Chapter 12: Return to Rukongai
After dinner in the dormitory cafeteria, Sōma and the others set off for Rukongai without delay.
It was still early. Though something had happened, it didn't seem to have caused a major stir—the atmosphere in West Rukongai remained unchanged.
Lanterns were lit and hung under the eaves as children darted through the streets, turning the night into their playground. The sounds of their laughter drifted through the alleys on the evening breeze.
Some children and adults greeted Sōma and Ichigo as they passed.
"We've only been here a few days, but they already treat us like family," Ichigo murmured, touched yet puzzled by this genuine warmth.
Sōma understood perfectly. "The residents of Rukongai come from all corners of the world and every era. They've grown accustomed to forming new families with strangers who share no blood ties, so they're naturally welcoming to outsiders—even eager to embrace new companions. It's practically fertile ground for organized crime."
"That last part was unnecessary."
Ignoring the bickering pair ahead, Yuyu peered around like a curious cat. "I'd heard the outer districts near the perimeter have good public order, with interesting shops that attract Shinigami visitors. Seems the rumors are true."
Rindō remained silent, appearing either lost in thought or quietly observing every detail around them, gathering subtle clues.
Soon, the four arrived at the elder's residence.
When they knocked and entered, they were nearly driven back by the palpable tension filling the large house.
The wooden structure stood as spacious as a warehouse, clearly capable of housing numerous children for play, meals, and sleep. Yet not a single child was in sight now.
Only the elder and a man and woman stood in confrontation.
A boiling kettle hung over the central hearth, its bubbling seeming to mirror the simmering emotions in the room.
Upon closer inspection, Sōma realized the true confrontation was between the man and woman, while the elder sat to the side with a helpless expression, more mediator than participant.
Moreover, Sōma immediately recognized the pair.
The woman was Shiba Kūkaku—unsurprising, as the fireworks master of West Rukongai often traveled between districts.
But Ōmaeda Marechiyo's presence here as a Shinigami seemed decidedly out of place.
"Hey! Who're these brats? Who let them in!" Marechiyo snapped, still seething after his argument—or more accurately, his thorough dressing-down—by Kūkaku. The sight of new intruders shattered his composure.
"This is the elder's home. Since when do you decide who enters? If you have complaints, return to Seireitei and bring your captain here yourself. That might prevent this situation from escalating," Kūkaku retorted sarcastically before Sōma's group or the elder could speak.
"You...! I've had enough of you! Don't think your Shiba name lets you look down on Ōmaeda! I'm the lieutenant of Squad 2 and captain of the Patrol Corps in the Onmitsukidō's second division!"
"I'm here investigating a case. You have no authority over me—in fact, you should follow my orders! Cooperate like this old man and hand over the information, or you'll regret it when my captain arrives!"
Marechiyo's face flushed crimson as he surged to his feet. If nothing else, his bulky, imposing frame was intimidating, and the faint leakage of his lieutenant-level Reiatsu commanded respect.
At the very least, Ichigo and Yuyu tensed, preparing for potential conflict.
Yet Kūkaku remained casually seated, legs crossed, utterly unimpressed by Marechiyo's display.
"Hah~ Using Soi Fon to pressure me? Then let her come, that would be perfect. Go ahead, go quickly. I'll wait for her to find me, and when she does I'll hand over the information without a word of complaint."
"Bastard!"
That casual tone, as if treating Soi Fon like some subordinate responsible for cleaning up messes, made Marechiyo wish he could draw his sword and cut off the other's remaining hand. But he didn't have the courage.
In the end, he could only throw out the harsh words "Even without you, I can catch the criminal" before turning to leave.
As they passed each other.
Sōma stepped aside and offered what seemed like well-intentioned advice: "If you seek out the Shinigami responsible for managing this area, you might gain unexpected leads."
"...Heh."
Marechiyo glanced sideways, his voice rough with sarcasm:
"Kid, you should go back to sleep early. Otherwise, if you're late tomorrow, you'll get an earful from the teachers at Shin'ō Academy."
Having said this, he stormed off as if he'd finally vented his frustration.
"This guy is seriously annoying, nowhere near as decent as the people from the Fifth Division."
Ichigo clicked his tongue.
"—So make sure you don't end up becoming that kind of Shinigami in the future. If I ever run into you like that, you'll end up just like him."
Kūkaku's voice came from inside the house.
Since Sōma and the others were still wearing their Shin'ō Academy uniforms, their identities weren't hard to determine.
"And this is..."
"She's Shiba Kūkaku, the most famous fireworks artisan in Rukongai."
The elder introduced her.
"I've heard of her! She handles almost all the fireworks for Seireitei's ceremonies and has huge influence among both Rukongai and Seireitei merchants. She's my mom's idol!"
Yuyu's eyes lit up.
"Ha! This is the first time I've heard someone introduce me like that. Also, your mother has excellent taste, little girl."
"Could I possibly get your autograph?"
"Easy enough. I'll sign it on a firework I made myself. You can take it home as a collector's item—guaranteed to hold its value, no cheating anyone~"
"Amazing!"
Watching these two social butterflies hit it off like old friends, even the easygoing Sōma felt somewhat speechless. He turned to make small talk with the elder who was pouring water for them, taking the opportunity to introduce Yuyu and Rindō.
As the conversation progressed, Kūkaku gradually learned more about their backgrounds.
"Ohh, so you two are the geniuses the elder mentioned. Kids these days are really something else."
Kūkaku examined Sōma and Ichigo with interest, though for some reason her attention seemed to linger more on Ichigo.
"We have the elder to thank for his help back then."
"Don't mention it. I'm just relieved to see you doing well at Shin'ō Academy and making new friends. Though I must say, I didn't expect you to visit at this hour."
Sōma and Ichigo exchanged glances, and eventually Ichigo stepped forward to explain the reason.
The elder finally understood.
"I see. You rushed over because you were worried this incident with your missing classmates might involve an old man like me."
"But with Miss Kūkaku here, it seems our worries were unnecessary."
Sōma's comment carried implied meaning.
"Don't flatter me. This matter gives me a headache too."
Kūkaku waved her hand impatiently.
"Is it because the Shinigami responsible for managing Junrinan has also encountered trouble?"
"?"
Sōma's sudden question made Kūkaku pause and startled everyone else.