froze, staring up at the glowing image.
"…Is this?"
Renya looked at her softly. "Captain Soi Fon, do you like this gift?"
Her chest tightened. "…You arranged this?"
Renya nodded. "Yeah."
Her emotions welled up, though she forced her voice steady. "…Not bad."
After a moment, she softened, whispering, "…I like it very much."
Renya smiled and gently reached for her hand. Soi Fon hesitated, then allowed it, their fingers intertwining.
Together, beneath the blazing sky of fireworks, their hearts were quietly filled with warmth.