Gathering at the Ukitake Family

Chapter 397: Gathering × Ukitake Family

Soul Society, the tavern at the center of the commercial district.

The tavern had reportedly stood here for a thousand years.

It was a common gathering spot for Shinigami from all divisions, often including Captains and Vice-Captains.

And every year at this time, it was the graduation season of the Shino Academy, making the tavern far livelier than usual.

Inside a private room, a group of familiar faces had gathered, including Kira Izuru, Renji Abarai, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and Momo Hinamori.

"Never thought, aside from Nara Dan,"

"you'd be the fastest to rise in rank,"

"Kira..."

Renji Abarai's face was slightly flushed, clearly having had some alcohol.

Kira Izuru's expression was equally tipsy.

"It's all thanks to Captain Nara's guidance..."

"Otherwise, the Vice-Captain position wouldn't have fallen to me."

Renji Abarai's expression stiffened.

"Others might not know, but I do?"

"You've already reached Vice-Captain level in strength for a long time."

"What's with all this modesty every day?"

Kira Izuru smiled.

"Didn't you become a Seated Officer the moment you joined the Fifth Division?"

"Captain Nara told you to secure the Fifth Division Captain position before the new Captain arrives..."

"I'd say you're close too..."

Hitsugaya cut in at this point, sounding somewhat wistful.

"Seems like all of you have been hiding your depths..."

"And I only became a Seated Officer even after graduating early."

Since the incident with the White Hollow, Tōshirō Hitsugaya had grown close to Renji Abarai and the others, becoming good friends.

And this gathering, rather than a graduation party, was more of a celebration for Kira Izuru's appointment as Vice-Captain.

"What about Captain Nara?"

"Is he too busy now that he's a Captain?"

"We were originally celebrating his promotion to Captain."

Momo Hinamori asked.

Kira Izuru nodded.

"Captain Nara went