Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi Joins the Division / The Captain-Class Bottom Tier: Kensei and Rōjūrō ...

"Rojuro, there's something I want to tell you. There's someone important I'd like you to meet," Chizome Tano said, rubbing his hands together with a beaming smile.

"No." Kyōraku Tōshirō didn't even look up. He started packing away his guitar, wanting no part in any power games.

Rojuro Joins the Ranks

Chizome Tano grabbed Kyōraku Tōshirō and pleaded, "You can refuse to meet anyone else, but you have to meet this man. He's different from those nobles. Please. If you offend him, you might not survive—and neither might I."

Kyōraku Tōshirō hadn't expected it to be so serious. His expression darkened, but Tano's words also made him curious. Who could wield that much power?

Chizome Tano led him to a lakeside. An island lay in the middle of the lake, and the two of them took a small boat across.

Kyōraku Tōshirō had sharp eyes. He recognized the young man on the island at once: he was the one who had occupied the seat of honor at the restaurant.

Why would someone so young be interested in me?

Kyōraku Tōshirō grew even more puzzled. Still, he trusted his own abilities and had his Zanpakuto with him. If the other party tried anything, he wouldn't hold back.

"My lord, I've brought him." Chizome Tano stood carefully beside Yamabuki Chidori, smiling obsequiously.

"Kyōraku Tōshirō, right? This isn't our first meeting. I saw one of your performances, though you probably don't remember me." Yamabuki Chidori got straight to the point. "Have you eaten yet? Are you hungry? Would you like something?"

Kyōraku Tōshirō looked coldly at the young man, who seemed utterly unconcerned. He knew better than to judge anyone's true age by their appearance in Soul Society.

"Say what you have to say. I want to go back and rest." His tone