The Seireitei was vast.
Beyond its countless functional facilities, there were also various places dedicated to entertainment and leisure.
"Tōhōken."
Although he had never been there before, within the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy there were numerous young masters and sons of noble families… and those young men often talked about such things — including entertainment establishments like this one — something Arima Shinya had already heard about.
In such a feudal environment, even carnal commerce was viewed as a traditional custom.
As for drinking sake with courtesans, for instance — in Arima Shinya's view, that sort of behavior was merely a form of superficial leisure.
Something belonging to the indulgence and relief of those at the top of the hierarchy.
Following Kyōraku Shunsui, the two climbed the stairs and settled into one of the private rooms beside the balcony.
The tatami structure encouraged the custom of sitting on the floor, with low wooden tables and round cushions arranged in the center.
"I've lived two lives… though my age can't compare to some old men out there, I shouldn't be the type to embarrass easily."
But once inside, he realized the truth.
This was nothing like what I imagined!
Three at once?! That's impossible!
As he watched the three geisha approach with seductive smiles, Arima Shinya felt his eyes could hardly keep up.
"Don't scare the boy, girls. Be careful not to make him too nervous."
With a cup of sake in hand, Kyōraku Shunsui reclined slightly, smiling with his usual playful tone.
"Yes, sir~" ×3
Unaccustomed to such situations — and with a very low alcohol tolerance — Arima Shinya soon found himself completely drunk.
By the time he realized, the geisha had already left without him noticing. On the raised stage, only he and Kyōraku remained.
Kyōraku swirled the white porcelain cup in his hand and spoke with a teasing tone:
"Arima-kun, I didn't expect you to be such a reserved person. Ahaha, I really saw something interesting today."
Three at once? No way. Though he didn't like to dwell on such topics, Arima Shinya had always been a rather faithful person.
Yes, Isane alone is more than enough for me.
"You ended up seeing me in an embarrassing situation, Captain."
"Oh? Are you angry?"
"Not at all. It's an honor to share a moment like this with you."
Before he could reply, Kyōraku suddenly stood up.
Smiling, he looked toward the stage below and said cheerfully:
"Look, it's starting — tonight's play is about to begin."
Arima Shinya followed his gaze. On the wooden stage, a man and a woman began performing a theatrical scene.
"Arima-kun, have you ever watched a play before?"
He shook his head honestly.
"Never."
Kyōraku chuckled softly and refilled the cup before him.
"Then take this chance to enjoy it. Once you return to the Academy, opportunities like this will be rare."
With no choice, Arima Shinya nodded in agreement.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Three deep sounds echoed — like bamboo striking stone — and the performance began.
The drama unfolded through the seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The couple's relationship advanced in rhythm — from meeting, to love, to separation… until the tragic end.
When the actress made the gesture of cutting her own neck and red liquid gushed across the stage, the play — already carrying a dark tone — became even more chilling.
Arima Shinya watched from above, unmoving, until the curtain fell.
Only then did he hear Kyōraku's amused voice beside him:
"So? What did you think of your first theater performance?"
After a brief silence, Arima replied quietly:
"It was truly dazzling."
"The makeup and gestures must have taken a lot of rehearsal."
"And the way they used the stage and movement… I found it fascinating."
Finally, Arima Shinya gave a faint, weary smile and murmured:
"Women… really are terrifying creatures."
"Exactly~"
Kyōraku Shunsui took a sip of sake, smiling, his voice slightly tipsy.
"The image of fragility and compassion never shows the whole truth. When you dissect and observe closely… even the gentlest woman can hide a serpent's venom."
"Ah~ that contrast is irresistible. That's why I love adult dramas."
"Of course, I wouldn't want to deal with such women in real life — I'd rather observe them safely from afar, like this."
So that's why he comes to these places to drink with geisha…?
"Speaking of which, Arima-kun… you don't have a girlfriend, right?"
Before he could answer, Kyōraku's smile turned mischievous.
"Then I imagine you've never embraced a woman before, have you?"
"It's a completely different feeling… so soft, delicate, fragile — like a flower covered in dew that awakens a natural urge to protect it."
"Youth passes in the blink of an eye, and those ephemeral flowers… ah, just looking at them makes your heart race."
"Even if you only mean to talk, once you're close, you want to touch her… and when you touch her, you want to taste her lips, and then—"
Stop, stop, stop!
If he keeps going, he's going to say something he shouldn't!
Arima Shinya waved his hands, interrupting him quickly.
"All right, all right, let's stop here, Captain Kyōraku."
The other man looked slightly disappointed.
"Tsk, just when it was getting to the best part~"
Then enjoy it by yourself, sir.
Sensing the change of topic, Kyōraku relaxed and turned his gaze toward the stage, now being dismantled.
"But that's what theater represents, you know? The true pleasure lies in reflecting on what you've seen."
…Huh? I think I've completely misunderstood everything he's been saying.
Looking at Kyōraku's playful smile, Arima Shinya couldn't help but let out a tired chuckle.
Kyōraku Shunsui — that man was far more unpredictable than he had imagined.
Yet, at the same time, he was someone who knew balance: never crossing the line, always adjusting the mood around him.
As Aizen-sensei had said, being by his side was indeed an excellent opportunity to learn.
"Arima-kun," murmured Kyōraku, calmly scratching his chin, "there's something I've been curious about."
"Though the timing may not be ideal… may I ask?"
Arima Shinya turned to him, willing to listen.
"Of course, go ahead."
Kyōraku's smile slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.
"You've already mastered your Shikai, haven't you?"
(End of Chapter)
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