Chapter 65: Fireworks

At the Summer Festival, in addition to takoyaki, there were taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste), cotton candy, and candy apples. Most of the food here was from the living world, and it was mainly prepared by the Shinigami who had served in the living world during their duty rotations.

These foods had their unique charm, and Yamahiko and Sui-Fēng bought many of them, enjoying them while exploring the festival.

Apart from the food, there were various fun activities like goldfish scooping, ring-toss games, and bidding games.

Yamahiko had initially wanted to showcase his skills in these activities, but Sui-Fēng appeared to be more adept. She easily caught many goldfish with her net, accurately tossed rings to win prizes, and her bids were always successful.

Every vendor they encountered had a disappointed expression as they watched Sui-Fēng and Yamahiko leave, often with several prizes in hand.

Yamahiko was also disappointed, as he had not found an opportunity to give something to Sui-Fēng and ended up with a collection of prizes.

As they continued to enjoy the festivities, Yamahiko felt a tap on his shoulder. A voice said, "Yamahiko, I was wondering why you didn't join us, but I see you have a companion."

Yamahiko turned around and saw Renji Abarai, Izuru Kira, and Hinamori Momo.

Yamahiko coughed, and Renji hadn't caught on yet, still speaking with satisfaction, "Your girlfriend is quite beautiful."

Yamahiko coughed again, and Renji, puzzled, asked, "Yamahiko, are you okay? You need to be more careful."

However, Hinamori Momo held onto Renji, whispering, "That's Captain Sui-Fēng."

"Sui-Fēng?" Renji's face showed surprise as he looked at Sui-Fēng, and he quickly apologized, "Captain Sui-Fēng, I didn't recognize you just now. I'm really sorry."

Sui-Fēng had a stern expression and replied, "It's fine."

Yamahiko swiftly changed the subject and asked, "Where's Rukia? Isn't she with you guys?"

Renji didn't respond, and Hinamori Momo scratched her head, saying, "We didn't dare to invite her."

Yamahiko furrowed his brow, and Kira Izuru quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, she's with Captain Ukitake."

Yamahiko understood that they still had reservations about Rukia Kuchiki's identity, so he didn't press the issue. He waved his hand and said, "You guys go ahead; I'll stay with Captain Sui-Fēng."

Forgive me for being a guy who values romantic relationships over friendships.

Renji, Izuru, and Hinamori Momo quickly departed, and Yamahiko turned to Sui-Fēng. Unlike earlier when she was somewhat shy, she now spoke openly, saying, "Let's continue."

Yamahiko went to a cotton candy stand and bought two cotton candies. Holding them, they looked like two kids.

The main attraction of the Summer Festival was on the mountain, which was the only time the Central Mountain was open to the public. They would soon light fireworks there.

"Captain Zaraki, Vice-Captain Yachiru, where are you going?" Yamahiko suddenly noticed a tall figure in the distance, walking towards them with a girl on his shoulder.

"Little Yama."

Kusajishi Yachiru waved her hand, and when Zaraki Kenpachi saw Yamahiko, he said, "It's you, you little brat. Yachiru wants to see the fireworks. What's so special about fireworks?"

Yachiru immediately added, "Fireworks are amazing. They say it's made by the best pyrotechnician in Rukongai. I want to see."

"It's such a hassle."

Zaraki Kenpachi said and continued walking towards the distance.

But Yamahiko had a sweat drop on his forehead. Why are you going towards the opposite direction when you're going to see fireworks? Did you get lost again? But there's only one path, right?

Yamahiko felt extremely helpless. He glanced at Sui-Fēng and saw a hint of a smile on her lips.

Sensing Yamahiko's gaze, Sui-Fēng concealed her smile and said, "Let's go."

Yamahiko and Sui-Fēng made their way to the mountaintop and quickly reached the Central Mountain. They entered an area that was cordoned off.

Yamahiko and Sui-Fēng squeezed to the very front and waved, "Kūkaku-nee."

Today's pyrotechnician responsible for the fireworks display in Rukongai is Shiba Kūkaku. Apart from her, there are two retainers from the Shiba clan, Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko.

Shiba Kūkaku heard Yamahiko's shout and walked over. She said, "Yamahiko, you're here too. Who is this? Wait, captain Sui-Fēng? Your clothes and hairstyle!"

Sui-Fēng nodded awkwardly and said, "Hello. Yamahiko helped me with this. I don't really like it."

Shiba Kūkaku smiled and said, "It suits you very well, and it's very beautiful."

Sui-Fēng politely replied, "Thank you."

Shiba Kūkaku pointed to a distance and said, "I have to go back. My brother and sister-in-law are over there. You can go find them."

Yamahiko waved his hand and said, "No need; I don't want to disturb their private time."

Of course not; I don't want anyone to disturb our private time.

Shiba Kūkaku raised her finger and said, "I've set up what you arranged. Just wait for it."

Yamahiko smiled, and after Shiba Kūkaku left, he said to Sui-Fēng, "Captain, let's watch from here."

Sui-Fēng nodded, and the two of them stood at the forefront of the crowd, waiting in silence.

In the distance, Shiba Kūkaku shouted, "The fireworks show officially begins!"

With her voice, Shiba Kūkaku raised her right hand, and flames erupted from it. She then placed her right hand in front of a firework and ignited the fuse.

Sizzle.

As the fuse burned, the firework burst with a bang, sending a fiery plume into the sky. It exploded in the air, filling the sky with pale red sparks.

Bang, bang, bang.

Yellow, blue, and green lights filled the entire sky. At close range, the display was even more spectacular.

After the single-color fireworks, there were dandelion fireworks. When they burst, they resembled dandelions, with three layers of colors. The outermost layer had orange-red sparks, and as the two inner layers disappeared, the orange-red sparks fell from the sky like shooting stars.

At this point, it's not even late, but the end of the shooting stars has turned into a blue light, forming a sky full of stars.

"It's so beautiful," Sui-Feng looked up at this change, feeling her heart filled with the brilliant colors.

Seeing Sui-Feng's expression, Yamahiko smiled and said, "There's even more beauty to come."

As the fireworks were released one by one, the crowd emitted cheers, but they were gradually awed by the beauty of the fireworks.

Boom, boom, boom.

A network of fireworks columns formed in the sky, but they exploded instantly, turning into a starry sky.

The stars burst again, becoming points of light that momentarily illuminated the night sky.

The fireworks display continued for half an hour and soon came to an end.

Sui-Feng then witnessed Kukaku igniting several fireworks: Boom, boom, boom, boom! More than a dozen fire pillars shot up into the sky.

After these pillars exploded in the sky, they suddenly formed a pattern—a bee.

"What's this?"

Sui-Feng widened her eyes, looking at the bee. However, Yamahiko smiled and asked, "Captain, are you satisfied with this gift?"

Sui-Feng looked at Yamahiko, deeply moved. She asked, "Did you prepare this?"

Yamahiko nodded and said, "Yes, I prepared it."

Sui-Feng wasn't sure why, but she felt a mixture of complex emotions. She suppressed her feelings, huffed, and said, "It's not bad."

After saying this, Sui-Feng realized her tone had been rather strict. She followed it with a softer remark, "I really like it."

Yamahiko smiled and extended his hand to hold Sui-Feng's hand.

Sui-Feng hesitated for a moment but didn't pull away, allowing him to hold her hand.

The two of them stood hand in hand beneath the sky filled with fireworks, feeling their hearts brimming with happiness.

~End of the chapter~

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