The main hall of the Shikokuin Family residence was filled with a solemn atmosphere.
Naturally, seated at the front on both sides were high-ranking nobles and captain-class Shinigami.
Behind them sat ordinary nobles and Seated Officers.
The entire room was filled with figures dressed in formal attire.
Kenma sat at the very back of the room, with Yoruichi beside him on his left, dressed in magnificent white robes.
The two sat upright and proper, with a golden folding screen standing behind them as a backdrop.
On Kenma's side sat his three family members: Tenshin Shoun, Yoichi, and Nobunaga.
On Yoruichi's side sat her father, Shihōin Chunyan, and her younger brother, Yushiro.
Kenma swept his gaze over the sea of dark figures below. While a group of young boys and girls poured wine before him, he reached up and tugged at his collar.
The clothes felt somewhat restrictive, making Kenma uncomfortable.
Yoruichi was better off. At least she was dressed in white, the same color as a wedding gown.
As for Kenma's own attire, though it looked dignified, it carried none of the festive joy or auspiciousness of a wedding.
More than the clothes, what made Kenma uncomfortable was the atmosphere of the ceremony itself.
He had never imagined that wedding ceremonies in Soul Society would be like this.
There was none of the festive cheer he associated with weddings. Instead, it resembled a funeral. Whether hosts or guests, everyone wore solemn expressions.
Even the air seemed affected, growing heavy as the room filled with stifling oppression.
Kenma held a small sake cup in both hands. Once the two children before him had filled it, he drained it in one gulp, then handed the cup to Yoruichi beside him.
Yoruichi did the same. Once her cup was filled, she lifted it