Shunsui Kyoraku's Visit

First Division barracks, Captain-Commander's office.

The doors opened soundlessly, then gently closed again. A somewhat lazy-looking figure strolled in at an unhurried pace.

The visitor wore a captain's haori, with a flamboyant pink floral coat draped over it, wildly out of place amid the stern barracks. A straw hat sat on his head, its brim pulled low.

It concealed half his face, revealing only his well-shaped jaw and the corner of a mouth that seemed to carry a perpetually carefree smile.

It was none other than the captain of the 8th Division, Shunsui Kyoraku.

He walked to the center of the room and stopped several paces behind Captain-Commander Yamamoto. He gave a casual bow, his voice carrying its characteristic languor and just the right hint of familiarity. "Old Man Yama, you summoned me in such a hurry. Do you have some interesting 'major matter' for me? Don't tell me some noble got drunk and caused trouble in Rukongai again, and you want me to go 'smooth things over.'"

His tone was easygoing, as though he had truly come merely to chat.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto slowly turned around. His gaze fell upon Shunsui Kyoraku, and without exchanging any pleasantries, he went straight to the point. "Shunsui, there is something I need you to handle personally."

The playful smile on Shunsui Kyoraku's face did not fade, but his eyes grew serious.

Anything that could make Old Man Yama bypass the usual procedures, summon him privately, and use words like "handle personally" was no trivial matter.

"Oh? Please, Old Man Yama." He adjusted his stance slightly. He still appeared casual, but he had already shifted into listening mode.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's gaze was calm as he slowly said, "Regarding the 'guard' Liu Chuan brought back from Hueco Mundo, the one now residing with the Kido