Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

Chapter 104 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 waved casually at the soldier and said with a smile, "It's nothing, you go about your business. I'm just taking a stroll 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, in a voice just loud enough for the other party to hear clearly without sounding too abrupt, he said, "Oh dear, this warm autumn sun, the maple leaves taking a rest, how 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 him a visit today, and also to see if he is 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 flowers and fruits immediately filled the cool autumn air.

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

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

He gently pushed one of the glasses toward Stark, then picked up the other for himself, raised it to Stark, and smiled sincerely: "I wonder if Lord Stark would be interested in—tasting the flavors of Seireitei? Consider it—a greeting gift, or perhaps, 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 and friendly 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 the casual look on his face, I felt a strange sense of unease.

A strange feeling arose in Stark's heart.

This Grim Reaper—he had a rather peculiar feeling about him.

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 and took a sip himself. Then he naturally started "chatting" in mode, his tone as relaxed as if he were having a casual conversation. "Speaking of which, Lord Stark has been staying in Seireitei for a few days now. How do you feel about 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 core—observing the other person's adaptability to and potential discomfort with the Soul Society environment.

Stark's voice was flat: "It's a little uncomfortable, but not unpleasant."

"It's good that you don't dislike it." Kyoraku Shunsui nodded, then asked, "How about your living arrangements? Are the Kidoshu (Demon Path Sect) making good arrangements? If you have any other needs, or if you feel there's anything inconvenient, please let me know."

"I've been in Seireitei for a long time, maybe I can be of some help."

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 within Kyoraku Shunsui: "Sunbathing—"

Good."

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

He raised his glass to Stark and gestured: "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.

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 "Come Often"'s invitation, but simply raised his glass, clinked it lightly with his, and drank the wine again.

"Kyoraku—Shunsui," Stark slowly uttered the name.

"You are different from them."

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

Stark stared 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 finished his drink. Gazing at the blue sky above, fragmented by maple leaves, he sighed softly, "Yeah, sometimes I just feel like—nothing matters. I might as well find a place, bask in the sun, drink some wine, and sleep until the end of time."

He withdrew his gaze and looked at Stark again, the weariness in his eyes flashing by, before he regained his smiling expression: "However, it seems you are more carefree than I am; I can't avoid it."

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, let's have another drink!"

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