After hearing Kyōraku Shunsui's words, Gosuke Shigure froze.
However, he did not refuse.
After all, he was never a rigid man.
In his previous life, he lived the kind of life where death lurked behind every corner—a life of blood and steel. After a battle, he always needed an outlet.
Wine and women were often the best release.
"Since it's the invitation of the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, I can only accept respectfully rather than decline," Gosuke said politely.
Kyōraku Shunsui paused for a moment after hearing such refined words.
While it wouldn't be strange for others to say this, it felt oddly out of place for someone from the 11th Division, known for its wild, battle-hardened members.
He temporarily set aside matters of the Gotei and departed the 11th Division barracks with Gosuke Shigure.
Seireitei, though not as sprawling as the four outer districts of Rukongai, was by no means small.
It was the beating heart of the Soul Society—where nobles, Shinigami, and officials resided.
In addition to its high spiritual pressure concentration, Seireitei also contained many areas designated for noble lifestyle and entertainment.
A place like Kabukichō was naturally indispensable.
Gosuke originally thought Kyōraku Shunsui was taking him to a traditional tavern, or perhaps a formal gathering with a few captains and lieutenants.
Unexpectedly, the Captain-Commander led him straight to the Kabuki District adjacent to the upper noble sectors.
Business in Kabukichō was always brisk.
At the entrance, towering sakura trees lined the streets. When a breeze passed through, soft pink petals would fall like snow, mingling with the scents of rouge, incense, and sake—signs of refined decadence.
Nobles in elaborate robes strolled by.
Many recognized Kyōraku Shunsui and offered him polite, respectful greetings.
This was to be expected.
Aside from being the Captain-Commander, Kyōraku was also the head of the Shihōin-aligned Jūshirō Kyōraku branch of upper-class nobles—the Kyōraku clan.
Within the hierarchy of Soul Society, the Central 46 governed the laws, but the noble families—especially the Five Great Noble Houses—held enormous influence. Beneath them were prominent upper nobles like the Kyōraku clan, whose prestige was just one step below the highest tier.
One might call them "quasi-great nobles."
Under Kyōraku's lead, Gosuke entered the entertainment district.
The Kabuki District had many private chambers, separated by ornate sliding doors and perfumed with subtle sandalwood and myrrh.
Some rooms had small personal stages for private kabuki performances. Further beyond was a grand hall with a much larger platform—where performances of a far more adult nature took place.
Just a few glances were enough for Gosuke to understand: this was a place for adults only.
His curious eyes drifted to Kyōraku Shunsui's calm expression.
"Captain-Commander... I didn't expect you to bring me somewhere like this," Gosuke said with a trace of amusement. "A place not suited for children."
Then again, he was no child.
So, it was fine.
Kyōraku, unbothered, smiled as he answered, "I had originally hoped to bring your captain—Kiganjō Kenpachi—for some relaxation. His personality is... too restrained. That might be a result of his past, but now that he's taken the title of Kenpachi and become a division captain, it's better he learn not to keep himself locked away."
"Unfortunately, he declined."
"Fortunately, you didn't."
Kyōraku chuckled lightly, clearly unfazed.
Gosuke understood. So he was a backup invite.
Kyōraku had intended to bring Kenpachi Kiganjō, but since the man refused, the invitation was extended to him.
Still, Gosuke wasn't upset.
What caught his attention more was the mention of Kenpachi Kiganjō's past.
"You mentioned something about Captain Kiganjō's past? What exactly happened to him?"
Truth be told, even with three lifetimes of memories, Gosuke Shigure didn't know much about Kiganjō Kenpachi.
He only recalled that this man once defeated Kuruyashiki—the Seventh Kenpachi—using a peculiar Zanpakutō and became the Eighth Kenpachi.
Later, he was accused of criminal acts and imprisoned in Muken—the deepest level of the Central Underground Prison.
Years afterward, shortly after Aizen's imprisonment, he escaped, only to be defeated by Zaraki Kenpachi and imprisoned again in the deepest layers of the prison.
Beyond that, Gosuke's memory was vague.
The details of Kenpachi Kiganjō's past or his hidden intentions were shrouded in uncertainty.
It had been a long time. Just remembering the name "Kiganjō" was impressive enough.
Kyōraku's expression turned unreadable. "I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but since you asked, Gosuke... I'll share what I know."
"I looked into him after he defeated Kuruyashiki and claimed the title of Kenpachi. His background was too refined to go unnoticed. There's no way someone with noble blood like his should've been hidden all those years."
"And sure enough, the investigation bore fruit."
"Kiganjō's real name is Mochiyama Shōya. He was once the heir to the Mochiyama family—a minor noble house. Though considered low-class compared to the Five Great Clans, they still had status and spiritual resources."
"Years ago, the Mochiyama family suffered a tragedy. Because of their dwindling influence and the spiritual assets they still held, they became targets."
"Through manipulation and political pressure, the family was decimated. Shōya's sister died fighting a Menos Grande while trying to protect him. But even that wasn't enough to end the persecution."
"It was then that he awakened his Zanpakutō."
"The moment he did, everyone around him—foe and kin alike—died."
"When the Onmitsukidō arrived, he was the only one left alive."
"Originally, those from the deceased families were planning retaliation, but thanks to intervention from certain great noble houses, the matter was buried."
"Because of this, Shōya didn't join the Gotei 13 immediately. That's why, when he emerged to challenge Kuruyashiki for the Kenpachi title, even I didn't know who he was."
Kyōraku sighed heavily as he finished.
"Perhaps it was his childhood trauma that made him the stoic man he is today."
There were things Kyōraku didn't say aloud.
For instance—despite being of noble blood, Kiganjō dressed plainly, never revealing any aristocratic flair aside from the minimum necessary to be recognized as a seated officer.
That alone revealed much.
It was a quiet rebellion against the nobility—yet one that couldn't undo his heritage.
He wore his noble identity like a chain: reluctantly, bitterly, and with contradiction.
That contradiction showed even in the way he spoke, dressed, and fought.