Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 238: Friend

Masatsuki Aozaki, who had seen his fair share of such reactions, naturally understood the girl's shy demeanor.

"I don't have anything to do either. With Gyōkaku handling the banquet, that's more than enough..."

Rurichiyo Kasumiōji tightly clutched the corner of her clothes, pouting slightly as she muttered,

"Gyōkaku has always taken care of these things."

"Oh? What's with that pitiful expression?"

Masatsuki Aozaki didn't comment, simply gazing at Rurichiyo with interest, his eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

He was genuinely intrigued—what exactly was this cute young lady planning?

His unabashed gaze was like an X-ray, scanning Rurichiyo from head to toe, making her heart skip a beat.

She felt as though she had been completely seen through.

"You came to see me specifically, didn't you, Rurichiyo-san? Is there something I can help with?"

Walking through the garden, Masatsuki Aozaki got straight to the point as he observed the distracted Rurichiyo.

The girl he remembered was willful and assertive, yet today, she was uncharacteristically shy. If this dragged on, they'd be here all night without getting to the point.

He had only stepped out for some fresh air—Kūkaku Shiba was still waiting for him in the room!

"Well... it's like this..."

Rurichiyo stole a few glances at Masatsuki Aozaki, and in that moment, she finally grasped the meaning of a saying from the Western texts: From now on, the king will no longer attend morning court.

If Masatsuki Aozaki were to marry into the Kasumiōji Clan, she wouldn't mind handing over the position of clan head altogether.

"I heard from my cousins... that Your Excellency is the owner of the 'Odd Jobs Agency'?"

Rurichiyo's voice grew smaller and smaller.

"They said that as long as there's money, the agency will take on any request..."

If this were an anime, Masatsuki Aozaki was sure there'd be steam rising from the girl's head right about now.

He more or less understood what she was implying and couldn't help but mentally complain:

Her cousin really has a big heart! Not even worried about corrupting the younger generation? Huh? She's actually older than me? Well, never mind then.

"Honestly, it's nothing special. I was able to establish my business thanks to the generous support of many wonderful sisters. Of course, I'm selective about my clients, but fortunately, Rurichiyo-san falls within the range. So, what is it that you need?"

Masatsuki Aozaki waved his hand modestly, though his expression carried a hint of amusement.

That cousin—whose name he couldn't even remember—had saved him the trouble of advertising. Promoting his business all the way to the head of the Kasumiōji Clan? That was impressive.

And judging by the way this young lady was acting, she had clearly been influenced.

"I can hire you too? I have plenty of money."

Rurichiyo's eyes lit up as gratitude toward her cousin swelled in her heart.

She hadn't expected such valuable information to be shared with her. If she had encountered this man without knowing about his agency, she wouldn't have had a clue what to do!

"I want you to..."

She's really bold, Masatsuki Aozaki thought, already filling in the rest of the sentence in his head.

He subconsciously glanced at Rurichiyo, who had crouched down slightly...

He had to admit, the lifestyle of the Kasumiōji Clan certainly nurtured beauty.

"Rurichiyo-san, just say it outright. If it's something I can do, I'll do my best."

Masatsuki Aozaki's lips curled into a polite smile as he spoke softly.

Of course, whether or not he could do it was entirely up to him.

Rurichiyo felt his gaze lightly sweep over her, and in an instant, her cheeks turned a deep shade of red.

Her body tensed slightly as she spoke, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

"Aozaki-sama, you might not know this... but ever since I was a child, I've been rather... mischievous. Gyōkaku has always been strict with me."

As she spoke, her voice gradually softened, tinged with self-reproach and unease. After a brief pause, Rurichiyo took a deep breath and continued.

"Even though I'm always surrounded by attendants, my relationship with them is strictly that of master and servant."

A flicker of loneliness and longing flashed in her eyes. Finally, gathering her courage, Rurichiyo lifted her head, locking eyes with Masatsuki Aozaki. Her voice was firm as she declared her request.

"I want you to be my friend, Aozaki-sama. I have a lot of money, so name your price."

Her tone carried a sincere expectation, as if hoping to use wealth to secure a genuine friendship.

"Huh..." Masatsuki Aozaki couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He had expected her to make a bolder request.

"Being friends is fine, but there's no need to pay me..." he said seriously.

"I really am rich!" Rurichiyo Kasumiōji crossed her arms, tilted her chin up confidently, and, with her eyes closed, spoke in a playful, pampered tone. "No matter how much you want, I can give it to you. Or... is money not enough for you? That makes sense. You're a high-ranking noble now, so I..."

She abruptly cut herself off. Masatsuki Aozaki knew she had nothing more to say, so he picked up the conversation instead.

"Let's make one thing clear... If I'm going to be your friend, I should be able to visit you anytime, right? If I have to jump through a bunch of hoops just to see you, then forget it. That'd be way too much trouble."

Hearing this, Rurichiyo Kasumiōji nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

"Mm-hmm! No problem! If you want to come play with me, just come by anytime."

Looking at the innocent and lively girl before him, Masatsuki Aozaki felt a softness rise in his heart. He gave a small smile and gently placed a hand on Rurichiyo's head, softly ruffling her hair a few times.

"I've got things to do, so I'll be heading out. Kaien's business is probably wrapping up too." His voice was calm and steady, but there was a subtle urgency in his eyes, as if something important awaited him.

"I'll head back now..." Rurichiyo Kasumiōji practically bounced with excitement, like a joyful little deer. She playfully nudged his hand with her head, her face beaming with happiness.

"I'll go tell Gyōkaku now!"

"If he doesn't agree, just let me know. I'll figure out a way to make him agree..." Masatsuki Aozaki nodded.

Finally, almost absentmindedly, he reached out and gave Rurichiyo's soft, rosy cheek a gentle squeeze. The moment his fingers touched her skin, he felt its warmth—soft, smooth, with a slight flush. Something stirred in his heart, and a faint smile played on his lips.

"I'm off."

With those words, he turned and walked away, his figure gradually disappearing from sight. Rurichiyo Kasumiōji remained standing there, watching his retreating back until it vanished completely.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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