The Soul Society, Seireitei, the Kuchiki Family,
The Kuchiki Family had once stood proudly among the Four Great Noble Clans.
Their gates rarely saw visitors, aside from members of noble families of equal standing.
But today was different.
One after another, high-ranking Soul Reapers wearing white haori or Kenseikan arrived at the Kuchiki Family estate. The retainers waiting at the gate greeted each of them.
Clearly, the guests were either Captain-level figures or nobles of considerable standing.
That was because today was an exceptionally special day for the Kuchiki Family: they would be welcoming a new direct member into their ranks.
In other words, the current Head of the Kuchiki Clan, Byakuya Kuchiki, intended to adopt a younger sister.
This was unquestionably a major matter for the Kuchiki Family. Among the highest-ranking nobles, adopted sons and daughters were not taken in casually, nor were they merely a matter of appearances or convenience.
They became relatives in the eyes of the law, and even adopted sons could inherit the family estate.
For a matter of this importance, nobles would invite friends of equal standing to witness it, giving the event a shared legal recognition.
It was a way of saying, "This person has truly joined our family, so you must treat them accordingly."
The retainers courteously greeted every guest who arrived, not daring to slight a single one.
Anyone who made it through the gates was at least a powerful Captain-level figure or a noble of exceptionally high status.
Not one of them could afford to be slighted.
Then a somewhat youthful figure appeared at the Kuchiki estate's gate.
The retainer paused in surprise, but quickly recovered and went to greet him.
"Mr. Nara."
"Please, this way."
There was no humiliating scene. The retainer welcoming guests this time was the same