Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 205

Chapter 205 - 205: Conscience

The bright moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room with a soft glow. The luxurious mansions of the Noble District carried a strong, lingering fragrance—the scent of rare spices that nobles spent fortunes to acquire.

Masatsuki Aozaki had visited many noble estates before, and this scent was always present, an unmistakable sign of wealth and refinement.

They referred to this tradition, originating from a great Western nation, as "the way of incense," ranking it alongside Ikebana and the tea ceremony as one of the refined arts.

Unlike the extravagance of those aristocratic mansions, Masatsuki Aozaki's room exuded a simpler, more subtle fragrance.

"What a beautiful scent... just like Captain Masatsuki," Isane Kotetsu thought to herself as she took in the gentle aroma.

Masatsuki walked into the room, carrying a tray in his hands.

"These are some dishes I made, along with a few bottles of wine that Shunsui-senpai gifted me."

He pointed to the array of dishes on the table, over a dozen in total, before taking a seat beside Isane.

"This is some of his prized wine—he's kept it stored for years and barely has the heart to drink it. I hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all! These dishes look delicious," Isane said quickly, waving her hands in slight panic as she took in the feast before her.

"I heard you like eating porridge," Masatsuki remarked, looking at her with a knowing expression. "Something about not wanting to grow taller, since porridge doesn't have much nutritional value?"

He studied the tall girl in front of him before continuing,

"You care too much about what others think, Isane. But in my opinion, you don't need to concern yourself with every opinion—just those of the people who truly matter to you."

"Besides, your appearance is nobody else's business. And they're wrong."

"There's nothing bad about growing taller. You look adorable just the way you are."

Isane's body trembled slightly at his words. Without hesitation, she poured herself a cup of wine, then lifted it to her lips and downed it in one go.

"Thank you, Captain Masatsuki. I know you're just trying to comfort me... but you really don't have to."

"Comfort you?" Masatsuki raised his glass and took a small sip, meeting her gaze. "I'm just telling the truth—not a single word of it is a lie."

Isane's heart fluttered. Her beautiful eyes locked onto him, and in that moment, her sister's words echoed in her mind.

This is the perfect chance...

"So... Captain Masatsuki... do you... like..."

Fueled by the warmth of the wine, she found the courage to speak, but her voice grew softer with every word until it was barely audible.

"I do."

Masatsuki didn't hesitate. He met her gaze unwaveringly and said,

"I've liked you since my previous life."

P-Previous life!?

Was he talking about the World of the Living?

But she was born and raised in Seireitei. The Fourth Division never had to patrol the Human World, and she had never set foot there.

And their age difference... how could they have met in a previous life?

Wait... is this... a confession!?

Does Captain Masatsuki really feel that way about me!?

A storm of thoughts raced through her mind, but somewhere deep inside, there was a quiet sense of joy.

Under the glow of the moon and the warmth of the alcohol, Isane slowly leaned forward, falling into Masatsuki's arms. The faint, elegant fragrance of the room wrapped around her, and for the first time, she felt what it was like to be held by someone taller.

The night deepened. The moon hung high in the sky.

The dense darkness of the night shimmered under a veil of silver light.

...

Seireitei, 4th Division Barracks.

"Yasochika, has Lieutenant Isane returned?"

Inside the captain's office, Retsu Unohana's expression was tinged with concern as she turned toward the door, which had just opened.

"Captain, Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu hasn't returned yet, but 3rd Seat Kiyone Kotetsu from the 13th Division is here," said Yasochika Iemura, the 3rd Seat of the 4th Division, as he hurried inside. Seeing his captain's worried expression, he quickly attempted to reassure her.

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