#shunsui kyouraku

[citrusattack]

I can't get over how cute this sequence is

It's like 20 seconds long but I already love them. How they just clamor on Jyuushiro with Shunsui in the back like 'oops'

[smol-ackerman]

KYOURAKU SHUNSUI

BLEACH: THE BLOOD WARFARE (COUR 3) EP. 11: Shadows Gone

[znsluc]

https://x.com/mitarashi0000?s=21&t=55HyzerWcN_RxNpgV2Jocw

[my-my-my]

KINKTOBER DAY 10 - Face Sitting: Shunsui Kyoraku x Female Reader

This is a slight continuation from Day 1 (grooming). Requested by @milapurr.

Summary: All work and no play make Shunsui... something something. Nanao kicks him out of the Seretei for 10 days and 10 nights, and what is poor Shunsui to do?

TW: MDNI! Alcohol consumption mention, exhausted Shunsui, face sitting (fem receiving), sixty-nine.

Word count: 2703

Read on AO3 here.

“How was your vacation, Nanao-chan?” Head Captain Kyoraku asked, a lazy smile on his face as he lounged in his seat, “you certainly look a bit different.” Kyoraku chuckled at Nanao’s growing red face.

“It was fine!” Nanao huffed, “Lieutenant Matsumoto chose a particularly warm place.” Nanao grumbled, as she slammed her gift bag on Kyoraku’s desk. Kyoraku peeped into the bag and saw some novelty items, and a particularly large bottle of alcohol.

“What’s this?” Kyoraku said, inspecting the bottle.

“Rum.” Nanao said, confidently. “It’s a specialty of the region we went to.”

Kyoraku hummed as he opened the bottle and took in the alcohol’s scent. “Maybe I should visit this place too.” He grinned, earning a glare from Nanao.

“No you don’t, sir! You need to finish all these documents before you even think about taking a vacation.” She said in a pointed tone, leaving no room for argument.

Sighing into his seat, Kyoraku grumbled and put the bottle of rum away. Page after page, Kyoraku distracted himself by dreaming of sunny skies and warm breezes.

Kyoraku poured himself the remaining drops of the rum Nanao had bought him months ago, sitting next to Ukitake’s gravestone. He sighed as he stared into the now empty bottle, it’s sweet, yet alcoholic scent lingering in the air.

“You would’ve liked this drink, Jushiro.” Kyoraku said, sighing again. He stared at the sky, there was a slight chill in the air, and the crisp breeze didn’t help but add to the forlorn mood Kyoraku was in. He drank his glass of rum, savouring its taste.

“Maybe I should go on vacation…” he muttered, staring wistfully into the sky. He was Head Commander after all, wasn’t he allowed to have a break too?

He headed back to his office, where Nanao and Okikiba were handling paperwork and other bureaucratic nonsense Kyoraku avoided to do. He looked at the stack of paper on his desk, his eyes glazing over as he skimmed through the inane notes left by Central 46.

Without even realizing, Kyoraku let out another loud sigh, surprising Nanao. It was rare for her to see her captain in a despondent mood like this. She took a hard look at him. He looked… exhausted. There was a slight dark circle and bag under his eye, and his facial hair was beginning to look unkept.

“Captain,” Nanao asked, looking at him directly in the face, “are you alright?”

Kyoraku was startled by the question, but gave a half smile, “it could be worse.” Then went back to skimming documents.

“When was the last time you went on vacation?”

Kyoraku stopped and leaned into his seat. He thought deeply but couldn’t recall an immediate answer. Since the defeat of Yhwach, the shuffling of captains and lieutenants in the Gotei 13, as well as tracking Yhwach’s residual reiatsu…

He hadn’t taken a break since more than a century ago, he realized.

Nanao gave him a sad smile, “sir, let’s finish up for today. I think we can continue these documents tomorrow.” She said, taking his completed documents off his desk. “Also, I think you need a bit of a shave.” She commented, scrutinizing his face.

Kyoraku gave her a blank stare then let out a laugh, shocking Nanao and Okikiba. Maybe he’s alright after all Nanao thought, as she continued to stare at Kyoraku. As everything was put away, Kyoraku bid his two lieutenants good night and walked to his private quarters.

Kyoraku’s alcohol collection was substantial. Sake, upon sake, wine, after wine. He had a drink for every occasion, but… nothing called to him other than the rum from Nanao. His personal servants had prepared him a meal, which was delicious, but it wasn’t fulfilling his craving. He stared at the empty bottle on his shelf as he pondered about what to do.

What Kyoraku didn’t expect the next day was Nanao pushing him out of the office and into a Senkaimon she had created. What Kyoraku also didn’t expect, was a calm sea breeze, sunny skies and Nanao casting a clothing spell on him. Instead of his Shinigami attire, Nanao had swapped his straw hat for a sun hat, and his robes for a loose-fitting button-up shirt and floral swim trunks reminiscent of his robe.

Kyoraku hummed as he inspected his surroundings, adjusting his hat to get a better view of the landscape. White sand meeting the aqua-hued ocean, with sea gulls soaring high in the sky. He wasn’t completely alone though, as he saw a few people lounging on the beach. He turned around and saw the resort in full view.

As he walked through the entrance, concierge immediately greeted him, “thank you for staying at the Grand Wailea, Mr. Kyoraku! Your assistant, Ms. Ise, had requested us to give you this.” The clerk handed Kyoraku a bottle of the rum he had been thinking about.

“My, my, she’s full of surprises, isn’t she.” He laughed, thanking them. Another staff attendant escorted Kyoraku to his suite, that had an immaculate view of the ocean, and his own private infinity pool. As if on cue, his phone linking to Soul Society, rang.

“Hello” Kyoraku answered in a chipper tone.

“Captain, I’m assuming you made it to your suite without any problems?” Nanao asked.

“Yes, yes, Nanao-chan. I—”

But before he could get a word in, Nanao interjected, “I booked your suite for 10 days and 10 nights. Please enjoy yourself sir. Also, the suite I booked you in has spa and massage services. I request you use them.” She said in a pointed tone.

Kyoraku let out a sheepish chuckle, “of course, Nanao-chan. But thank you for preparing this.”

Nanao was silent on the other end, “… you’re welcome. Enjoy your trip, sir.” And she disconnected the call.

Throwing his phone on the bed, Kyoraku looked around his suite and noticed that there was a suitcase in the corner already. Knowing Nanao, she had packed away suitable attire for him, enough for his entire stay and then some. He walked over to window in the bedroom and opened, the sea breeze filling the room.

A loud yawn escaped Kyoraku, as he plopped himself on his bed, letting the breeze and ocean waves lull him to sleep.

Kyoraku was thoroughly enjoying his stay at the resort. Nanao had booked him a rum-tasting tour, suggest a visit to the nearby casino, and other activities to fill his time. But currently, as he lounged under his umbrella on the beach, he was appreciating the view.

But not of the beautiful beach and ocean, but one that called to his baser instincts, the beautiful women in swimsuits. His eyes peered over everyone, before placing his hat on his face. With the heat of the sun, the lulling sound of the ocean waves and the sea breeze, Kyoraku fell asleep on his towel.

Until he heard a familiar laugh. His face twitched at the sound, then he heard familiar voice. He lifted his hat and looked around the beach, where he saw you.

You were with your friends, laughing, smiling and enjoying yourselves at the beach. Kyoraku smiled to himself as he looked over your swimsuit, it complimented your body beautifully. You wore a wide-brim sun hat and sunglasses as you and your friends chatted away. Your smile was as radiant as ever, Kyoraku couldn’t help but smile when he saw it.

But he didn’t want to intrude on your own vacation, so he fell back asleep.

Kyoraku jolted up, unsure of how long he napped for. Was it for a few hours? A few minutes? He couldn’t tell, the sun was still shining as bright as ever, but he looked around and saw you alone, reading something.

Kyoraku cranked out the kinks in his neck and back as he walked over to you. You didn’t notice him at all.

“What are you reading, dear?” Kyoraku inquired, smiling as he saw you jump at his voice.

“Oh Shunsui! You scared me!” You looked at him in surprise. “Come, sit with me! My friends went back to their rooms.” You smiled at him, patting down a spot next to you. Shunsui lowered himself and you gave a slight blush, remembering how much larger he was compared to you. “What brings you here?” You inquire, hoping to distract yourself.

Shunsui gave you a lazy smile, “my assistants thought I needed a vacation, so to my surprise, they booked me here.”

“That’s very kind of them to do that! It’s not easy to book a room here.” You said, a pout forming on your lips.

“Is that envy I hear in your voice, my dove.” Shunsui teased. He snickered as he brought his face close to yours.

You huffed, “no! I’m just saying, you have kind assistants, that’s all.”

“Whatever you say, dear.” Shunsui laughed, kissing you on the lips.

You kissed him back, much to your surprise. It had been months since you last saw each other, and as frustrating as it was for you, you were relieved to see him. You felt the familiar ache growing between your thighs as Shunsui pulled away.

“How long are staying for?” Shunsui asked, brushing his lips on your forehead. He pulled you closer to his side.

“I leave in 2 days.” You sigh, looking back to the ocean. “How about you?”

“Another week.”

You frowned again, “that must be nice.” You huffed again.

“How long were you on vacation for?” Shunsui asked, stealing another kiss from your lips.

“I’m only here for four days…” you sigh, leaning into his body.

“Then why don’t you stay with me?” He asked, grinning as he saw your face drop with shock.

“Oh, I couldn’t!” You gasped, “I’d have to rebook my flight and everything, and I wouldn’t be able to cover my share of your room.”

“It’s on me, petal.” Shunsui said, cupping your chin, forcing you to look at him as he gave you a lazy smile. “I haven’t seen you in a while, and my suite is too big for just one person,” he chuckled. “And I’ll cover your flight. It’s the least I can do.”

You bit your cheek, he has a whole suite? You thought to yourself. Now you were trying to find a reason to say no. It’s not like you and your friends were flying out together… they were leaving tomorrow anyways.

“I also have a few tours and sight-seeing activities planned. But I do better with some company.” Shunsui teased, as if to sway you to stay. “Well… in that case, I guess it can’t be helped!” You said sarcastically, “someone has to make sure you attend your tours” you said, before kissing him again.

You fell on to Shunsui’s, well now your, bed, letting out a loud sigh after a busy day. You and Shunsui had swam and enjoyed the ocean waves, before you invited him to dinner with your friends. Your friends took him in stride, as you introduced him as a client, and surprisingly, Shunsui toned down his flirting in front of them. Your friends didn’t question anything, and as a token of his gratitude, Shunsui paid for the entire group’s meal.

But once dinner was over, you pretended to say goodbye to him and head back to your room… then sneaked away and move some of your things into Shunsui’s suite.

“I’m jealous, Shunsui! This suite is beautiful.” You said out loud, staring out the window. The moon was full and bright, shining into his infinity pool.

“Thank you,” Shunsui laughed, unbuttoning his dress shirt, “but that goes to my assistant. She planned my entire trip.”

“I see, she knows you very well.” You said, curiosity filling your voice.

“I suppose she does, she’s known me for most of her life.” Shunsui said calmly, entering the bedroom. “She is my niece after all. But enough about her, what have you been up to, petal? Did you miss me?” Shunsui said, standing over you.

Your heart skipped a beat as he stared down at you. His hair was down, covering the faded scar of his mysterious injury. His eyepatch was also gone, as his one eye leered at you. His muscular chest, covered with the familiar thatch of chest hair trailing down to his unfastened pants, his belt gone. Without realizing, you licked your lips as you saw a faint hint of a bulge under his trousers.

You looked at his face, lifting the skirt of your dress up. Shunsui’s eye widened at the sight. You weren’t wearing anything under your skirt. “Naughty girl, where are your manners?” Shunsui teased, as he nestled himself between your legs.

You stuck out your tongue and made a face, “I was hoping me and you could sneak out during dinner.” You teased, rubbing your already wet pussy.

Shunsui clicked his tongue, “I’m sorry to disappoint you, petal. I have something to make up for it.” He answered, giving you a devious smirk. He laid down next to you, “take off your dress and come here.” He said, pointing to his face. Your eyes widened, but you didn’t hesitate at all.

Your thighs straddled the sides of Shunsui’s head as he grabbed on to your hips. He lifted you with easy as you felt his nose brush against your clit, earning a loud moan from you. Then you felt his expert tongue swipe at your folds, lapping up your juices from your dripping cunt.

You didn’t hide your voice, letting your moans and cries out freely as Shunsui continued  his feast on you. You were grateful for his strength; his hands were a vice grip on your hips as you thrashed above him.

“Shunsui, I’m- I’m” you shrieked, as your hips bucked above him. Your legs tensed up and you let out the loudest scream you could recall, your vision turning white from the pleasure Shunsui had given you. Your body then slumped in his hands, before you were pulled away from Shunsui’s face.

“My, my,” Shunsui drawled. You whined from the sudden loss, before staring at his face, clear liquid covering him.

“Oh my god!” You exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, Shunsui!” You yelped.

Shunsui laughed, “oh no apologies, kitten. Is this the first time you’ve squirted?”

You felt your face grow hot, but you nodded your head.

Shunsui gave a lazy smirk, before kissing your inner thighs, “it’s better than any dessert I could ask for.”

“Do you want seconds?” You teased, as you snuck your hand between your thighs, feeling how wet you were. You trembled at the sensation, but Shunsui was staring at you intensely.

“I’d love seconds, but face the other way this time, dear.” Shunsui asked, as you maneuvered yourself in the opposite side.

You were facing his legs, and saw his erection under his pants. But before you could grab his cock, you felt Shunsui slip his tongue between your folds again, wrapping his lips on your clit. You arched your back from the feeling, but were determined to make him feel good too.

Without hesitation, you pulled out his thick shaft, dribbling with precum. Shunsui repositioned himself to make it easier for you to swallow his cock. You groaned at the sensation of having your pussy licked, with your mouth stuffed with his cock. Shunsui’s hand left your hip and threaded itself in your hair, as he guided you against him.

The two of you were ravenous for each other, as if trying to see who would cum first. You moaned around his cock as Shunsui’s nose bumped into your clit, his tongue greedily licking the juices off your lips.

You pulled your mouth off his cock and turned your head. Shunsui pulled himself away from you and slapped your ass, “good girl.” He smiled as you ran your tongue over his cock, wanting more of him. He watched you bob your head up and down his shaft, your moans sending wonderful sensations to his cock. He then buried his face back into your pussy. This was the vacation I needed, he thought, smiling into you, thinking of all the ways he would find himself between your legs for the rest of the trip. Maybe she should try some of that rum... he thought, as you twitched above him, another orgasm rolling through your body.

The title of this on AO3 is "The Slang Word P(*)ssy Rolls Off The Tongue With Far Better Ease Than The Proper Word Vagina. Do You Agree?" by André 3000. I felt it was super fitting for Shunsui and this theme haha! I'll admit, this was a bit of a struggle to write (I didn't have an idea of where I wanted to go with this one), but I ended up finding something to work with. I hope you guys enjoy it, thanks for reading! :)

[meroko26us]

My fave man!! 

Don’t look so sad

[hitsugaya-toushirou]

Rock Musical Bleach ~Arrancar the Final~ Cast

Karakura

Soul Society

Hueco Mundo

[brittscafe]

..His eyes are so easy to get lost in. Globes of honey brown that the sun glistens into as the silk sheets dance across your skin. The sun that trickles in from the window as the sun rises up in the early morning.

Shunsui's got his arm wrapped loosely around your waist. Soft, wet kisses are placed across your cheek, his beard brushing against your skin and tickling. You giggle, sinking a bit into your figure as he pulls you closer, pressing the side of his face against yours and rubbing his beard against your soft, plush flesh.

You playfully push him away and a low rumble of a chuckle bubbles up from his chest. His messy hair is in a loose ponytail, stray strands everywhere from his morning hair.

"You're beautiful," Shunsui speaks softly, eyes admiring your face.

"Shut up," you whisper out, cheeks heating up from his sweet compliment. Shunsui hums quietly, lips curling up into a slight grin as he enjoys the sun rising up with you by his side.

a/n: little piece for y'all since you guys must be starving from my lack of content lol

[makomori]

HOUSE CALLS (Shunsui Kyōraku x OC)

Kotetsu Isane has noticed a sadness in her fourth seat's eyes that only seems to grow. Ise Nanao is also concerned about the shadows that have crossed the Captain-Commander's, well, one eye as of late. On a rare night out, both women share their observations and devise a plan to bring joy--and a bit of trouble--to their unsuspecting colleagues.

Cross-posted on Ao3

CHAPTER TWO

ONE | MACHINATIONS (2.4k words)

A/N: After a million years, I'm finally caught up on Bleach!!! This fic's been in my head for a while, so thanks very much for taking the time to check it out. 💖 There's nothing like a bit of messy matchmaking to bring two grieving souls together. 🥹👀🙈

God not only plays dice. He sometimes throws the dice where they cannot be seen. - Stephen Hawking | Does God Play Dice?

It was a universally known fact that Ryotei served the best sake in the Seireitei. And if you were truly fortunate, sake brought straight from the Kuchiki cellars would be available the night you decided to go out drinking.

Ise Nanao hoped it was one of those lucky nights for her.

The last month had been ridiculously busy, as she was overseeing the final details regarding the yearly joint training exercises for the Gotei 13. It was the Soutaicho’s brainchild, one that he proposed shortly after the defeat of the Quincy King--Yhwach. While the divisions did a fine job of training their respective members throughout the year, the Soutaicho determined those skills could be further honed through friendly competition.

The exercises grew so popular in fact, that its unofficial and affectionate name among the Gotei was, ‘The Tournament of Death’.

And what would a tournament be without prizes? Extra funds were given to all the divisions for their overall parcipitation, but everyone vied for the prizes awarded to the shinigami who finished top ten in the knockout rounds. Those prizes included free food and sake at Ryotei, training sessions with the captains, and monthly use of the Fourth’s specialized recovery services for a year. However, this year’s most coveted prize was a month-long vacation to Gunma Prefecture, in the World of the Living. Kusatsu Onsen and Gunma’s natural landscape were a motivating prize for any tired shinigami.

Unsurprisingly, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki was the reigning champion, a title he held since the tournament’s first year. And true to Kenpachi’s name, he ignored the grand prize and instead challenged the Soutaicho to a one-on-one fight every year to see who was the strongest shinigami in the Soul Society. And the sake of everyone in the Soul Society—but mostly for his own safety—the Soutaicho had been successful in dissuading Kenpachi from following through with his idea.

Most of the tournament’s planning fell to the First Division, which meant a healthy amount of stress for the First's co-lieutenants. Thankfully, Nanao and Okikiba quite enjoyed the process, despite the added duties and occasional sleepless nights. And the true reason behind the exercises kept everyone heavily motivated. With the near-destruction of the Three Worlds almost five years past, the Soutaicho made a promise to himself and the souls under his care that the Gotei would be prepared to face another calamity like Yhawach.

The chances of another Yhawach threatening the balance of the worlds was miniscule, but the Soutaicho wasn’t eager to repeat the same mistakes of his former sensei. Long years of peace and obstinate rigidity brought so much destruction to the worlds, and the tournament was one of the many ways he was working to undo the mistakes of solely following tradition. Though, he gave most of the credit to Kurosaki Ichigo, who’s appearance shifted the fabric of Soul Society. But Kyoraku Shunsui was the best candidate to continue pushing that shift, as he never really fit the mold of a model shinigami.

Nanao was more than happy be a part of executing her uncle’s vision for a better Soul Society. It was the least she could do to thank him for protecting her throughout the years. He was a good man, and she was honoured to be his kin. But that duty took a lot out of her today, so she sent another silent prayer to the gods that the elusive Kuchiki sake was on tap when she entered Ryotei.

The restaurant’s warm yellow lanterns were a welcome sight to Nanao's strained eyes, and the throbbing sensation across the back of her head began to ease as she was escorted to an empty table. Ryotei was also famous for its live music, and Nanao found herself humming along with the shamisen player at the front of the restaurant. At this point, she’d settle for any cup of sake and a hot plate of—

“Nanao-chan!!”

Irritation creased the tired lieutenant’s brow at the familiar use of her name, but a smile quickly shaped her lips when she saw Kotetsu Isane beckoning her over to a more private table near the back of the restaurant. Running into a good friend was always a good way to forget a hard day at work. And Nanao knew she’d be out for longer than planned when Isane poured her a cup of sake from a bottle stamped with the Kuchiki emblem.

“Enjoying yourself, Isane-chan?”

“Immensely. I was hoping they’d serve the Kuchiki sake tonight.” The Fourth’s captain gave her friend a toothy smile when she saw her signal the waiter to bring another bottle of the famous brew. “Are you planning on keeping me company?”

Nanao nods, then steadily downs the first cup of sake. “It’s been a while since I’ve gotten anywhere close to drunk. Besides, drinking with you is fun.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Isane laughed while pouring two more cups. “Cheers to a good night.”

While the sake flows and hot plates of gyoza and takoyaki are devoured, the two women catch up with each other as only good friends could. It seems like no time had passed since their last extended conversation a couple months ago, before planning for the tournament became a priority.

Isane thrived under the mantle of Captain, and greatly enjoyed it even with the added responsibility of caring for an entire division. Nanao half-heartedly complained of her mostly self-imposed workload, but added that sharing the role of co-lieutenant with Okikiba made her life so much easier. While her uncle had become more responsible since accepting the role of Soutaicho, it was only just. At least now she had someone who truly understood the complications that came with trying to keep up with his infamous wandering spirit.

“So, does our Soutaicho even do any paperwork nowadays?” Isane hid her laugh behind a mouthful of ramen when Nanao rolled her eyes.

“I finally got him to come to the barracks twice a week,” Nanao sighed with exasperation. “Even then, he still tries to sneak off when I’m not looking.”

“Can’t say I blame him. It’s hard not to fall asleep when I’m doing my reports.” Isane smiled in contentment while she rested her hands behind her head. “But how is our Soutaicho doing? It’s hard enough being the Captain of one squad—I can’t imagine overseeing thirteen.”

Nanao has never been the type to contribute to the rumour mill, but the Kuchiki sake brought the thoughts she held close to her chest straight to the tip of her tongue. “He’s…tired. And he’ll never tell me that because he knows I’ll worry.” She twirled the cup in her hand gently, hoping to ease the anxious energy crawling up her spine. “But I’ll always be worried about him.”

The worry in Nanao’s voice began to cut through the haze of intoxication that pleasantly clouded Isane’s vision. It was rare for her to be this concerned about the Soutaicho. Isane reached across the table and squeezed her friend’s hand in assurance. “Don’t worry. The Soutaicho’s concerns are safe with me.”

The First’s lieutenant smiled softly. She knew Isane-chan would never say or do anything to compromise their Soutaicho’s reputation. “I suppose tired isn’t the right word. If anything, he’s…sad. He carries his own losses and those of the divisions.”

The lingering clouds of intoxication in Isane’s mind disappeared on her next breath. There had been so much loss on all sides of the war, and trying to pick up the pieces of an old life was a delicate, lengthy process. The most unfair aspect of loss was that it affected everyone differently. There was no timeline for grief, even for shinigami. This was the most difficult aspect of Isane’s role as a Captain, especially since her division’s primary role was healing. But she know all too well that an easy fix wasn't possible for some wounds.

They simply ran too deep.

“I…have the same worries for my fourth seat.”

Nanao’s brow furrowed for a moment. “Konishi-san?”

“Yes,” Isane murmured, rubbing the beginnings of a headache from between her eyes. “Her older twin brothers died during the war. She hides her sorrow well, but that sorrow settles a little deeper in her heart with each passing month.”

Nanao opens her mouth to respond, but then pauses. She’s unsure of what to say, as she herself hasn’t been successful in bringing the more carefree aspects of the Soutaicho’s personality back to the light.

“Azumi-chan buries herself in work,” Isane continues, concern causing her voice to waver. “It’s hard for me not to intervene, because grief is different for everyone.

“Even after grief has run its course, you’re still left with the fragments of the whole you use to be.”

Daunting silence settled between the two women for long moments. For all their talent and strength, they felt powerless to help the people close to them work through burdens sitting heavy on their shoulders. But Nanao was also never one to let apathy crowd her thoughts for long. As she stared at the pristine sake cup in her hand for answers, the spark of a ridiculous idea began to tickle the edges of her mind.

“…How well do the Soutaicho and Konishi-san know each other?”

“They get along very well professionally.” Isane hiccuped before her brow creased in deep concentration. “When Azumi-chan was a nurse, she was the only one who didn’t run away from the Soutaicho when he dropped by for a visit.”

Nanao poured herself another cup of sake and nodded firmly. “Good.”

The Fourth’s captain smile threatened to split her face in two when she finally caught onto Nanao’s idea. “Azumi-chan also used to help prepare Captain Ukitake’s medications. Actually, Unohana trusted her to mix his medications when she wasn’t able to.”

Nanao nodded twice this time, and with aggression. “Why hasn’t she moved up in the Fourth? I hear that her skills and knowledge are rivalling yours.”

“She enjoys the freedom of being fourth seat,” Isane chuckled. “And she runs a travelling clinic in the districts twice a month. Most of her subordinates volunteer at her clinics as well.”

It was a rare for souls living in the Seireitei to show compassion for those living beyond the great wall. Nanao would always be grateful that she wasn’t transferred to the districts after her mother was executed. She only heard stories of the hardships many endured just to find basic necessities; Konishi-san’s clinics were no doubt helping to alleviate some of those pressures. She indeed personified the traits needed to be an effective leader in the Fourth division.

“Most of the women on her mother’s side were midwives,” Isane continued, pride clear in her voice. “So I think she’s planning to expand her clinics to include classes for new parents.”

“Konishi-san is kind,” Nanao murmured in quiet admiration. “Quite rare for a shinigami, wouldn’t you say?”

Isane leaned forward and rested her chin in her hands. Another smile graced her lips, but this time it was one made of pure mischief. “Our Soutaicho is kind, too.”

Nanao sighed and quickly poured more sake for herself and her co-conspirator. Both women quickly gulped the liquid down. What they were about to propose was risky, but the rewards were potentially worth the trouble. For their part, a bit of planning and a few nudges would be enough to get the key players on the board.

“I never took you for a matchmaker, Nanao-chan.” The Fourth’s captain fell prey to a fit of giggles, which ended on a few hiccupps.

“Do you think it’ll work?” Nanao’s teeth worried her bottom lip as the voice of reason tried make itself known.

“Oh, don’t you back down now,” Isane scolded. She filled her friend’s cup to the brim with the strong Kuchiki brew. “Here, have some more sake to clear your mind.”

Nanao gratefully accepted the freshly-filled cup. “I think having someone new in their lives would benefit both the Soutaicho and Konishi-san. Even if it’s just a friend.”

It was Isane’s turn to nod aggressively. “We just have to figure out how they can have some quality time alone. The Fourth’s barracks are out of the question. It’s been chaotic because we’re preparing for the tournament.”

Nanao crossed her arms, hoping the action would spur more ideas into her sake-addled mind. Moments later, her eyes narrowed. “The Soutaicho has mentioned several times that his right eye has been bothering—”

“That could work!” Isane gripped the edges of the table to steady herself. “The next time he mentions it, have him put a request directly to me for treatment. Then, I'll find an excuse to have the request transferred to Azumi-chan. Should she go to the First barracks to treat him?”

Nanao shakes her head quickly. “The risk of someone disturbing them is high. When he’s at the barracks, so many people need his help.”

“Hmm…then have him request a house call. That way, Azumi-chan can treat him without distractions.” Isane smiled triumphantly. “Then they’ll be forced to talk.”

“That won’t be hard. He loves the sound of his own voice.”

“Be nice to your Soutaicho!”

“I am being nice,” Nanao grumbled, trying hard not to roll her eyes. “So nice, in fact, that I’m going through all this trouble to set him up on a date.”

Another fit of giggles took over Isane’s body. “Now that I’m thinking about it, they make a very attractive couple.”

Nanao couldn’t disagree with that. Warmth and beauty radiated from Konishi-san, and the Soutaicho was still one of the most eligible bachelors in the Seireitei, despite his protests. She hoped the healer’s compassionate demeanor would bring some peace to her uncle’s burdened spirit. And that in turn, her uncle’s carefree approach to life would remind the healer that life didn't revolve solely around the losses it handed to her. But they had to approach this carefully.

“Let’s set the rules.”

“I’m listening.”

“These are our friends.” Nanao’s caution earned a sharp look from Isane. “We won't meddle more than necessary. We'll facilitate the introductions, but the rest will be up to them.”

“And we'll limit our questions about how things are progressing to just the facts,” Isane offered, even though she knew it would be excruciating for her not to pester Azumi-chan for details. “But if they want to supply us with more information, even better.”

“Agreed.”

And like all proper deals, the two friends sealed their scheme with a firm handshake. They were (cautiously) optimistic their machinations would benefit both parties.

“Here’s to causing a bit of trouble!” Isane beamed, poured two more cups of sake, then raised her hand for a toast.

Nanao’s head dropped to the table with a groan. She lifted her own cup to Isane’s, the echoing clink truly sealing the deal. “Let’s hope we don’t regret this.”

[kingvlion]

Fond.

[midnightactual]

while I'm going on about meta, I've noted before that nobody can detect Yoruichi except Kūkaku. there is one exception... in chapter 153:

Shunsui is able to notice Yoruichi is coming, although he can't tell that it's her specifically

this is notable given that Yamamoto(!), Retsu(!), Jūshirō(!), Byakuya(!), Soifon(!), Chōjirō(!), Nanao(!), Marechiyo, Isane, Sentarō, Kiyone, and Ichigo(!) don't notice her approaching (much like Jūshirō, Byakuya, etc. didn't before, and Aizen, Gin, Kaname, Askin, Yhwach, and so on won't later)

now, we know from CFYOW that flash steps are inherently not stealthy:

The high-speed movement possible through Fullbring enabled control over the reishi dormant in the ground and the power to increase the ability to move itself. Unlike shunpo, it would disturb the surrounding spiritual pressure to a minimal degree and could be said to be similar to sonido in that it was covert and allowed one to take an opponent by surprise.

we also know from Klub Outside that:

2024.10.14 Q685. 瞬歩や響転とはどういった点が違うのでしょうか？特に探査神経をすり抜ける特徴のある響転が気になります。 What are the differences between Shunpo and Sonído? I’m particularly curious about Sonído’s characteristic of bypassing sensory detection. A685. 主に肉体を鍛えて行うのが瞬歩、霊子操作能力を鍛えて行うのが飛廉脚、体内の霊子を「霊子ではないもの」に変換して行うのが響転です。 Shunpo mainly involves training the body, while Hirenkyaku focuses on improving reishi manipulation. Sonído, on the other hand, involves converting the reishi within the body into something "other than reishi."

basically flash steps are almost entirely physical, Hirenkyaku and Fullbringer movement involve manipulating ambient reishi, and Sonido involves manipulating the self

so first of all, you need to bow down and recognize how physically supreme Yoruichi is to be able to make something inherently unstealthy into something (almost) perfectly stealthy. just like you need to bow down and recognize the feat that is crafting and sustaining Shunkō (with no usage limit considerations, unlike Soifon) which is implied to have dire consequences if you mess it up, like DBZ's Kaioken making you explode

Yoruichi is like a 30th Level D&D 3.5 Edition multiclassed Monk with a bunch of ridiculousness out of the Epic Level Handbook

but also this tells you what a badass Shunsui is, to be able to do something nobody else present can do (likewise, what a badass Nanao is to escape his notice in CFYOW, and what a badass Tokinada is to notice her doing it when Shunsui doesn't)

so we should generally understand that Shunsui is something like the Qui-Gon Jinn of Bleach, which is exactly why he becomes Captain-Commander when Yamamoto dies, and why he's the one to lecture Lille on Reikaku in TYBW. among the currently serving Captains of the Gotei 13, and even among its greats like Yamamoto and Retsu, Shunsui had the keenest perception of reiatsu and the clearest mind during hectic situations

(Retsu, probably, has the keenest perception of physical senses given she was aware of something being off with Aizen's fake corpse)

this also more generally clues you into the fact that Bleach is much more rock paper scissors than most shōnen, which the novels go out of their way to emphasize again and again, first in SAFWY:

Shunsui KYÔRAKU is also present. KURUYASHIKI asks him if he could take down a vasto lorde. KYÔRAKU responds it depends on compatibility. He could win against a vasto lorde and lose against a gillian. You never know.

and then in CFYOW:

“Yes, that is exactly how it is. Although it’s only a fraction of them. Are you frightened?” Tokinada queried as though testing her, and Aura shook her head quietly. “No. Kisuke Urahara was, of course, frightening, but if he is considered a top class, powerful individual in the Thirteen Court Guard Companies, then I believe I should be able to deal with the rest.” “Don’t get too conceited now. Kisuke Urahara is certainly a man of infinite counterplans. However, the Seireitei is a den of thieves. Do not forget that even an ordinary soldier may hold a zanpaku-to with a power that would be most disadvantageous to you.” Though he was warning her, Aura could not miss the curiosity that tinted the back of his eyes. If that were to happen, this man would likely laugh about it. This noble who came to praise me for having nearly invincible power would surely sneer at me the moment I displayed shock at meeting a passing soldier who could easily destroy me.

[whosyourfavevoicedby-polls]

[cactusnymph]

[ID: nine gifs showing Ise Nanao from Bleach wielding her zanpakuto. In some of the gifs Shunsui is standing right behind her, holding her hands as she holds out her sword. End ID]

NANAO ISE

BLEACH: THE BLOOD WARFARE (COUR 3) EP. 11: Shadows Gone

[windwaver]

[my-my-my]

Let’s talk about Shunsui’s bankai, Katen Kyokotsu: Karamatsu Shinju!

There are different translations for it, with Viz’s translation being “Flower Crazed Heaven Bone Spirit Withered Pine Love Suicide.” Personally it’s not my favourite translation, I prefer this fan one “bones of heavenly blooming madness: withering pine lovers’ suicide.” Kubo apparently went through different variations for the name of katen kyokotsu: karamatsu shinju. At first it was kuromatsu, which is a specific pine tree (“black pine”), then it was karematsu which is “withered pine,” to what we have now, karamatsu – “withering pine.” Which is a more fitting name imo due to the nature of Shunsui’s bankai causing everyone in its range to “wither” with depression.

I wanted to focus on the anime depiction of his bankai because I personally found it enhanced my understanding of Shunsui and his bankai more than the manga did, but that’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the manga! I’ll also be adding bits of manga panels/sketches too. There are little additions in the anime that really fleshed out the “theatrical” nature of his bankai.

Content warning: this is TEXT and media heavy (images and video) and due to the nature of Shunsui's bankai, discusses suicide.

To preface this, I wrote this because I was so enthralled by the visual and sound design in the episode that I wanted to know more, so I figured I would share what I found and learned! Also, I’m still not too sure what kind of “play” Shunsui bankai performs (as in, is it Noh, kabuki, joruri, etc.), but maybe it’s a little bit of everything? I don’t have the cultural knowledge to make better sense of it, so you’ll see me referencing different theatre styles in my write-up lol. I am by no means an expert, just sharing what I’ve learned and understood!

For reference, noh uses masks and subtle movements where stories are often spiritual. Kabuki is dramatic and incorporates dance, music and elaborate costumes. In ancient times, noh theatre started as rituals for Shinto shrines (the Ise family is a Shinto family as an fyi).

To start – the opening act itself: Shunsui calling his bankai. We are immediately hit by a change in visuals and audio. A tsuzumi drum is heard, which is often used to signal the start of a kabuki or noh play. We also see the scenery change into a gold colour. I think this is to mimic the wooden stage kabuki and noh plays occur on.

Then we have the kakegoe being yelled (the “yooo”). This is a quintessential feature of noh and kabuki theatre and (prior to COVID-19), would be yelled by the audience (typically fans who belong to a kakegoe association). Another fun fact, these would be yelled from the far back, on the highest level of the theatre, to represent the voice of the “great beyond.” Kakegoe is often used to signal the beginning or ending of a section. The kakegoe also dictate the pace, meter and strength of the play in addition to the percussion instruments.

Visually, we only see Shunsui “painting” a black pine tree. All noh plays have a simple panel of a green pine tree. This is referred to as the kagami-ita (“mirror panel”). All noh plays are performed in front of this pine tree. The pine tree represents gods that have descended upon a pine tree at the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine and stood behind the audience, so the pine tree “reflects” on the audience  so actors would give a performance to god.

I think Kubo does a subversion here, as the kagami-ita’s meaning is to represent the stage as a “divine” space. But this is a withering pine tree – it’s black, and is not painted behind Shunsui, but is painted in front and spreads almost in a downward motion. As Lille descends, there is no pine tree behind him, even though he is a “divine” being. While a black pine tree represents “longevity,” “happiness,” and “hope” in Japanese floral language, a withering pine represents the opposite. Shunsui’s bankai reflects his despair over his brother, sister-in-law and Nanao.

Overall, I think it’s deliberate take on using a traditional theatre technique, one that is considered “divine” and twist it to something almost opposite. As if Shunsui is welcoming Lille into his own personal hell.

ACT 1: Tameraikizu no Wakachiai – Sharing the Wounds of Hesitation

"As though to share in his suffering, the wounds upon his partner's body appear upon his own. Yet in a cruel twist of fate, he cannot die from those wounds."

I think the common idea is that Shunsui’s bankai is based off the play “The Love Suicides at Sonezaki,” by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. But I think it’s just Act 1 that represents that play. I think Kubo incorporated different plays and cultural features for each act, and this is the one for Act 1. I think there was a Klub Outside answer where Kubo implies that there are different plays Shunsui's bankai can perform.

Also to note, in the manga when Shunsui brings out his bankai, the chapter sketch are kabuki curtains.

Act 1 is loosely similar to “The Love Suicides at Sonezaki,” where the man stabs both himself and his partner to death, and they die from his wounds. They do this in front of an unusual pine tree and the play ends. The reason leading up to their suicide is entirely different and doesn’t narratively fit into Shunsui and his life imo.

Metaphorically, I interpreted this as Shunsui’s grief over the Ise curse. The Ise curse is the wound, killing Shunsui’s brother (physical pain) leaving him and his sister-in-law (Nanao’s mother) to “share” the wound (in emotional pain).

ACT 2: Zanki no Shitone – The Bed of Shame

“Lamenting that he has caused his partner such wounds, the man collapses upon the floor in shame and is consumed by an incurable ailment.”

This was a short scene in the anime and I think this is referencing an act in Yotsuya Kaidan, one of the “big three ghost stories” of Japan. It’s based on betrayal, murder and revenge. The plot is quite long not entirely relevant to Act 2 lol but in one of the acts, a character is betrayed and becomes poisoned. This may vary by interpretation, but the character looks “diseased.” They become disfigured, die by an accidental self-inflicted wound and begin cursing/haunting those that wronged them.

Aside from that, I couldn’t find much more in terms of references this act might be incorporating.

ACT 3: Dangyo no Fuchi – The Abyss

“Resigning themselves to their fate, the two hurl themselves into the gushing waters until no Reiatsu remains in their bodies.”

“Throwing oneself into icy waters can test one’s resolve. But that’s you being selfish. How can disgraceful can you be? The disgrace of the man she swore herself to. Only pity keeps her with him and bound to this world.”

The above is the full quote said simultaneously by Shunsui and Katen and I think is a reference to Kasane, a kabuki play. It is a story about a woman who unknowingly falls in love with her mother’s affair partner/father’s murderer. The man, Yoemon, leaves a suicide note that Kasane, his lover, finds. She’s distraught and keeps reminding Yoemon that they swore they would die together. They argue between themselves, with Yoemon saying he cannot love Kasane due to their stations in life (she is a lady-in-waiting, he is a servant). They both agree to jump into a river, but the man backs out, which leads to the woman being cursed into a demon.

The reason why she becomes cursed is because Yoemon sees a floating skull floating down the river. Katen Kyokotsu who has skull motifs in her design, is also a reference to the kyokotsu, a vengeful spirit that resides in wells and other bodies of water to scare its victims. It is a skull with tangled hair and tattered clothes. Yoemon, in the play, only sees the skull floating down the river before he tries to break it. As he tries to break it, he simultaneously harms Kasane, leaving her in a demonic state.

Without summarizing the whole play, I see Kubo’s take on this as another twist. Kasane is a story about a woman so in love, she’s blinded to the faults of her lover to her own detriment (she becomes disfigured and killed by her lover). In Act 3 of Shunsui’s bankai, the “woman” in the play (Shunsui in this case to “the man” who is Lille), is ashamed of the man and there is no more love between them – the only thing keeping them together in this act of potential suicide is her pity.

Both parties, in the play and Shunsui’s act 3, are “forced” to watch the other die.

ACT 4: Itokiribasami Chizome no Nodobue – Thread-Cutting Scissors upon a Blood-Streaked Throat

“Few things are as cruel as a woman's mercy. She has no ears for her lover's desperate pleas. At his precious throat, she spies glistening white threads, damp with regret. Thus, she resolves to sever with her own hands those threads of regret that pitifully entwine him.”

I saw some theories that this act may be a reference to kuchisake-onna (“split-mouthed woman”), because she carries scissors with her. I’m not too sure of it, I think this might be a broader reference to the red thread of fate, and Shunsui/the lover “cutting” it to split from their shared fate. In the manga, the little sketch is a pair of Japanese thread cutting scissors.

In this case, it’s interesting that “white thread” is what’s being cut (compared to “red thread” which is more commonly seen in Japanese media). White thread, in Shintoism is often considered a sacred colour of the gods and represents spiritual and physical purity. In Buddhism, white thread is used to protect a person against demons and spirits…  

I’ve always interpreted the sketch to be Nanao’s mother cutting the thread between her and Kyoraku, leaving him alone (in a familial sense). The subsequent sketch is the broken thread being tied together, which I think is Nanao’s presence in Shunsui’s life.

Thanks for reading all of this! I’m still 🫣 over writing all of this lol.

[kaibutsushidousha]

(Post requested by @linkspooky)

In Bleach, Kyouraku's Bankai ability is to cause various phenomena that follow the plot of the rakugo story he's telling, and if the enemy was affected by them, they die at the final act.

The only story we get to see, the one used against Lille, is a Kubo-original that mixes many famous tropes from the lovers suicide genre of rakugo, believed to have been originated from the classic Shinagawa Shinjuu. We don't know if that’s the only story in his repertoire, but even if it isn't, the name Karamatsu Shinjuu suggests all his stories are similar remixes of established lovers suicide rakugo.

I personally don't think the plot of Shinagawa Shinjuu is directly relevant to Kyouraku's story, mainly it's still a comedy despite the dark subject matter, contrary to the tragedies that later gained space in lovers suicide rakugo and have greater tonal influence in the contents of the Bankai, but Link still wants a summary of it regardless, so here it is.

Act 1

Osome is a prostitute at the Shinagawa red light district. Osome decided to die because the younger women of Shinagawa were making fun of her for not being able to get any well-paying jobs. She didn't want to die alone, so she decided to get someone, anyone, who would accompany her to the grave. Choosing from her regulars, she decides to die together with Kinzou, the airheaded man from the rental library. She called Kinzou at the first opportunity and coerced him into consenting to lovers suicide.

Next night, when it's time to commit the act, Kinzou is against cutting his neck with the razor, so they agree to go outside and jump from the pier. Unable to get Kinzou to jump, Osome pushes him before jumping herself. But when she was about to jump, her shopboy arrives to tell her that she made money. Suddenly, Osome's idea of death starts looking really stupid, so she drops everything and returns to her workplace.

Since the beach was shallow, Kinzou survives the fall and goes visit his boss. However, his boss was hosting a gambling event at his house, so when Kinzou knocks, everyone hastily assumes it's an officer and panics. Things calm down when they realize the visitor is Kinzou. The airheaded protagonist praises the bravery of the one gambler who never left his chair during the commotion, and the punchline of the first act is that he didn't notice the "brave man" stayed in place because his legs were paralyzed.

That's the gag many modern tellings end the story on because 1940 censorship forced performers to cut Act 2, but nowadays there are rakugoka who tell the full original version.

Act 2

The next morning, Kinzou tells his boss the full story, and the furious boss takes Kinzou to plan his payback against Osome.

Kinzou visits Osome and spends the day on minorly unpleasant conversation about food and other mundane subjects. A while later, an employee calls Osome telling that a pair of men came to see her. She goes and finds Kinzou's boss and brother, who ask her to pay respects to Kinzou's body before the funeral.

Shocked, Osome tries to explain to the two that Kinzou isn't dead. She takes the boss to the room to see him, but Kinzou is nowhere to be found. Instead, there is a funeral tablet on his seat. The boss threatens her to become a nun or else Kinzou's ghost would kill her, and shaves her head then and there. Then Kinzou appears. As she regrets all, he delivers the story's punchline, a mean-spirited pun I'd translate as "If the con wasn't enough for you, try a convent.

[beautifulsummersunsets]

That hurt Pierrot 😿

I leave the link here in case anyone wants to see the whole video 👁️👁️