BLEACH : THE NINTH KENPACHI

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Drink after drink, the sake bowls steadily emptied.
Shihouin Kongchan let out a hearty sigh. "To be honest, I never had much interaction with Captain Gosuke before. This is our first time drinking together, and now I see—you've got a bold spirit. From now on, we should spend more time together."
"At the Shihouin estate, I may not have much else to offer, but we have more than enough good sake."
Before Gosuke Shigure could respond, Kyoraku Shunsui chimed in first with a playful grin. "Captain Shihouin, you're being unfair. We've known each other longer, and you've never invited me to enjoy that fine sake."
Kongchan didn't flinch. He just laughed and replied, "Then it's settled. Captain Kyoraku, you're officially invited to the Shihouin manor to drink next time."
Though the Shihouin family stands as one of the Four Great Noble Houses—higher in status than the Jūnikan Jingi or the Jūrin clans like the Kyōraku—Kyoraku Shunsui's strength and seniority as a captain earned him respect from even the highest aristocrats. A man of his power and political presence wasn't someone to slight, regardless of noble standing.
The Shihouin clan, unlike the aloof Kuchiki, always had a more open-hearted approach—cheerful, approachable, and unconstrained by class.
After finishing his joke with Kyoraku, Kongchan turned to Ukitake. "Captain Jūshirō, you'll come too, won't you?"
Jūshirō Ukitake was the only quiet one at the table, sipping his sake in slow, measured amounts. Perhaps because of his frail health, or maybe due to his inherently calm personality. He rarely drank too much, which everyone understood.
That said, a few cups shared between friends never hurt.
"I'll be there," Jūshirō said gently, smiling faintly.
Kongchan nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Gosuke Shigure again.
Gosuke smiled. "Since it's an invitation from Captain Shihouin, I can only gratefully accept. Just be sure you've stocked up. I intend to drink until there's not a single bottle left."
Shihouin Kongchan laughed in delight. "If you can drink it all, Captain Gosuke, it would actually make me happy. There's more sake in the estate than I know what to do with. If men like you can help finish it, it'd be an honor."
With that, the conversation turned to laughter and stories. The four captains continued enjoying themselves in the cozy izakaya, a rare moment of peace in Soul Society.
Among them, Shihouin Kongchan was especially warm and generous. His invitation to Gosuke, Kyoraku, and Ukitake to drink at his noble estate was no small gesture.
Part of it was just who he was—bold and free-spirited.
But part of it was because of who Gosuke Shigure had become.
He now bore the name Kenpachi—a title not given lightly.
It denoted the most combat-capable captain in the Gotei 13, typically passed through death and battle. The strongest Shinigami earned it not through inheritance, but by force.
How Gosuke attained that title was its own tale—but the fact he did was enough. That alone made him someone worthy of respect, and for someone like Shihouin Kongchan, also worth befriending.
And beyond even that... there was a deeper reason.
That deeper reason was revealed only after the drinking had ended and the captains parted ways. When it was just Kyoraku Shunsui walking beside Gosuke Shigure on a quiet road under the moonlight, he finally said what was on his mind.
"You know why Captain Shihouin treated you so warmly, don't you?"
Gosuke glanced over, a curious look on his face. "I have a guess. But I'd rather hear it from you."
Kyoraku adjusted his hat and answered lazily but sincerely.
"The Shihouin clan, for all their greatness, are probably the easiest of the noble families to get along with. Unlike the Kuchiki or Tsunayashiro, they aren't bound by pomp and arrogance. Their clan leaders have always valued strength and personality above status. They make allies of warriors and heroes alike, regardless of their bloodline."
He paused to take in the night sky before continuing.
"But even so... Captain Shihouin isn't just being sociable. He sees you, a former commoner, now bearing the name of Kenpachi. That name—and your seat as captain—gives you influence. Political weight. Protection. Your reputation has power."
Gosuke Shigure's eyes narrowed slightly in thought.
Kyoraku went on, voice a touch more serious.
"And truth be told... the Shihouin clan isn't what it used to be. Captain Shihouin is still a formidable warrior—among the best of his line—but he's not getting any younger."
"The real problem is his successor."
"There's talk that his son isn't quite up to the task. Not enough talent, not enough will. It's not uncommon among the nobles. Many great families have faded into obscurity because the next generation couldn't carry the torch."
"And while nobility can be inherited, strength cannot. Without strength to maintain it, status fades."
"That's why Captain Shihouin likely wants you as a friend. If—no, when—the Shihouin clan starts to decline, having someone like you as an ally could keep them from crumbling completely."
Gosuke didn't respond at first. But the thoughtful silence spoke volumes.
Kyoraku added one last note. "Of course, I'm telling you this not to make you cynical. Just to be real with you. Captain Shihouin may have his reasons, but he's still a man worth knowing. Don't let his strategy blind you to his sincerity."
Gosuke finally replied, smiling faintly. "Don't worry. I'm not the type to hold a grudge over something like that."
But even as he spoke, his mind drifted to older, forgotten memories.
Once, in a past life, he had belonged to a great noble family himself.
He knew what it meant to have everything—power, reputation, resources. But in the end, he also knew how it felt to lose it all.
Strength could be built. Fame could be earned.
But nobility? Nobility could vanish like smoke—if not protected with power.
And now, perhaps ironically, he stood as one of those powerful few who could choose to protect—or ignore—that fragile legacy.

PS: I UPLOAD

5 CHAPTERS/ 2DAYS ON PATREON,

1 CHAPTER/DAY ON WEBNOVEL.

JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 35+ CHAPTERS

WE ARE CURRENTLY ON CHAPTER 81 ON PATREON.

PATREON.COM/HACKDWORLD