Kirio was so surprised because Aozaki Reiji was walking out of the adjacent room connected to the living room.
Aozaki Reiji was naked from the waist up, holding a pile of colorful clothes in his arms.
Kirio had actually seen Aozaki Reiji naked many times before, so she was basically used to it.
But for her, who was in the middle of eating, this scene was a bit too stimulating.
Kirio looked at Aozaki Reiji's figure and couldn't help but treat him as a delicious side dish, swallowing him down with the breakfast he had personally made.
On the other side, Senjumaru, who was also watching this scene, smiled awkwardly, looking very embarrassed as she held Kirio's miso soup.
"This little fellow, really, there's still a month, but he insists on picking the best-looking outfit today, it's even disturbing I's breakfast."
Senjumaru pouted as if in a huff, but anyone could tell that she wasn't displeased in the slightest.
On the contrary, she was clearly feeling very sweet.
Kirio said nothing, simply watching her joyful expression.
Kirio, of course, knew Aozaki Reiji's personality.
Although he was undoubtedly the kind of person who attracted the most attention, in reality, he wasn't someone who had a particularly strong pursuit of external appearance.
Aside from work hours, the most clothes Kirio had seen him wear were his soul reaper uniform and Captain's haori.
Perhaps it was because of his outstanding appearance that he looked exceptionally striking no matter what he wore.
So, he didn't seem to care much about his attire.
Simply put, no matter what he wore, even if he was covered in rags, he could still exude a unique charm.
No, rather, if he were covered in rags or even barely clothed, the little sisters in Seireitei would like him even more.
Kirio had no doubt that even if this man didn't have his current strength, he would still live very well relying on that face; there must be countless noble ladies and young misses who would be willing to keep him at home.
After all, putting aside his inner qualities for now, this man's appearance was absolutely perfect.
While Kirio was lost in thought, Aozaki Reiji had already put on a new outfit.
It was a white, slim-fit suit paired with a black inner layer, looking elegant and handsome.
But when appearing in the same frame as two older sisters wearing Zero Division uniforms, it seemed a bit out of place.
Senjumaru looked at Aozaki Reiji, frowned, and asked carefully:
"Not satisfied?"
"I feel that if I'm with you all, something more ancient-style would be more suitable," Aozaki Reiji chuckled softly.
"That's true."
Senjumaru looked at herself; her clothes and various accessories could entirely be described as "ancient."
Kirio's gaze slowly shifted.
From Aozaki Reiji to Senjumaru, then from Senjumaru back to Reiji.
The scene before her couldn't help but remind her of the days seventy or eighty years ago, before she ascended to the Soul King Palace.
At that time, they were also like this.
Discussing topics she found difficult to understand, while she could only listen silently, completely unable to participate.
However, as time passed, everything gradually changed.
In the words of Senior Senjumaru, she had become more and more vain.
She would also ask her if she looked good or if she had gained weight, things she had never cared about before.
When exactly did she become like this?
Perhaps it was when she became a part of Aozaki Reiji's life, and Reiji also became a part of her...
Her heart and Aozaki Reiji's had long been connected; Kirio was very clear about this.
"...But my fashion sense really isn't that good," Kirio murmured softly, a gentle smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.
But that was enough.
Kirio knew that this was something she wasn't good at, and not asking her was the correct choice.
The outfit she was wearing, aside from the haori worn over it, hadn't been changed in a long time; she had been rotating a few identical sets of soul reaper uniform for hundreds of years.
But even so, for Aozaki Reiji, as long as she sought connection with him, she would certainly receive a response.
She believed this with such certainty.
"Kirio, what do you think? Which one looks good?"
Just as Kirio was immersed in her own thoughts, Aozaki Reiji suddenly appeared in front of her, holding several beautiful outfits.
He had walked up to her at some point, so close that she could even feel his breath.
"..."
Kirio's lips moved, but for a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Unlike Senjumaru, who was well-prepared and meticulously selected clothes, she had just been staring blankly at Reiji and hadn't thought about doing anything for him at all.
Kirio's eyelids narrowed slightly, hiding the trace of vexation in her heart.
Therefore, when Aozaki Reiji blinked at her and asked, Kirio's reaction was inevitably a bit slow.
"I don't really understand fashion matching, you should ask Senior Senjumaru," Kirio scratched her head awkwardly, a helpless smile on her face.
"It's okay, just say anything! Which outfit do you think I'd look good in? Or rather, which one do you like? I want to know your thoughts."
Aozaki Reiji looked at Kirio with anticipation.
Kirio frowned slightly, thought seriously for a moment, and then said:
"Personally… I prefer the Squad uniform you usually wear."
She wasn't entirely sure herself, but for some reason, the image of Aozaki Reiji in his Squad uniform always appeared in her mind.
It seemed that this image better fit her perception of Aozaki Reiji.
"Indeed, Kirio thinks just like I do. Then for today's date, wearing the Squad uniform will be fine."
Aozaki Reiji nodded happily, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Hmm… Eh?"
Kirio suddenly froze, a hint of surprise flashing across her face.
She thought for a few seconds and finally remembered what had happened last night.
Yesterday, she had asked Aozaki Reiji for one day, and Aozaki Reiji had agreed.
So, for this day, he belonged to her.
When they were lying in bed together last night, Aozaki Reiji naturally asked her if she wanted to go on a date today.
And at that time, Kirio, who had just finished bathing and venting, her emotions not yet settled, had, in her shame and indignation… actually agreed!
Aozaki Reiji quickly changed his clothes, still wearing his usual Eleventh Division Captain uniform.
He had a faint smile on his face as he took Kirio's hand after she finished breakfast and led her out the door.
Kirio, whose hand he was holding, followed him closely with hurried, small steps, her heart filled with nervousness and anticipation.
"Take care, come back early…"
Watching their retreating figures, Senjumaru was a bit bewildered, foolishly seeing them off from the main entrance.
"Eh… a date!?"
It wasn't until ten minutes later that Senjumaru, still standing there in a daze, exclaimed, finally realizing what the two juniors who had just left were going to do.
Aozaki Reiji and Kirio strolled side by side through the abundant forest of Gatonden, like an ordinary, unremarkable couple seen anywhere on the street.
They traversed the dense woods, feeling the breeze on their faces, enjoying each other's company.
Bringing a great beauty to wander through the mountains and old forests sounds a bit strange.
Normally, such a situation would occur either due to special work or ulterior motives.
But Aozaki Reiji had no choice.
Although Gatonden had a Shinigami living area, life there seemed exceptionally monotonous and boring.
He couldn't possibly take her to Hōōden to play with the sword spirit sisters, could he?
Even a shameless fellow like Aozaki Reiji couldn't do that with his wife.
In comparison, the wilderness was more appealing.
At least here, they could see some cute small animals.
They not only brought a bit of vitality to the place but also became an important food source for the two of them.