"Excuse us."
With a polite apology, Chojiro Sasakibe led Seiya Arima to a quaint, old-fashioned café.
The storefront featured intricate wrought-iron patterns, and through the window, Seiya could see antique wooden tables and chairs.
Soft orange lighting created a cozy and elegant atmosphere, while the air inside was filled with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans.
Gentle, slow-paced music played in the background…
Wait a second… was that a record player?
"Whoa, they've got a record player? That's pretty impressive."
Seeing Seiya's astonishment, Chojiro's smile deepened.
"Good eye, Arima-kun. You noticed the most valuable item in the shop right away."
Chojiro took a sip from the coffee cup the waiter had just brought over, his expression calm and content.
"The slow rhythm of music paired with the rich aroma of coffee… It always brings me back to my encounters in the World of the Living. Unfortunately, very few people in Seireitei appreciate this kind of thing."
Seiya thanked the waiter and grabbed two small packets of brown sugar.
"Well, that's not too surprising. Not many folks here have had much exposure to Western imports."
"Western imports, hmm?" Chojiro chuckled. "That's an interesting term."
"Ah… sorry if I said something out of line, Chojiro-san."
"No need to apologize. I have a rather open mind when it comes to new things. Compared to our traditional Captain Yamamoto, I'd say I'm more of a reformist."
Seiya couldn't help but grin awkwardly at the joke.
Strict men making jokes? The impact is always ten times stronger.
As Seiya stirred sugar into his coffee, Chojiro pointed at the packet.
"You've got a bit of a sweet tooth, haven't you?"
Seiya lifted the empty sugar packets with a sheepish smile.
"Ah, you mean this? Sorry, I just can't handle bitter flavors too well…"
Chojiro chuckled softly.
"Sometimes, the bitterness of time can be its own kind of beauty."
"Maybe, but let's save that conversation for when I hit my hundredth birthday."
"Haha! You really are an interesting fellow, Arima-kun."
Chojiro placed both hands on the table and started stroking his mustache.
"Waiter, bring some desserts for my companion here."
Seiya leaned back in surprise.
"Ah, no need for that! You've already treated me enough…"
"Don't worry about it. I own this place. Everything's on the house."
Free food?
Seiya's eyes instantly sharpened.
"Well then… could I get some tiramisu?"
Chojiro laughed heartily.
"You're not shy, are you?"
Seiya grinned playfully.
"Ah-Heh ξ( > )"
After devouring the desserts and washing them down with coffee, Seiya's mood visibly lightened.
No wonder Isane looked so satisfied when I treated her to sweets before.
The sense of fulfillment that came from indulging in high-calorie treats was real.
With a napkin, Seiya wiped the crumbs from his mouth while Chojiro gracefully waved for the waiter to clear the plates.
"Arima-kun, I noticed you've been troubled about your lack of progress lately."
The conversation shifted to serious matters.
Seiya straightened his posture and nodded.
"You're right."
Chojiro tapped his mustache thoughtfully.
"I'm curious—why are you so anxious about it?"
Seiya remained silent, waiting for him to elaborate.
Chojiro lifted a finger and gently twirled his mustache.
"You've only been a shinigami for what… a little over a year?"
"Yes."
"In that time, you've already achieved shikai and reached a level of strength comparable to a vice-captain."
Chojiro shook his head, chuckling softly.
"If it weren't for your desire to keep a low profile, you'd be the most famous student in the history of Shinō Academy."
Hearing that, Seiya let out an awkward "uh…" but couldn't find any words to refute it.
How could he possibly explain his urgency?
He couldn't very well tell Chojiro that he was preparing for future battles against terrifying enemies like the Espada, Sternritter, and Aizen himself.
Time was on his side for now, but Seiya knew it wouldn't always be. The clock was ticking, and he couldn't afford to get complacent.
"Um, I…"
Chojiro waved his hand gently.
"No need to explain if you're not comfortable. I understand."
The soft, steady tone of Chojiro's voice blended seamlessly with the gentle scent of coffee in the air.
"Even Captain Yamamoto has mentioned your… peculiar sense of urgency."
Seiya blinked in surprise.
Was it that obvious?
"But since it doesn't interfere with your training, and since you've kept up with the Genryū lessons, he hasn't pressed the issue."
Thank you, Old Man Yamamoto, for not beating me to death.
"Still, at its core, that kind of mindset isn't healthy," Chojiro continued, smiling gently.
He raised a finger and pointed toward the record player in the corner of the café.
"Let me give you a simple example, Arima-kun."
"That record player you were admiring… I built it myself."
Seiya's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait, seriously? You built that?"
Chojiro nodded proudly, spreading his fingers like a craftsman showing off his handiwork.
"It didn't happen overnight. I started with no knowledge whatsoever. I was clueless at first."
"But, bit by bit, I learned. During breaks between work, I studied the intricate details of mechanics."
"It took me five years to fully understand how a record player worked. And another ten years to build that one from scratch."
He let the words sink in before continuing.
"So… do you understand what I'm trying to say, Arima-kun?"
Chojiro's gaze was calm, but there was wisdom in his eyes.
"Rushing only creates mistakes. It won't bring you any closer to your goal."
"You're a remarkable talent, and I have no doubt you'll create your own unique fighting style someday."
"But until then, focus on the present. Take things one step at a time."
"A true gentleman never takes reckless, oversized strides."
Seiya couldn't argue with Chojiro's words. Everything he said made perfect sense.
It was clear that Chojiro had his own way of guiding Seiya—a quiet, steady form of mentorship.
And Seiya was grateful.
He lifted his head, his expression serious yet appreciative.
"I understand, Chojiro-san. Thank you for your guidance."
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Powerstones?
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