Ren's Inner World.
As always, the scenery of his inner world was in constant change. Unlike before, when it was completely empty except for that ridiculously massive black-and-red throne, there were now other elements present in his inner world.
Now, there was a clear lake reflecting the rose-tinted sky, with colossal sakura trees filling the horizon. Floating above the lake was a shining, glowing purple orb, and beside it stood a beautifully blooming pink sakura tree. This tree was absurdly large, its branches stretching out to cover the entire sky. The majestic black-and-red throne still remained, overlooking the tranquil and mysterious scene, while floating hills and islands appeared in the background beneath the falling sakura petals.
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Ren was honestly stunned upon seeing his inner world. He hadn't expected such a vibrant and lively transformation after such a short absence.
"No need to be so surprised. The inner world changes according to a person's thoughts and emotions," a gentle and melodic voice rang in his ear as Mikazuki stood on the throne, which was large enough to seat a hundred people or more with ease.
"I see... But does that mean I now look at life in a good way?" Ren muttered out of curiosity. Despite the many things he'd learned that changed his worldview, he hadn't truly felt any shift inside himself.
"That is something you must understand clearly," Mikazuki's seductive voice echoed in his ear as she suddenly appeared in front of him, pressing her body against his strong chest. "All you need to do is ask your heart."
As she spoke, her delicate fingers traced the spot on his chest where his heart lay.
"Alright," Ren nodded slightly but stared at Mikazuki curiously. "So, why did you drag me here from my sleep?"
"…" Mikazuki fell silent and lifted her beautiful crimson eyes to meet his crystal-blue ones. In her gaze was a mix of emotions—guilt, joy, relief, pride, and even a hint of worry.
"In truth…" her soft lips parted, and her sweet yet uncertain voice spilled out, "I've been deceiving you. Yorugami no Mikazuki is not my real name."
Her voice echoed through the vibrant inner world as though the very air had grown heavier. The inner world trembled with her words, as if every sakura petal, every drop of the lake, and every flicker from the glowing orb responded to her revelation.
"…" Ren's pupils shrank sharply. Though not impossible, it was still surprising. After all, many Shinigami didn't know their Zanpakutō's true name or even altered it so its real power wouldn't be revealed.
There were examples of this, like Abarai Renji not knowing the full or true name of his Zanpakutō, and Ayasegawa Yumichika who altered the name of his Zanpakutō to conceal its true abilities.
"I see… Then I assume you're planning to tell me your real name now, right?" Ren smiled, not even needing to ask why—he already knew. Their bond had long surpassed the need for words.
It was obvious she was worried about him. Either his Zanpakutō was extremely dangerous, or wielding its full power would place a heavy burden on him. That's why he hadn't been qualified to know her real name until now.
Mikazuki nodded gently, as if gathering her courage before speaking the words that could change everything.
"Yes…" she whispered, her voice quiet yet heavy, each syllable coming straight from her heart. "My true name is… Mikazuki. Only Mikazuki, not Yorugami no Mikazuki."
Her words weren't just words—they were filled with spiritual pressure, carrying her true name within them.
"Oh!" Ren groaned as the world around him spun. His consciousness quickly descended into a coma as new information and memories awakened within his spiritual pressure.
His body staggered and was about to fall, but gentle arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him into a tender, loving embrace.
"I've got you now…" a familiar voice whispered those all-too-familiar words, though Ren could no longer hear them.
"So, you finally decided to show up…" Mikazuki's voice held a trace of jealousy and displeasure as she watched the figure who caught Ren's unconscious body and held him tightly.
Brown hair reaching her neck, matching brown eyes filled with affection and warmth. A young girl, around 15 or 16 years old, dressed in a simple white-and-brown school uniform with a small red ribbon.
A gentle, almost playful smile rested on her face, brimming with love and care as she gazed at Ren, who was now resting in her lap.
"Are all Zanpakutō spirits this possessive?" the girl asked playfully, looking at Mikazuki with a teasing spark in her eye.
"I don't know about others, but I hate it when other women get close to my man," Mikazuki crossed her arms below her mature chest, which seemed even more pronounced in that posture. "Unfortunately, you're the most important person to Ren, or I wouldn't have gone to all that trouble to save you—just to add another rival."
Her voice was full of resentment, though not hatred. It was clear she didn't dislike the girl in front of her—but she didn't particularly like her either.
"Don't worry. I haven't forgotten what you did for me," the girl smiled knowingly with a gentle look directed at Mikazuki. "Once I return to life, I'll definitely help you, so you can stay with him in another way, too."
"Make sure you remember your promise, Misaki," Mikazuki's calm voice echoed across the space as she vanished, unable to bear the growing jealousy of watching the two of them in such a tender scene.
...
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