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

Kirio Hikifune was so surprised because Masatsuki Aozaki had just walked out of the adjacent room connected to the living room.

He was shirtless, carrying a pile of colorful clothes in his arms.

If it were just Masatsuki Aozaki without a shirt, Kirio Hikifune wouldn't have been that fazed—she had seen him like this plenty of times before and was more or less used to it.

But for someone who was in the middle of eating, this kind of scene was a bit too stimulating.

As she looked at Masatsuki, her mind involuntarily likened him to an exquisite side dish, one that paired exceptionally well with the breakfast he had personally prepared.

On the other side, Senjumaru Shutara, who had also witnessed the scene, gave an awkward smile while holding onto Kirio Hikifune's bowl of miso soup, looking slightly embarrassed.

"This little guy, really… There's still a whole month left, but he just had to pick out the best-looking outfit today, interrupting our breakfast in the process."

Senjumaru Shutara pouted slightly, as if she were sulking, but anyone could tell she wasn't actually upset.

On the contrary, she seemed rather pleased.

Kirio Hikifune said nothing, simply observing the look of delight on her face.

She knew Masatsuki Aozaki's personality all too well.

Without a doubt, he was someone who naturally drew attention.

But in truth, he wasn't the type to place much importance on appearances.

Outside of his work attire, the outfits she had seen him wear most frequently were his Shihakushō and captain's Haori.

Perhaps because of his striking features, he looked exceptional in anything he wore—so much so that he didn't seem to care about fashion at all.

Simply put, it didn't matter what he wore. Even if he were dressed in tattered rags, he would still exude an irresistible charm.

No… In fact, if he were covered in nothing but rags—or even half-dressed—he'd probably be even more popular among the younger girls in Seireitei.

Kirio Hikifune had no doubt that even without his current level of strength, he would still be able to get by on his looks alone.

There were certainly countless noble ladies who would be more than happy to keep him as a personal pet in their mansions.

After all, putting aside anything else, the man's appearance was nothing short of flawless.

As Kirio Hikifune let her thoughts wander, Masatsuki Aozaki had already finished dressing.

He was now clad in a crisp, slim-fitting white suit with a black undershirt—elegant and undeniably handsome.

However, standing next to two women dressed in the standard uniforms of the Zero Division, he looked somewhat out of place.

Senjumaru Shutara frowned slightly as she looked at Masatsuki Aozaki and asked carefully,

"Not satisfied?"

Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled. "I just feel like something with a more traditional style would suit the atmosphere better when I'm with you two."

"You have a point."

Senjumaru glanced down at herself—her intricate robes and accessories could only be described as ancient in style.

Kirio Hikifune's gaze slowly moved between Masatsuki and Senjumaru, then back to Masatsuki again.

The scene before her brought back memories from seventy or eighty years ago, before she ascended to the Soul King Palace.

Back then, it was the same.

They would talk about topics she struggled to understand, and all she could do was quietly listen, unable to take part in the conversation.

But over time, things had changed.

As Senjumaru once put it, she had become increasingly vain.

She had even started asking questions she never used to care about—whether she looked good, if she had gained weight, and other trivial matters.

When did she start acting like this?

Perhaps it was when she became a part of Masatsuki Aozaki's life, and he became a part of hers...

She had long understood that their hearts were connected.

"...But I guess my taste in clothing really isn't great," Kirio Hikifune muttered to herself, a gentle smile forming on her lips.

But that was fine.

She knew fashion wasn't her strong suit, and it made sense that Masatsuki didn't come to her for advice.

The outfit she was wearing now, aside from the outer Haori, was the same as always—one of several identical Shihakushō she had rotated through for centuries.

Yet, she had no doubt that if she ever reached out to Masatsuki, he would always respond.

She believed in that completely.

"Kirio, what do you think? Which one looks best?"

Lost in thought, Kirio Hikifune snapped back to reality as Masatsuki suddenly appeared in front of her, holding several carefully selected outfits.

She hadn't even noticed him moving closer—he was so near she could feel his breath.

"..."

Kirio's lips parted slightly, but she wasn't sure what to say.

Unlike Senjumaru, who had been preparing and carefully choosing his outfit with enthusiasm, she had just been sitting there, staring blankly at him, never once considering what she could do for him in return.

She blinked, quickly masking the hint of frustration in her heart.

When Masatsuki playfully blinked at her, awaiting her answer, her response was a beat too slow.

"I... don't really know much about fashion," she admitted, scratching her head awkwardly. "You should probably ask Senjumaru-senpai instead."

"That's fine, just tell me your thoughts!" Masatsuki grinned. "Which one do you think would look good on me? Or rather, which one do you like best? I want to know what you think."

Kirio Hikifune frowned slightly, giving it some thought before replying,

"If I had to pick... I think I like your uniform the most."

She wasn't entirely sure why, but the image of Masatsuki wearing his usual uniform kept surfacing in her mind.

Maybe it was because that look suited him best in her eyes.

"I knew it! You think the same way I do. Guess I'll wear my uniform for our date today."

Masatsuki nodded happily, looking satisfied.

"Uh-huh... Wait, what?"

Kirio Hikifune froze for a moment, surprise flashing across her face.

It took her a few seconds to recall what had happened last night.

She had asked Masatsuki for a full day together, and he had agreed.

That meant—today, he belonged to her.

She suddenly remembered their conversation from the previous night, when they were lying in bed together.

Masatsuki had casually asked if she wanted to go on a date.

At the time, she had just finished bathing, still flustered from... certain events, and in her embarrassment—

She had actually agreed!

...

Before long, Masatsuki had changed into his usual Eleventh Division captain's uniform.

With a faint smile, he took Kirio Hikifune's hand and led her outside.

Still holding onto his hand, Kirio followed in hurried, slightly unsteady steps, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation.

"Take care and come back soon..."

Senjumaru watched them leave, standing by the doorway with a puzzled expression.

"...Wait—a date!?"

It wasn't until ten minutes later that realization finally dawned on her, and she gasped in shock.

Only then did she finally process what her two juniors had just set out to do.

...

Masatsuki Aozaki and Kirio Hikifune walked side by side through the lush forests of Gatonden, appearing no different from any ordinary couple strolling down the street.

They moved through the dense woods, feeling the cool breeze against their skin, quietly enjoying each other's company.

Wandering through the wilderness with a stunning woman—it sounded a little odd when put that way.

Normally, situations like this would either involve a specific job or some sort of ulterior motive.

But Masatsuki didn't have much of a choice.

Though Gatonden had designated living quarters for the Divine Soldiers, life there was dull and monotonous.

It wasn't like he could just take her to Hōōden to hang out with the blade spirits, could he?

Even for someone as shameless as Masatsuki Aozaki, there were limits—he couldn't exactly drag his wife there to do something like that.

So in comparison, the wilderness was much more appealing.

At least here, they could see some adorable little animals.

Not only did they add a bit of life to the place, but they also happened to be a reliable food source.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

p@treon com / PinkSnake