Those eyes were sky-blue, resembling the firmament.
Coming to see Naruto was originally just an attempt to muster up some courage and seek a bit of support. Throughout the Kuchiki clan, few had the standing or clout to speak, and the only person he could reliably request help from was him.
But.
What he gained was far more precious than he initially sought.
Naruto's willingness to go above and beyond his expectations was overwhelming.
"Thank you immensely," Byakuya bowed in gratitude.
He gained some confidence and found a wellspring of strength within himself.
The obstacles in this matter were not as insurmountable as Byakuya Kuchiki had envisioned.
Among the five noble families, the Shihōin family had not made a statement; once Tōsen's scandal broke, they hurriedly reinstated "Shihōin Yoruichi" as the head, leaving them without a head to voice opinions on unnecessary matters.
Shiba's household needed no elaboration
since they had already moved out of Seireitei to live in Rukongai.
Excluding the "Tsukimiya clan," another family known for their mysterious nature and non-interference in matters of the Soul Society, remained silent.
As for the Tsukimiya clan, they stood in clear opposition.
But who cared?
That family's face had long been disgraced, and no one believed "they" had the right to criticize, especially those of equal or even higher status like the Kuchiki family.
There were plenty of murmurs among the lesser nobles.
They sympathized with Ginrei Kuchiki, whose son was nearly "dead" and whose daughter was already deceased, yet had a son-in-law who committed such heretical acts, ultimately sealed and suppressed, even absent from Seireitei.
The Kuchiki family's fate was fraught with misfortune.
In the end, they had only one grandson to pin hopes on.
And now, this grandson made such a choice.
It wasn't that they held the notion that "nobles" shouldn't marry "the lowly and commoners."
It was more about "true blood."
Himiko not only hailed from "Rukongai" but also lacked "spiritual power," being the most ordinary soul.
Byakuya Kuchiki wasn't just a "noble"; he was also the primary heir of the "Kuchiki family." Even Ginrei Kuchiki's father didn't stand as much chance as his son in inheriting the Kuchiki mantle.
If someone had to be chosen to represent "Seireitei" or "Soul Society," it would be him.
Outside the realm of the "Squad Captain," the most qualified is the head of the Kuchiki family.
Shinigami and ordinary souls cannot produce offspring.
Surely it's better to marry someone who can bear children.
They dared not openly criticize Byakuya Kuchiki, so they tried to enlist Kyoraku Shunsui, who could represent the lower-ranking nobles, to step forward.
But Kyoraku Shunsui...
"Those people are just too annoying," he complained, holding a sake bowl, "blocking the entrance every day, making it impossible to relax and find an opportunity."
Isshin Shiba nodded in agreement, "Even I've been approached."
"It's hard to understand their reasoning."
"Our Shiba clan was expelled from the 'Five Noble Clans' ages ago, and now they suddenly remember us."
"And what good am I to them?"
"They should look for Kaiyan; I'm just from a branch family."
Rangiku was holding a bowl of sake in each hand, and cast a dangerous look at Jūbei: "The affairs of you nobles are too complex, but for now, let's just enjoy drinking and not speak such depressing words."
"Want some little fox?"
"This is good stuff."
Jūbei leaned over, sniffing the slightly pungent scent, and glanced back at Naruto.
Naruto was staring at them, expressionless.
"Captain Uzumaki, don't be so serious, how about joining us for a drink?" Rangiku looked over and laughed merrily.
Naruto sighed, "I really understand how you all feel right now."
"But,"
"Isn't drinking something you do at an izakaya?"
"Why here in my office?"
He glanced over, and the cornered Soi Fon seemed at a loss, bold enough only with Naruto, while to her, Kyoraku Shunsui and Isshin Shiba still held the imposing image of venerable seniors.
"We would love to go," Kyoraku Shunsui stated confidently, "but those people would ruin the mood."
Isshin Shiba nodded, adding, "But here with Naruto, it's different."
"They wouldn't dare bother you."
Naruto smirked, "It's as if I'm some kind of loner cursed by the heavens."
"To those nobles, you certainly seem that way," Isshin Shiba nodded solemnly, "That punch you landed on Kaname's beach last time was akin to landing a punch on all those nobles."
Naruto spoke calmly, "He deserved it."
"Those aristocrats also deserve whatever comes to them," Isshin Shiba said with a stretch. "This affair will probably only conclude once Captain Kuchiki gets married."
"It's still more comfortable here."
"Could you get me a cushion?"
Naruto clenched his teeth, fists tight. This person was even more indulgent than when at the pub!
Soi Fon got up, "I'll fetch one."
"Yo, thanks," Isshin waved, his tone flippant.
"Get one for me too," Kyoraku Shunsui casually chimed in.
"Captain Soi Fon, could you kindly bring one for me as well?" Rangiku added quietly, feeling less guilty with the two captains as a cover.
The Nine-Tails focused entirely on the bowl of sake, tentatively reaching out with its tongue.
The taste was not good, stimulating the taste buds and twisting its face into a grimace.
The Nine-Tails grumbled, squirming in mild discomfort. This man was dangerous! Though he seemed carefree and unserious, if it came to a fight, the Nine-Tails wasn't too confident.
"Speaking of which," Kyoraku Shunsui tilted his head, looking at Naruto, "What is it? I don't recall seeing it before."
Naruto said nothing, only raising a hand to point at himself.
Isshin Shiba and Soi Fon were confused, their eyes questioning but not probing further.
Kyoraku Shunsui, one of the first captains to meet Naruto, understood his condition and had seen his initial release. After transforming into the Four-Tails, the "fox" traits were obvious. Upon seeing this gesture, he immediately comprehended. Yes, was it the power within his body?
"Giving it a Shinigami robe and an Asauchi might be a bit inappropriate," Kyoraku Shunsui said, cradling the Nine-Tails in his arms and lifting it high.
The Nine-Tails couldn't take it anymore, kicking hard at his face, "Stop toying with me like this!"
Kyōraku Shunsui covered his nose and remarked, "What a strong smell."
"It has its own Shikai," Naruto replied with a smile after seeing Shunsui's reaction. "Regarding its strength, it's a bit more powerful than Captain Soi Fon."
Just as Soi Fon had returned with a cushion, she paused in her steps.
Her face was full of doubt.
Huh?
What could be stronger than her?
Following Naruto's gaze, she noticed that everyone else's eyes were also fixed on the same point—the brilliant fur of the Nine-Tails fox.
So...
Was that remark about "this fox being stronger than her"?
Impossible, right?
"Really?" Rangiku was astonished, incredulous.
After all, Soi Fon was a captain.
How could a small fox, looking like a mere pet, possess such immense power?
"It can have a Shikai?" Shunsui was even more surprised than Rangiku."
Naruto nodded. "Yes, it's an independent being."
The Nine-Tails bared its teeth.
Shunsui picked it up: "Is that so?"
"Truly unbelievable!"
The Nine-Tails struggled, wanting to continue kicking.
Shunsui apologized repeatedly: "Sorry, my earlier words were inappropriate. Let me teach you how to drink."
"Take it as my compensation to you."
The Nine-Tails looked at him skeptically.
"Really," Shunsui said earnestly.
The Nine-Tails could be quite a handful, but it was also rather easygoing.
After a few drinks, it began laughing and chatting with Shunsui.
Naruto sighed.
These guys have turned his office into a chaotic mess.
It seemed only he and Soi Fon were behaving normally.
He glanced over at her.
Even in such an atmosphere, she was diligently handling her division duties; yes, it looked like Second Division matters.
Fine, it seemed he was the only one thinking straight.
Considering this, he decided against joining Rangiku and the others in their drinking spree and headed towards the Twelfth Division.
He made a request to Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who agreed reluctantly.
Byakuya Kuchiki's wedding was set for the New Year.
Even the Kuchiki family, which was the only potential obstacle, had little opposition.
Ginrei Kuchiki's attitude was patient; having endured past events, he had become more tolerant. Byakuya's ideas and decisions outweighed everything else in importance.
This, however, placed considerable pressure on Byakuya.
On New Year's Day, a heavy snow fell.
The Kuchiki family hosted a grand and lively wedding, fulfilling Ginrei's wish for the family to celebrate joyous occasions, to dispel their "misfortune" after so much suffering.
Rukia was taken by surprise, feeling completely out of her depth and led by the nose throughout.
She knew Byakuya was a Soul Reaper, but she hadn't expected his status to be so high—one of the most distinguished nobles, a pinnacle of the three realms.
In Rukon District, souls had no contact with Soul Reapers, let alone "nobles".
She assumed Byakuya was just an ordinary squad member—given how often he was seen executing missions in Rukon District.
Naruto was their officiant.
Even the Head Captain couldn't outweigh Naruto's importance in this matter.
The ceremony began.
"Naruto-kun has climbed to such heights already," Aizen remarked, sidling up next to Naruto. "In just a few decades, at that."
"Captain Aizen is a surprise too," Naruto replied with a smile, "to think that a disguise could be maintained for so long."
"Do you see this as a disguise?" Aizen tilted his head, meeting Naruto's gaze. "I sincerely hope for a better world."
Kagura's instincts confirmed—this was the truth.
Aizen shifted his gaze to the distant Nine-Tails, "I wish you would call me Sōsuke once more."
(End of Chapter)