Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero.

As for whether it's strange for a Hollow to wear a Grim Reaper's outfit, he wouldn't even consider that question.

He has been living here for several days.

The members of the Ghost Path Clan, initially shocked, curious, and wary, are undergoing subtle changes over time.

At the beginning, apart from a handful of people like Yanagawa, Asito, and Toyama Shigeyoshi, the vast majority of the team members were...

Whether they were experienced veterans or hopeful newcomers, they were all shocked when they learned that "Lord Stark" was actually a Vasto Lorde Hollow.

They all kept their distance with disrespect, their eyes filled with barely concealed fear, rejection, and alienation.

When they meet, they either avoid each other from a distance or walk past quickly with their heads down, not daring to even breathe loudly.

However, as the days went by, Stark showed no aggression and made no attempt to get close to or influence anyone.

He spends most of his time in his private guesthouse, but occasionally, like now, he comes to the courtyard, finds a sunny spot, lies down, closes his eyes, and seems to be feeling the light.

He seemed to be simply spacing out or sleeping; his presence was faint, his movements were very light, he hardly made any sound, and he never took the initiative to communicate with anyone.

Gradually, some of the bolder or more observant members of the squad began to notice that this "Lord Vastod" seemed to be...

It is completely different from the ferocious, violent, and destructive creatures that are rumored to exist.

He looked like an ordinary, somewhat aloof middle-aged man, except that he had a particularly indifferent and languid demeanor.

Curiosity eventually overcame the initial fear, especially among some of the new team members who had witnessed Yanagawa's prowess firsthand at the Shinigami Academy and were filled with fantasies about Yanagawa bringing back the "legendary guard."

They began to try to make contact with Stark.

"Lord Stark, sunbathing?"

Good afternoon, Your Excellency.

"Today was quite relaxing."

Even with his eyes covered by maple leaves, Stark seemed to be able to "hear" these greetings.

Sometimes he would slightly move the maple leaf covering his face, and sometimes he would let out a muffled "hmm" sound from his nose.

The atmosphere was eerily peaceful. A Vasto Lorde-class Hollow, dressed in a Shinigami uniform, was sunbathing in the courtyard of the Shinigami headquarters, and was even greeted in a friendly manner by passing Shinigami...

If the sages of the Central 46 Chambers, or other traditional Shinigami who deeply abhor Hollows, were to see this scene, they would probably faint on the spot from anger.

But here, among the Ghost Path Clan, and under the invisible influence and "tacit approval" of Yanagawa, such things are happening quietly.

Just then, the spiritual barrier at the entrance of the courtyard rippled slightly, and an uncle leisurely "slipped" in.

A member of the band who was passing by Stark on his way to submit a report paused for a moment, looked up, and then quickly bowed: "Captain Jing! What brings you here?"

Chapter 103 The Same Kind of People

At this moment, Stark, dressed in black shihaka and with maple leaves covering his face, felt a strong spiritual pressure.

Kyoraku Shunsui was still wearing that flashy pink jacket and straw hat, and he was carrying an exquisite ceramic wine pot in his hand.

The squad member who saluted him looked at the famous Eighth Division Captain with some nervousness, wondering why he had suddenly visited the Kido Clan and come directly to the courtyard.

Kyoraku Shunsui casually waved to the soldier and said with a smile:

"It's okay, it's okay. You go ahead with your work. I'm just browsing around and chatting."

His gaze had "casually" swept across the courtyard, and finally "naturally" landed on the figure lying in the sunlight under the maple tree.

"Let's chat?" The team member wondered to himself. He hadn't heard of any old acquaintances between the Kyoraku band leader and the Kido group. Could it be that they were here to see Captain Yanagawa?

Or perhaps it was Senior Asido? He didn't ask any further questions and hurriedly left, filled with doubt.

Kyoraku Shunsui then walked at a leisurely pace toward the maple tree.

His smile remained unchanged, but he scrutinized Stark with undisguised curiosity.

Then, he spoke in a voice that was just loud enough for the other person to hear clearly, but not too abrupt:

"Oh dear, the warm autumn sun and the maple leaves taking a rest are truly delightful. It seems I have disturbed your rare moment of tranquility?"

His voice was gentle, with a touch of just the right amount of apology, yet it also exuded an indescribable warmth.

The maple leaf covering Stark's face twitched slightly again.

A few seconds later, Stark opened his right eye and looked at the uninvited guest.

His gaze lingered for a moment on Kyoraku Shunsui's flamboyant attire, his eyes devoid of any emotion, as if he were merely looking at an ordinary passerby.

Kyoraku Shunsui didn't seem to mind his silence at all; in fact, his smile deepened.

He stepped forward, came to Stark's side, and sat down on the ground very naturally, gently placing the wine jug in his hand beside him.

He crossed his legs, his posture so relaxed that it was as if this were his Eighth Division's backyard.

"Let me introduce myself, I am the captain of the 8th Division, Kyoraku Shunsui." Kyoraku Shunsui took off his straw hat and casually put it aside, revealing his face with a cynical smile.

He said in a very casual tone, "I have long admired Lord Stark's name and have come to pay my respects today. Also... to see if you are settling in well with the Ghost Path?"

As he spoke, he took out two jade goblets and placed them on the grass between himself and Stark.

Then, picking up the wine jug and uncorking it, a rich aroma of wine, with its floral and fruity notes, immediately filled the cool autumn air.

"The specialty of Seireitei, 'Maple Dew Wine,' is brewed with autumn maple leaves and spiritual spring water. The taste is alright, not strong, but the aftertaste is quite interesting."

Kyoraku Shunsui filled both cups, and the wine rippled gently in the jade cups.

He gently pushed one of the glasses toward Stark, then picked up the other glass for himself, raised it towards Stark, and smiled sincerely.

"Lord Stark, would you be interested in... sampling the 'flavors' of Seireitei? Perhaps as a... greeting gift, or rather, a welcome drink?"

His movements were fluid and his tone natural and casual, as if he were reuniting with an old friend he hadn't seen for many years and sharing a drink.

This ability to be so outgoing is truly extraordinary.

Stark took the glass. The aroma of wine in the air was an unfamiliar scent to him; Hueco Mundo didn't have such a thing, only the stench of blood and chaotic spiritual particles.

Throughout his long life, he had almost never had the experience of "drinking with someone," let alone with a Captain Death.

For some reason, looking at the Grim Reaper Captain who called himself "Kyoraku Shunsui" and his casual demeanor, I felt a strange sense of unease.

A strange feeling arose in Stark's heart.

This Grim Reaper... gave him a rather peculiar feeling.

Unlike Yanagawa's unfathomable depth and absolute confidence beneath his calm demeanor, or Asido's weathered composure and vigilance.

He didn't speak, but simply brought the glass to his lips, tilted his head back slightly, and drank the "Maple Dew Intoxication" in one gulp.

Kyoraku Shunsui's smile deepened as he finished his drink and then casually refilled both of their cups.

"How is it? Is it to your liking?" he asked casually, as if they were simply exchanging wine tasting experiences.

Stark was silent for a moment, put down the empty glass, and finally spoke: "...It's alright."

It was just two words, but for Kyoraku Shunsui, it was an excellent start.

The fact that the other party is willing to drink his wine and respond to his words shows that they are at least not opposed to this contact.

"I'm glad you like it." Kyoraku Shunsui smiled, took a sip himself, and then naturally switched into "casual conversation" mode, his tone as relaxed as if he were chatting with someone he knew.

"Speaking of which, Lord Stark has been staying in Seireitei for a few days now. How do you find the environment here?"

Compared to Hueco Mundo, the difference is quite significant, isn't it? Does it feel unfamiliar?

He asked questions casually, as if he were just looking for a topic, but every question went straight to the heart of the matter—observing the other person's adaptability to and potential discomfort with the Soul Society environment.

Stark's voice was flat:

"I'm not used to it... a little, but I don't dislike it."

"It's good that you don't dislike it." Kyoraku Shunsui nodded, then asked,

"How about daily life? Are the arrangements made by the Ghost Path Sect adequate? If you have any other needs, or if you feel there is anything inconvenient, please let us know."

"I've been in Seireitei for a long time, maybe I can lend a hand."

He was testing Stark's needs, satisfaction, and potential discontent or desires. Would a Vastord be content with the status quo? What demands would he make?

Stark glanced at him: "No, this is... fine."

He paused, then added, his tone still calm, but it stirred something in Kyoraku Shunsui's heart: "Sunbathing... is quite nice."

Kyoraku Shunsui smiled, and this time his smile had a more genuine quality to it.

He raised his glass to Stark: "Enjoy sunbathing? We're kindred spirits! I also love finding a sunny corner, a pot of wine, and spending an afternoon there."

It seems I can visit you more often in the future to bask in the sun, have a drink, and chat together.

Anyway, Vice Captain Qixu is taking care of my team affairs, so I'm quite relaxed.

He then subtly hinted at "coming often in the future," which was also a prelude to continued and deeper observation.

Stark did not respond to the invitation to "come often," but simply raised his glass, clinked it lightly with his, and drank the wine again.

“Kyoraku… Shunsui.” Stark slowly repeated the name.

“You… are not quite the same as them.”

"Oh? How is it different?" Kyoraku Shunsui asked with great interest, leaning forward slightly as if listening attentively.

Stark looked at him silently for a long while before slowly saying, "You're afraid of trouble too, aren't you?"

"It seems... you saw right through me, Lord Stark."

Kyoraku Shunsui chuckled self-deprecatingly, tilted his head back, and drained his cup. Gazing at the blue sky above, fragmented by maple leaves, he sighed softly.

"Yeah, sometimes I feel like... nothing matters, so I might as well find a place, sunbathe, have a drink, and sleep until the end of time."

He withdrew his gaze, looked back at Stark, the weariness in his eyes vanishing in an instant, before he regained his smiling expression:

"However, it seems you are more carefree than I am; I can't avoid it even if I want to."

Kyoraku Shunsui burst into laughter, his hearty laughter startling several soldiers who were secretly peeking in their direction from a distance.

"That's right! Come on, let's have another drink!"

Chapter 104 Kyoraku's Challenge

Kyoraku Shunsui shook the empty sake bottle, a slightly tipsy look on his face.