"Cheers!"
"Kaien, I really can't drink anymore."
"You bastard, what stupid nonsense are you talking about? There's no such thing as 'can't' when drinking. You're just building up momentum!"
"But I just came from our division's banquet—"
"Tch, could it be more comfortable there than in our own home?"
The handsome noble clan head burst into laughter and said with a playful grin, "Kūkaku! Kūkaku! Get up and pour your big brother Yato a drink!"
"Yeah, yeah!"
Kūkaku Shiba groggily got to her feet. Her body was slightly feverish, and her cheeks were flushed red. "Big Brother Yato, congratulations on achieving Bankai! This is a good thing—drink!"
She was the bold, fearless sort of girl, showing not the slightest bit of shyness as she toasted and drank.
Meanwhile, Ganju Shiba, the youngest of the Shiba Main Clan, had long since collapsed onto the floor. Hugging a wild boar he had somehow ridden back from who knew where, he slept soundly.
After drinking for a while longer, Kūkaku could no longer hold on either. She leaned against the wall with unfocused eyes, muttering something under her breath.
"Hmph, those two still need more training. Yato, let's keep going."
"Sure—slow down, Kaien."
"But speaking of which, you really are outstanding. I never imagined that you'd achieve Bankai at this age. If you were from one of the Five Great Noble Houses, you might already be a true captain, with no need to wait for an opening."
"I'm not in a hurry. Honestly, I'm quite comfortable as the third seat of the 12th Division."
"Heh, so if the world stayed peaceful forever, you wouldn't mind remaining third seat for the rest of your life?"
Uchiha Yato knew Aizen would soon stir up a storm, so he was not worried. He smiled casually. "There's