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.
A soft, slightly shy voice came from the other side—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?"
"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."
The morning sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the entire room in a golden glow. A faint fragrance lingered in the air, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Masatsuki Aozaki had been to many girls' rooms before, each carrying its own distinct scent. However, Hisana's room exuded a light and elegant fragrance, as if an invisible aroma gently permeated the space.
"It smells wonderful," Masatsuki Aozaki murmured as he took in the scent.
Hearing this, Hisana shyly ran her fingers through her hair, then glanced up at Masatsuki Aozaki's handsome profile and whispered,
"I usually keep flowers and plants in my room. If Masatsuki-sama likes them, you can..."
Her voice trailed off into a soft murmur.
However, Masatsuki Aozaki interrupted her, speaking seriously,
"I'm not talking about the flowers. I mean your scent."
As he spoke, he cast a meaningful glance at the woman in his arms.
Hisana's face instantly turned crimson. She lowered her head and buried her face in Masatsuki Aozaki's chest, trying to hide her embarrassment. She hadn't expected him to be so direct—it left her at a loss.
Just as her thoughts began to spiral, she suddenly felt a pair of warm hands wrap around her waist. A shiver ran through her body as she looked up at Masatsuki Aozaki, her eyes filled with surprise and shyness.
Her heart tightened, her face burned even hotter, and before she knew it, a wave of weakness overtook her. She collapsed against him.
As their passion built, the two intended to continue where they had left off the night before.
However, just as they embraced, a familiar voice rang out—it was Rukia, already starting her morning training.
Perseverance was one of Rukia's strongest traits. Even though she had been covered in bruises yesterday, she had recovered and was already pushing herself again.
Last night, Masatsuki Aozaki and Hisana had intended to stay in his room, where they wouldn't have heard anything. But they had moved here to keep a closer watch on Rukia.
Hisana, whose body had just begun to heat up, instantly lost all strength.
Dazed, she rubbed her temple, feeling lightheaded. Last night's "battle" had already left her drained, and the brief burst of energy just now had only been a fleeting reaction to stimulation.
"Does she not realize the state her body is in? Getting up so early to train... What if she pushes herself too hard and gets hurt again?"
Hisana frowned, concern evident in her eyes. She let out a soft sigh, her voice tinged with helplessness.
"What a stubborn child."
Masatsuki Aozaki also let out a small, helpless smile.
Rukia wasn't a child anymore.
"I just don't want her to overdo it," Hisana murmured.
She gently ran her fingers over Masatsuki Aozaki's chest, her gaze soft and affectionate.
Masatsuki Aozaki looked down at the woman in his arms, his eyes filled with fondness and exasperation.
He reached out and playfully tapped the tip of Hisana's nose, his voice indulgent,
"You can't stand to see her suffer, can you? You always worry so much about her.
But you have to understand, it's better for her to struggle a little now than to one day face a powerful enemy unprepared and lose her life because of it.
I'm not saying she has to suffer, but if she's willing to work hard, let her.
As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to her."
"Masatsuki-sama is right..."
Hisana's voice grew faint, but before she could finish, a deep drowsiness washed over her.
Her eyelids felt unbearably heavy, as if weighed down by a thousand pounds. She tried to fight it, but exhaustion quickly overtook her, pulling her into a deep sleep.
She was so, so tired...