Ch92- I Expected His Expectations of Me Expecting His Expectations!
Kazuki, trying to explain to the best of his abilities, responded, "Aizen's Zanpakuto affects not only the five senses. It alters even your perception of reality. It’s so advanced, so potent that your mind coerces you to believe in what you see and feel." Kensei nodded at this, his body shivering slightly at the recollection.
Kazuki added, "Even the reiatsu you feel can be altered, thus it is inescapable. But I’ve managed to weaken Aizen's spell on the Captains, and with their experience and power, they can see through illusions with more ease." Mashiro, looking somewhat bewildered, inquired, "Why not fully remove it?"
It was Isane who clarified, "Aizen would notice it sooner or later, and that would alert him." Kazuki nodded with a subtle smile as Lisa added, "Also, the Captains wouldn't be suspicious of Aizen if he couldn’t put them into illusions at all. Now that they are affected only partially, if Aizen tries anything, the Captains will be wary of him."
Kazuki nodded, "Exactly. With this, we foiled one of Aizen's plans. Although I still don't know what his plans are, if he is ambitious enough to try to ensnare Captains and even Commander Captain, we can assume he is plotting something big. But that can wait. For now, we graduated, and now will be assigned to different teams. That will sadly reduce the time we can see each other, but let's create time whenever we can."
Yoruichi, her athletic build visible through the Shinigami uniform, leaned closer, her gaze warm. "I'll make time," she whispered, her determination evident. Kazuki chuckled lightly, reaching out to brush a strand of her ebony hair behind her ear.
Lisa smirked. "Who could resist spending time with such a charmer?" she teased, nudging Kazuki with her elbow.
Isane stepped forward, "We might be busy, but I'm sure we can squeeze in some time here and there. Right, Mashiro?"
Mashiro nodded excitedly, said, "Definitely! And I'm sure there'll be opportunities on missions too."
Kensei, listening to their conversation with a soft smile, finally said, "While I'd love to hang around and listen to more of this heartwarming talk, I've got to head out." He threw a knowing look at Kazuki, the glint in his eyes signaling a mutual understanding of respect and friendship between the two.
Kazuki grinned, stepping forward and embracing Kensei in a solid, brotherly hug. "Take care," he said, patting Kensei's back.
"You too," Kensei replied, releasing Kazuki from the hug. He then waved to the others, "Ladies, it's been a pleasure." With that, he left, the sound of his footsteps gradually fading away.
Mashiro yawned, stretching her arms high above her head. "I'm beat," she declared, slumping against Kazuki's back with a theatrical groan.
Kazuki chuckled, adjusting himself to accommodate her weight. "I got you," he assured, beginning to walk.
Isane and Lisa shared an amused look, while Yoruichi looped her arm around Kazuki's, the other girls following suit. Thus, they began their journey back home, the path illuminated by the pale moonlight and the soft glow from the surrounding lanterns.
As they walked, the conversations ranged from their time at the academy to what they hoped for in their future assignments. Yoruichi, with her ever-present confidence, spoke of wanting challenging missions, something that would test her mettle. Lisa hoped for assignments that would allow her more exploration, while Isane dreamt of being in a squad that focused on healing and support.
Mashiro, though clinging onto Kazuki's back, participated actively in the conversation, her voice lively. She wished for missions full of fun and excitement, a sentiment that had Lisa and Isane chuckling in agreement.
Kazuki, listening to their aspirations, felt warmth spreading through his chest. He was proud of them, and of himself too. Despite the uncertainty of his origins and the mysteries surrounding his abilities, he had found a place here, among these friends and the Shiba clan.
As they approached the first house, Kazuki gently set Mashiro down, prompting a playful pout from her. "You'll be alright now?" he asked, smiling.
Mashiro nodded, "Yes, thanks for the lift!" She waved to the others and entered her house, leaving the group to continue their journey.
Next was Lisa's stop. As they approached her home, Lisa paused, turning to Kazuki. She leaned in, pressing a quick, soft kiss to his cheek. "Goodnight," she whispered.
"Goodnight, Lisa," Kazuki replied, his voice low.
Soon after, Isane bid her farewells, promising to meet up soon.
Finally, Kazuki and Yoruichi stood outside her residence. She turned to face him, her eyes searching his. "I hope we'll still have moments like these, even with our new assignments," she murmured.
Kazuki pulled her into a gentle embrace, "We will," he promised, "We always find our way back to each other."
With that, they shared a lingering kiss before parting ways for the night.
Arriving home after the long and emotionally laden evening, Kazuki's eyes immediately sought out the familiar silhouette of Kukaku, who stood leaning nonchalantly against the door frame. Even in the muted evening light, her confident posture and the faintest trace of a welcoming smile was evident. The very sight seemed to wash away the weight of the day, replacing it with a warm comfort that only the presence of a loved one could bring.
"Hey," he greeted softly, taking in her appearance. Without waiting for a response, he walked to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Congrats, graduate," Kukaku murmured against his lips, a teasing lilt in her voice. Breaking the kiss, she gripped his hand and led him inside. "You must be starving. Come on."
The familiar setting of their living room welcomed him, the soft lighting casting a warm and cozy ambiance. She gestured for him to take a seat, which he did, sinking into the soft cushions with a contented sigh.
Within moments, Kukaku returned with a tray laden with dishes, the aroma tantalizing his senses. Setting it before him, she seated herself beside him, her gaze expectant.
He chuckled, "Eager to hear about my day?"
"You have no idea," she replied, her voice dripping with curiosity.
Kazuki took a moment to savor a bite, letting the flavors dance on his tongue before he began his recount. "It went better than expected. Aizen tried something sneaky, but we managed to outwit him. I think he has something up his sleeve though. But, that's a concern for another day."
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