Bleach: Starting From Joining Squad 6

Shutara Senjumaru's words left Nagasawa Masaru genuinely surprised.

Just moments ago, he had only just activated the official version of his system and was still anxious that the abnormal status it revealed might flare up during combat.

Yet here came Senjumaru, delivering a solution before he'd even finished worrying.

It really was like dozing off only to have someone bring you a pillow. His luck felt too good to be true.

Eager with curiosity, he quickly asked,

"What's the method?"

Senjumaru, perhaps amused by the anxious look on his face, smiled behind her sleeve. The same woman who'd been decisive and ruthless toward Byakuya Kuchiki—who didn't hesitate to threaten a beheading—now raised one of her skeletal artificial arms and pointed playfully at the black uniform Masaru was already wearing.

"You're already wearing it."

Masaru blinked, then looked down at the sleek, British-styled Shihakushō he had on.

Before he could even ask, Senjumaru continued.

"When I created this version of the Shihakushō, I integrated a variety of functions into it—defensive capabilities, spirit energy detection, assistance in absorbing spirit particles, as well as auto-cleaning and self-repair."

"While none of these features are overwhelmingly powerful on their own, they work together comprehensively to support a wide range of Gotei 13 needs and adapt to most environments."

Masaru fell silent for a moment.

To be honest, the Shihakushō never seemed all that special in Bleach. Back when he read the manga, he even thought Senjumaru had only been promoted to the Royal Guard because she standardized Seireitei's dress code.

Only after this explanation did he realize what an incredible invention the Shihakushō actually was.

"So the Shihakushō is that amazing?"

Hearing his offhand comment, Senjumaru rolled her eyes.

"Why do you think I was even invited to the Royal Guard?"

"Of course, to captain-class and seated officers, these support functions might seem trivial. After all, anyone capable of fighting and injuring such elites wouldn't be stopped by a uniform."

"But for the average Gotei 13 soldier, my Shihakushō is practically a second life."

Masaru had to admit, after hearing her reasoning, he finally understood the greatness of her contribution.

No wonder Byakuya scoffed at calling Shihakushō and captain's haori "cheap rags," and Kenpachi outright dismissed them as "annoying junk."

Compared to monsters like captains and seated officers, regular Shinigami were the real foundation of the Gotei 13. The Shihakushō wasn't made for the strong—it was made to protect those who lacked monstrous power.

But then, a confused look crept across his face again.

"Okay, but what does this have to do with my constitution?"

This time, Senjumaru didn't answer immediately. Instead, she walked forward until she stood directly before him. Then she raised one of her skeletal arms and gently tapped the center of his chest.

Only then did she begin to explain.

"Your Soul Chain and Soul Sleep are constantly teetering on the edge of collapse because your body cannot handle the rate at which you absorb spirit particles."

"So, by reversing the spirit particle absorption assistance enchantments in the uniform and regulating the intake speed based on your physical condition..."

"While the effect might be limited, the Shihakushō can at least relieve some of the pressure your body is under."

Masaru lowered his head slightly and looked at where her skeletal finger had tapped—right where his Soul Chain and Soul Sleep were located.

If this uniform really could do what she said, then based on the system's description of his [Residual Hollow] abnormal status, it might actually reduce his chances of getting hurt.

Still, what he didn't quite understand was why she was helping him.

After all, Senjumaru was a Royal Guard candidate. Why would she go out of her way for someone like him?

With a confused expression, he asked,

"But why are you helping me? We just met for the first time yesterday, didn't we?"

Like the old saying goes: there's no love without a reason.

Masaru wasn't so naive as to believe she helped him just because he was ridiculously handsome.

Though, to be fair, he really was quite handsome.

Senjumaru, however, didn't directly answer. Instead, her tone shifted slightly, as if she remembered something.

"Although Captain-Commander Yamamoto's initial reason for sending you to me was to have me investigate you secretly..."

"Those two individuals from yesterday spoke quite highly of you."

"In the end, our conclusion was to approve your entry into the Gotei 13 for now and continue monitoring your behavior.

She paused briefly after saying that.

Then the skeletal finger that had tapped his chest moved upward, lifting Masaru's chin slightly as she leaned closer with a teasing glint in her eye.

"And besides... it's been a long time since I've seen someone as interesting as you, little-"

She suddenly stopped midsentence, seemingly realizing something. Then she let out a light cough and corrected herself,

"Ahem... it's been a long time since I've met someone so interesting. I'm also looking forward to what kind of surprises you'll bring after joining the Gotei 13."

Hearing that, Masaru's heart softened a little.

He easily guessed who "those two" she mentioned were.

Although Yamamoto Genryūsai had placed Yoruichi and Byakuya at his side to keep an eye on him, the fact that they'd spoken up for him after just a day was already more than he could ask for.

Still, looking at the stunning woman before him—her face close, her tone playfully flirtatious—a roguish grin spread across his face.

"You know, this is pretty dangerous behavior, milady."

Unlike Byakuya, Masaru wasn't the shy and quiet type. He had no intention of backing down in a situation like this.

However, to his surprise, Senjumaru didn't back off either. In fact, she leaned in even closer, her icy-beautiful features just inches from his face.

"So what?"

"Right now, you only seem powerful. Your frail body can't even support long battles."

"Can you even handle it, little~ brother?"

She dragged the last words out playfully, each syllable laced with teasing challenge.

And she succeeded.

It was a provocation every bit as effective as that infamous line from Ms. Cheng in the future.

Masaru, who absolutely could not stand being looked down on, immediately felt the urge to take action to prove himself, and maybe test how soundproof Squad 6's barracks really were.

Just as his hand was about to extend toward the beauty before him, Senjumaru, who had been mere centimeters away, suddenly spun lightly on her toes with a dazzling smile, putting distance between them once more.

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