Adult Theater

The Seireitei is vast.

In addition to its many functional facilities, it also houses several entertainment spots for leisure and relaxation.

One of these places was called "Takara-en" (Treasure Pavilion).

Seiya had never been there before, but in the Shin'ō Spirit Academy, there was no shortage of wealthy students who loved to gossip about such places.

It wasn't uncommon to hear their discussions about upscale establishments like this one.

In a society as traditional and feudal as the Seireitei, entertainment services, including some less savory ones, were widely accepted as part of the culture.

As for drinking in the company of performers, Seiya saw it as a form of performative indulgence—a pastime reserved for the upper class.

Following Kyōraku Shunsui, Seiya climbed the stairs of Takara-en.

The two of them were led to a private balcony overlooking the main hall.

The space was designed in tatami style, perfect for sitting on the floor. A low wooden table and soft cushions were set up for them.

"I've lived two lifetimes already," Seiya thought to himself.

"Although I'm not as experienced as the older captains, I should be able to handle this situation without making a fool of myself."

However…

The moment they arrived, Seiya quickly realized he was completely out of his depth.

Three performers approached them, smiling sweetly and moving with practiced grace.

Seiya felt his mind short-circuit.

"Wait… THREE?!"

"Don't tease the young one too much," Kyōraku said with a playful grin as he lounged on the tatami, cradling a cup of sake.

"Be gentle with him, alright?"

"Okay~" the performers responded in unison, their voices sweet and melodic.

Seiya could feel his cheeks burning.

Despite his best efforts to stay composed, it wasn't long before the alcohol took effect.

The performers eventually left, leaving Seiya and Kyōraku alone in the private balcony.

Kyōraku swirled the sake in his cup, watching the liquid ripple in the porcelain. His tone was light and teasing.

"Seiya, I didn't expect you to be so… reserved. Honestly, you've surprised me tonight."

Seiya shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

"I've already got Isane. That's enough for me."

With a faint smile, he replied, "Glad to keep you entertained, Captain."

Kyōraku laughed. "Oh? You're not mad?"

"How could I be? This is your treat, after all."

Without responding, Kyōraku sat up and gazed toward the stage below.

"There it is," he murmured.

"The main act is about to begin."

Seiya followed his gaze.

Below, a wooden stage had been set up, raised high for the audience to see. Two performers—a man and a woman—stepped onto the stage, ready to begin the play.

"Have you ever watched theater before, Seiya?"

Seiya shook his head. "Not at all."

Kyōraku chuckled, filling Seiya's cup again.

"Then take this chance to enjoy it. Once you return to the academy, opportunities like this will be rare."

The performance began with three rhythmic thuds—the sound of bamboo striking stone.

The play followed the story of a couple through the changing seasons: spring courtship, summer romance, autumn heartbreak, and winter tragedy.

The tale escalated toward a murder scene, with the woman miming a slashing motion at her own throat. Red ribbons shot out, symbolizing blood, staining her kimono.

It was a dark, haunting conclusion to an already somber story.

Seiya watched the entire play in silence.

Even after the curtains fell, he remained quiet, lips pressed together.

Finally, Kyōraku spoke with a chuckle.

"So, what do you think? Your first theater experience?"

Seiya thought for a moment before replying.

"It was… beautiful."

"The makeup and choreography must have taken a lot of practice."

"The stage design and use of perspective were also fascinating."

Then, after another pause, Seiya let out a dry chuckle.

"And women… Women are truly terrifying creatures."

Kyōraku laughed heartily. "Exactly!"

He took a long sip of sake, his voice carrying a drunken lilt.

"Women may appear fragile and pitiable on the surface… but strip away those layers, and you'll find they can be as cunning and venomous as snakes."

"That contrast, that duality—that's what makes adult theater so captivating."

"I don't want to meet such terrifying women in real life. Watching them from a safe distance is more than enough for me."

Seiya couldn't help but ask, "So… drinking with performers is your way of avoiding them in real life?"

Kyōraku smirked. "That's one way to put it."

"By the way, Seiya… You don't have a girlfriend, do you?"

Seiya frowned. "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

Before he could answer, Kyōraku's expression turned mischievous.

"You've never held a woman in your arms, have you?"

Kyōraku's voice softened as he leaned closer, as if sharing a secret.

"It's a unique feeling, you know… Their softness, their warmth. They're delicate, like flowers covered in morning dew. It makes you want to cherish them."

"Youth is fleeting. Like a blooming flower, it lasts only for a moment."

"And when you see a beautiful flower… you can't help but want to touch it."

Kyōraku grinned.

"Then, once you've touched her hand, you'll want to kiss her lips. And after that…"

"STOP!" Seiya waved his hands frantically, cutting him off.

"Let's not go there, Captain!"

Kyōraku sighed, looking disappointed. "Ah, but the best part was coming up…"

"Please, spare me."

Kyōraku chuckled, setting his sake cup down. His playful demeanor faded as he turned back to the now-empty stage.

"Theater is all about savoring the aftermath. The true meaning lies in reflection after the curtain falls."

Seiya blinked.

"Wait… Did I misunderstand something?"

Seeing Kyōraku's signature smirk, Seiya couldn't help but laugh.

This man is even more unpredictable than I thought.

Still, Kyōraku's laid-back nature made him easy to get along with. He knew when to joke and when to ease up.

As Aizen had said, Seiya could learn a lot from this man.

Kyōraku spoke again, his tone becoming serious.

"Seiya, there's something I've been curious about."

He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze distant.

"Although this might not be the best time to ask…"

"Go ahead," Seiya replied without hesitation.

Kyōraku's playful smile faded. His expression grew thoughtful, and he asked:

"You've already achieved Shikai, haven't you?"

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Powerstones?

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