"Alright, stop standing there, Isane, come sit here!"
Rangiku Matsumoto interrupted their conversation and gestured for the two to sit down.
Isane Kotetsu looked somewhat reserved as she said, " Sister Rangiku, shouldn't we have designated seats for seniors and juniors in this kind of setting, and sit according to the rules?"
On Saturday, she had a passionate conversation with the Captain-Commander, but that didn't diminish her respect for the other team leaders.
Given my height, is it really okay for me to sit so close to Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya?
The stark contrast shouldn't hurt that person's pride, right?
"Alright, don't be so reserved. As long as the captain sits in the middle, it'll be fine, Rukia?"
"Well, as long as everyone thinks it's okay..."
Rukia Tōshirō Hitsugaya.
This person is very disciplined, a typical workaholic and corporate slave, and although he looks like a teenager, his behavior is more like that of an old man.
But this is a private gathering, so there's really no need to make it so formal.
He nodded, indicating that he didn't mind.
After Isane Kotetsu and Hanatarō took their seats, all the seats were filled.
Without any deliberate arrangement, the right side of the table was filled with boys, while the left side had four girls plus Hanatarō.
Haha, Hanatarō is also in the girls' group!
A happy smile appeared on Rangiku Matsumoto's face.
Yumichika Ayasegawa shook his head. "To call yourself a girl when you're clearly not old enough to be a girl anymore."
" Yumichika, you're so long-winded! Watch out or I'll beat you up!"
" Sister Rangiku, don't be angry. Yumichika, please stop picking on her."
Isane Kotetsu hurriedly tried to smooth things over.
Lisa Yadōmaru, scolded, "A woman's age is a taboo subject!"
"Alright." Yumichika Ayasegawa, not wanting to be poked in the back by his own vice-captain.
"Cough cough."
Renji Abarai suddenly coughed, trying to draw everyone's attention; his expression was tense.
Then, Rukia also stood up, appearing somewhat agitated due to nervousness.
"Thank you all so much for taking the time to come today."
Rukia in pitch, her cheeks growing increasingly red.
Renji Abarai took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Actually, we need to..."
It was as if you could hear their tense heartbeats; everyone present unconsciously held their breath.
We're getting married!
After Renji Abarai made a loud announcement, he and Rukia bowed deeply together.
A moment of silence.
After the two looked up, Rangiku Matsumoto smiled and began to applaud.
"Congratulations!" "That's great, Abarai!" "Congratulations to you both!"
Momo Hinamori offered her congratulations and clapped enthusiastically. Others followed suit, offering their congratulations one after another, and applause rang out continuously.
"Um, um... thank you everyone, I'm so happy. But why isn't anyone surprised?"
We were planning to give everyone a surprise.
Renji Abarai and Rukia wore complex expressions, a mixture of joy and confusion.
Rangiku Matsumoto spread her hands and said, "You've all changed your profile pictures to matching couple photos, so most people probably guessed it already."
"That's right, don't underestimate a girl's attentiveness."
Hinamori smiled and nodded.
" Yamada and I thought we were the only two invited by Kuchiki, but seeing everyone else there and the restaurant being so upscale, we figured it was a happy occasion."
Isane Kotetsu looked on with emotion. Because of her treatment of Jūshirō Ukitake, she, Hanatarō, and Rukia often came to visit him, had become good friends.
I thought this was a celebration to discuss Ukitake's discharge from the hospital; if other people were there, it definitely wouldn't be.
"Yeah, I also thought that this store was going to announce something big because it looked so grand."
Izuru Kira chimed in agreement.
"Am I the only one who understood after they announced it?"
Hearing Ichigo Kurosaki muttering to himself, Rangiku Matsumoto immediately added insult to injury, saying, "Slowpoke, no wonder you're still single, you spiky-haired guy."
"It has nothing to do with hedgehog hair, right?"
Ichigo Kurosaki retorted, somewhat unconvinced, "I recently met a really nice person online."
Should we tell him that the netizen is Inoue?
Rangiku Matsumoto thought about it and decided it was best not to go against Inoue's wishes; it wasn't that she thought it was more interesting that way.
Isane Kotetsu noticed Hanatarō standing there, shook his shoulder, and asked, "Hey Yamada, what's wrong?"
"Ah! I'm so surprised, my mind went completely blank for a moment."
Hanatarō's eyes were wide open and his whole body was stiff, but he slowly regained consciousness.
My first love ended in an instant.
Are you... are you alright?
Rukia leaned closer, looking worried.
"It's alright," Hanatarō said, bowing to the two of them. "I'm so sorry you lost consciousness during the celebration."
Renji Abarai thought to himself that this was the first time he had ever heard such an apology, and smiled, saying, "It's alright."
Congratulations again, Kuchiki and Renji!
Rangiku Matsumoto, with a blessing in hand, brings a bottle of sake.
"I wish you happiness."
Isane Kotetsu started clapping, and everyone else joined in.
Rukia smiled shyly, while Renji grinned broadly, revealing his teeth.
Watching this heartwarming scene, Tōshirō Hitsugaya felt a surge of warmth in his heart; this was a good omen for revival.
"What's wrong? Why are you laughing so happily?"
Rangiku Matsumoto chuckled softly and poked Hitsugaya's shoulder with her finger.
"It's nothing," Tōshirō Hitsugaya shook his head, his tone calm and even, completely devoid of his usual displeasure.
"Speaking of which, Abarai, you're quite willing to spend money."
Ichigo Kurosaki surveyed the spacious interior.
Upon hearing this topic, Renji Abarai's face showed a pained expression. "Actually, I... left the restaurant selection to Rukia."
Rukia was even more embarrassed and said, "I don't really know any suitable restaurants, so this morning I told my family that we could book a restaurant with a private room."
"That's why it became such a high-end store."
Rangiku Matsumoto touched her chin with her fingers. This is bad. Rukia and Abarai have the money to pay the bill?
"This is my first time in a store like this, and I'm super nervous."
Isane Kotetsu didn't have any particular requirements for these things, and Shiraishi wasn't the type to pursue high-end things either, so the two of them basically never went to any so-called high-end restaurants.
"I'm so sorry," Rukia apologized to Isane, "Although I did say I hoped to find a casual, affordable restaurant..."
Rukia, who served Rukia in the Soul Society, handles all the big and small matters in Chiyo's daily life.
That's why Rukia confidently entrusted her with the task of choosing a restaurant; however, things didn't go as planned.
"I will definitely pick the best restaurant for today's gathering!"
Rukia recalled Chiyo's confident smile.
This restaurant was perfect for the theme of the gathering; everything was wonderful, except for being anything but mainstream.
"Given the Kuchiki Clan's current status and wealth, this restaurant should be just an ordinary, unremarkable place."
Ikkaku Madarame expressed his thoughts, saying that the Kuchiki Clan had contributed a lot to the revival and would naturally reap the benefits.
Yumichika Ayasegawa said with a smile, "However, in terms of our status, we should be quite suitable for this shop."
There are two captains, seven vice-captains, two Third Seat captains, and one Fourth Seat captain.
"The reason we don't come to these kinds of shops isn't because of our positions, but because of the money."
Rangiku Matsumoto sighed, " Isane, let's ask the Captain-Commander to give us another raise."
"That's right."
Renji Abarai nodded vigorously, confused about where his salary went, but certain that he didn't have enough money to treat anyone, and hoped they could write him an IOU.
Isane Kotetsu knew the two were joking, so she smiled but didn't reply.
The shop assistant's footsteps approached, the sliding door opened, and he said respectfully, "Mr. Abarai."
"Yes!" Renji Abarai stood there like a recruit whose name had been called.
"The payment for this package has already been made."
"What! Who is it?"
"It's someone."
Although the shop assistant didn't say it explicitly, everyone present could guess who it was—it was undoubtedly Byakuya Kuchiki.
"I've caused you trouble again, brother."
Rukia murmured.
Ichigo Kurosaki spoke up, "Don't feel like you're causing trouble. He's probably very happy that you're getting married."
Renji Abarai whispered, "We should go and thank him."
Rukia nodded vigorously.
"Since the head of the Kuchiki Clan is treating, we can eat and drink to our hearts' content without any hesitation!"
"Even if it's Renji treating, you're not planning to be polite, are you?"
"That's right! I'm the kind of man who never hesitates to accept a treat!"
Hearing Ikkaku and Yumichika's conversation, Tōshirō Hitsugaya didn't know how to respond, "It's not like there's anything to be proud of."
" Hinamori, you've been looking around since earlier, are you looking for something?"
Rangiku Matsumoto asked with concern, "A banquet is only fun if everyone is involved."
Hinamori pointed somewhat shyly to the lower edge of the table, where a crane pattern was carved, exquisitely detailed.
"At first, I was just amazed by the carvings here, but after looking around, I realized that the whole room was decorated with festive decorations."
Hanging on the wall is a scroll with the calligraphy of Chang Lujingfu, white plum blossoms are placed in a vase, the pine trees depicted on the gold screen are full of vigor, and cherry blossoms in full bloom are painted on the sliding door.
"It seems a bit too celebratory." Izuru Kira, who was also from a minor noble family, recognized the meaning behind these celebrations.
Is this room usually used for celebrations?
Hinamori asked.
The shop assistant, with a calm and unhurried smile, replied, "We arranged it this way at the request of someone."
Suddenly, everyone in the room was shocked.
"The room's layout has been completely changed! This was just booked this morning, Kuchiki."
In response to Isane Kotetsu's question, Rukia nodded vigorously and replied, "Yes."
"And to be honest, I didn't mention today's incident to my older brother at all."
Perhaps it was Chiyo who reported it to her older brother; this was the only explanation Rukia could come up with.
" Captain Kuchiki, you really do have that cold face for nothing; you're really not good at congratulating others."
A comment from Ikkaku Madarame.
Yumichika Ayasegawa and Rangiku Matsumoto immediately chimed in, "That's really going too far; it feels like an excessive expression of blessing."
"This completely exposes the fact that he rarely congratulates others."
"Although Captain Kuchiki has an extremely cold image, he must still feel excited and looking forward to his sister's upcoming wedding."
Lisa Yadōmaru, exhaled a heavy puff of hot air from her nose. Oh no, a new plot from her little notebook was popping into her mind again!
"Hehe, I find it very heartwarming; he's a good older brother."
Seeing Hinamori chuckling quietly, Hanatarō agreed, saying, "That's right."
" Kuchiki probably wanted to do something more for Rukia before she left home."
Ichigo Kurosaki glanced at the room filled with various lucky charms and began to wonder what the taciturn man was thinking.
Then, thinking of Yuzu and Karin, if that day ever came, he, as their older brother, would surely offer his blessings. "Just consider it a token of your brother's affection; accept it gladly, Rukia."
"Mmm." Rukia had a happy smile on her face.
She recalled the time she and Renji told Nii-san that they were planning to get married, and Nii-san only replied with one sentence, "Is that so? I understand."
After saying that, he left the room, leaving Rukia and Renji behind.
His attitude didn't change after that; he remained the same in front of the two of them, making Rukia and Renji feel that he didn't seem to object, but also didn't seem to want to bless them.
Byakuya Kuchiki's attitude has been a source of resentment for both of them ever since.
Renji Abarai even wanted to fight again to prove his strength, but Rukia stopped him.
Only today did the two finally realize that Byakuya not only cared about their marriage, but also offered his blessings, and they were finally able to put their minds at ease.
" Renji, it's about time everyone started eating."
"That's right! Then please serve the food!"
"I understand." The shop assistant respectfully replied to Renji, then turned to face the crowd.
"The food will be served soon. Would you like some drinks?"
"Since Captain Kuchiki is treating, you can order anything, right? Just give me the most expensive drink."
Upon hearing Rangiku excitedly order the most expensive wine, Ikkaku Madarame immediately added, "Five bottles, please!"
"You two are really low-class. Remember to give everyone a wine glass."
Ichigo Kurosaki looked at Yumichika Ayasegawa with an expression that seemed to say, "So you're going to drink it too?"
"Captain doesn't need a wine glass. You believe drinking will stop people from growing, right, Captain?"
Seeing Rangiku Matsumoto's malicious smile, Tōshirō Hitsugaya's temples began to twitch.
"This is a rare celebration, I'll have a drink too."
"Is it okay if I can't grow taller anymore? No matter how much time passes, I'll never look like the handsome version of Daiguren Hyōrinmaru back then!"
Rangiku Matsumoto always felt that what happened back then wasn't an illusion, so after the war, she consulted Captain Kuchiki and learned that only after the ice flowers that Hitsugaya had spread in the sky dissipated could Daiguren Hyōrinmaru truly unleash its full power.
At that time, Hitsugaya's appearance and body will temporarily transform into a youthful form befitting that power.
Matsumoto, you're so long-winded!
And that's not the name at all!
Tōshirō Hitsugaya finally couldn't stand the old man's expression and became irritable.
He never said he wanted to grow taller. He just wanted to be this tall, like Hinamori, and stay this way. That would be enough.
Ignoring the noisy crowd, Hinamori smiled and said to the clerk, "Please give me a fruit-based wine."
"Captain, please, when you transform into that adult form, please let me take a picture."
I refuse!
"I can drink the same as everyone else."
Izuru Kira said to the shop assistant.