Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

The banquet lasted until around eleven at night.

It was rare for them to gather like this, so Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō both drank until they were completely hammered.

Even Sasakibe Chōjirō had a slight flush on his face, though he still maintained his impeccable composure.

Truly the perfect gentleman.

Apparently, during one of his visits to the World of the Living, Sasakibe had encountered British aristocrats and was deeply fascinated by their refined manners and fashion.

It influenced his Western-style clothing and taste for fine tea.

On the other hand, Yamamoto Genryūsai remained a staunch traditionalist, adhering to classic Japanese customs for over a millennium.

And yet, despite Yamamoto's stern demeanor, Sasakibe continued to express his individuality. It spoke volumes about their unique bond of trust.

At the end of the night, it was Sasakibe who carried Ukitake back home.

As for Yamamoto and Unohana, the two quietly left together, engaging in what appeared to be a private conversation.

Their connection spanned over a thousand years, so it was natural for them to share such moments.

Still, Seiya couldn't help but wonder—

How do these two hold their liquor so well?

Does alcohol tolerance increase with age?

Meanwhile…

Kyōraku Shunsui, who was leaning heavily on Seiya's shoulder, let out a loud hiccup.

His iconic sedge hat had slipped off his head and was now dangling from his waist.

Seiya adjusted his grip, realizing the weight on his shoulder had increased.

Turning his head, he saw that Kyōraku had completely passed out—drooling and all.

"Kyōraku-taichō?"

"…Ah? Oh, sorry."

The cool evening breeze seemed to snap Kyōraku out of his drunken stupor.

He wiped his face, removing the traces of his embarrassing state. In an instant, his usual playful demeanor returned.

"Ahhh, it's been ages since I've relaxed like that. Not great, huh? Letting a junior see me in such a sorry state."

Seiya sighed.

"To be honest, I think you've already given up on appearances."

Kyōraku grinned sheepishly.

"Haha, yeah… I guess you're right."

As he rubbed his stubbly chin, Seiya's expression grew more serious.

"Kyōraku-taichō… can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing. Ask away."

Seiya paused for a moment before speaking.

"Why did you bring me to that gathering tonight?"

Hearing the question, Kyōraku's smile turned ever so slightly more enigmatic.

"Hmm? Did it make you feel pressured?"

"No… I'm just curious."

Meeting Yamamoto for the first time had been nerve-wracking, but it wasn't unbearable.

After all, Seiya's goal was to interact with influential figures in the Gotei 13.

Tonight's event had been an unexpected opportunity, allowing him to network indirectly.

In that sense, he had no complaints.

However…

He couldn't shake the feeling that he was taking advantage of Kyōraku's kindness.

That thought weighed on his mind.

He knew Aizen wouldn't have felt such guilt.

Seiya sighed inwardly.

I've still got a lot to learn.

Kyōraku chuckled softly.

"Just curious, huh?"

He seemed to consider something, weighing his thoughts carefully before responding.

"Well, it's nothing grand. Truth be told, I'm a pretty irresponsible captain."

He let out a dry laugh.

"I do things on a whim, just for fun."

"That explanation only makes people more curious, you know."

"Haha, really? Well, you're starting to understand an old man's charm, I see."

"That's completely unrelated."

"Ah, harsh…"

The playful exchange subsided, leaving a moment of reflective silence.

Then Kyōraku spoke, his tone unusually somber.

"You see, Seiya… I hate responsibility."

"Responsibilities are heavy. Once you take them on, you can't just shrug them off."

He sighed, rubbing his temple as if the very thought tired him out.

"And yet, everyone keeps dumping responsibilities on me."

"They entrust me with burdens, then leave without a backward glance."

"Leaving me alone to carry the weight."

His voice dropped lower.

"There's no turning back."

Kyōraku's expression grew distant, his eyes reflecting a deep melancholy.

"Even though I hate all this responsibility…"

"…I can never bring myself to say no."

He gave a tired chuckle, rubbing his nose absentmindedly.

"So, I figured I'd try passing the torch."

He reached out and patted Seiya's shoulder gently.

"Someone like you, Seiya."

Seiya stared at him, processing the unexpected sentiment.

Kyōraku grinned lazily.

"The Gotei's future will end up in your hands someday."

"So having someone like you around makes my job feel a little lighter."

Seiya wasn't sure what to say at first.

He understood Kyōraku's laid-back attitude, but the trust the man placed in him felt… a bit much.

"Why do you trust me so much, Kyōraku-taichō?"

Kyōraku chuckled softly.

"Oh, that's easy."

He crossed his arms, his expression softening.

"It's because of Nanao."

"I've mentioned her before, right?"

Kyōraku's eyes gleamed with fondness as he spoke.

"She's not easy to get along with. But you managed to befriend her."

"That tells me a lot about your patience and character."

He tapped Seiya's shoulder lightly.

"And if Nanao trusts you, that's good enough for me."

Seiya let out a slow breath.

So that's what it is…

It made sense.

Still, his mind drifted to the tragic future he knew awaited Kyōraku.

In time, Yamamoto would fall, Ukitake would die, and Kyōraku would inherit the mantle of Commander-General.

A man who despised responsibility would be forced to carry the weight of an entire institution.

The irony wasn't lost on Seiya.

Fate can be cruel…

Seiya's expression darkened slightly.

"Kyōraku-taichō."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"If… your responsibilities keep piling up, what would you do?"

Kyōraku groaned.

"Ugh. That's a terrible question."

Seiya smiled faintly.

"But everyone trusts you, don't they?"

"Haha, you're flattering me now."

"I'm being serious."

Kyōraku fell silent, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Eventually, he gave a soft sigh.

"Well… if things really get that bad, there won't be much choice, will there?"

"No matter how much I hate it, it's my duty."

He met Seiya's gaze.

"Adults have to shoulder these burdens."

Then, his usual grin returned.

"By the time that happens, though, you'll be more than ready."

He patted Seiya's shoulder again.

"So when that day comes…"

"…I'll be counting on you."

Seiya blinked.

"Me?"

Kyōraku smiled gently.

"Who else?"

Seeing Seiya's hesitation, Kyōraku raised an eyebrow.

"What? You don't want to?"

Seiya pursed his lips before shaking his head.

"…No."

He extended his hand.

"When the time comes…"

"…I'll be counting on you, too."

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Powerstones?

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