The Socially Anxious Bear Cub

North Rukon District 80, Zaraki.

"Report to the Head of the House! Our informants sent word via carrier pigeon: Yamamoto Shigekuni's private school caught fire last night! According to the report, fluctuations in spiritual pressure were detected at the scene."

In the Iwamoto House, the largest old noble estate in the district, an attendant knelt in the study, reporting in a hushed voice.

Iwamoto Hikoshiro listened to the report in silence, set down the scroll in his hand, and arched his graying eyebrows slightly. "So, it wasn't an accident? Someone did this on purpose?"

"It is currently unclear if the other three noble houses made a move, but an attack on Yamamoto's school is a good thing for us," the attendant bowed and speculated.

"They want to launch a sneak attack in the rear because the front lines are tight? It seems the Court Guard Squad's recent fierce offensive has made those three lose their composure. Since that's the case, I'll help fan the flames."

Iwamoto Hikoshiro was silent for a moment, then said indifferently:

"Pass the word to our informants in Tanzhao District. Have them scout the situation near the Gen Private School... I hear that fellow Yamamoto still has a student?"

"Yes. It is said to be a scion from a high-ranking noble family," the attendant lowered his head and replied respectfully.

"Hmph, a high-ranking noble? Tell the informants to look into it. If the brat is still alive, snatch them up during the chaos and interrogate them. We might dig up more intelligence on Yamamoto. If not, it will at least serve as a distraction for that old man." Iwamoto Hikoshiro revealed a sinister smile.

"Facing trouble from a high-ranking noble, even the so-called Captain-Commander will have a headache for a while, won't he?"

South Rukon District 1, Danzhao.

"Follow me and you can't go wrong!" Kyoraku patted his chest, boasting as he walked out of the Gen Private School gates with Lin Nan.

"You better be right about this. Is it really that delicious?" Lin Nan recalled the izakaya Kyoraku had been praising for ages and couldn't help but lick his lips.

It had been nearly a month, and the most decent thing he'd eaten was the bowl of noodles he'd cooked himself the night before last—which he only managed to eat after they'd turned into a soggy lump. As for last night, the meal prepared by the steward was nothing more than a tiny piece of salted fish and rice.

The mere thought of spending the rest of his life with such food was unbearable for Lin Nan, a man from the Empire of Foodies. No hot pot, no barbecue, no bibimbap, no spicy malatang... How was he supposed to survive?!

Moreover, lifespans in the Soul Society were measured in centuries. This wasn't longevity; it was a sentence!

So, when Kyoraku started chatting about the delicacies of the Soul Society, Lin Nan couldn't wait to go on a food tour.

"It's absolutely delicious! Their Sake Bun is a masterpiece! It's my favorite! Just follow me!" Recalling the taste of the food, Kyoraku couldn't help but swallow his saliva.

When Lin Nan heard the word "sake," he immediately declared, "No drinking today." Although Kyoraku felt reluctant, he nodded in acceptance, prioritizing the goal of a peaceful (and avoiding a beating) outing.

Even though they had only become friends last night, the friendship in Kyoraku's heart was already quite deep. Not fighting was one thing, but perhaps it was also because Lin Nan was the first person to actively care about his troubles and be willing to listen to him.

Walking through the bustling street, Lin Nan felt a long-lost sense of normalcy. Since he had transmigrated, he had either been running for his life or fighting; he truly hadn't experienced the feeling of a normal life for a long time.

The pedestrians on the street were dressed in various styles. Although many were dressed plainly, on the whole, their attire and complexion were several times better than those in Rust Face. District 1 of the Rukon District had always been the most popular area; not only was public order better, but living conditions were also relatively superior.

Along the roadside, one could see all kinds of small stalls, as well as vendors pushing carts selling fruit or other trinkets. Although the architecture and clothing were not what he was used to, it didn't stop Lin Nan from feeling a long-lost sense of happiness.

The two of them walked along the main street, chatting and laughing as they moved further away.

Behind them, two figures trailed from a distance.

"Did you see clearly? It was definitely the one who came out of the Gen Private School, right?" the taller one asked.

Beside him, a short, stout man wearing a headscarf nodded. "That's right. And look at his clothes; they're quite nice. This must be that noble brat!"

"Who is the one next to him?"

"...When a young noble goes out, he has to bring a lackey to serve him, right?"

The two exchanged glances and continued to follow.

An hour later.

"Tell me, are you actually reliable? Can you still find the way?" Lin Nan complained as he followed Kyoraku, feeling bored. "We've already been here! I feel like you, a local, are worse at navigating than me, an outsider!"

Kyoraku didn't feel offended by Lin Nan's complaints. He looked blankly at the three equally dilapidated alleyways in front of him, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Th-this, these places all look the same! H-how am I supposed to find it..."

Lin Nan stared blankly and pointed at a few people standing by the roadside not far away. "Why don't you go ask for directions?"

Kyoraku jumped, as if he had heard something terrifying. "Ah? A-ask for directions?"

Lin Nan was slightly puzzled. "Why are you reacting like that?"

Kyoraku stammered, "I... I don't dare..."

Lin Nan didn't quite understand. "What do you mean?"

Kyoraku's youthful face had turned the color of a liver. "I said... I don't dare ask for directions."

Kyoraku had rarely stepped out of his house since he was born, and his daily life was entirely taken care of by servants. Even when he went out, he was always surrounded by a group of servants who handled everything. Navigating and asking for directions were things that had basically nothing to do with him.

Lin Nan: "...You don't know the way and you don't dare ask for directions. Where on earth did you get the confidence to take me out to eat?"

Kyoraku wanted to explain himself, but realized his reasons were incredibly flimsy, so he could only wear a miserable expression, at a loss for what to do.

Lin Nan rubbed his forehead. "Forget it. Just tell me the name of the shop, and I'll go ask!"

Kyoraku Shunsui looked around carefully again, his eyes darting about. "How about this! I feel like we must be very close to someone I know. Why don't we go find him first, and then have him take us to eat?"

Lin Nan was left speechless. "No, brother, we're just going out for a meal. Is all this really necessary?"

Kyoraku said blankly, "It should be fine, right? He's very easy to talk to; he'll be willing to take us."

Lin Nan covered his face in despair. "It's not about whether he's willing or not. We're going out to find food, and you want to go find someone else to lead the way, and we haven't even made an appointment with him—is this really okay?"

"Ah? Is that a thing?" Kyoraku blinked, as if he couldn't quite grasp the concept. "Th-then, could you please help me ask for directions..."

After clarifying the name of the izakaya and asking a few passersby in the vicinity, Lin Nan finally confirmed the correct direction. Kyoraku followed quietly behind him with a trace of apology, not daring to speak.

However, Lin Nan did not take the matter to heart, chatting and laughing with Kyoraku as usual, finding topics to keep the conversation flowing.

In truth, a moment's reflection was enough to understand why the young Kyoraku was this way. Lacking companionship from a young age, his parents having passed away early, and with no friends—only a crowd of servants trailing after him—Kyoraku had grown up in an environment that had turned him into a spoiled brat who only knew how to act tough within his own bubble.

The two walked for about twenty minutes before finally arriving at the entrance of the shop Kyoraku had mentioned.

As soon as they stepped inside, Kyoraku waved a hand at Lin Nan with grand generosity: "Order whatever you want to eat! My treat!"

"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony!"

The aroma wafting through the room stimulated Lin Nan's appetite, and his eyes scanned the menu with eager anticipation, only to find that aside from the noodles, he wasn't familiar with anything else.

"Uh, maybe you should order. You're more familiar with this place than I am..."

Kyoraku took the menu and rattled off over a dozen dishes in quick succession. Lin Nan hurriedly stopped him, terrified, because the two of them couldn't possibly eat that much. Kyoraku, however, was quite casual: "It's my treat! Naturally, I have to let you taste everything they do well here!"

Unable to refuse such hospitality, Lin Nan couldn't say much more, feeling moved by Kyoraku's sincerity and generosity.

The meal didn't last long, as Kyoraku wolfed down his food and was full in no time. As for Lin Nan, aside from the bowl of noodles and the Sake Bun recommended by Kyoraku, he had no appetite for the other dishes.

If I get the chance, I really have to cook for myself, he thought, rubbing his not-quite-full stomach while once again feeling grateful to Kyoraku in his heart.

However... when it came time to pay, Lin Nan helplessly discovered that the meal had cost at least two hundred Small Ring (Ring: the currency unit of the Soul Society), and Kyoraku had only brought...

Eighteen coins.

"I just grabbed a handful from the money box the servants brought when I left this morning; I didn't know it wouldn't be enough..." Kyoraku looked at Lin Nan, his eyes filled with confusion and apology.

Lin Nan broke into a cold sweat, helplessly pressing a hand to his forehead.

As expected, the story of a spoiled brat could never end so simply.

He tried to keep his voice calm and kind as he asked, "You've never bought anything by yourself before, have you?"

Kyoraku nodded.

The izakaya owner looked at the two youths before him and huffed, "I never expected anyone in the Danzhao District would try to dine and dash... You two better find a way to get the money right now! Otherwise, neither of you is leaving."

Kyoraku hesitated for a long time, his voice so small it sounded like it was being squeezed from his throat as he said, "Um... I am the second young master of the Kyoraku House. Could I perhaps owe you for now? I'll have the servants from my house bring it over later."

"Kyoraku? Is that the Kyoraku House of the high-ranking nobility?"

"...Yes." Kyoraku nodded softly, well aware that this was nothing to be proud of.

The shopkeeper scoffed, "A young master from a high-ranking noble house, coming to my little shop to dine and dash? I might as well claim to be one of the Four Great Noble Houses myself!"

Listening to the owner's mockery, Kyoraku's face flushed red once again. At this moment, there was no trace left of the spirited, heroic air he had displayed while sparring with Lin Nan.

Lin Nan stepped forward to mediate: "Boss, he really is the young master of the Kyoraku House; he just doesn't usually go out to eat by himself. How about this: I'll stay here, and he can go back to get the money to pay you, alright?"

As he spoke, he looked at Kyoraku with some concern: "Can you... find your way home by yourself?"

Kyoraku thought about it seriously and shook his head: "The main thing is, even if I couldn't find it, I wouldn't dare ask for directions..."

Lin Nan sighed in resignation: "Then you'd better wait here! I'll go back and get the money to rescue you."