23. Home, sweet home

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the bustling town. Children ran through the streets, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. Merchants shouted to advertise their wares, and the smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the air.

On a rooftop overlooking the scene, Musashi and Arasaka sat side by side, watching the world move below.

"I'm going to miss this place," Arasaka said with a sigh, leaning back on his hands as he gazed at the town. "It's lively, loud, full of energy… it's grown on me."

Musashi sat with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed ahead. "What are you saying?"

Arasaka raised an eyebrow. "What, you don't like it here?"

Musashi glanced at him, his eyes half-lidded as if in quiet contemplation. "It's not that I don't like it. It's just… it's not home."

Arasaka tilted his head back and let out a short laugh. "Heh, typical you. Always so serious." He grinned, turning toward Musashi. "You should lighten up. If you keep that scowl on your face all the time, you'll scare the kids back in the Soul Society."

Musashi didn't reply, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

A moment of quiet passed between them, the sounds of the village filling the space like a comforting melody.

"Time to go," Musashi finally said, rising to his feet. Arasaka followed, letting out a soft groan as he stretched.

"Back to the grind, huh?" Arasaka said, adjusting his zanpakutō at his waist. "Well, let's not keep the Captain waiting."

The two of them stepped forward, the faint glow of a Senkaimon Gate opening before them. The sliding doors of light revealed the pathway back to the Soul Society. Arasaka took one last glance back at the world behind them.

"See you around, you noisy, wonderful world," Arasaka said with a grin, stepping inside.

Musashi followed, the gate closing behind them.

...

The entirety of the 6th Division stood in neat, organized rows, their gazes focused on the raised platform at the front of the barracks. Atop that platform stood Captain Kuchiki Ginrei, a figure of unshakable dignity and composure. Beside him stood Kuchiki Sōjun, the current lieutenant, with Musashi standing tall next to them.

Ginrei stepped forward, his voice clear and commanding. "Today, we gather to mark a moment of change within our ranks. It is with great pride that I announce the retirement of Lieutenant Kuchiki Sōjun. For years, he has served with honor and dedication. We thank him for his service."

The members of the 6th Division bowed respectfully in unison.

Sōjun smiled warmly as he stepped forward, removing his lieutenant's armband from his sleeve. He turned to face Musashi, holding it out to him.

"From this day forward, I pass this responsibility to you, Masaharu Musashi," Sōjun said, his voice calm but firm. "Lead them well."

Musashi stepped forward, accepting the armband. He glanced at it for a moment before sliding it onto his arm with quiet resolve.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant Masaharu!" one of the squad members called out.

The murmuring of the crowd grew louder as the squad members talked amongst themselves. Some were impressed, others were skeptical.

"Never thought he'd rise that fast."

"Didn't he just come back from the Living World?"

"Yeah, but you saw him in training. He's a beast."

Captain Ginrei raised a hand, and the murmuring stopped instantly. "You have all borne witness. Our new lieutenant, Musashi, will lead you from this day forward. I expect each of you to show him the same respect and support you have shown his predecessor."

The division bowed again, the ceremony officially complete.

Later that day, Sōjun invited Musashi to the Kuchiki family estate. As they walked through the carefully maintained garden, the scent of blooming flowers filled the air.

"Come on, there's someone I want you to meet," Sōjun said, his voice light and cheerful.

Musashi followed, though he sensed something unusual. As they approached the main house, the door slid open, and a woman with long black hair and a kind smile stepped out.

"Welcome back," she said warmly. Her hands cradled a small bundle wrapped in soft fabric.

Musashi's eyes narrowed with mild confusion.

"Is that…?" Musashi started.

Sōjun gentaly smiled and waved him inside. "Yes, come in. There's no need to stand in the doorway like a lost soul."

Reluctantly, Musashi followed, his eyes darting toward the bundle in the woman's arms. The woman laughed.

"Hahaha, you don't need to be so tense, Musashi," she said, sitting on a nearby cushion. Carefully, she unwrapped the bundle, revealing a small baby with soft black hair and bright, curious eyes.

"His name is Kuchiki Byakuya," Sōjun said proudly, his gaze filled with fatherly affection.

Musashi blinked, caught off guard. "When…?"

"Not too long ago," Sōjun replied, placing a hand on the baby's head. The baby let out a small yawn and shifted in his mother's arms.

Musashi's gaze softened. "He's small."

"They always are," Sōjun said with a smile.

The two men sat for a while, the peaceful atmosphere filling the room. As lunch was prepared, Sōjun leaned closer to Musashi, his face more serious now.

"Musashi," he began, "there's something I'd like you to consider."

Musashi glanced at him, silently urging him to continue.

"I want you to be Byakuya's guardian."

Musashi's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Sōjun sighed deeply. "My wife and I… our health isn't what it used to be. My illness is progressing, and I don't know how much time I have left."

Musashi's hands tensed. "You'll live."

Sōjun smiled weakly. "I hope so. But just in case, I want Byakuya to have someone to look up to. Someone strong. Someone like you."

Silence hung between them for a moment. Musashi crossed his arms and closed his eyes, thinking carefully.

"I'll think about it," he finally said.

"That's all I ask," Sōjun replied.

...

The next day, Musashi returned to the 6th Division barracks, but someone was waiting for him at the entrance.

"Hello, Lieutenant Masaharu," Suì-Fēng said with a determined look.

"To you as well, Lieutenant Suì-Fēng," Musashi replied, his eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here?"

Suì-Fēng's gaze didn't waver. "I'm here to fulfill my promise. You said I owed you a favor, and I'm here to pay it back. A duel."

Musashi raised an eyebrow. "I see. So...right now?"

"Yes," she said with fierce resolve.

"Fine," he said, leading her to a training yard. They faced each other, both ready.

"Begin," Musashi said.

Suì-Fēng vanished in a blur of speed, her blade aimed for his side. But her attack met resistance—not from his sword, but from his hand.

"What?!" Suì-Fēng gasped, her eyes wide with shock. He had caught her blade with his bare hand.

With his free hand, Musashi flicked her forehead.

Thud!

Suì-Fēng was sent flying, landing on her back with a thud. She sat up, rubbing her reddened forehead. "Again!"

Five attempts later, her forehead was swollen, red, and visibly throbbing.

"I lost," she muttered, lying on the ground in defeat.

Musashi offered her a hand, which she accepted.

"Same time tomorrow?" Musashi asked with a faint smile.

"Fine," Suì-Fēng replied, rubbing her forehead with a pout.

"Also," Musashi added, "you can call me Musashi from now on."

Suì-Fēng blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Only if you call me Suì-Fēng."

Musashi nodded, walking away.

Suì-Fēng watched him leave, a faint blush on her cheeks. She touched her forehead, feeling the warmth of the flick still lingering.

"Tomorrow, I'll win," she muttered to herself.

(End of a chapter)