CHAPTER 452: CHAPTER 452: LET YOU LIVE ON

"...That’s how it is."

The girl took a deep breath and looked firmly at Masatsuki Aozaki.

"Captain-Commander, right now only you—someone Kagerōza Inaba cannot replicate—have the power to save everything."

"We must find the Shinenju before the Ryōdoji Family does, or their plot will succeed!"

Masatsuki Aozaki listened quietly to her entire explanation, his expression showing neither surprise nor confusion.

In truth, most of what she said, he already knew.

The only piece of information that stood out to him was being reminded of the Ryōdoji Family’s involvement.

Still, he remained patient and listened carefully without interrupting her even once.

After a few seconds of thought, his expression turned serious.

His piercing gaze locked onto the girl, as if trying to see straight through to the depths of her soul.

"You talked a lot about the Shinenju... but what about you?"

"Ah... me?"

Nozomi Kujō looked momentarily lost, unsure how to respond.

"Kagerōza Inaba—he’s trying to fuse with you, isn’t he?"

Masatsuki rubbed his chin, speaking with complete seriousness.

His tone was firm, as if he had already seen through everything.

"If he succeeds, then Nozomi Kujō... will cease to exist."

His voice was low and steady, carrying weight.

Despite how terrifying his words were, there was something oddly comforting about them.

"That’s... not important. The safety of the Three Realms matters more—"

Her words were abruptly cut off as Masatsuki raised his hand.

"Let’s not forget, you’re the one who asked for my help. You know what that means, don’t you? Help comes at a price."

His eyes sharpened, and his gaze pierced her like two swords.

"A price?"

Nozomi blinked, caught off guard. Why was he suddenly talking about a price?

Wasn’t the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 supposed to protect the world?

She had just offered intelligence vital to the safety of the realms—was he seriously asking for payment?

And the way he said it... sounded so sketchy.

"Speaking of price... there’s hardly anything in this world more valuable than life."

Masatsuki gently patted her head, flashing a full set of white teeth in a bright, unbothered smile.

Strangely enough, it didn’t feel unpleasant.

"In that case, the price will be... your life."

"What?" she gasped, blinking in confusion.

Masatsuki gave a small smile and spoke firmly.

"I mean you can’t give up your life."

"This world is far too dangerous. You’ll only be safe if you stay by my side."

"From now on, to pay that price, stay with me. I’ll protect you."

He said it so casually, as if it were obvious—completely unaware of the emotional storm he was stirring up.

The girl froze for a moment, a warm sensation rising in her chest.

But before she could say anything, a sudden knock at the door interrupted them.

Bambietta stepped inside, gave Masatsuki a proper bow, and reported respectfully,

"Master, Aizen has sent another message. He says it’s urgent and requests your immediate return to the Soul Society."

At that, Nozomi Kujō felt a chill run through her.

Aizen—she knew that name well.

As the Lieutenant of the 1st Division, his status was critical, and even Kagerōza Inaba had acknowledged his strength.

If Aizen was urgently summoning Masatsuki back, something major had clearly happened.

Could it be... that Kagerōza had already made his move?

She speculated anxiously. Maybe her escape from the Dangai had enraged him.

After all, they were all born from the same fragmented soul—intertwined by fate.

Their existence was meant to help the original soul master its Zanpakutō’s power.

And now, she’d gone rogue.

By the original plan, once each fragment had mastered their Zanpakutō, they were to reunite—restoring the original man.

But now that she’d escaped, there was no way Kagerōza Inaba would let that go...

She was running out of time. A decision had to be made.

Keep running and risk dragging others into danger?

Or sacrifice herself to buy time—to slow that dangerous man down?

She instinctively turned to Masatsuki Aozaki, searching his expression for some kind of answer.

But all she saw was him gently shaking his head, a look of helpless resignation on his face.

"Can’t be helped. I’ll head back now."

"Oh, right. Let Senna know to get ready—I’ll be bringing both of them with me."

After speaking, Masatsuki Aozaki turned to the girl beside him.

"What are you so worried about?"

"The Gotei 13 is protected by its Captain-Commander. That means I protect them."

"And you too!"

Glancing once more at the two girls, Masatsuki was in high spirits. With a gesture through Amenominaka, he opened a spatial portal.

Just like that, Masatsuki Aozaki, Senna, and Nozomi Kujō stepped into the Soul Society together.

Whether they did so willingly or not, the two girls were now following Masatsuki’s lead.

As they made their way forward, not a single Patrol Guard approached to question why the Captain-Commander was strolling through the streets during work hours with two unfamiliar girls.

No one even batted an eye—they were clearly used to it by now.

What kind of reputation did this man have among the Shinigami!?

The girls were lost in thought when the tall figure ahead came to a stop.

"Two more blocks and we’ll reach the 1st Division."

His voice remained calm and gentle, instantly easing the unrest in their hearts.

"How good are you at handling girls, anyway?" Senna muttered, pouting slightly.

Masatsuki said nothing, just grinned and waved it off.

Who’s he pretending to be shy for?

The two petite girls rolled their eyes at the same time, clearly unimpressed by his behavior.

But just as they were busy silently roasting him in their minds, the smile on Masatsuki’s face suddenly vanished—wiped away like a receding tide.

Without warning, he lifted his arm, tracing a smooth, arcing semicircle through the air before extending a long, pale finger.

A crisp clang echoed out.

A brilliant flash of steel—an incredibly sharp blade gleamed with a chilling glint as it emerged.

In the blink of an eye, the weapon collided fiercely with his fingertip.

The attacker had clearly poured every ounce of power into that single strike.

It was fast—absurdly fast—on the verge of slicing clean through Masatsuki’s neck in a heartbeat.

But in that same instant, the towering figure before them—solid and unmoving like a mountain—moved with ghost-like swiftness.

A massive hand shot out and intercepted the strike head-on, in a way no ordinary Shinigami could ever hope to match.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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