Two Days Later.
It had been two full days since he began mastering his Shikai in order to obtain Bankai, and during those two days, his strength had increased, and he also understood Mikazuki's abilities more than before.
Although Ren used to enjoy utilizing abilities from characters of his past life, he now possessed a defined fighting style. It was simple and brutal, but adaptable—he could incorporate techniques from anime characters of his previous life without much issue.
It was ten in the morning when he left Urahara's shop, but he wasn't alone. Beside him was an incredibly beautiful girl clinging to his arm, wearing a collared black dress. Her long black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her crimson crescent-shaped eyes revealed that she was in a bright and cheerful mood.
"I didn't expect that on the last day of your incarnation, you'd want to go on a date with me," Ren said, glancing at Mikazuki, who was literally glued to him—she had even used a Gigai.
"What? Are you not happy about it?" Mikazuki asked sharply, visibly annoyed.
"No, not at all. I don't mind going on a date with a beautiful and charming girl," Ren shook his head without hesitation. He was a proud womanizer and not the type to get uncomfortable about dating a beautiful woman. "But… how do I say this… you're a part of my soul. It kind of feels like I'm dating myself, which is a bit strange."
"Strange?" Mikazuki narrowed her crimson eyes and suddenly stopped walking, forcing Ren to halt and look at her.
"You do know I'm not just some clumsy reflection of you, right?"
Ren was silent for a moment before replying, "I know… But the relationship between a Shinigami and their Zanpakuto isn't like normal ones. Most spirits can't even manifest fully." – He looked at her with a rare seriousness – "But you... you feel like more than just a weapon's soul."
"I am." – She said confidently, then resumed walking, clinging even tighter to his arm. – "That's why I asked you out. Not as a Zanpakuto… but as a woman."
Then she added in a soft but clear voice, "As a woman who cares about you."
Ren said nothing, but he didn't push her away either. They continued walking, while passersby glanced at them with confusion and curiosity—a handsome young man with silver hair and a black scarf, and an otherworldly stunning girl by his side.
"So, where do you want to go and what do you want to do?" Ren asked with curiosity. Although he had dated many women over the years, this was the first time he was going out with a Zanpakuto spirit.
"Hmm… I want to go to an amusement park, eat ice cream, and visit a pool," Mikazuki placed a finger on her lips, her eyes sparkling with childlike joy as she listed the places she wanted to visit.
"As you command, my princess." Ren smiled softly. Despite having dated many women before and feeling close to some of them, none compared to Mikazuki. With her, he felt like his true self—no masks, no caution.
They continued on their way toward the train station, heading for the amusement park on the outskirts of Karakura. The entire way, Mikazuki never let go of his arm, her gaze shining with the curiosity of someone seeing the world for the first time.
_
11:17 AM – "Frosty Bell" Ice Cream Shop – Karakura Shopping Center
The shop was buzzing with life; children ran around laughing, couples exchanged shy glances, and soft Western music played over the speakers, giving the air a refreshing summer flavor.
Ren and Mikazuki sat at a small wooden table near the window, where the warm sunlight reflected off the stained glass, painting their shadows in rainbow hues. In front of them were elegant glass bowls filled with ice cream—one a soft lavender hue, the other a mix of vanilla and dark chocolate.
"Try this one." – Mikazuki said playfully, holding out her spoon with a gleam in her eyes – "Lavender and honey flavor. It's delicious!"
Ren stared skeptically at the pale purple-gray scoop, then muttered as he took the spoon, "Doesn't look edible… but fine."
He tasted it, frowning briefly before his expression slowly softened.
"…Not bad."
Mikazuki giggled softly, covering her mouth with her delicate fingers. Her laugh was pure, like the evening breeze on a calm night.
"You know, there's something special about sharing food with someone you love. It makes the taste… deeper." – she said, resting her chin on her palm and gazing at him thoughtfully.
Ren raised an eyebrow, replying with a sarcastic smile, "Is that how you see it?"
"Of course." – She nodded without hesitation – "Every moment we live with someone we love tastes better… even if it's just a spoonful of ice cream."
A short silence followed, not awkward, but more like a shared breath between two hearts at ease.
Ren set the spoon down, gazing at her as the sunlight gently lit her face. Her black hair gleamed like ink, and her crimson eyes shimmered like twin half-moons.
"You really know how to make a simple day… feel special." – he said quietly, resting his arms on the table.
Before Mikazuki could reply, a girl sitting at the next table with her friend suddenly interrupted. She looked to be in her mid-twenties.
"Sorry, but are you two… models? Or maybe influencers?" – she asked bluntly, staring at them in surprise.
Ren froze for a moment, while Mikazuki gave the girl a dazzling smile and replied in a teasing tone:
"No, we're just lovers on our first date."
The girl blushed and giggled with her friend, whispering something before turning back to her seat.
"Really? 'Lovers on our first date'?" – Ren muttered, looking at Mikazuki in surprise.
"What? I told the truth." – she raised an eyebrow, then added as she slowly licked her ice cream – "Just for today, I want to be that woman. Nothing more, nothing less."
People around them couldn't help but notice the striking pair—the silver-haired young man with mysterious features, sitting calmly across from a girl who looked like she'd stepped out of a fantasy novel. Even the waiter who brought them water kept glancing nervously their way.
"You know…" – Ren said thoughtfully – "In another world, we might think all this is just a dream."
"Then… let's live it well before we wake up." – Mikazuki whispered as she leaned forward, her voice brushing his face like a breath.
Minutes passed in a gentle silence. They shared spoons, talked about flavors, and their eyes met between each sentence.
"You know?" – Mikazuki suddenly said, pointing at his bowl – "You chose dark chocolate, just like I expected."
"Really? Why?"
"Because you always go for things that seem bitter… but have a deep taste that lingers longer."
"Are you saying I taste bitter?" – he joked – "Even though I'm the kind who loves sugary sweet things?"
"No… just complicated." – she replied with a wink.
They both laughed, and with that laughter, all remaining barriers melted away. They were no longer Shinigami and Zanpakuto, nor warrior and weapon's soul… but simply a man and a woman, sitting in an ice cream shop, savoring the taste of a moment that felt like both their first and last together.
...
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