"Forget it. It's not a threat for now. You two did well—I'll give you a proper reward once we're back."
Masatsuki Aozaki glanced again at the small orb lying on the ground in the distance.
From the memories that had resurfaced, he recalled that as long as the Gikongan wasn't destroyed, these Reigai could keep coming back—as long as the materials were there, they were essentially immortal.
Of course, the Gikongan itself wasn't especially strong.
The problem was, the two had focused only on destroying the physical body, unaware of the Reigai's true core. That's why this pill-like object had been left behind.
"If you run into a similar situation next time, make sure to destroy that thing."
Masatsuki chuckled softly. The others followed his gaze and saw the small sphere glowing faintly, its subtle light radiating an ominous sense of mystery and danger.
They all felt it—this tiny thing was like a ticking time bomb. If left alone, it could cause even bigger problems down the line.
Masatsuki stared at the orb, thinking to himself:
"These Reigai may not be particularly powerful, but their souls and Reiatsu resemble the originals far too closely. They're bound to be trouble."
With that in mind, Masatsuki resolved, as Captain-Commander, to organize a training session on Reigai once they returned to Soul Society. The goal: to help the team understand their traits and weaknesses more thoroughly. At the very least, his people needed to be alert—better that than being fooled while handing over their wallets.
The next moment, a tiny Cero shot from Masatsuki's fingertip, instantly disintegrating the Gikongan.
...
The Ishida family had practiced medicine for generations, and in the present day, they had used their resources to open a large hospital.
After running a thorough examination of Masaki Kurosaki's body with specialized equipment, the group of six parted ways at the hospital.
Masatsuki Aozaki returned to the mansion with Bambietta, Candice, and Masaki Kurosaki.
This time, they didn't even get questioned by the police.
After all, with Masatsuki Aozaki backing them, the Quincy's influence in the World of the Living had become vastly different from what it once was.
Seven years had passed—maybe they didn't rule the entire world yet, but taking over Karakura Town, or even all of Japan, was well within reach.
Even if the noise from the battle couldn't be hidden, it was likely the police would be silenced by higher-ups before they even responded.
...
Back at the mansion where the three women lived, no one seemed the least bit affected by the Reigai incident.
True to his word, Masatsuki Aozaki prepared a grand feast for Masaki Kurosaki.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the dazzling array of dishes on the table. Without hesitation, she picked up her chopsticks and dove in.
Seeing this, Bambietta and Candice quickly joined her, unwilling to be left behind in the culinary celebration.
The room filled with laughter and cheerful conversation as they enjoyed the meal.
Having lived with Masatsuki for years, the women were more than just familiar with each other—there were no more walls, no more hesitation between them.
Their bond now was as close as real sisters—intimate and inseparable.
And to be fair, Masaki Kurosaki was just too easy to like.
Even Bambietta and Candice—both notoriously difficult to deal with—got along with her surprisingly well.
The energy they gave off was intense.
Even in something as simple as sharing a meal, Masatsuki found himself narrowing his eyes slightly, feeling that presence.
Their love for food hadn't changed at all.
And that love? He had nurtured it himself.
No exaggeration—those three stomachs had been trained into his shape.
Over the years, he'd poured effort into mastering the culinary arts, spoiling their palates with his impeccable cooking. To the point that even Masaki sometimes complained about it.
After all, Masatsuki didn't stay in the World of the Living every day. He still had to travel back and forth between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo—with families waiting for him in both worlds!
"Masatsuki Nii-san, I'm full. Can we talk about the other thing now?"
Masaki Kurosaki looked unusually excited, her voice muffled by the food still in her mouth, which only made her sound even cuter.
But her tone carried an unmistakable resolve—she wasn't going to let this go until she got what she wanted.
Masatsuki Aozaki, who'd weathered countless ups and downs across the Three Worlds, instantly picked up on the urgency behind her words.
Masaki hadn't grown up in ideal circumstances, but she'd always managed to stay cheerful and straightforward. In some ways, she resembled Candice, though there were subtle differences. One thing was certain—when she wanted something, she said it plainly. No hesitation. No games.
It's not that she disliked Uncle Sōken or Brother Ryūken—Masaki knew they were good people. But not everyone in the Ishida family was like them.
And besides, Masatsuki had been incredibly kind to her over the years. Aside from insisting she keep up with her studies, he'd done everything she asked, never turning her down.
Looking back on her life, she realized something—she couldn't imagine living without him anymore.
"Masatsuki Nii-san, come with me."
Her tone left no room for argument—firm, direct, final.
Bambietta and Candice instantly understood what was going on. They quickly cleared the table, brought the dishes to the kitchen, and then turned around with goofy, knowing smiles.
"Bambietta-nee, Candice-nee… tonight, Masatsuki Nii-san is mine," Masaki said seriously.
"But… what about our reward?" Candice mumbled under her breath.
She was excited too, but it was way too embarrassing to say it out loud.
Just as Masaki was about to reply, a warm hand gently rested on her shoulder.
She turned to look—and found no trace of hesitation or discomfort on Masatsuki's face.
He looked perfectly calm, like this wasn't a big deal at all.
Then she heard him say,
"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten your reward. But tonight is really important for Masaki… so I'll have to ask you to wait until tomorrow."
"Tomorrow… will it be over by then?"
Candice suddenly looked thoughtful. With an innocent expression, she touched her lip with a finger and asked, genuinely curious.
"Candice-nee!"
Masaki's face turned bright red on the spot.
What was that supposed to mean!?
They weren't officially married yet, sure, but they'd been as good as engaged for years!
She'd lived in this house for so long—she wasn't some clueless little girl!
Tch... I'll show them. I'll prove it tonight.
But with things already out in the open, Bambietta and Candice had no choice but to let it go.
After all, Masatsuki was their master, and Masaki was their beloved friend. They weren't about to rain on their parade.
"Alright then. Since you're willing, that settles it. I've always been firm when it comes to rewards—I said I'd treat you, and I will. I won't go back on my word."
Masatsuki Aozaki spoke with sincerity and seriousness.
Anyone who knew him knew—when it came to his wives, his word was law. If he promised something, he delivered. No exceptions.
Of course… that only applied to his wives.
Everyone else? He'd lie through his teeth if he had to. The man's moral flexibility was legendary.
"Masaki, please lead the way."
Masaki blinked in surprise when she heard that.
She hadn't expected him to be this formal—his expression was so solemn, he looked like a devout believer meeting a god.
She'd thought he'd be a little more… eager.
But the more she thought about it, the more she realized—maybe this was his way of showing respect.
And that made her heart flutter even more.
Beaming, she happily took the lead and guided Masatsuki out of the room.
Candice stayed behind, scratching her head and mumbling to herself.
"That look… it feels familiar somehow… Ah! I remember now! He had that exact same look the first time we..."
As the memory hit her, Candice couldn't help but pout, a little miffed.
Bambietta walked off into the kitchen, not giving it much thought.
All she was thinking about was tomorrow.