Bleach: Stir Up the Situation

As the sake was poured into the cup, a strong aroma suddenly filled the entire shrine. Although they had not drank it, everyone present showed expressions of enjoyment.

Jingraku shook his head as if he was tipsy, and then said softly: "The first three glasses of wine in the ceremony are courtesy of the Spirit King. It is said that if one is blessed by the Spirit King, the intoxicating aroma of the wine will permeate the air, and everyone The taste is different, but I don’t know what it feels like to actually drink it.”

Ichigo had this expression on his face. He saw more than just this magical thing today. Unlike what he thought before he participated, the oldest ceremony in Seireitei seemed to have more than a simple symbolic meaning. After all, apart from the mysterious Spirit King, it is hard to imagine anyone with such magical means.

Hong Jiang picked up the wine glass with both hands, first took a small sip, the second time he picked up the wine glass and drank almost half of it, the third time he drank all the liquid in the glass in one gulp and then placed the wine glass on the soft cushion with both hands.

The miko once again filled the wine glass three times. Yoruichi also raised her hands and drank it all in three sips just like Hongjie did before. The aroma of wine in the air became even stronger.

Inoue Orihime closed her eyes slightly, and there seemed to be a rain of petals that would never stop falling in her mind. In the rain, she was dressed in pure white, silently enjoying the silent blessings of everyone.

Of course, Inoue was not the only one to have such hallucinations. As Yoichi drank the second glass of wine, except for some old guys headed by Yamamoto, most of the people present looked like they were drunk, although they didn't know what they saw. , but looking at that expression, it must be their happiest wish.

The witch filled the wine glass three times again. This time she seemed to have poured out all the wine in the pot, and the aroma of wine in the air was instantly pushed to its peak.

The strange thing is that although the aroma of wine is strong, everyone feels a lot more awake at this time, and their attention once again returns to the newcomers in front.

Hongjiang picked up the wine glass again and drank the wine in three times. Every time he took a sip, the aroma of the wine in the air faded a little, as if everyone's wishes for a better future were placed on him and Ye Yi. body.

After taking the last sip of wine, the aroma of the wine completely disappeared. Ichigo and others looked at Hongjiang who slowly put down his wine glass. Everything that just happened seemed to them to be just a sweet dream. The only real thing was that they were at this moment. My heartfelt blessings to Hongjiang and Yoruichi.

The miko in front of the temple waved the Kagura bell again, and the unknown hymn came out of her mouth again. Different from the previous hymn that seemed ethereal and sacred, this time the hymn sung by the miko seemed solemn and heavy. Just listening to it, Ichigo and others couldn't help but put away their smiles and sit up straight, as if there was an invisible responsibility falling on their shoulders.

At the end of the eulogy, a second ring of mist condensed in the air and fell, and under the guidance of the witch, it dived into another long-handled pot.

The wine was poured into the glass three times in the same manner. This time, Yoruichi picked up the wine glass first. At the same time, a strange smell of wine gradually spread.

What kind of wine tastes like? It's thick and mellow with a hint of bitterness, like a pair of big hands wrapping you up, but it also makes you feel heavy. Although it's not objectionable, compared to the pleasant taste before, it's still... It's a little uncomfortable.

Ichigo thought of what Shunsui had just said, if the aroma of wine represented blessings, and the Soul King's blessings just reflected his satisfaction with Yoruichi and Hong Jiang, then could it be that there was something wrong with the ceremony like this?

He turned his gaze to Chun Shui and met his eyes. At this moment, Chun Shui's eyes could hardly find the usual lazy comfort. This was one of the rare times when he was serious.

"Do you think there's something wrong with the ceremony?" Chunshui seemed to see through Ichigo's thoughts. Ichigo didn't go around in circles and said bluntly: "Isn't it possible? But the smell of this wine..."

Shunsui nodded, seeming to praise Ichigo for noticing this, "The aroma of wine is a reflection of the success of the three-three-nine-degree ceremony, but the aroma of wine in each ceremony is different."

"Different?"

"The first level of etiquette is to pay homage to Heaven, or it can be directly said to be a gift to the Spirit King. If it is a blessing from the Spirit King, then the aroma of the wine will be intoxicating for everyone, representing the joy of the Spirit King. The second level of etiquette is different. It’s a gift to the earth, or it can be said to be a gift to the Soul Society where we live.”

Ichigo was a little confused. Even if the objects of the gifts were different, in his opinion the blessings should be the same. He didn't understand why there was such a big difference in performance.

Shunsui continued to explain: "The Shinigami are not just living in Soul Society. We are the existences that protect the balance of souls in Soul Society and even in this world. This is not only an honor, but also a duty."

"The mellow flavor represents Soul Society's blessing and recognition, while the bitter flavor represents a responsibility and a warning."

"Warning?"

Chunshui pointed at Yoruichi, who was wearing pure white, "Whether it is a bride who is dressed in pure white and wants to blend in with her husband's family, or a groom who has to take on the responsibility of his family, in addition to blessing them, we must also warn them that even if they have a family, You must remember your identity as a Shinigami, take good care of your family, and remember your responsibility to protect Soul Society.”

As Shunsui explained, everyone looked suddenly enlightened. Inoue looked at Hongjiang who picked up the wine glass after Yoruichi, and the corners of his eyes were already a little moist: "I wonder if the wine Mr. Choizuka and Miss Yoruichi drank was also bitter. Taste, it’s obviously a day worth having fun, why do you make it so heavy?”

Haiyan turned back and smiled bitterly: "There is no way. For those who can hold the ceremony of three, three, nine, and nine degrees at the shrine, responsibility will always be higher than blessing. I believe that they are also mentally prepared for this."

But no matter what, people like Inoue are not in high spirits at the moment. It cannot be said that there is a flaw in the ointment, but the days that are supposed to be happy are also accompanied by the burden of responsibility and are always a little uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the second ceremony that started and ended with Yoichi ended quickly, and the miko once again waved the Kagura bell and recited the eulogy.

Compared with the previous two times, the eulogy this time had a much less ceremonial feel. It was as if someone who knew Ye Yi and Hong Jiang well was sending blessings to them on behalf of all their relatives and friends.

The last ring in the sky slowly fell, turning into wine and entering the last long-handled pot.

The witch also filled the largest wine glass three times. Just like the first time, Hongjiang picked up the wine glass with both hands. This time, no aroma of wine escaped. Until he drank the wine in three sips, no taste came out.

Ichigo even took a few deep breaths. He even asked about the faint fragrance of flowers and earth in the air, but he didn't smell anything that didn't come from nature.

Inoue was also puzzled. She had long been accustomed to verifying the ceremony through taste. The happy and beautiful taste the first time made her happy. Although the heavy taste the second time was not comfortable, it also represented the respect for Hongjiang and Ye. One blessing.

But this third time there was no smell. Was there really something wrong with the ceremony?

How is it possible, how could Mr. Choizuka and Miss Yoruichi not be blessed?

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