As night fell, the 11th Division soldiers quickly returned from Rukongai to their barracks in Seireitei.
11th Division Barracks.
The entrance, resembling the grand gate of a noble estate, stood solemn and imposing. Originally, the 11th Division barracks were situated right next to the street, but after renovations, a towering white wall now separated them.
Living close to the common people wasn't an issue, but some of Masatsuki Aozaki's activities weren't meant for public view.
Some things could be seen—others, not so much.
At this moment, however, Masatsuki Aozaki and Ittora Yamazaki stood in the captain's office, facing what might be the greatest challenge of their lives.
Because, despite being the two highest-ranking officers in the 11th Division… neither of them knew how to write a battlefield report.
That, at least, was understandable—Masatsuki had always dumped all the paperwork on Gin Ichimaru.
And Ittora wasn't much better. If he were smarter, he wouldn't have come up with the idiotic idea of challenging Masatsuki's strength in public just to get closer to him.
"What battlefield report? I've never heard of such a thing," Masatsuki scoffed. "If you want me to publish Seireitei's most popular men's magazine, sure, but writing a report? No thanks."
"But Captain, I was on the front lines the entire time—I couldn't see the full picture. Wouldn't it be better if someone else handled the report?"
"Lieutenant Yamazaki, what kind of talk is that? As the Lieutenant, isn't it your duty to share your captain's burdens?"
"But I don't know how!"
"It's embarrassing for a Lieutenant to admit he can't do paperwork. Stop trying to pass the buck."
"The previous Lieutenant handled all the reports! I've never done it before! What do we do now?"
As the two of them bickered back and forth, Gin Ichimaru felt a massive headache coming on.
His gaze drifted toward the division's 3rd Seat, Mashiro Kuna.
She was sitting there with an expression that screamed, I know nothing, completely spacing out.
Gin's fingers twitched.
These three good-for-nothing slackers deserved to be dragged up Sōkyoku Hill and executed!
Why was it that these utterly useless people were somehow ranked above him?
The Soul King was truly unfair!
Ittora Yamazaki gets to be Lieutenant, but I, Gin Ichimaru, can't?!
...
"So… what do we do now?" Mashiro finally spoke, wiping the drool from her mouth as she stared at Masatsuki, who was calmly sitting in his chair, munching on a peony cake.
The battle had lasted all day, and she hadn't eaten a single bite since breakfast. She was practically starving.
And honestly, what kind of boyfriend hoards good food instead of sharing with his girlfriend?
Mashiro's cheeks puffed up in annoyance, clearly displeased.
Masatsuki smirked, eyes glinting mischievously. He deliberately picked up the half-eaten peony cake and waved it in front of her.
Mashiro caught on immediately.
Without hesitation, she leaped onto the desk and snatched the cake straight from his hand with her teeth.
Masatsuki, having just discovered the joy of hand-feeding, felt a surge of amusement and reached out to ruffle Mashiro's soft hair.
Two single men in the office stared at them in disgust.
Gin Ichimaru had apparently had enough. With a sigh of resignation, he spoke up.
"I'll handle the report. You two behave yourselves. If the other squad members see this, it won't set a good example."
The last thing he wanted was for the other female team members to start acting like Mashiro Kuna. If that happened, and the whole squad ended up filled with "captain's wives," how was he supposed to manage the division?
"Well, if that's the case, there's no other choice. And here I thought I'd have to be the responsible captain and take care of everything myself," Masatsuki Aozaki said, looking up at Gin's smirking face with mock disappointment.
"This was supposed to be your responsibility in the first place," Gin shot back, rolling his eyes before turning and walking out.
Right behind him, Ittora Yamazaki quickly made his escape, as if terrified Masatsuki would rope him into writing the report instead.
...
Knock, knock, knock!
A steady knocking echoed through the office, abruptly cutting off Masatsuki's fun. Mashiro Kuna sheepishly returned to her seat.
Both of them straightened their clothes before Masatsuki spoke.
"Come in."
A masked figure dressed in black flickered into the room, kneeling on one knee.
"Captain Aozaki."
"What is it?"
"The Captain-Commander has issued an order. A captain's meeting will be held at the 1st Division in seven days. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, you are expected to attend."
"I'll be there." Masatsuki gave him a brief glance.
The report hasn't even been submitted yet, and they're already calling a meeting? He needed to make sure Gin finished that report fast.
The messenger nodded before vanishing just as swiftly as he had arrived.
...
"So, what now?" Masatsuki asked, glancing at Mashiro, who was still in a bit of a daze. Seeing her wipe at her mouth, he could tell—she was starving.
"Masatsuki, I'm so hungry! I don't even have the energy to mess around!" Mashiro pouted before launching herself at him.
Her words might have sounded weak, but Masatsuki could feel the strength in her grip. If needed, she could probably go fight another battle against the rebels without breaking a sweat.
Still, if she was willing to show a softer side in front of him, as her boyfriend, he had to play along.
Without hesitation, he scooped her up in a princess carry.
"Well, if you're hungry, let's go eat. Do you want to head to the squad cafeteria, or would you rather go to my dorm? I've got a kitchen and plenty of ingredients, and I'd say my cooking skills aren't half bad."
Masatsuki watched her carefully as he made the offer. Truth be told, he was eager to show off—if he could win her stomach, then maybe he could win her heart even more.
He rarely visited his noble district mansion these days, as it was still undergoing renovations by Shihōin Clan craftsmen.
Since he couldn't go home, and with Kirio Hikifune always "hungry," he had converted part of his dorm into a kitchen instead.
Mashiro gave him a strange look, staring at his serious expression.
Is he taking me to his dorm…?
Was this a step forward in their relationship?
She let her short hair partially cover her blushing face. "Let's go to your dorm—I want to try your cooking."
...
"You actually have a kitchen?!" Mashiro exclaimed in disbelief.
"I told you, didn't I—" Masatsuki started, then suddenly froze before a knowing smirk spread across his face.
So that's how it is, huh?
I thought you were a pure and innocent girl, but it turns out even the cutest ones are the most dangerous. You've been plotting against me all along, haven't you?
Well, in that case…
I won't be letting you go tonight.
"You go ahead and rest for a bit," Masatsuki said with a mysterious glint in his eye. "I'll call you when the food's ready. Any preferences?"
"Anything's fine! But I love sweet food!" Mashiro raised her hand enthusiastically, like a student answering a teacher's question.
"Sweet food, huh? That does suit you." Masatsuki nodded. "No other preferences? Once you finish the sweets, I've got something else delicious for you."
"Oh? What is it?"
"You'll find out soon enough. Now, let me get cooking!"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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