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Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a month had passed.
Aozaki Reiji and Yoruichi's combined efforts led to an unforgettable month.
Their spiritual bodies and Reiatsu underwent unprecedented tempering, and they took a significant step forward on the path called life.
It proved that appropriate exercise can indeed strengthen oneself, but prolonged exercise might lead to spiritual emptiness.
Aozaki Reiji didn't know Yoruichi's mental state, but he certainly felt a bit empty himself.
He parted ways with Yoruichi in the Noble District and moved into a luxurious mansion, a symbol of noble status.
This was a gift from the Tsunayashiro Family.
Although when they presented the gift, their words implied a desire for Concealment, he didn't refuse but chose to accept it calmly.
Fortunately, they were sensible enough not to send him maids or similar people; otherwise, Matsumoto Rangiku would surely make him pay.
Of course, they might also have been worried that the maids wouldn't be able to keep their mouths shut and say things they shouldn't.
In the courtyard, Matsumoto Rangiku had been practicing her Shikai for an unknown duration; the sound of howling wind was constantly audible, even gradually growing louder, as if a storm was brewing.
Aozaki Reiji closed his eyes, feigning sleep, while listening to the wind outside the window.
He found it hard to believe that the room was gradually becoming quiet; had Matsumoto Rangiku's anger dissipated?
A person was kneeling on the tatami mat, looking at Aozaki Reiji.
It was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man with short black hair, sitting upright and meticulously, wearing a wrap-around robe similar to a 'chiton,' dressed like a god from ancient Greek mythology.
The god's eyes seemed to be gazing at destiny, making it impossible to look directly at him.
Aozaki Reiji opened his eyes and stared blankly at the man in front of him. He felt a sense of familiarity but couldn't recall where he had seen him before.
The man slowly waved at Aozaki Reiji, with a faint, benevolent, god-like smile.
The twilight sun shone on his back, casting a long shadow that stretched all the way to Aozaki Reiji.
Aozaki Reiji felt he couldn't refuse. He got out of bed, and at some point, a divine robe had appeared on him. He walked step by step towards the man and finally took his hand.
The man was pulled to his feet but didn't let go, leading Aozaki Reiji to the bedside.
The scene that came into view was not Matsumoto Rangiku practicing her Zanpakuto.
Aozaki Reiji seemed to see the entire Soul Society, then the Human World, and finally, even Hueco Mundo appeared before his eyes.
Through a small window, he could clearly see the Three Realms!
The middle-aged man released his hand and lightly placed it on the windowsill, tapping his fingers on it.
Aozaki Reiji stood beside him, puzzled, and carefully examined the man in the lingering glow of the setting sun.
There was nothing special about him, except for those slightly unusual eyes; he was no different from an ordinary middle-aged man among the myriad beings of the Three Realms.
But he carried a special aura; every movement was sacred, so noble as if he was born untainted by dust.
He leaned against the windowsill, gazing into the distance, and only in his destiny-seeing eyes did human emotions show through—a hint of loneliness that didn't fit his sacred demeanor at all.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Aozaki Reiji felt that he also possessed this sacred aura at that moment.
But he understood that he was not a god detached from the world but a vulgar person indulging in extravagance and debauchery.
"Um...my name is Aozaki Reiji."
Aozaki Reiji thought it over and decided that when facing this kind of "person," it was best to greet him and show his friendliness.
The setting sun reflected in the man's eyes, and he softly said, "My name is Yhwach."
Aozaki Reiji thought he was joking. This name was the name of the Lord God of various Western religions, originally Yahweh.
It was said that the ancients gave God such a difficult name to prevent mortals from directly calling out the divine name.
Later generations, not knowing His true name, passed it down until it became Jehovah.
Aozaki Reiji suddenly remembered Yhwach.
The name Yhwach was very similar to Yhwach.
But having lived in this world for many years, he understood that these two names were not the same.
The image of the man in front of him also did not match his understanding of Yhwach.
"Reiji, what do you think of this world?" The man turned to look at Aozaki Reiji.
Aozaki Reiji was so startled he almost jumped.
The last person who said this to him was Aizen Sōsuke, right on the streets of Seireitei. He asked him the same question: "Reiji, what do you think of this world?"
It was a simple yet complex question. When Aizen asked it, Aozaki Reiji felt as if he was being tested.
But when this man uttered the same sentence, it was completely different.
It was as if he knew you didn't belong to this world, asking you to answer from the perspective of an outsider, and he was very much looking forward to your answer.
"Who exactly are you?" Aozaki Reiji's voice trembled slightly.
This was the first time he felt that things were completely out of control!
"It doesn't matter. I just sensed that your connection with the world is growing stronger, that you are embracing this world, so I took this opportunity to come and see you."
The man who called himself Yhwach said, "It is an honor to meet you, noble outsider."
"Don't be ridiculous, noble outsider... I'm just a lower-ranking noble, not very noble at all. And what 'outsider'? I don't understand what you're saying!"
Is it Aizen? Did he cast Kyōka Suigetsu on me? But how did he know I was an "outsider"?
"I am not an illusion created by anyone; I came to see you entirely of my own will."
Yhwach seemed to have seen through his thoughts and glanced at the scenery outside the window.
They stood by the window like travelers on an unfamiliar road, not knowing each other well but willing to admire the beautiful scenery together.
"Moreover, I sincerely wish to know your answer."
"My answer..."
Aozaki Reiji looked at his sincere eyes and felt that perhaps he should speak his true thoughts, "This is where I belong. I don't know about others, but for me, this world is very... interesting."
"Just interesting? That's a rather unsettling answer, but it's much better than being hostile towards the world."
Yhwach stroked his chin, a smile playing on his lips, and in an instant, he transformed into an ordinary middle-aged man.
"Why should I be hostile towards the world? This world hasn't provoked me," Aozaki Reiji couldn't help but say.
As if he had received the answer he wanted, the middle-aged man burst into laughter, wiping away tears as he said, "Little fellow, I'm starting to like you."
Aozaki Reiji felt a chill down his spine and, as if possessed, blurted out, "I don't like men."
Yhwach paused, then shook his head with a chuckle: "Don't worry, I don't either."
He took a step, and his body actually passed through the wall. In front of him was a giant setting sun, rising higher and higher.
"No! Is this sun getting closer and closer...?" Aozaki Reiji was enveloped by the scorching light.
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