"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Before nightfall, a series of urgent knocks echoed through Masatsuki Aozaki's room.
Masatsuki slowly lowered the game controller he had just picked up, his gaze shifting instinctively toward the door.
"Masatsuki-sama..."
A soft, slightly shy voice came from the other side—Hisana.
"Hmm? Hisana?"
Masatsuki opened the door, mildly surprised. However, the moment he saw her standing before him, he couldn't help but pause.
Hisana had changed out of her usual white yukata and was now dressed in a beautifully crafted kimono made of the finest silk.
The elegant, flowing fabric draped around her figure, and glimpses of her fair skin peeked through the layers with a natural, healthy glow.
Unlike Rukia, Hisana lacked the talent to become a Shinigami. With her frail body, even surviving in Seireitei's dense spiritual environment was a struggle.
But for Masatsuki, this was hardly an issue.
He might not be able to mold her into a prodigy, but ensuring she could live a normal life like an ordinary person was a simple feat.
The soft interplay of fabric and moonlight only accentuated the delicate beauty of her legs, hidden beneath the hem of her kimono. The sight stirred an undeniable curiosity within Masatsuki, as if inviting him to explore the mystery concealed beneath.
Her long, silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her delicate features. Though her figure was modest, it only added to her gentle and fragile charm.
The pure white kimono she wore was adorned with embroidered cherry blossoms, resembling flowers in full bloom during spring. It gave her an almost ethereal aura, like a celestial maiden untouched by the world.
Under the silver glow of the moon, Hisana's beauty seemed even more breathtaking.
"Could it be that a princess from the moon has descended upon my home? Though, I don't recall having a bamboo forest here!"
Masatsuki mused, gazing at her with genuine admiration.
"Masatsuki-sama flatters me..."
Hisana's cheeks tinged with pink at his words, her face as radiant as a ripened apple. The contrast against her kimono only made her appear more delicate and enchanting.
The mention of the moon and bamboo immediately reminded her of the legend of Kaguya-hime—a woman of unparalleled beauty, desired by men of all ranks, from the noblest lords to the humblest peasants.
The story was well-known, and Hisana immediately understood Masatsuki's meaning.
With a soft smile, she replied,
"I'm merely a frail woman... how could I possibly compare to a goddess of the heavens?"
Masatsuki chuckled.
"Haha, Hisana-san, you're far too humble."
"If a celestial goddess were to see you, I imagine even she would feel ashamed."
His gaze lingered on the captivating woman before him, admiration welling up inside.
At this moment, Hisana was still an unwed maiden.
Yet, her gentle and fragile presence carried the air of a sorrowful widow, freshly mourning the loss of a husband.
It was a rare and unique kind of beauty—one that was seldom seen in this world.
Masatsuki Aozaki came back to his senses and asked curiously,
"By the way, I wonder what brings you here, Hisana?"
Hisana nodded slightly and replied softly,
"I came to thank you, Masatsuki-sama.
Over the years, you've always looked after Rukia and me, and I'm truly grateful."
She then bowed lightly before continuing,
"Masatsuki-sama has often mentioned wanting to try the rice sake I brew. Today, I specially brought some for you."
Hearing this, Masatsuki Aozaki's eyes lit up. He nodded with a smile and said,
"How thoughtful of you, Hisana. I'll be happy to try it."
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