Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 126

Chapter 126 - 126: Hōgyoku?

Before anyone realized it, a month had passed, and the storm had long since faded from the small imperial court.

The ruling court of Soul Society had returned to its usual solemnity and silence. As a residence for the privileged class, its population density was far lower than that of Rukongai.

For most, this quiet life was nothing new—they had long since grown used to it.

With the arrival of the weekend, people took to the streets, adding a rare touch of life and energy to the city.

...

11th Division, Squad Barracks

"4th Seat Ichimaru! Hurry up and tidy things up. You're in charge of guarding the dormitory today. If the Captain finds out I haven't prepared anything, I'll never hear the end of it!"

Gin Ichimaru's eyebrow twitched as he glanced at the new 3rd Seat, Mashiro Kuna, a transfer from another squad.

She hadn't seemed particularly diligent when she first arrived, so why the sudden burst of responsibility?

At this time of day, she would usually sneak off to the mess hall, rummaging through the cupboards for her favorite sweets. Without fail, she'd get caught by Ittora Yamazaki, who was soon to be promoted to Lieutenant, and be used as an example of what not to do in front of the whole squad.

Then Masatsuki Aozaki would step in as the peacemaker, smoothing things over on her behalf...

But today was different.

Mashiro Kuna was responsible for organizing patrols around the Captain's quarters, and just yesterday, she had boldly declared that she could manage the team without Ittora Yamazaki's help. She had even gathered the squad members to give them a lecture about it.

Watching her now, frantically scrambling to get things in order, Gin Ichimaru had his doubts. Could she really handle planning the patrols?

Tap, tap!

Footsteps echoed from outside, followed by a familiar voice.

"Is my adorable little Mashiro here?"

Even Gin Ichimaru, who rarely opened his eyes fully, couldn't help but roll them.

Masatsuki Aozaki sure knew how to talk. Just the words adorable and little were enough to make Mashiro Kuna's face light up with joy.

"I'm here, I'm here! Weren't you supposed to be visiting a friend in Rukongai? Why are you back so early? I thought you wouldn't return until dinner!"

Grinning from ear to ear, Mashiro Kuna dashed out to greet him, throwing her arms around him in an enthusiastic hug.

Gin Ichimaru watched the scene in silence.

Masatsuki Aozaki might just be playing along, but Mashiro Kuna? She was definitely taking full advantage of the situation.

"Did you all see that? Learn from your 3rd Seat, Mashiro Kuna!"

Gin Ichimaru had been about to sigh when he heard Ryuuseki and Izumo lecturing the other squad members.

Turning around, he was met with an odd sight—the female squad members were staring at Masatsuki Aozaki like wolves eyeing a fresh meal, while even some of the male squad members were looking at him in a very strange way.

"...Has the 11th Division turned into some kind of weird cult? Mashiro, where exactly are your hands wandering? And the rest of you—could you at least wipe the drool off your faces?"

Gin Ichimaru was exhausted just watching this.

"Mashiro, I brought you some peony cakes."

Feeling the weight of everyone's stares—and the soft warmth of the woman clinging to him—Masatsuki Aozaki quickly handed over the box in his hands.

He had to admit, both Mashiro Kuna and Suì-Fēng had a petite, loli-like stature. However, Mashiro Kuna's figure felt slightly softer—probably due to their different lifestyles.

Suì-Fēng had undergone Onmitsukidō training from a young age and was a devoted follower of Yoruichi Shihōin, holding herself to strict standards.

Meanwhile, Mashiro Kuna's life was far more relaxed, unbound by rigid rules and discipline. She was free to retain a more natural softness.

"The Captain brought me a present? Thank you, Captain!"

Beaming, Mashiro Kuna eagerly unwrapped the peony cakes, though she looked a little embarrassed as she did so.

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