Sunshine, Sand, Waves, Cacti (continued)

"Orihime, weren't the captains supposed to have arrived? Where did they all go?"

Orihime raised her finger and pointed to a house near the sea, saying:

"Oh, you mean the captains? Captain-Commander Yamamoto seems to be playing chess over there with Vice-Captain Sasakibe, and Captain Komamura is watching from the side. It seems a bit hot though, and Captain Komamura's ice seems to be running low."

Upon hearing Orihime's words, everyone except Isshin automatically conjured up an image in their minds of Captain Komamura sticking out his tongue to cool off.

Orihime paused for a moment, then continued, "Captain Gin Ichimaru didn't come because he had to guard the base, and Captain Zaraki seemed to be bored, so he returned to Soul Society early, leaving only Vice-Captain Kusajishi and us playing volleyball over there. But it was this volleyball..."

"Boom!"

Before Orihime could finish speaking, a sound resembling a targeted explosion suddenly came from a corner of the beach.

Orihime smiled and said, "That's right, but this beach volleyball game is a bit intense, and Lieutenant Soi Fon seems to be in danger today."

Renji looked in the direction of the explosion and, sure enough, saw a wasp with red eyes.

Renji searched again but still couldn't find the person he wanted to see. He then asked:

"Orihime, have you seen Rukia? I haven't seen her."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Renji with expressions of "I knew it!"

"Oh, you mean Rukia?"

Then, as Orihime spoke, she pointed in another direction, but when everyone saw it clearly, they were all stunned.

What is that?!

Those are two absolutely abstract sand sculptures!

Beneath that "work of art," Rukia and Byakuya Kuchiki, still dressed in his Shinigami uniform and wearing the Kenseikan, stood there with their arms crossed.

Judging from their appearance, those two buildings must be their creations, and they seem to want to continue creating.

At that moment, Isane Kotetsu also walked over carrying an empty box. Looking at the group, she said, "Oh, you guys are here too! You guys go ahead, there's some freshly cut fruit over there. I'll go get some ice from Captain Hitsugaya and be right back."

After saying that, Isane walked to the other side, and when everyone looked over, Tōshirō was there with Hyōrinmaru in his hand, chatting with Momo Hinamori while acting as the Thirteenth Division's refrigerator.

Upon hearing that Tōshirō had also become a captain, Isshin's eyes revealed a rare hint of nostalgia.

Seeing that Isshin a bit down, Orihime quickly said, "Oh, right! Captain Shunsui and Captain Ukitake are over there looking for someone to drink with."

Upon noticing the keyword "drinking," Isshin quickly said, "Oh, no need to say anything then. Rangiku must be drinking over there too, right? I'll go surprise her!"

However, Orihime's expression suddenly turned awkward as she said, "Uncle Isshin, Captain Rangiku, she's not over there drinking with Captain Shunsui and the others."

Upon hearing this, Ichigo paused, stiffly turning his head to ask, "What did you say? Rangiku didn't go drinking? Soul Society has changed so much!! What is she doing?"

Upon hearing this, Ikkaku and the Shūhei looked at Orihime curiously, as it was indeed somewhat unexpected that Rangiku hadn't gone to find sake to drink.

Then, Rangiku gestured for everyone to look towards a secluded corner. Although the corner was hidden, the view from that spot was absolutely the best.

Cliffs, coconut trees, beaches, and blue skies.

In this tranquil setting, two enormous parasols stood, and beneath them, Xuanxin lay comfortably.

Surrounded by a gentle breeze, warm sunshine, and the three most dazzling women in the entire Soul Society.

The air around Xuanxin was filled with a dizzying, languid atmosphere.

Ichigo and the others all cast envious glances at Xuanxin, then they exchanged a look, each seeing a similar emotion of envy in the other's eyes.

"So... this is what it means to be a man at the top," Ichigo muttered to himself.

Renji, Shūhei, and Ikkaku beside him nodded in unison, their eyes filled with endless sighs and reverence that belonged to men.

But by the time Ichigo, Renji, and the others came to their senses, Isshin had already run off to find Shunsui and the others for drinks. At that moment, Isane returned carrying a large pile of things, and then everyone headed towards the bumpy volleyball court together.

Xuanxin looked at the women lying beside him and sighed:

Perhaps this is the true relaxation one should experience on the beach.