Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 377: The Creator

After enjoying a freshly grilled Japanese-style sausage, the two returned to the dining area. Masatsuki Aozaki, having grown accustomed to l

After enjoying a freshly grilled Japanese-style sausage, the two returned to the dining area.

Masatsuki Aozaki, having grown accustomed to living with Kirio Hikifune and Senjumaru Shutara, had all but started treating the place like his own home.

As soon as they walked in, Senjumaru Shutara plopped into her seat.

Her slightly disheveled clothes exposed the elegant curve of her collarbones, still faintly flushed from earlier. Against her fair skin, the subtle redness only made her look more alluring.

"I’ll handle the dishes today," she offered, keeping her expression as neutral as possible—like nothing had happened at all.

"..."

Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at her but said nothing.

Right now, she looked like a delicate flower after the rain, her beauty carrying a trace of something unspoken.

No matter how well she controlled her expression, some things simply couldn’t be hidden.

Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled to himself. Let her pretend all she wants.

"Alright, I’ll leave it to you," he said with a smile.

"Mm."

Senjumaru Shutara took the utensils he handed her and walked toward the kitchen.

Her steps were light, graceful—every movement radiating an unmistakable feminine charm.

Masatsuki Aozaki turned to Kirio Hikifune, the corner of his lips curling mischievously.

"You two really aren’t very good at acting, you know. Looking to make it up to me?"

"Uh... yeah," Kirio Hikifune admitted, nodding as she reached out for his hand.

Just like always, their fingers intertwined naturally, his fingertips slipping between hers with ease.

Kirio Hikifune shivered slightly at the contrast—the warmth of his skin against the faint roughness of his nails. Every place he touched sent a pleasant tingle through her.

Masatsuki Aozaki pulled her in and kissed her.

"Mm... hmm~"

A small, breathy sound escaped her lips, entirely instinctual.

That familiar sensation...

A warmth spread through her, a restlessness stirring in her chest.

She had the urge to do something.

But—

A glance at the kitchen reminded her that now was definitely not the time. Acting on impulse here would lead to something far too difficult to contain.

Yet, the moment Masatsuki Aozaki’s fingers brushed the small of her back, a tingling shiver ran up her spine.

Kirio Hikifune clutched onto his hand and shirt, holding on tightly.

She met his gaze—his teasing yet knowing eyes staring right back at her.

And then, before she even thought about it, the words left her lips.

"Did you two do it?"

"...Huh?"

"I mean, as lovers—have you gone all the way?"

There was no hiding it now. That clumsy attempt at pretending nothing had happened hadn’t fooled Kirio Hikifune for a second.

She leaned into him, pressing herself closer, fully invading his space in a way that made it very clear who was in control here.

Masatsuki Aozaki blinked, then suddenly laughed.

Shaking his head, he answered casually,

"Nope. We’re nowhere near that point."

"...Is that so?"

Kirio Hikifune didn’t push the subject further, though her eyes flickered with curiosity before she let it go.

"Then let’s continue."

"Yes, yes, of course," Masatsuki Aozaki replied with exaggerated obedience, bowing slightly, completely abandoning any dignity as the so-called "ultimate lifeform."

Then, as if remembering something, Kirio Hikifune paused.

"Oh, by the way... you’re coming back tonight, right?"

With each of Masatsuki Aozaki’s movements, that tingling warmth only grew stronger.

It felt so good.

Her body had changed—becoming more accustomed to his touch, more sensitive in ways that made her feel better than ever before.

"Make sure you’re nice and clean when you wait for me tonight," Masatsuki Aozaki said with a smirk.

...

Masatsuki Aozaki’s time living with the two Zero Division women wasn’t long, and before he knew it, the days had passed in the space between them.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the day of his scheduled audience had arrived.

As the first rays of morning sunlight bathed the world in gold, Masatsuki Aozaki went about his usual routine, preparing breakfast.

Between bites, he reluctantly said his goodbyes to the two beautiful older sisters.

Then, he left Gatonden and made his way toward the oldest of the five Zero Division Ridens.

If one wished to approach the Soul King, there was no avoiding that monk.

The grand citadel belonging to Ichibē Hyōsube was like a living ink painting.

Lush green mountains, flowing rivers, and rustic wooden and bamboo houses blended seamlessly together.

Simply walking through the landscape was enough to bring a sense of tranquility, a serene detachment from the world.

After passing through a dense bamboo grove, a traditional manor came into view.

Just then—

A deep, hearty laugh echoed through the quiet forest, crisp and clear against the falling leaves.

A towering, bald man stood at the entrance.

Arms crossed over his chest, his face bore an easygoing grin. His stance was completely unguarded—full of openings.

But... he was dangerous.

Masatsuki Aozaki recognized the threat instantly, even though he knew the man held no hostility toward him.

"So, what do you think? Not a bad Riden, huh?"

Ichibē Hyōsube, as if reading Masatsuki Aozaki’s thoughts, lifted his head slightly. His sharp eyes gleamed as he spoke, his tone carrying the warmth of an old friend.

Masatsuki Aozaki, however, simply shook his head.

"It’s nice, but it doesn’t quite compare to my home at Gatonden."

"Hahaha... Looks like you’ve been getting along well with them!"

Ichibē Hyōsube chuckled, winking at him, but he didn’t seem the least bit offended. He just scratched his head and laughed.

"Come in and take a break. You’re early—it’s not even time for the meeting yet."

Saying this, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Masatsuki Aozaki nodded and followed after him.

Golden sunlight filtered through the snow-white clouds.

A soft breeze drifted through the ancient manor, lifting the hanging ink paintings along the wooden walls, causing them to sway gently—forming a scene of tranquil beauty.

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Ichibē Hyōsube rubbed his bald head as he settled into a seat, his relaxed posture completely at odds with the status of a Zero Division leader.

Grinning wide, he revealed a row of pristine white teeth as he looked at Masatsuki Aozaki.

"I heard you wanted to talk about something related to your Zanpakutō?"

Masatsuki Aozaki scoffed.

"What do you mean heard? You were right there."

Ichibē Hyōsube pondered for a moment but didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed. Instead, he clapped his hands and let out a hearty laugh.

"Haha... You caught me."

"I’ll be upfront with you—there’s nothing I can do about that Asauchi you forged."

"That thing has no other name because it exists as an Asauchi."

"Even I can only see ’Asauchi’ as its name."

"No, actually, I can’t even see the name ’Asauchi.’ I only know that it exists as one."

"If you want to learn its name, you’ll have to give it one yourself."

"That’s something only you, as its creator, can do!"

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