"...That's how it is."
The girl took a deep breath, her gaze firmly fixed on Aozaki.
"Captain-Commander, only you, the one who cannot be replicated by Inaba Kageroza, possess the power to save everything."
"We must find the Shinenju before the Ryodoji Family, or we won't be able to stop their plot!"
Aozaki listened quietly to the girl's statement, but there wasn't much surprise or doubt on his face.
In fact, most of what the girl said was already known to him.
The only useful information, perhaps, was being reminded of the name Ryodoji Family.
However, he remained patient, listening carefully to the girl's narration from beginning to end, without interrupting her once.
After a few seconds of thought, Aozaki's expression turned serious.
His gaze was like a torch, fixed intently on the person in front of him, as if he wanted to see into her deepest heart through her eyes.
"You've been talking all about the Shinenju, but what about yourself?"
"Ah… myself?"
Kujō Nozomi was a bit bewildered, unsure how to answer the question.
"Inaba Kageroza, that guy wants to fuse with you, right?"
Aozaki stroked his chin, speaking very earnestly.
His tone was firm and serious, as if he had seen through all truths.
"If he succeeds, then Kujō Nozomi will cease to exist."
Aozaki continued, his voice low and powerful.
Though he spoke terrifying words, they strangely brought a sense of peace.
"This… compared to that, the safety of the Three Worlds is more important…"
Before the girl could finish speaking, Aozaki raised his hand to interrupt her.
"Speaking of which, you asked me for this. You should know that asking for help comes with a price, right?"
Aozaki's eyes sharpened, his gaze like two sharp swords piercing straight into Kujō Nozomi's heart.
"A price?"
Kujō Nozomi was slightly stunned; she didn't understand why a price was suddenly being mentioned.
Isn't the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 responsible for protecting the world?
Could it be that even after she provided information vital to the world's safety, this guy still wanted a reward?
And why did his words sound so terrible?
"Speaking of price… there seems to be little in this world more precious than life."
Aozaki stroked the girl's head, baring his white teeth in a grin.
His smile looked very bright, yet it wasn't off-putting.
"Since that's the case, I'll let you live."
"What?" The girl couldn't help but be a little dazed, asking in confusion.
Aozaki smiled faintly, saying firmly:
"It means you cannot give up your own life."
"However, there are too many dangers in this world; only by staying by my side will you be safest."
"From now on, to fulfill this price, stay by my side, and I will protect you."
Aozaki spoke to himself, completely unaware of how much impact his words had on the girl.
The girl suddenly froze, a warm current surging through her heart.
But just as she was about to speak, she was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.
Bambietta pushed the door open and entered, bowing respectfully to Aozaki before saying:
"Reporting, Master, Aizen has sent new news, saying there are important matters to discuss and urging you to return to Soul Society as soon as possible."
Hearing this news, Kujō Nozomi's heart sank, and she couldn't help but start to worry.
She was not unfamiliar with Aizen; as the Vice-Captain of the First Division, his status was crucial, and his strength was recognized by Inaba Kageroza.
Now, with Aizen so urgently urging Aozaki to return to Soul Society, something major must have happened.
Had Inaba Kageroza already begun to act?
Kujō Nozomi secretly speculated, thinking it was likely her escape from the Dangai that had thoroughly enraged him.
After all, they were both individuals split from the same Soul, with countless connections between them.
And the meaning of their existence was to help the original Soul better adapt to the power of the Zanpakuto.
Thinking of this, a hint of worry couldn't help but rise in Kujō Nozomi's heart.
According to the original plan, once they could skillfully use their respective Zanpakuto, they were to merge into one, allowing that man to return again.
Since she had escaped, Inaba Kageroza would definitely not stand idly by…
She had to make a choice.
Should she continue to flee, disregarding the safety of others?
Or should she sacrifice herself to temporarily pacify that dangerous guy?
She unconsciously looked towards Aozaki, trying to find an answer from him.
But she only saw Aozaki shake his head gently, his face full of helplessness.
"There's nothing I can do about him, I'll go back now."
"Oh, right, go tell Senna to get ready; I'll take both of them back with me."
After speaking, Aozaki turned his head again to look at the girl.
"What are you worrying about?"
"My Gotei 13 will, of course, be protected by me."
"You, too!"
Having reeled in two more girls, Aozaki was in a great mood, and under the operation of Ame-no-Minaka, he opened a spatial channel.
Just like that, Aozaki, Senna, and Kujō Nozomi, the three of them, stepped into Soul Society together.
Whether willingly or forced, both girls were now accompanying Aozaki.
Along the way, not a single patrol Squad member came up to ask the Captain-Commander why he was wandering the streets with two unfamiliar girls during work hours.
Everyone seemed completely unconcerned, clearly already very accustomed to it.
What kind of image did this man usually have in the minds of these Shinigami!?
The two girls were deep in thought, just as the tall man in front of them also stopped.
"Two more streets, and it's the First Division."
Still the gentle tone, which unconsciously calmed the troubled hearts of the two girls.
"How proficient are you at dealing with girls, you scoundrel?"
Senna pouted.
Aozaki didn't answer, just waved his hand with a grin.
Who are you trying to act shy for?
The two petite and charming girls simultaneously rolled a big eyes, as if full of disdain for the man's actions.
Just as they were internally complaining like crazy, Aozaki, who had originally been wearing a brilliant smile, suddenly changed his expression, the smile rapidly receding like a tide.
He suddenly raised his arm, drawing a graceful semi-circular arc in the air, then extended a long, fair finger.
With a crisp clang.
A sharp, incomparably keen treasured blade shot out, its body gleaming with a chilling light.
In the blink of an eye, the blade fiercely collided with that slender fingertip.
The assailant had clearly gathered all of their strength into this one strike.
Its speed was extraordinarily fast, almost instantly aiming to cut Aozaki's vital neck.
However, unexpectedly, at the very moment the sword was drawn, the tall, slender figure standing in front, towering like a majestic mountain.
Suddenly extended a large hand like a ghost, blocking this swift attack in a bizarre way that no ordinary Shinigami could possibly achieve.