In the quiet, moonlit night of Soul Society, the Eighth Division barracks were lively and illuminated with warm lantern light. An impromptu celebration filled the air with laughter and chatter, echoing through the stillness of Seireitei.
Earlier that day, Hoshi's display of Shikai had caused a stir, drawing the attention of the captains of the Gotei 13. His feat, guided by the mentorship of Captain Bastu'unsai Katori, was not just an accomplishment—it was a testament to his potential. To commemorate the occasion, Captain Katori had suggested a banquet, bringing together the captains in an evening of unity and celebration.
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The Feast
"Cheers! Hoshi, this sukiyaki of yours is unbelievable. What kind of mind comes up with something like this?" exclaimed Captain Uhin Zenjōji of the Twelfth Division, waving his chopsticks enthusiastically. "I'd love to study that brain of yours, piece by piece!"
Hoshi froze mid-toast, glancing at Captain Katori for support. His expression was equal parts awkward and panicked.
"Are all Twelfth Division captains this eccentric?" he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Captain Danjirō Obana of the Fifth Division to hear.
Danjiro smirked, his gruff voice cutting through the chatter. "If you don't have anything useful to say, Zenjōji, maybe just eat quietly for once."
"Ah, come on, Danjirō. Don't you have any sense of humor?" Uhin replied, feigning hurt.
"Humor, my ass!" Danjirō snapped, slamming his sake cup onto the table.
As the two captains began bickering, Hoshi leaned toward Katori, whispering, "Shouldn't we intervene, Captain?"
Katori sipped her sake nonchalantly, shaking her head. "Let them be. Those two have been at each other's throats for centuries. It's harmless, if not tradition at this point."
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Yamamoto's Speech
The room quieted as Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto raised his cup. The captains immediately turned their attention to their leader, straightening their postures out of respect.
"Tonight is a rare and joyous occasion," Yamamoto began, his deep voice carrying an air of warmth. "It has been too long since the Gotei 13 has come together like this. Let us take this moment to honor Captain Katori for her invitation, and Hoshi for his remarkable progress."
A wave of soft laughter and murmurs of agreement rippled through the captains as Yamamoto's expression softened.
"Raise your cups," he continued, his commanding tone now tempered with camaraderie. "To the unity of the Gotei 13, and to the strength we protect in Soul Society."
"Kanpai!" the captains called out in unison, their voices reverberating through the hall.
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A Lively Exchange
As the evening progressed, the sake flowed freely, loosening even the most reserved captains. Stories of battles and triumphs filled the air, along with a fair share of good-natured teasing.
Captain Saitō Sakahone of the Thirteenth Division leaned toward Hoshi, a mischievous grin spread across his face. "So, Hoshi, tell me—how far along are things between you and Captain Katori?"
Hoshi nearly choked on his drink, his face flushing a deep red. "Wh-what are you talking about, Captain Sakahone? Captain Katori is my superior—nothing more!"
"Really?" Saitō replied, his grin widening. "Then why did she personally carry you all the way back to Seireitei after your last mission? And I hear she stayed by your bedside until you woke up."
"Captain Saitō, you've had too much to drink!" Hoshi stammered, his voice cracking.
Saitō chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "You're not fooling anyone. Besides, do you know how rare it is for anyone to address Captain Katori by her first name and live to tell the tale?"
Before Hoshi could respond, Katori's reiatsu flared slightly. "Saitō," she said, her voice dangerously low. "If you value your tongue, you'll stop talking."
"She's not denying it," Saitō teased, earning a round of laughter from the other captains.
Katori slammed her sake cup down, rising to her feet. "Enough! Draw your swords. Let's settle this right now!"
Hoshi hurried to his feet, grabbing her arm. "Captain Katori, please! You've had too much to drink. Let's not do this here."
The other captains chuckled, watching the scene unfold with amusement. Even Captain Unohana Yachiru, who rarely indulged in these antics, smiled faintly at the chaos.
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A Quiet Moment
As the celebration wound down, the captains began to take their leave, the warmth of camaraderie lingering in the air. Hoshi found himself alone with Katori in the now-empty hall.
The usually composed captain, slightly tipsy, leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes softening as she gazed at him. "Hoshi," she began, her voice uncharacteristically quiet, "what kind of person do you think I am?"
Hoshi hesitated, his heart pounding. "When I first met you, I thought you were just a powerful Shinigami—someone far beyond my reach. You brought me to Seireitei because of my potential, or so I thought. But now…" He paused, his voice trembling slightly. "I think you're kind, even if you try not to show it. You care deeply for the people around you, and…"
He trailed off, his face reddening. "I admire you, Captain."
Katori's gaze softened even further, a rare vulnerability flickering across her face. But before she could respond, her head dipped, and she leaned against his shoulder, fast asleep.
Hoshi sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You're full of surprises, Captain Katori."
Adjusting her haori around her shoulders, he settled in beside her. The cool night breeze drifted through the open doors of the barracks, carrying with it a sense of peace and belonging that felt foreign yet comforting.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Hoshi allowed himself to simply exist in the moment, surrounded by the bonds that tied the Gotei 13 together.