"Though the sun sets, its brilliance still paints the skies with crimson clouds."
The setting sun, like molten gold, cast a warm, fused glow over the young boy and the old man. The boy gave a sheepish smile to the imposing elder and said cheerfully:
"Old Man Yama, I'm going to the world of the living tomorrow for my soul burial practice! So I probably won't be able to come by for the next two weeks. I'm here to ask for leave."
Asano Kiyoshi's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement, like a child going on his first school field trip. The Captain-Commander simply raised his eyes a little and gave a faint nod. Then, with a speed too fast for Kiyoshi to catch, he disappeared into the dojo. When he returned, he held a small wooden box wrapped in gray cloth.
He handed it over and said:
"These are some snacks I recently baked. Take some to Ukitake. Hm... Let Shunsui have his share too. As for the rest, you can keep it. Cough, I'm tired now. Off you go."
Seeing the elder's behavior, Kiyoshi's lips curled into a gentle smile. He called out loudly toward the old man's retreating figure:
"Got it~ Old man~ I'll be sure to eat everything!"
The Captain-Commander sat down on a vine chair in the dojo, letting out a helpless chuckle. Shaking his head, he muttered softly:
"This little rascal…"
Outside the dojo, Sasakibe Chōjirō stood silently, arms full of documents. Seeing the Captain-Commander's smile, he couldn't help but smile too—it had been a long time since he'd seen such a genuine expression on the old man's face.
Sigh… Too bad I'm about to be the one to ruin that smile.
Sure enough, the moment the Captain-Commander caught sight of the stack of documents, his smile disappeared. He let out a long sigh, casting a resigned look toward his vice-captain.
Why was it that every time he finally felt a bit of peace… he was reminded how much he longed for retirement?
Meanwhile, Kiyoshi had arrived at Ukitake's office, arms full of food. Inside the room was not only Ukitake but also a man with medium-length, wavy brown hair, wearing two ornate hairpins, a pink patterned haori, and a straw hat over a lightly bearded chin.
At a glance, Kiyoshi instantly recognized the man: Kyōraku Shunsui, current Captain of the Eighth Division.
He was playing a game of shogi with Ukitake. Upon seeing Kiyoshi enter, Shunsui gave a lazy smile and said:
"Oh my, so this is the little guy Yama-jii's been training? He looks full of spirit, just as I heard."
Kiyoshi gave a modest smile and bowed slightly.
"Captain Kyōraku, you flatter me."
Shunsui chuckled at the well-mannered response but didn't press further, letting Ukitake take the lead since this was his office. Of course, given their friendship, neither cared much about such formalities.
Ukitake smiled warmly and asked:
"Kiyoshi, what brings you here? Are you nervous about tomorrow's soul burial?"
Kiyoshi shook his head and unwrapped the bundle, revealing homemade snacks. He said:
"These are from Old Man Yama. He asked me to deliver them to the both of you, said they're for keeping up your strength."
Ukitake took the box and smiled nostalgically.
"Handmade senbei and onigiri from the old teacher… It's been a while since I've had these. Right, Shunsui?"
Without any concern for image, Shunsui reached out and grabbed a large handful of senbei, munching away happily. Then he casually wiped his greasy fingers on his captain's haori.
Seeing this, Ukitake scolded:
"Shunsui, you're ruining your haori again. If Yama-jii sees this, he'll scold you."
Shunsui just grinned and waved it off.
"No worries! That old man won't find out. And even if he does, I've got my lovely little Nanao to wash it for me~ She's such a good girl~"
Kiyoshi didn't interrupt their banter. But after a short while, feeling it was time to leave, he was about to excuse himself when both captains called him back. Shunsui had packed up a large portion of the untouched food and handed it to him.
"These clearly weren't just for us. There's some for you too."
Kiyoshi knew this, of course, but didn't really mind. After all, he'd been snacking on the old man's food for two months now. Still, he couldn't deny that the Captain-Commander's cooking was top-tier:
His biscuits were crispy yet not dry.His onigiri were soft, sweet, and satisfying.His miso soup was rich, fragrant, and heartwarming.
As Kiyoshi accepted the food, he was handed two more items—a bottle of sake from Shunsui and a summer snack bundle from Ukitake.
Both veteran captains looked at him with warm, older-brother-like smiles.
"When you get to the world of the living, make sure to eat properly. If you don't like the food there, eat the ones we gave you."
Stuffed with heartfelt gifts, Kiyoshi left the office. Behind him, Shunsui and Ukitake exchanged a smile.
"What a dependable kid," said Shunsui.
"Yeah… If he keeps growing like this, he may one day match us—and help ease the old man's burdens..."
Back in the dorm, Kiyoshi found Yumichika tutoring Ikkaku in soul burial techniques. He passed around some snacks from Ukitake's gift bag, and the three sat together, chatting about dreams and the future under the soft night sky and Ikkaku's shiny bald head.
The next morning, Kiyoshi got up early and packed a good amount of food.
Yumichika was already sitting at a mirror, putting on makeup. Ikkaku was outside, still practicing soul burials.
Led by Shiba Kukaku, the 3rd Seat of the 13th Division, the students made their way toward the Senkaimon, the gate between worlds.
It was a grand structure, like a massive mountain gate. Two towering square pillars flanked it, stretching into the clouds.
Staring up at its imposing form, Asano Kiyoshi couldn't help but feel a subtle excitement stirring within him.