Not long after leaving the area where the 1st Division was located.
An unexpected figure came into Natsuki's view.
When Natsuki spotted the "aggrieved party," he raised an eyebrow but had no intention of going over to greet him.
But the man was a veteran captain, after all. Just one glance from Natsuki was enough for him to keenly sense Natsuki's presence. He looked over, then vanished in a flash. In just a few steps, he was standing beside Natsuki.
"Isn't that Natsuki Kenpachi?"
The man named Kyoraku Shunsui greeted Natsuki, a faint, carefree smile always playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Captain Kyōraku!"
Since the other man had come right up to him, Natsuki naturally couldn't pretend he hadn't seen him, so he returned the greeting.
"Don't be so formal."
Kyoraku Shunsui was a friendly, familiar sort. Hearing how Natsuki addressed him, he smiled and said, "I heard Natsuki Kenpachi has been learning Hakuda from Old Man Yama lately?"
Natsuki's gaze flickered, but he didn't hide the truth. "The Head Captain has taught me a lot."
"I spent a long time learning from Old Man Yama myself," Kyoraku Shunsui said. "Since you're learning from him now, Natsuki Kenpachi, that makes us fellow disciples. So, how about calling me senior brother?"
Natsuki looked at Kyoraku Shunsui in surprise, as if he hadn't expected him to say something like that. But he soon replied, "I really would like to have a senior brother, but if it's someone as unreliable as Captain Kyōraku, I'll pass."
Natsuki had been part of the Gotei 13 for quite a few years.
Kyoraku Shunsui had also been a regular visitor to the 11th Division, so Natsuki knew what he was like. Kyoraku Shunsui wouldn't get angry over a jab like that.
"So, Natsuki Kenpachi, is