"That man trusts only what he sees and lacks faith in others."
"When you're all alone, it's easy to lose your way."
Masatsuki Aozaki let out a long sigh and turned to leave.
But before he could take a single step, a large hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Masatsuki Aozaki! Don't try to smooth-talk your way out of this. I still have questions for you."
"Why did you enter the World of the Living without permission from the Gotei 13 or the Central 46?"
"How many times have you done this?"
"You think you can just run off without giving me a proper explanation?"
Masatsuki Aozaki: "..."
Crap! Forgot about this!
How does an old man like him have such a sharp memory?!
Masatsuki knew full well that if this dragged on, he wouldn't be able to avoid a so-called "lesson in love."
It wasn't the pain he feared—he was more concerned that the old man might actually break his arm in frustration.
After all, it's not like he'd use Ryūjin Jakka to discipline his disciple, right?
A simple punch shouldn't be able to break through his defense.
Besides, there were plenty of admirers in the crowd, their eyes practically sparkling with hearts as they stared at him.
If he got chased around like a delinquent, it would definitely ruin the dazzling image he had in their eyes.
So, Masatsuki straightened up and declared,
"Master, don't forget, I'm a high-ranking noble! I have special privileges—you can't just bully an honest man like me!"
His tone was firm, but the way he said it made him sound less than confident.
Shunsui Kyōraku, wearing his usual sly expression, leaned in close to the old man and whispered,
"But as far as I know, nobles are only allowed their own personal Senkaimon."
"Leaving the Soul Society still requires approval from the Central 46, doesn't it?"
Masatsuki froze.
Not a single word came out.
That rule did exist in Seireitei, but almost no one actually followed it.
Most of the time, the Gotei 13 just turned a blind eye to minor violations.
As long as it wasn't anything too outrageous, they usually didn't care.
So why was it suddenly a big deal when it was him?!
Revenge.
This was definitely revenge.
Kyōraku-senpai, don't worry—I'll be sure to repay you generously!
"Old man, no need to worry! I'll go personally apologize to the Five Noble Clans. You and Senpai take your time chatting!"
Masatsuki's voice was decisive.
Before he even finished speaking, his body dissolved into countless radiant light particles and vanished without a trace.
His speed was so quick that no one had time to react—
Not even the old man.
"...Damn, he ran fast. Just like me back in the day!"
Shunsui Kyōraku couldn't help but admire the escape.
It reminded him of his younger days.
Whenever the old man got angry, he used to bolt just like that, not wasting a single second.
But just as he was lost in nostalgia—
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto suddenly turned toward him, a faint smirk in his eyes.
Kyōraku's heart clenched.
Did I just say something I shouldn't have?
"What kind of 'manner' are you referring to? Let's take a moment and reminisce together."
Yamamoto's tone was laced with amusement, as if he were about to unearth some embarrassing tale from the past.
Kyōraku instantly felt a chill run down his spine.
Sweat beaded on his forehead.
Why does my mouth always get me into trouble?!
Old man, stay back!!
...
A few days later...
Aozaki Residence, Master Bedroom.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on Masatsuki Aozaki's face.
Slowly, he opened his eyes, squinting against the brightness.
Turning his head, he saw Kūkaku Shiba nestled in his arms, her eyes closed, breathing evenly—fast asleep.
He had already apologized to the noble of the Five Great Clans and had received a harsh punishment.
It was something he had to accept.
At that moment, a tall, curvy beauty with long blond hair stood beside the bed, adjusting her clothes.
Her delicate features carried a hint of laziness and charm, her eyes brimming with an effortless allure.
Rangiku Matsumoto, of the 1st Division.
She had volunteered to oversee Masatsuki's trial.
"You're up early today. No lazing around?"
Masatsuki glanced at Rangiku and smiled.
She turned to look at him, lips curling slightly as she pouted in a sultry voice,
"You really are heartless. I've been so busy with work, and you don't even care!"
Masatsuki raised an eyebrow.
"What happened?"
Rangiku sighed, exasperation clear in her tone.
"Ugh, those troublesome nobles again."
She hesitated for a moment before continuing,
"The Captain-Commander didn't order this to be kept a secret, so I guess I can tell you."
"A few days ago, the Captain of the Special Forces, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, sent a report. Lately, there's been a string of noble disappearances in Seireitei."
"And the weird thing is, there are no clues at all. It's like they just vanished into thin air."
"None of them are major figures like the Kasumiōji Clan's head, but still, this is serious."
"The Captain-Commander wants it resolved as soon as possible, so both the 1st and 8th Divisions are swamped right now."
She shook her head, looking a little worn out.
"Anyway, I gotta go. If I'm late, Sasakibe will nag me to death!"
She quickly straightened her clothes, then leaned in to plant a quick kiss on Masatsuki's lips before hurrying out.
...
Masatsuki lay there for a moment, listening to her footsteps fade into the distance, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
Something about this situation felt off.
The noble district was deep within Seireitei—hardly an easy place for people to disappear from.
With someone like Rōjūrō leading the Special Forces and patrolling day and night, how could nobles just vanish right under his nose?
There had to be more to this.
Just as he was lost in thought, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," he responded.
A blushing Hisana stepped inside.
Masatsuki couldn't help but find her shyness a little endearing. The corners of his lips curled up slightly.
He stood up, adjusting his clothes before asking in a gentle tone,
"Still not used to this, Hisana? Did something happen?"
Her face turned even redder as she lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Aozaki-san, someone is here to see you… They say they're from the Kasumiōji Clan."
Masatsuki nodded, unsurprised.
It made sense.
After all, he had saved their Clan Head—not shocking that they'd come to show their gratitude.
Still, he was curious.
What kind of gift would such an old and prestigious family bring?
Gently, he moved Kūkaku aside, stroking her hair once before swiftly getting dressed.
The next instant, his body dissolved into countless particles of light and vanished.
...
A moment later, Masatsuki's figure reformed inside a reception room, where he calmly took his seat.
He noticed that the bright lights were being blocked by a small figure.
Lifting his gaze, he saw a familiar face.
"Aozaki family head, marry me!"
Standing before him, Rurichiyo Kasumiōji crossed her arms, her tiny face flushed red as she declared her words with unshakable determination.
Masatsuki Aozaki: "!!!?"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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