Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 374

Chapter 374: Chapter 374: Acceptance

After much effort, all the strange garments were finally repaired.

Taking the opportunity, the warm-hearted and affectionate older sister suggested spending some romantic time together as a way to thank Masatsuki Aozaki for his help.

And so, the two of them shared a few sweet, intimate hours...

...

Kirio Hikifune lay quietly on the soft bed, completely lost in slumber.

"...There’s plenty of passion, but still not enough skill."

Masatsuki Aozaki’s face carried a fond smile as he gently picked up a sheet and carefully draped it over Kirio Hikifune.

It was already past dinner time, but he didn’t bother waking her—there was no need.

In fact, as Kirio Hikifune drifted into deep sleep, Masatsuki Aozaki could clearly sense her Reiatsu gradually growing.

For the sleeping beauty before him, his gaze was filled with tenderness.

He leaned down and placed a gentle, lingering kiss on her forehead before silently leaving, not wanting to disturb her dreams.

...

With quiet steps, Masatsuki Aozaki made his way out of the room and into the guest quarters, stopping in front of Senjumaru Shutara’s door.

"...She really ran off?"

He glanced around doubtfully.

Wasting no time, he spread out his spiritual perception, then... swiftly walked toward the closet.

Sliding the door open, his eyes landed on the small, enclosed space—where no one should have been.

Sure enough, there was someone inside.

Masatsuki Aozaki blinked in mild surprise, but his expression soon softened into a gentle smile.

Crouched in the corner of the closet was a woman, curled up tightly.

The moonlight streaming through the window bathed her skin in an ethereal glow, making her seem almost unreal, as if she were wrapped in an illusion.

Masatsuki Aozaki called out softly,

"...Senjumaru-senpai?"

Before him sat his esteemed senior—a member of the exalted Zero Division, a royal secret agent who safeguarded the Soul King, and one of the strongest female Shinigami in all of Soul Society.

Yet here she was, hiding in a tiny closet, a stark contrast to her usual commanding presence.

Senjumaru Shutara was not the type to easily reveal vulnerability—let alone cower like a helpless child.

This was something she would only do when her defenses were truly broken. And yet, she seemed strangely calm, as if she hadn’t quite reached that point.

Though Masatsuki Aozaki often appeared carefree and frivolous, he was far from oblivious.

Most of the time, his laid-back demeanor wasn’t due to ignorance—it was simply because he couldn’t be bothered to restrain himself.

His Reiatsu withdrew swiftly, receding like a tide.

Slowly, he reached out and gently placed a hand atop Senjumaru Shutara’s head, a silent attempt to soothe her emotions.

Seeing no resistance, he decided to stroke her long hair—a quiet effort to comfort the "child" before him.

"Don’t..."

The word came out as an abrupt command.

Senjumaru Shutara froze for a moment before suddenly lifting her head. Her reddened eyes locked onto Masatsuki Aozaki with an intense gaze.

"Don’t... treat me like a child!"

Masatsuki Aozaki was momentarily stunned. His eyes traced over Senjumaru Shutara once more.

She was still dressed in her Zero Division uniform—the black and white fabric adorned with embroidered black winter daphne, a clear symbol of her rank and status.

Her long hair, usually tied up with a golden headpiece, now cascaded freely down her back like a waterfall. Every strand gleamed with a dark luster, smooth as silk, brushing softly against her pale skin.

With her hair down, she carried a different kind of allure—her usual refined elegance now laced with a distinctly feminine charm.

After speaking, Senjumaru Shutara fell into silence, and the atmosphere between them grew heavy.

Masatsuki Aozaki, sensing her intent, slowly bent his knees and knelt before her, lowering himself to meet her gaze at eye level.

...

He wanted to say something—to break the silence—but the words wouldn’t come.

Senjumaru Shutara’s eyes slowly lowered, her half-lidded gaze reflecting his image.

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