#Shunsui Kyouraku

[smol-ackerman]

KYOURAKU SHUNSUI

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

[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! :)

[no--net]

it's crazy to think that jushiro and shunsui are like....nearly the same height. Shunsui over here looks like a fucking tank who could deadlift 500 pounds and jushiro looks like a bebe who probably pouts when he's mad. I love them so fucking much

[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.

[zarathebleachfox]

Ichigo may be Eight by Sleeping At Last, Sunder by Really Slow Motion, or Now/Monster by Paramore, Fighting Myself by Linkin Park, Icarus by Bastille. White could be Ombra by Rancore

Orihime may be Two by Sleeping At Last, or Sun by Thomas Bergersen, or Madness/Resistance by Muse, or Francis Forever by Mitski, or Oblivion by Bastille, or Liability by Lorde

Uryu may be Freccia by Rancore (I know I am mentioning him again; Rancore is an Italian rapper, look him up because the lyrics of his songs are very good; I think Google translator will have no issues translating the lyrics for you), or Flaws by Bastille, or Run Boy Run by Woodkid, Bad Blood by Bastille

Renji may be A Rush Of Blood Through The Head by Coldplay, or Fighter by Jack Stauber, or Cosmic Castaway by Electrasy, Royals by Lorde, Ribs by Lorde

Rukia may be Ghost Stories by Coldplay, or Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap, or Dog Days Are Over by Florence And The Machine, Ribs by Lorde (yes, both her and Renji I believe would relate to this)

Byakuya may be Silver Crimson Black by Zack Hemsey, Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush (post Soul Society arc Byakuya for this one), Headlock by Imogen Heap

Zaraki may be Don't Get In My Way by Zack Hemsey, or Hysteria by Muse, or Diamond Eyes by Shinedown, Crack Baby by Mitski, Champion by Lucas King

Mayuri may be Beautiful by Bones UK, Applause by Lady Gaga

As Nodt may be Scaretale/Storytime/Ghost River by Nightwish

Shunsui may be Slow Love Slow by Nightwish

Momo may be Shake It Out By Florence and The Machine

Grimmjow may be Berzerk by Eminem, Faint by Linkin Park,

I will make a bigger list of Bleach characters with songs paired to them one day, for now this is a sneak peek. Mind you not all these songs fit the characters to a T but among those I listen to on repeat, these come very very close.

EDIT: I have realized that Headlock fits Byakuya more than Rukia so I changed it. Also added Liability by Lorde to Orihime. I added other songs to Kenpachi because I believe it relates to his childhood and the relationship he has with Yachiru, and these added songs give a bleaker/more tragic intepretation of his character. I added a few songs for Mayuri and one or two for As Nodt as well. Shunsui too, though for the moment only one song among those I know fits him.

[whosyourfavevoicedby-polls]

[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.

[fortheloveofshunsui]

Shunsui from the new episode of Bleach: TYBW Separation.

[bleachmood]

Shunsui Mood Board

[znsluc]

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

[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.

[no--net]

shunsui is the kinda guy to go "OH FUCK" to any minor inconvenience which jushiro uses "oopsie daisy" to describe major catastrophes

[brittscafe]

Hi there!

Can I request bleach men finding out along the grape vine that s/o likes them. But like add some spice ✨ by this I mean, maybe the men can over hear s/o thirsting for them. Or anything else, please be free to do anything.

Characters (in order of importance): Byakuya, Shunsui, ichigo, Jushiro, Toshiro.

(If this is too many please remove characters starting from the back).

hiiii! ohhh?? spice??? My fav, ofc <3 <3 I loveddd writing all of these for each character, but I think my fav was Shunsui's!! Let me know your fav <3

Byakuya: He's heard plenty of rumors before and he's never really believed them. He's not one to care for rumors, nor believe them. But, he has heard a lot of rumors in the Soul Society that peak his interest.

It takes a lot to catch Byakuya's attention and certainly have. He plans on catching your attention in a bold way.

You're walking along the dirt road of the soul society, the sun beaming down on your face. Byakuya's standing the corner, eyes on you.

He loves the way that the sun gleams onto your face, heightening your pretty features. Byakuya steps out from the corner and a tiny gasp escapes your chest as he pops out from nowhere.

He towers over you with his tall, slender figure.

"Y/n, come here," he beckons you with a deep voice and your heart drops down to your feet.

"Um...ok," you mumble out, following him back to his estate. The cherry blossoms are flowing around in the air, so soft and light. Your eyes are stuck on them, almost trapped in a trance.

"I think of you like a blossom petal. Delicate and so pretty," his voice is soft and romantic.

Who knew Byakuya could be such a romantic?

Your eyes widen as he reaches out and tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear. God, you're falling in love with him.

"What?" you blurt out, furrowing your eyebrows together. Why is he all of sudden talking to you like this? It doesn't make any sense.

"I've heard you speak of the cherry blossoms in my estate. I've also heard you say how you would like to rip off my ropes and kiss me from bottom to top," his voice is stern, but has a hint of amusement in it.

Your eyes widen and your stomach twists into uneasy knots. Your knees feel like they're gonna buckle underneath you. Face planting in front of Byakuya would be 10 times less embarrassing right now.

"Oh my god! I didn't think you would ever catch wind of that. I am so embarrassed!" you raise your voice, hiding your face in the palm of your hands.

Byakuya lets out a tiny chuckle, it's so quiet you wouldn't have noticed it if there was a cricket chirping.

"How about I take you out first? I suggest a date first, then we could get the tearing off my ropes later. After all...I am a gentleman."

There is no way Byakuya Kuchiki is suggesting that the two of you go on a date right now.

You slowly lift your head up from your hands, embarrassment written all over your face. Byakuya gazes into your eyes and you're finding it hard to even speak.

Your palms are sweaty, but your body is excited. Your heart is thudding, but it's ecstatic with joy.

"Ok," is all you can whisper out. Byakuya nods his head and starts to walk away.

You stand there, dazed, confused, but happy. You now have a date with Captain Kuchiki.

Shunsui: You're sitting beside your friend in the bar, gushing about Shunsui, not realizing that he had walked in and taken a seat right beside you and was listening you gush about him.

"I mean, come on, who doesn't like Captain Kyoraku? Have you seen how big his muscles are?!" you giggle out, throwing your head back and your friend's eyes widen at the figure behind you.

"So...you like my muscles then?" a familiar, raspy voice speaks up from behind you. You don't even notice that Shunsui nudges your shoulder as he speaks to you as your heart sinks down into your feet.

Your eyes widen and you stare at your friend in total awe. You slowly turn to face Shunsui, palms sweaty as you try to only imagine what is going to happen next.

Shunsui wears a playfully grin across his face, white teeth winking at you. Your face heats up and you slowly bring your hands up to your face, covering it with pure embarrassment.

Shunsui chuckles lightly and slowly reaches out to you. He can't help feeling so attracted to you, eyes glistening in the bar setting. His large hand grabs both of yours, causing your body to tingle.

He gently pulls your hands away from your face, not letting go of them. Your eyes meet his and Shunsui cups your cheek with his other hand.

You furrow your eyebrows for a minute, not having enough time to react to anything. Shunsui pulls your face towards his, closing his eyes and pressing his lips against yours.

A gasp leaves your friends lips, loud enough to echo throughout the whole bar.

Your heart pounds against your chest as his lips melt into yours. You can feel his beard against your chin and mouth, tickling it. Shunsui slowly pulls away from your lips and opens his eyes, glancing up at you.

His gaze is hot, making you feel like your body is on fire. He smiles widely before standing up and walking out of the bar. You can hear your friend giggling behind you.

"What just happened?" you mumble out, pressing a finger to burning lips, seeming to want more...

Ichigo: School is full of gossip and rumors traveling along the grapevine. It's hard to tell what rumor is a lie or the truth these days at Karakura high.

Ichigo likes to learn about all the new gossip, but he will never comment on anything like that. He likes to stand in the corner, arms crossed and leaning against the wall as he takes in all the new information.

"I mean didn't you hear that y/n likes Ichigo?" a girl scoffs out. He cocks an eyebrow with interest, tuning into the new gossip session.

"Please, like they would ever have a chance with him," another girl rolls her eyes with annoyance.

That smug smirk on his face slowly fades into a face of shock. His eyebrows are furrowed and he wishes he could sink into the wall he's leaning against.

He slowly brings his hand up to his jaw, rubbing it. Ichigo thinks you're so sweet, nice, and genuine. You always help him when he's behind on work and you're super cute, honestly his heart tinges a little for you.

Ichigo glances out into the hallway and there you are, walking down the hallway, heading to the group of girls.

What horrible timing.

You're staying close to the wall, trying to avoid the rather large crowd of girls by the lockers.

"Hey Y/n! Isn't it true that you like Kurosaki?" a girl calls out to you and your stomach twists into knots. You glance over at her, at a lost for words.

"Oh, come on! Just tell the truth, it doesn't matter anyways. It's not like you have a chance with him," a girl comments, glaring you up and down.

You're taken aback by their mean words and demeanor. It strikes you in the heart and your throat starts to become raspy and burn a bit, tears welling up in your eyes.

Ichigo breath hitches in his throat as he watches your face drop. He hated seeing that.

"Oh my god, there is no way. They're crying about it," a girl giggles out and the rest of the girls break out into laughter. You sink down into your figure and start to rush off.

Ichigo pushes himself off the wall and steps in front of you, blocking your path. You gaze up at him, teary eyed and cheeks burning.

The group of girls are staring at Ichigo and you. He wants them to see this. It's gonna be burned in their little minds.

Ichigo's hand grab onto your waist and pull you closer. Suddenly, he dips his head down and captures your lips with his. Your eyes widen and scan Ichigo's face as his warm lips are pressed against yours.

Your body relaxes and you lean into his touch, closing your gasp. You hear the group of girls gasp loudly behind you and start whispering, but you could care less about them right now.

Ichigo slowly pulls away from the kiss, the two of you opening your eyes and meeting each other's gaze.

"Come on," Ichigo gestures with his head, holding out his hand for you to grab. You glance down at his hand then back at the girls, standing there in utter shock.

Your lips are warm and tingling from the kiss. You gaze back at Ichigo and take his hand, allowing him to take you away.

Jushiro: He's one to soak in all the new gossip spreading around the Soul Society. Never speaking up, just smiling politely and nodding his head, retaining all the information in his head.

Although, there's one rumor that catches his attention. He raises his eyebrows with interest as he hears that you might have a crush on him.

"Wait, what? How did you come across this information?" Jushiro steps into the conversation. Rangiku laughs a little bit, throwing her head back.

"Well, she told me, Captain. All of us know, right, Hanataro?" Rangiku asks, nudging his shoulder. Hanatora's eyes widen and he gulps, glancing over at you behind his shoulder.

"It is true, Captain Ukitake. In fact, if you want to ask y/n, they are right behind us," he gulps out, lowering his head with shame. Rangiku snaps her head over to you standing behind them, a dazed look across your face.

"Oh my gosh, y/n! I am so sorry, but I think I hear Captain Hitsugaya calling my name. Gotta go, bye!" Rangiku quickly takes off with Hanatora scrambling behind her.

You stare at Jushiro, heart racing against your chest. Now, he knows everything. It's like you're standing naked right in front of him, with no where to run.

Jushiro clears his throat and smiles warmly at you. You're surprised at his actions, thinking he would act indifferent to you.

"You shouldn't really listen to them spreading rumors around like that," he plays it off, crossing his arms and slowly walking up to you.

You gulp and slowly nod your head. "Yeah, I know," you lower your gaze to the ground, slightly embarrassed of the events that just happened.

Jushiro steps closer to you, reaching out his hand and cupping your face. Your eyes widen and your heart skips a beat. You slowly lift your gaze from the ground up into Jushiro's soft eyes.

Your body is getting warmer as his hand rests on your cheek, thumb caressing your skin. He shoots you a warm smile and then tilts his head.

"See you around, y/n," his voice is husk and gentle. His hand falls back down to his side and he walks past you, cologne whisking in the air as you're left in shock.

Toshiro: You're helping Rangiku out with some paperowrk that Captain Hitsugaya assigned her. You scribble with the pen on the paper, putting it into another pile.

"Gosh, Captain Hitsugaya is so lame for making me do all this paperwork," Rangiku complains, hunching over in her seat.

"What? I think Captain Hitsugaya is super cool! He's really sweet when you get to know him," you shrug your shoulders.

"Trust me, he's super boring and strict. Makes me do paperwork all day," Rangiku groans out, rolling her eyes with annoyance.

"Come on, Rangiku. He can't be that bad. He's a really good person with a good soul," you comment and Rangiku leans in closer, narrowing her eyes.

"Sounds like someone has a crush," she giggles out and your eyes widen.

"What?! No way!" you reply back, raising your voice slightly. She leans back in the chair and has a smug smirk on her face.

"Sureeee," she chuckles out, shaking her head in disbelief. You scoff and chew on your bottom lip.

"Maybe just a little," you admit.

"Whatever. Moral of the story is that Toshiro is super lame for this," she sighs out.

"Now, Rangiku, I don't think that's quite true," Toshiro's voice rings out and Rangiku's head perks up. She chuckles nervously and pushes the chair back.

"I have to leave now, but good luck!" she quickly scrambles off, leaving you and Toshiro. You turn your head and see Toshiro walking towards you.

"Guess you heard her call you lame, huh?" you ask, letting out a tiny chuckle as Toshiro sits down across from you. He nods his head, a slight smile on his face.

"Sure did. Also heard everything else the two of you were discussing, but no worries. I also think you're super cool," Toshiro speaks with a hoarse voice.

You lift your eyes up from the paperwork and across the desk at Toshiro, gulping. Your heart flatters as his foot gentle taps yours and he smiles at you.

You clear your throat and nod your head, resuming the paperwork as Toshiro keeps you company.

Captain Hitsugaya thinks it's very cute that you have a crush on him.

[no--net]

Shunsui and jushiro who were planning this: really? Wow haha...

Yamamoto, to Jushiro and Shunsui: You two are so close that I occasionally have nightmares of you running away together.

[kingvlion]

Fond.

[fortheloveofshunsui]

Best part