The morning was quiet in the captain's quarters, with only Masatsuki Aozaki and Mashiro Kuna lying in bed, idly waiting for time to pass.
The two were in a state of deep contemplation, feeling like a mere drop in the vast ocean of existence, marveling at the endlessness of the world.
Strictly speaking, their state of mind was akin to that of a sage—indifferent to all external matters, focused only on the pursuit of truth.
"Seriously, I thought I'd finally get to relax after the war. But I still have to work?" Mashiro Kuna grumbled, sprawled across the dark-haired man's chest.
"It's because the war just ended that there's so much to do. Once the aftermath is dealt with, we should be able to enjoy a long period of peace," Masatsuki replied with a smile.
"That's true. If it weren't for the rebel uprising, we'd have way more free time." Mashiro nodded in agreement.
She had joined the Gotei 13 during peacetime. Back then, aside from training and the occasional deployment to the World of the Living, there was barely anything to do.
As long as one was strong, being a Shinigami was a simple job.
"I just didn't expect to be involved in all this. I thought I was only responsible for fighting."
"Doesn't Gin handle most of the paperwork? As a combatant, all you need to do is report on battlefield conditions. You don't even have to write the reports yourself," Masatsuki reassured her.
"Ugh, but it's such a hassle! I'd rather be practicing Hakuda than wasting time on meaningless stuff like that," Mashiro whined playfully.
"Alright, alright. We'll head to the Hakuda dojo later. We worked on your muscles last night, so let's see how much stronger you've gotten today."
Masatsuki spoke indulgently, though his gaze drifted toward Banshō Senran, a thoughtful expression in his eyes.
The way they used "quantified" data to help with his Bankai training had definitely increased his motivation.
If he had been able to quantify his learning efficiency back in his past life, he might've actually become the kind of model student teachers adored.
According to Banshō, his understanding of them had reached 19.3%.
At this pace, if he trained once a day, gaining 0.1% each time, it would take a little over two years to reach 100%.
Without external assistance, that wasn't a long time at all—it could even set a new record in the Soul Society.
"Two years, huh...?" Masatsuki muttered, his eyes lingering on Banshō Senran.
Beside him, the young woman sat up and stretched, her graceful curves accentuated by the dim morning light.
She dressed quickly, and the sharp, efficient cut of her Shihakushō only enhanced her energetic presence. One look was enough to tell she was full of life.
"No wonder she's a high-ranking Seated Officer specializing in Hakuda. In some ways, she even surpasses Rangiku. The only one who could outmatch her is Yoruichi."
"Masatsuki, what are you looking at?" Mashiro asked, catching his gaze as she stretched.
Her lips curled slightly in satisfaction—she was secretly pleased.
Without hesitation, she grabbed Masatsuki and yanked him up from the bed.
Masatsuki instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist, glancing toward Banshō Senran.
It wasn't like he had seduced this energetic girl—she was simply too lively for her own good.
Banshō Senran's blade trembled slightly, but they didn't suddenly manifest to interrupt the moment.
"I have to go to the 12th Division at noon. Kirio-san is looking for me, and I don't have much time," Masatsuki Aozaki said, stroking his chin as he glanced at the old-fashioned clock on the wall.
"So that means we only have two hours?" Mashiro Kuna asked, her face twitching slightly in frustration.
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