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

Inside the spacious palanquin, Rukia clung tightly to Masatsuki Aozaki's hand.

She struggled to keep herself steady, trying not to lean into Masatsuki's arms. Her large, expressive eyes darted around, scanning her surroundings.

"Nii-san, what exactly is the present you got me?"

Ever since they had left Seireitei, Masatsuki had been acting mysterious, which only piqued Rukia's curiosity even more.

"Why don't you guess?"

Masatsuki remained unfazed by her eager anticipation, offering only a cryptic smile in response.

"I really can't figure it out."

Rukia shook her head in defeat, a trace of impatience showing on her adorable face.

To outsiders, she always presented herself as composed and reserved.

But in front of Masatsuki, she was like an innocent, playful child—lively and carefree.

"We've traveled quite a long way already. We should be arriving soon."

Masatsuki lifted the curtain slightly, glancing outside before turning back to her.

"If you really want to know, why not take a look for yourself?"

At his suggestion, Rukia couldn't hold back her excitement any longer.

She immediately reached forward, lifting the front curtain of the palanquin and eagerly sticking her head out.

But the moment she caught sight of the building ahead—a place both familiar and unfamiliar, yet perfectly suited to her tastes—she froze in place.

Her eyes widened as she stared in disbelief, an overwhelming mix of emotions surging through her chest.

"Nii-san… how did you do this?"

She turned to him, her voice trembling with excitement.

"Do you like it?"

Masatsuki leaned in slightly, his voice gentle as he whispered by her ear.

"This tavern was abandoned after a fire. The owner no longer wanted it, so I bought it."

As one of the poorest districts in Rukongai, Inuzuri was known for its desolation and decay.

Yet, in the midst of this rundown area, a beautifully renovated tavern stood tall.

A sign shaped like an adorable rabbit hung above the entrance, and the building's lavish decorations—both inside and out—stood in stark contrast to the bleak surroundings.

It was like a lone jewel gleaming in the dust.

"What about the owner? Is she okay?"

Rukia asked instinctively.

Masatsuki blinked in surprise before letting out a small chuckle, shaking his head.

She really is such a kind child…

Seeing his response, Rukia finally relaxed, a relieved smile appearing on her face. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and made her way inside.

...

The soft tapping of her straw sandals echoed gently against the wooden floor as she walked.

Each step was careful, almost hesitant, as if she were afraid of disrupting the tranquil atmosphere.

Her gaze slowly swept across the interior, her eyes brimming with nostalgia.

The tavern had undergone significant changes, yet it still stirred memories of a past that felt distant—perhaps not a happy past, but a part of her nonetheless.

Her eyes landed on a table where a bouquet of flowers rested.

A single cosmos—also known as an autumn sakura.

It was said that in Latin, the flower's name bore a resemblance to the Japanese pronunciation of "Rukia."

She reached out, gently brushing her fingertips across the petals, feeling their delicate softness.

For a moment, she could almost see her younger self sitting at that very spot, wearing a bright, carefree smile.

But she knew the truth.

She hadn't been happy back then.

Was the smile on her face at that time meant for the person she had become today?

Looking at the ghost of her past self, Rukia smiled.

"What do you think?"

Masatsuki Aozaki stepped inside, quietly standing beside Rukia. The corners of his lips curled into a warm smile.

He was certain she would love this place—it carried memories they had both shared. A place worth remembering.

"The style doesn't quite match..."

Rukia turned to look at the familiar figure, a spark of joy flashing in her eyes. Without hesitation, she rushed forward like an excited little bird, throwing herself into his arms.

"Really? I thought you liked rabbits. If you don't, I can always have Gin Ichimaru redo the decor."

Masatsuki smirked playfully, his voice filled with indulgence.

He caught Rukia's small, delicate frame, breathing in her light, elegant fragrance as he leaned in and murmured softly near her ear.

This tavern had been designed by Aizen, and Masatsuki thought it looked quite decent. There was no questioning Aizen's skill in design.

Even though the place was filled with rabbit motifs for no clear reason, it didn't feel chaotic—rather, it had a unique charm of its own.

Convincing Aizen to incorporate all the rabbit designs Rukia liked had taken quite a bit of effort.

At first, Aizen had been incredibly reluctant.

How was this any different from making him construct bizarre giant statues in Las Noches?

But once Masatsuki promised to help him clear Kisuke Urahara's latest game, he finally agreed.

Of course, Aizen claimed he was only interested in studying Urahara's new invention—definitely not in playing games, and certainly not in playing games with Masatsuki.

"That's not what I meant…"

Rukia looked up, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

"I meant that this place is amazing, but opening a shop like this here feels… a little out of place."

Masatsuki let out a helpless chuckle. Looking down at the girl in his arms, he spoke softly,

"What's so inappropriate about it? If I say it can open, then it can open. If those ronin want to cause trouble, they can come find me."

Since when did the ronin of Inuzuri think they could challenge a Shinigami?

Did they really believe everyone was Kenpachi Zaraki?!

Even if Zaraki had a problem with it, well… Masatsuki could always just break his legs and be done with it!

But then his gaze met Rukia's deep violet eyes, staring straight at him without a single blink.

Masatsuki froze for a moment.

In her eyes, he saw only his own reflection—an unshaken, unwavering sense of reliance.

"Nii-san… I have a present for you too…"

Rukia's face was as red as an apple. Slowly, she stepped closer to Masatsuki, her voice soft and hesitant.

Looking at the girl he had raised since childhood, Masatsuki did the only thing he could in that moment…

He didn't hold back.

He kissed her.

After all, when he first took Rukia in, his intentions had never been pure.

He had always stayed true to his desires.

And now, faced with such temptation, how could he possibly resist?

Daring to tease Masatsuki Aozaki like this…

Hisana, Aura Michibane, and Nemu Kurotsuchi—Rukia and her two closest friends had set quite the example to follow.

"…Actually, someone was looking for me earlier."

Masatsuki suddenly lifted his head and let go of Rukia.

"What?!"

Snapping back to reality, Rukia covered her face in embarrassment, frustration clear in her voice.

Her sisters had all managed to sneak away successfully—so why was she the only one who fumbled at the most critical moment?!

They were definitely going to tease her about this later.

"…But."

Seeing the disappointment on Rukia's face, Masatsuki leaned in close and whispered in her ear,

"She didn't seem to be in much of a hurry."

Feeling the warmth of his breath against her ear, Rukia's delicate earlobes turned crimson.

Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper,

"So… we still have time?"

Masatsuki's lips curled into a faint smile.

He gently reached out, stroking Rukia's hair as he murmured,

"Yes, we still have time—time to share every beautiful moment together."

As his words fell, an invisible barrier quietly formed around them.

Like a sheer, transparent veil, it shimmered and rippled softly before enveloping the entire tavern.

Separating them from the outside world, it created a space that belonged to them alone.

In this secluded world, time seemed to slow, everything growing peaceful and still.

Rukia sat quietly beside Masatsuki, feeling the warmth of his presence.

And Masatsuki's gaze remained fixed on her, unwavering.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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