Yan Si carried the Gigai and followed the bluestone road of the Seireitei toward the Thirteenth Division barracks.
The sunlight was pleasant, shining over the wooden buildings on both sides of the road and casting neat shadows beneath the eaves.
The occasional squad member passed by. Seeing him carrying a person in his hand, they all wore strange expressions, but none dared ask.
Yan Si had several plans in mind for helping Kurotsuchi Mayuri escape the Maggot's Nest, but there was no rush yet.
The Thirteenth Division barracks were much quieter than the Ninth Division's.
The courtyard walls were built of dark gray stone. The gate stood open, with no squad members on guard beside it.
Yan Si walked straight in, crossed the front courtyard, and arrived at the rear yard.
The rear yard was spacious, its ground covered in fine white sand, with a small pond at its center.
The pond water was clear enough to reveal the smooth pebbles below, as well as dozens of koi swimming leisurely through the water.
The koi were all fairly large, red and white in color, their scales gleaming beneath the sunlight.
Ukitake Jūshirō was crouching beside the pond, holding a small wooden bowl as he scattered fish food into the water.
He was not wearing a captain's haori today, only a light gray casual robe. His long white hair was tied behind his head with a simple cord.
Hearing footsteps, Jūshirō Ukitake turned around.
When he saw Yan Si, a gentle smile appeared on his face. When his gaze fell on the Gigai in Yan Si's hand, his smile deepened.
"Junior Brother Yan Si." Jūshirō Ukitake stood and brushed the crumbs of fish food from his hands.
"It's been a long time. You could have just come by—why bring a gift?