Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō

For Masatsuki Aozaki, what shocked him more than Kirio Hikifune's sudden kiss was her initiative.

She had never been like this before.

In their past encounters, she had always hesitated—flustered, retreating the moment their lips touched.

But this time, she didn't shy away.

She pressed forward, her movements more fervent than his own.

Even when driven by desire, Kirio Hikifune had never been so bold.

But right now, a simple kiss wasn't enough for her.

She wanted more—she needed him to feel her.

Her soft lips landed repeatedly, trailing from his lips to his cheek, then down to his neck.

"Ha... haa... mmn~"

It wasn't until her breath turned uneven that Masatsuki finally moved, wrapping his arms gently around her waist.

He shifted slightly, settling her onto his lap, holding her securely.

Kirio's body melted against him, flushed with heat, as if she were burning from the inside out.

For her to be this passionate… this was rare.

Masatsuki brushed back her disheveled hair with gentle fingers, his voice low as he asked,

"What's wrong? Do you want to tell me something?"

"..."

Kirio looked up at him, her deep violet eyes filled with unspoken emotion.

Her lips pressed together tightly, as if she were holding something back, fighting with herself.

And that frustrated her.

Masatsuki always indulged her, treating her like a child—humoring her, spoiling her.

But she wasn't a child anymore.

She had grown.

She wanted him to see her as a woman—as a lover—not just someone who needed coddling.

Taking a deep breath, she leaned in close, her lips brushing against his ear.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, laced with both hesitation and resolve, she murmured,

"...Just give me one more day. That's all I need, just one day, and I'll—"

Her voice was so soft that if not for Masatsuki's sharp senses, he wouldn't have caught it.

The way she spoke—so close to pleading—would have stunned anyone who knew her.

Kirio Hikifune, the bold and carefree woman, revealing such a vulnerable side?

She clenched her teeth, trying to suppress the emotions threatening to spill over.

The turmoil in her chest—the longing she had carried for decades—was overwhelming.

For seventy, eighty years, she had wanted him.

Missed him.

Yearned for something more.

But she had never known how to put it into words.

She wasn't good with feelings—not like this.

So she spoke through actions instead.

Again and again, she sought his lips, giving him everything, asking for nothing.

This was the only way she knew how to confess.

Summoning all her courage, she kissed him once more, pouring every unspoken emotion into that single act.

Masatsuki hesitated for only a moment before responding, returning her kiss with the same quiet intensity.

Warmth.

Acceptance.

As if telling her he understood.

Kirio gasped softly against him, her body trembling slightly as she melted into his embrace.

When they finally parted, Masatsuki gazed into her eyes and, in a rare moment of sincerity, whispered,

"Tomorrow, I'm yours."

The man who always carried himself with careless ease—who never took things too seriously—looked at her now with a rare, unwavering certainty.

...

The next day, the sun had already risen high, its warmth spilling through the windows.

Kirio Hikifune woke later than usual, reluctantly blinking open her beautiful eyes against the bright morning light.

Even after making her way to the living room, she remained sluggish, exuding a lazy air.

Of course, after last night—after everything she had done—there was no way she would have waited until morning to release all that pent-up passion.

She had to admit, sometimes having an overly keen sense of smell was more of a curse than a gift.

The lingering scent of Masatsuki Aozaki filled the air, making her recall the mess she had made of the bathroom.

Even she felt that she had gone a little overboard.

No way could she let Masatsuki see that.

And yet… the more familiar she became with these feelings, the more a new concern crept into her mind.

What if I get addicted to this?

What if, when Masatsuki eventually left, she found herself unable to stop craving him?

That would be a real problem.

"...This is all Masatsuki's fault."

Flustered, she pouted her lips in a rare show of frustration.

It was the strongest expression of displeasure she could muster toward him.

But, surprisingly, the living room was empty.

Only one person was here—her embarrassing senior.

Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting long shadows and reminding her that it was already late.

A faint aroma of food lingered in the air, proof that someone had recently been cooking.

On the table, set neatly at her usual seat, was a carefully prepared breakfast.

It was clear this meal had been made specifically for her.

A bowl of steaming white rice sat beside a golden, crispy omelet and a tender, juicy steak.

Next to that was a large plate of grilled seafood, its enticing scent filling the room.

A modern-style Japanese breakfast—something that had come from the fusion of different cultures in the World of the Living.

But on this beautiful morning, there was only one thought in her mind.

Where is Masatsuki-chan?

Kirio Hikifune blinked her bright eyes, scanning the room in search of him.

"Ah! Good morning, Kirio-chan."

A cheerful voice suddenly pulled her from her thoughts.

Senjumaru Shutara, who had been completely ignored until now, greeted her with a bright smile.

Kirio gave her a small nod, acknowledging her overly enthusiastic greeting.

Then, as if on instinct, she made her way to the table and sat down, ready to enjoy the meal.

She picked up her chopsticks without hesitation, grabbing a piece of steak and taking a bite.

Even as she ate, her eyes continued searching for Masatsuki's whereabouts.

Where did he go?

Did I scare him off last night?

Was I too forward? Is that why he doesn't want to see me today?

Damn it… maybe I should've held back just a little longer…

As these thoughts raced through her mind, she suddenly caught movement from the room next to the living room.

She turned to glance in that direction—

And the moment she did, her face flushed bright red, like a ripe apple.

She choked, coughing loudly as she tried to catch her breath.

A rare sight—Kirio Hikifune, actually choking on her food.

"Kirio, are you okay!? Here, drink some soup!"

Senjumaru, flustered by the sight, hurriedly grabbed a handkerchief and thrust it toward her.

She also shoved her own bowl of miso soup in front of Kirio without thinking.

Without hesitation, Kirio picked it up and downed it in one go.

Senjumaru watched, her lips twitching as if she wanted to say something.

She really wanted to tell Kirio that the soup she just drank was hers.

Couldn't she have saved me at least one sip?

Masatsuki's miso soup was really good…

Just a little. One taste. That's all she wanted.

Senjumaru pouted slightly, watching Kirio enjoy the soup as she swallowed her own disappointment.

But, as a dignified senior, she simply couldn't bring herself to say it.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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