After a night of complete relaxation, Aozaki Reiji and Nimaiya Ōetsu went together to Kirinjii Tenjiro's Kirin Hall.
Under Kirinjii Tenjiro's warm hospitality, the three enjoyed a comfortable hot spring trip together, after which Aozaki Reiji returned to the Gatonden.
After he left, a tall and sturdy figure stepped into the hot spring, and a kind voice came from behind the two of them—
"How was it? That kid did quite well, didn't he?"
"Hm?"
Nimaiya Ōetsu turned his head, looking at the kind-faced bald man behind him.
As expected, it was Ichibei Hyosube.
However, he did not immediately respond to Ichibei Hyosube's question, but first washed his face in the hot spring water.
He sighed deeply, leaned against the stone, and then slowly began to speak:
"I finally understand now why the Soul King chose him."
After saying this, Nimaiya Ōetsu closed his eyes, and the rough Zanpakuto appeared in his mind.
The material that formed that sword was indeed Souls, the same as his asauchi material; it was definitely not something artificial like Hikifune Kirio's.
He couldn't help but murmur softly:
"Not only does his Reiatsu surpass mine, a Zero Division member, but... he can actually create Souls! This power is too terrifying!"
Every person present was a powerful individual whose Reiatsu transcended the Shinigami dimension, and their senses were extremely sharp.
Therefore, when Nimaiya Ōetsu whispered to himself, the other two naturally heard his words.
Kirinji Tenjiro's pupils suddenly constricted, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face.
Creating Souls? How is that possible?
He had never heard of anyone being able to do such a thing.
Only a god could do such a thing!
No, perhaps even a god couldn't do it, after all, he had never seen the Soul King do such a thing.
Ichibei Hyosube, however, waved his hand dismissively and laughed heartily:
"Creating Souls? Hahaha... His power is probably not that simple."
"Not creating Souls? Then what is it?"
Nimaiya Ōetsu couldn't help but be stunned, looking at Ichibei Hyosube with a puzzled expression.
However, in response to his question, Ichibei Hyosube merely scratched his bald head and replied with a grin:
"Even if you ask me, I'm not really sure myself. Perhaps, only the Soul King can answer this question."
After speaking, he shrugged, indicating that he knew nothing about it.
"Only the Soul King knows? Is this power the reason His Majesty wants me to teach him sword forging?"
Kirinji Tenjiro asked with a frown.
"I don't know, but since he has learned the art of sword forging, then Ōetsu has finally completed his task, and the Soul King should also meet with him now."
Ichibei Hyosube clapped his hands, clearly intending to end the topic.
Seeing this, Kirinji Tenjiro did not press further.
There was nothing he could do; although they were all members of the Zero Division, this Great Monk was the strongest among them.
So strong that even if the other four went at him together, they might not be a match for this Great Monk.
Nimaiya Ōetsu pursed his lips and nodded gently.
Teaching Aozaki Reiji the art of sword forging was, of course, the Soul King's intention.
Otherwise, no matter how carefree he was, or how much Aozaki Reiji appealed to him, he would never teach such an important technique to a young man he had only known for a few days.
After all, Zanpakuto are the foundation of Shinigami; it is because of Zanpakuto that there are people called Shinigami.
"The Soul King, the thing he wants him to forge, shouldn't be a Zanpakuto, right?"
Nimaiya Ōetsu took a deep breath, not knowing whom he was asking.
Without an object of inquiry, he naturally wouldn't get the answer he wanted.
...
Three days later.
"Understood, I will present myself on time."
After sending off the messenger Shinigami, Aozaki Reiji closed the door and returned to the dining room.
"Reiji-kun, where did you run off to just now?!"
Senjumaru's voice carried an undeniable force, full of heroism, appearing more composed and serious than usual.
Since moving into the Gatonden, this was the first time she had displayed such an aura.
Although normally, she always presented herself as a ditzy older sister who was missing a screw in her head.
But she was indeed a Royal Special Forces member who bore heavy responsibilities and protected the Soul King.
At this moment, her serious appearance, her straight and elegant posture.
Every inch exuded an irresistible charm and a sacred, inviolable aura.
If an enemy were present, unless they were a strong opponent of equal strength to her, they would instantly be intimidated by her aura and flee obediently.
However, such an opponent was not here now, so no one was afraid at all.
Facing Senjumaru's glare, Aozaki Reiji merely reached out and gave her a loud flick on the forehead.
"Eek!?!" Senjumaru suddenly let out a shriek.
"'Eek' your big head, why are you being so exaggerated? Someone who didn't know would think an enemy had invaded."
Aozaki Reiji rolled his eyes, looking at Senjumaru with a bewildered expression.
"It's just a dessert, isn't it? Even if it tastes bad, I wouldn't run away. Put away that Reiatsu of yours; don't just release it everywhere for no reason."
Aozaki Reiji frowned, glaring at Senjumaru in annoyance.
Senjumaru, who had been inexplicably flicked on the head, awkwardly rubbed her hair, looking at Aozaki Reiji with pleading eyes:
"Then where did you go just now? I thought you didn't want to eat it, so you hid."
"Ichibei Hyosube's Shinigami came to find me."
Aozaki Reiji folded his arms, looking at her in annoyance.
"Tell me, what stage are we at?"
"The Great Bald Head..."
Senjumaru stood frozen, her mind a blank as she slowly tried to recall what she was doing.
"It's chilling. Hyōrinmaru helped a lot."
An excited Senjumaru instantly cried out, and the facade of the Zero Division member shattered in an instant.
Suddenly, Senjumaru completely collapsed with a swoosh, her large eyes instantly reddening, feeling both angry and annoyed.
She carefully controlled the strength of her fists, gently punching Aozaki Reiji:
"Reiji-kun, you idiot! It's all your fault, I forgot to tell Hyōrinmaru the time, and now it's going to fail again!"
Aozaki Reiji quickly comforted her:
"Calm down... Don't be angry. If Hikifune Kirio saw us, she'd think we were a bickering little couple."
Senjumaru's small, soft fists gently tapped Aozaki Reiji's body.
The force was just right, not hurting at all, but instead making Aozaki Reiji feel completely comfortable.
He grabbed Senjumaru's arms, and Senjumaru was startled, turning her head away with a blush.
Lately, such situations always occurred between the two of them.
Although Senjumaru only wanted to interact with Aozaki Reiji like ordinary friends.
But every time there was accidental physical contact, she would feel both shy and awkward.
After all, no matter what, they had kissed before and had an experience of confessing and being confessed to.
Aozaki Reiji:?
Because of this, the embarrassing senior was currently troubled by how to maintain distance from her junior, yet not really wanting to maintain distance.
Senjumaru suddenly looked up, her stubborn eyes staring intently at Aozaki Reiji.
"It's all your fault! If I hadn't come out to find you, I wouldn't have forgotten about this at all."
Senjumaru's voice carried a hint of petulance, seemingly pushing all the responsibility onto Aozaki Reiji.
She pouted, a blush spreading across her face, like a child who had been wronged.