However, she always liked to boast about how wonderful she was in front of her juniors.
Now that Aozaki Reiji had mercilessly exposed the truth, it made her feel incredibly awkward.
However, it had to be admitted that for most Shinigami, especially the Divine Soldiers, the Zero Division was an unattainable existence.
The Royal Special Forces were the Soul King's personal guards, the beings closest to the gods.
Although the members of the Zero Division never truly acknowledged this statement, they never denied it either.
Sometimes, they even gloated about it.
Thinking of this, Senjumaru suddenly felt ashamed of her impure image, as if she had let someone down.
Aozaki Reiji looked at the deeply ashamed Senjumaru, revealing a nonchalant expression.
"Isn't this great? A Senior who isn't like a god."
"Huh?" Senjumaru looked up blankly, gazing at her junior.
He didn't despise her.
Even though he had discovered this fact, knowing that the high and mighty Senior was actually just an ordinary person.
He didn't mock her.
And it wasn't intentional comfort.
Aozaki Reiji was truly nonchalant, looking at her with a normal expression.
"Because we are human to begin with. You became Zero Division, served as Royal Special Forces for hundreds of years, but you are still human!"
"..."
"The human heart is still there, human joys, human sorrows, human loves and hates, everything is still there, isn't that wonderful?"
"..."
"Since that's the case, there's no need to put on a high and mighty act. Laugh when you're happy, cry when you're sad, get angry when you're angry, say you like it when you like it, say you hate it when you hate it. What's wrong with that?"
"What's wrong with still being human? It means we are still ourselves! If anyone dares to mock you for this, then tell your cute junior, and your junior will take care of them!"
"So rest assured, at least you don't have to feel ashamed about this. You can proudly puff out your chest, and as a human, slap those who dare to mock you in the face."
Aozaki Reiji revealed a brilliant smile, his eyes as gentle as ever, looking at Senjumaru.
His face, with his back to the sun, hidden in the shadows.
In Senjumaru's eyes, it glowed like a benevolent deity.
After the profound discussion about humanity, the two walked in silence towards the weaving room.
Senjumaru's Zero Division Palace had a similar architectural style to the Gatonden, also an ancient Japanese building.
However, there were still some subtle differences between the two.
The most luxurious part of the Gatonden was the kitchen, while here, the best place was undoubtedly the weaving room.
However, although Aozaki Reiji had a strong interest in cooking, he had no interest in weaving.
It is worth mentioning that Aozaki Reiji's current greatest interest was none other than the Hōōden.
After all, in that uniquely styled environment, many young girls transformed from Zanpakuto gathered, which undoubtedly held a great attraction for him.
And for Aozaki Reiji, besides the sword-forging technique that could transform into girls, only the beautiful Zanpakuto girls scattered throughout the luxurious palace were interesting.
However, his current thoughts were mainly focused on Hikifune Kirio and Senjumaru.
Aozaki Reiji let out a long sigh, as if there were countless unspeakable emotions in his heart.
Then he realized that Senjumaru, that girl, had been surprisingly silent since just now.
After Aozaki Reiji said that long string of thoughts about her still being a person.
She was like a changed person, keeping her head down and silently following behind him.
Although quiet, the feeling she gave off was not anger or sadness.
Her expression also looked very calm, without the slightest ripple.
When Aozaki Reiji's gaze fell on her.
She lowered her head slightly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, and a shy smile in her eyes.
Quite cute...
Never mind, as long as she's alright.
After all, there was still important work to be done next.
So Aozaki Reiji asked her:
"You should have everything ready, right? Don't be forgetful at the start again, I don't want to run errands for you."
However, Senjumaru looked at him with a blank expression.
Her pure, innocent big eyes blinked, as if she didn't understand what he was saying at all.
She tilted her head and asked in a puzzled tone:
"Ready for what?"
The undisguised astonishment on her proper and healthy face made Aozaki Reiji feel a wave of helplessness.
It felt like her attitude was also much more straightforward than before.
Aozaki Reiji grew a little suspicious.
If it had been before, hearing him tease her like this, she would have gotten angry first.
What's going on?
Did she suddenly change her personality?
From a mischievous brat to a shy middle schooler?
After a moment of confusion, Aozaki Reiji continued to walk leisurely at a slow pace, and said:
"What on earth is in your head, woman? Clothes, clothes! Have you forgotten why you brought us here?"
"Ah, yes, I have long since prepared... You should also trust your Senior more!"
Senjumaru responded softly.
Alright, I was wrong.
She didn't turn into a middle schooler, she must have regressed to the infant stage.
Aozaki Reiji shook his head helplessly.
.......
Ten minutes later, in the weaving room.
This was Senjumaru's favorite place, and also where she usually entertained herself.
At this moment, Senjumaru stood in front of Aozaki Reiji, her expression having been somewhat awkward since just now.
"Rei... Reiji-kun, you really don't have to be so exposed. Or... or why don't you put your clothes on first? It'll be the same even with clothes on."
"What's wrong with you? You used to make me strip completely, and now you're telling me you're shy because you've seen it too many times?"
Aozaki Reiji blinked, his tone teasing.
Senjumaru's face flushed crimson, and she quickly waved her hands in explanation:
"No, it's not like that! I just feel like this isn't very good... And, I already know your body measurements."
However, Aozaki Reiji gave Senjumaru no chance to refute.
He arbitrarily returned to humanity's most primitive state.
Making clothes for Aozaki Reiji and Hikifune Kirio was one of the pre-determined compensation conditions.
Then, yesterday, because Senjumaru learned how to make desserts, all that was left was to practice more.
So the time for making clothes was set for today, and that was all.
But, as expected, Senjumaru messed up again.
Aozaki Reiji quickly took off the clothes that would usually be called bothersome, then looked at Senjumaru.
Surprisingly, this well-traveled woman actually showed a shy expression.
"What's wrong with it? It's not the first time! It's too late to say no now, hurry up and come in."
"Huh? But..."
Senjumaru tried to object, but Aozaki Reiji didn't give her a chance to argue at all.
He forcefully pulled her into the cubicle and closed the door behind him.
"..."
Senjumaru felt a wave of awkwardness, unsure how to respond.
Her body began to warm, and her heart rate accelerated. This feeling left her flustered.
Reiji-kun is right, it really has been many times. Why am I like this?
Although there was some confusion in her heart, Senjumaru was not averse to Aozaki Reiji's actions.
She silently watched Aozaki Reiji take her hand.
Aozaki Reiji himself probably didn't realize it at all.
The current Senjumaru was no longer the fearless Senior who had once shed her armor to face a dragon.
Her behavior was also not a child being mischievous.