The excited Shiba Kaien had truly forgotten about that.
He slapped his forehead hard and looked at Suō Tsukasa.
"That's right, look at me, I almost forgot!"
"Then it's settled! I'll accompany you to do the shopping later. Tonight, we'll let everyone have a proper taste of your skills as the head chef of Teradaya!"
"No problem!"
Suō Tsukasa, who hadn't hosted a banquet in a long time, also felt inspired.
Since moving from the Rukongai to the Seireitei, he had been busy with his cultivation and hadn't brought this good habit to the Thirteenth Division. It was time to put his courtyard and kitchen to good use. He then turned to Hikone Mitaka, who was standing nearby.
"By the way, Hiko, I'll need your help in arranging the banquet tables and chairs. We need eleven sets."
"In the future, everyone can gather more often when they have free time."
"Leave it to me!"
Hikone Mitaka first patted his chest in agreement, but then he blinked as the realization hit him.
"Wait, eleven sets? Isn't that number a bit high?"
"Even if we count Kiyone and the Captain who aren't here, that's only eight people in total, right?"
Hikone Mitaka's eyes darted around as he counted the people present, looking confused.
"Yesterday, I took a leave of absence to visit the Tenth Division."
"I met Captain Shiba Isshin, Vice-Captain Matsumoto Rangiku, and the Third Seat, Hitsugaya Toshiro."
"Captain Isshin and Shiba Kaien's uncle are related to begin with, and the other two are also my friends."
"Since it's rare for us to hold a banquet, I thought I'd take this opportunity to let everyone get to know each other. It'll be more lively with more people."
Suō Tsukasa had no intention of being mysterious and answered directly.
Inviting three people from the outside to an internal banquet of the Thirteenth Division was something Suō Tsukasa had considered; he had only invited those who were either relatives or friends. It wasn't a bad thing; it would add more color to the gathering.
"I was wondering! No problem then!"
Hikone Mitaka realized the reason; he had only been curious about who the extra people were. The Thirteenth Division already interacted frequently with the Eighth Division, so there was no resistance to interacting with and getting to know people from a different division.
"Good lad! Great idea!"
"And you don't need to make a special trip back. I'll send a message to the Tenth Division in a bit."
Shiba Kaien's eyes lit up, making no effort to hide his approval of the idea.
Then, meeting everyone's gaze, he continued.
"Alright, everyone finish up your tasks during the day. Tonight, we'll have a good time."
"Yes!"
As the words fell, everyone returned to their posts, filled with anticipation for the night.
Once the crowd dispersed, Kuchiki Rukia looked dejected. She lowered her head deeply and spoke to Suō Tsukasa.
"Um... Suō Third Seat, regarding tonight's banquet... I'm afraid I won't be able to attend."
"I'm sorry!"
In truth, she had wanted to explain the situation earlier, but she couldn't bear to dampen everyone's spirits in that rising atmosphere of joy, so she had waited until now.
"Rukia, it's alright."
Shiba Miyako walked over gently and placed her hand on Rukia's slightly trembling shoulder. As Kuchiki Rukia's superior, Shiba Miyako was the one who could best sympathize with and understand her complicated emotions at this moment.
Needless to say, Suō Tsukasa could also guess the reason.
As one of the Four Great Noble Families, the Kuchiki family had strict rules. For family members, especially an adopted one like Rukia, there were far more rigorous rules regarding public behavior and social interactions than for ordinary clan members. Attending a spontaneous banquet that hadn't been reported in advance would likely not be permitted.
Suō Tsukasa curled his lips into a smile and offered comfort.
"It's fine. I understand your situation, and this isn't a difficult problem."
"Captain Ukitake and Captain Kuchiki are well-acquainted."
"I'm heading to Ukitake-dono's quarters to see the Captain in a bit. I can ask him to send a message on your behalf to explain the situation."
"Even though your brother is strict, he isn't unreasonable. A small matter like this shouldn't be a problem."
Suō Tsukasa was quite confident in this idea. With Captain Ukitake intervening, and given that this was an activity held within the Thirteenth Division, logically speaking, even a sister-con like Kuchiki Byakuya wouldn't go so far as to charge into the Thirteenth Division to drag his sister home. He just had to make sure Kuchiki Rukia didn't drink tonight.
"Really?"
Hearing Suō Tsukasa say this, Kuchiki Rukia looked up, her eyes full of hope. Deep down, she had also been looking forward to tonight's banquet.
"It'll be fine."
"Tsukasa, you really are thoughtful."
Shiba Miyako timely validated Suō Tsukasa's words and sent him an appreciative look.
The small ripple was thus settled.
Knowing that sending the message and getting a reply would take time, Suō Tsukasa left the office immediately and headed toward Ugendo.
Inside Ugendo.
A moist breeze blew through the hall.
Ukitake Jushiro, draped in his white haori, sat behind his desk. It was still early, and the documents he needed to review today hadn't been delivered yet. He was leaning against the desk, taking a short rest.
Hearing the footsteps stop outside the door, he lifted his pale face and offered a gentle smile.
"Tsukasa, come in."
"Captain."
Suō Tsukasa stepped into the room at the call and bowed respectfully to Ukitake.
Before he could speak, Ukitake Jushiro asked mildly.
"Do you have something for me?"
"Last night, I successfully mastered Shikai. Everyone in the division said we should celebrate. I'm hosting a banquet in my courtyard tonight and hope the Captain can also attend."
"Additionally, there is one more thing I'd like to ask for your help with."
"The banquet was decided on short notice. Kuchiki Rukia cannot accept the invitation directly due to her family rules. I was hoping the Captain could send a message to Captain Kuchiki to explain the situation."
Suō Tsukasa then detailed the purpose of his visit and extended his invitation.
Ukitake Jushiro listened quietly to the explanation, a look of great pride flashing in his eyes as he nodded.
"Good!"
"I will take care of the explanation to Byakuya."
"It just so happens I also have something I wanted to get your opinion on. Tsukasa, come and sit."
Saying this, he straightened up, his wide haori fluttering with the movement as he beckoned Suō Tsukasa. His tone remained gentle, but it held more gravity than before.
"Yes."
At the word, Suō Tsukasa took a seat beside him.
Ukitake Jushiro looked at the modest and respectful Suō Tsukasa with a satisfied smile. He coughed lightly and pulled an opened letter from under the desk.
"Tsukasa, because of this body of mine, I'm afraid I will find it difficult to provide you with direct guidance in your training."
"A few days ago, I wrote a letter to my teacher—Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni—asking him to foster you on my behalf."
"The reply I received earlier has granted this request."
"The Teacher hasn't taken a student in many years. For him to make an exception and agree to guide you periodically is truly a rare opportunity."
Ukitake Jushiro never hesitated to use his influence to help those he valued. To ensure that Suō Tsukasa received the best growth, he had not only annotated the Kido scriptures while ill but had also personally written to the Captain-Commander to secure this rare chance. He truly lived up to his role as Suō Tsukasa's Captain.
He slowly pushed the letter toward Suō Tsukasa and continued.
"Of course, this ultimately depends on your own will. Read the letter first."
"This is a path to a higher realm, but it also comes with corresponding trials. If you are unwilling, there is no need to force yourself."
Ukitake Jushiro's deep gaze fell upon Suō Tsukasa, quietly waiting for his decision.
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