Without Masatsuki Aozaki even realizing it, three days had passed since his unexpected confession to Senjumaru Shutara.
During those three days, Masatsuki found himself caught up in a strange mix of emotions, but eventually, he figured things out.
As the victim of a ridiculous rumor, he had no choice but to sacrifice his chastity in order to protect Senjumaru's reputation.
The fact that the prestigious Zero Division had leveraged its seniority to slander a junior—claiming he had been the one to confess—was utterly absurd!
If word got out, it would surely cause an uproar.
However, Masatsuki had already made up his mind to give Senjumaru a chance.
As long as she was willing to kiss him a few more times in the future, he would keep her secret safe.
This secret? He'd just casually use it to mooch off her for the rest of his life.
Masatsuki chuckled to himself.
"I really am too kind. Even after being falsely accused, I can still be this forgiving."
...
Another night.
A faintly suggestive atmosphere filled Kirio Hikifune's bedroom.
From the kitchen came the sound of a muffled moan—Kirio's attempt to suppress her voice proving futile.
Masatsuki had one arm wrapped around Kirio's slender waist, while his other hand was interlocked with hers.
He could feel the way she clung to him, her fingers tightening around his.
Their bodies pressed closely together, their lips meeting naturally, seamlessly melding into one.
Unlike the hesitant, fleeting kisses of the past few days, Kirio kissed him fervently this time—no longer holding back.
In this moment, they fully indulged in each other's warmth, allowing themselves to be swept up in emotion.
Masatsuki could feel Kirio's heated breaths against him, her heartbeat racing, her body trembling slightly. Her lips carried an inexplicably sweet taste, reminiscent of a girl lost in the throes of love.
At first, Kirio had been completely passive, letting Masatsuki take the lead.
As long as he gave her a goodnight kiss before bed, she was satisfied.
But after getting used to that, she started expecting a good morning kiss as well.
Before long, kissing before bed and upon waking became a routine.
Little by little, she got addicted to it, knowing that Masatsuki would always indulge her.
And so, she became greedier.
At first, she only asked for their kisses to last a little longer.
Then, after one kiss ended, she wanted another.
Eventually, she stopped asking altogether, simply kissing him whenever she pleased, skipping the need for his permission.
By now, it no longer mattered whether it was morning or night, whether they were asleep or awake.
Their kisses had nothing to do with timing anymore.
They were simply an expression of love.
...
Haaahhh...
With a slightly exaggerated gasp, a thin silver thread stretched between their parted lips.
Even as she gasped for air, Kirio clung to Masatsuki, her body radiating the lingering scent of a fresh bath.
Her misty eyes, heavy with desire, had lost their usual clarity as she let herself get lost in the moment.
But the kiss wasn't enough.
Snuggling into Masatsuki's embrace like a contented kitten, she whispered,
"Masatsuki… one more time… please…"
Her face glowed with happiness as she lifted her head, leaning in with wet, eager lips.
However, this time, Masatsuki didn't respond the way she expected.
Instead of indulging her again, he tilted his head back, dodging her advance.
Then, loosening his grip, he gently pushed her away.
He glanced up at the clock.
It was already well past midnight.
They had been kissing for almost an hour.
An entire hour, spent doing nothing but kissing.
Even for him, this was a first.
"Anyway, my patience has its limits, Kirio. Let's continue tomorrow morning."
"..."
The heat in her body slowly subsided, but the fire of desire in her chest still burned fiercely, tormenting her.
Kirio Hikifune gazed at Masatsuki Aozaki with a dazed expression.
She knew that for him, this was both an indulgence and a form of torture.
As if afraid he would suddenly disappear, she wrapped her arms around his and snuggled closer into his embrace.
"...I understand. But don't forget, Masatsuki."
"Don't worry, I won't. Get a good night's sleep, Kirio."
"..."
Kirio looked at the man in front of her.
His smile was as gentle as ever, and there was a trace of fondness in his eyes.
She couldn't help but be drawn in, yet at the same time, frustration welled up inside her.
How was she supposed to sleep like this?
After getting this far, how could she just lie down and fall asleep?
Tonight would be another sleepless night—just like the past few days.
She would share a bed with Masatsuki, hold him, feel his warmth until morning.
But after experiencing such intimacy, how could she possibly be satisfied with just that?
Did this infuriating little brat really not understand her feelings, or was he deliberately waiting for her to make the first move?
What a devious man.
With no other choice, Kirio squeezed her eyes shut, almost as if she were running away.
"..."
Masatsuki didn't let the corner of his lips curl into a smirk until she had fully closed her eyes.
Of course, he understood exactly what Kirio was feeling.
If this were seventy years ago, back when they had an uncertain, on-and-off relationship, he would have already been treating her room like his own—clinging to her every day without a moment's separation.
But now, there was no need to rush.
Soon, he would have to meet the Soul King again. If anything serious happened…
Though the chances were slim…
If he acted on impulse now, only to leave Kirio behind afterward, wouldn't that make him a complete scumbag?
"...But if I pushed a little harder, Kirio probably wouldn't object, would she?"
Being too popular really was a hassle.
Masatsuki let out a self-indulgent sigh before hugging the warm and affectionate older woman in his arms a little tighter.
...
By the time the morning sun rose, the test of his self-control had finally come to an end.
With daylight breaking through the sky, Masatsuki Aozaki made his way to Hōōden.
He had been planning this visit for three days.
Today, he would finally learn Ōetsu Nimaiya's legendary technique of forging blades—not making sisters, definitely not that.
And once he became Captain-Commander in the future, he would use this incredible power to transform both Seireitei and Hueco Mundo into a perfect paradise!
Just imagining the scene made him want to jump for joy.
Following the route he remembered from the last gathering, Masatsuki quickly arrived in front of Hōōden.
The palace was surrounded by rows of divine soldiers standing guard. After confirming his identity, they immediately let him pass.
As he approached the magnificent palace gates, two divine soldiers standing at the entrance stepped aside respectfully and opened the doors for him.
Masatsuki adjusted his clothing, straightened his posture, and strode inside with the air of a well-dressed scoundrel.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The moment the doors opened, a cascade of colorful lights illuminated the hall.
Dozens of celebratory cannons fired in unison, filling the air with vibrant confetti, like fireworks bursting across the night sky.
"Welcome!!!"
A chorus of melodious voices rang out.
A stunning procession of beautiful women emerged, forming a breathtaking spectacle that made Masatsuki instinctively narrow his eyes.
"Hey, Masatsuki-chan! I put together this special welcome party just for you. Not bad, huh?"
Ōetsu Nimaiya leapt from the center of the stage, waving at him with a grin.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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