As Kazuya walked back to his comrades, his gaze swept over Cirucci and Mila Rose, who had abandoned their sparring session. The group had assembled together, radiating a familial bond that reminded him of a gathering around a bonfire. Sung-Sun and Apacci were bundled together, sharing the plush softness of a large towel, their bodies close enough to feel each other's warmth. The outward warmth evaporated as soon as he heard Sung-Sun teasing Apacci.
Harribel's aqua green eyes widened in shock as Kazuya returned empty-handed. She'd sensed the abrupt disappearance of the egg's Reiatsu earlier. Her sharp gaze drifted to the radiant red gem glinting in his forehead, discovering the fate of the egg without any explanation.
The corners of Mila Rose's mouth turned upwards into a sly grin. "Did you finally see your child, Mom?"
He revealed a bright smile. "The egg hatched while I was in Kisuke's room. Congratulations, Mila… you're finally a dad."
A scowl instantly marred Mila Rose's previously triumphant expression. "Enough with those jokes! What emerged from the egg?"
The group leaned in, their bodies taut with anticipation, their eyes shining with curiosity. Even Cirucci was drawn in, captivated by the enigma of his one-of-a-kind Zanpakutō.
Rubbing the back of his head in an endearing, casual gesture, he shrugged. "A bird."
The revelation led to a collective sigh, their previous excitement deflating like a punctured balloon.
"It should've been a chicken," Mila Rose lamented, disappointment clear on her face. "What a missed opportunity to tease you."
Harribel exhaled a sigh. "I'm glad it happened safely."
Despite the unexpected turn of events, her primary worry had always been for Kazuya. As long as he was unscathed, any outcome was acceptable. Besides, she was delighted with his powerup.
"Apacci, Sung-Sun, it's already dark out there. I'm gonna grab some sleeping clothes for you."
Kisuke and Nami had consumed much of his evening. He saw this as an opportunity to plan for a whole day's date tomorrow — a strategic move to soften their defenses before he revealed his intention to depart for Seireitei later this month.
Sung-Sun narrowed her eyes into suspicious slits. "You promised to take us shopping. I won't let you wiggle out of it."
"Yeah," Mila Rose chimed in for Sung-Sun's support. "I'm tired of wearing your shirt. Gimme new clothes!"
A quick clarification calmed their discontent and dispelled the misunderstanding.
Mila Rose broke into a broad grin, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "A full day dedicated to us. Skull, you're kinda reliable."
"Of course. You all are my sweethearts." He turned to the only one who couldn't accompany him tomorrow due to her striking wings. "Cirucci, I'll talk to Kisuke about your Zanpakutō. He'll find a solution."
He'd refuse Kisuke's mission if the shopkeeper turned down his request. The mission gave him a massive leverage.
{You can repair her soul yourself.}
'How?'
{Once I evolve to give you a full Resurrección.}
'Can we speed up the process by getting you Hollows to eat?'
{Yuck. I'm not interested in their disgusting souls. Bring me a source of pure and untainted energy… like the Heart of a Virgin Maiden.}
'...'
{I'm kidding. I don't know how we can speed up the process.}
Cirucci cast her gaze downwards, avoiding eye contact. "You don't have to—"
Mila Rose placed a hand over Cirucci's mouth. "She got hit in the head earlier, making her speak the opposite of her true intentions. She is saying she'll be happy if you do that for her!"
Only Mila Rose could spin such outrageous lies with unwavering conviction.
Cirucci's purple eyes shot daggers at Mila Rose as she bit down on her hand. "What is wrong with you?"
"What is right with me, you mean?" Mila Rose laughed heartily as she crossed her arms. "Everything. I'm perfect."
"Only your figure is perfect," he corrected her. "Rest is a work in progress."
Sung-Sun giggled softly. "Ara, who gave you the permission to roast my Rose? Only I have the right to call her dumb, stupid, idiot, knucklehead, airhead bimbo, a lost cause, a piece of—"
A swift throw from Mila Rose saw her sword sailing through the air, the blade passing perfectly through the towel shared between Sung-Sun and Apacci. "You're getting on my nerves, Snake."
"Ufufu."
Apacci wrapped the towel around her body, so only her head and neck were visible. "Can they ever stop fighting?"
Harribel shook her head. "Probably not."
…
The next morning, Kazuya stirred awake to an unusual weight on his chest. It was an unexpected sensation given the comfortable futons Kisuke had provided for them. Mila Rose was sprawled at his side, one arm flung across his face, a heavy leg resting on him. Sung-Sun was using his arm as a pillow, while Apacci, in a far more compromising position, had her hands resting on his belt and her head comfortably nestled on his lower abdomen.
Waking up surrounded by his comrades was a common occurrence back in Hueco Mundo, but less expected after they had become Arrancars.
'The more things change, the more they stay the same.'
{Will you impregnate these women?'
'Childbirth is a natural process of life. Though, I have to make our relationship official first.'
Sung-Sun's feelings for him were clear, he expected no rejection from her.
Apacci would likely remain bashful until he presented her with a sincere confession.
Harribel remained an oddball, her thoughts and intentions as mysterious as the first day he met her. On one hand, she saw him as her child; on the other hand, she trusted him as their leader, relying on him to protect her companions. He couldn't figure her out.
As for Mila Rose, she was whimsical yet serious about relationships. It would take time for her to trust, but once she did, she'd lay down her life for him.
{Does she look like someone who doesn't trust you?}
His eyes slid over to Mila Rose once more. His shirt barely draped over her, revealing tantalizing glimpses of her figure. The half-dressed state was more provocative than nudity, as it left much to his imagination. With a sharp inhale, he forced his gaze away before his lower half reacted and disrupted Apacci's sleep.
'She is kind of an airhead.'
…
Several hours later.
Within the stately confines of the Ishida Mansion, Kazuya, Izumi, and Lisa sat around the dining table, engaged in a quiet breakfast.
"Onee-chan, can I borrow some cash?"
Izumi tilted her head, strands of black hair covering her face. "Sure. How much do you need?"
He leaned closer to Lisa, the subtle scent of her perfume tickling his senses. "Maid-chan, how much do I need to buy clothes for my friends? I also have plans to take them around the town."
Lisa's eyes narrowed at him. His audacity to ask her for advice after rejecting her date — a date he proposed initially — instigated a sudden urge to smack him. "Around fifty thousand Yen."
Kazuya's eyebrows raised in surprise. Fifty thousand Yen wouldn't even cover a person's rent in his time. But he reminded himself, this was 1950. Prices were different.
"Fifty thousand Yen?" Izumi's voice was soft, her smile tender. "Alright. I'll have it withdrawn right away."
Her willingness, almost eagerness to fulfill his request made him uncomfortable. It felt like he was taking advantage of her generosity.
As Izumi excused herself to order her servants to withdraw the cash, Kazuya turned to Lisa. "Are you still upset about the date?"
She rolled her eyes. "No."
"You definitely are. How about we go out tomorrow?"
He casually asked her for a date. Judging by the bright look in her eyes, she appreciated the proposal.
She cleared her throat. "I'm busy tomorrow."
"Too bad then."
With those words, he pushed his chair back and left the room. Lisa was left behind, dumbfounded. She had been playing 'hard to get', expecting him to insist a little. For all his faults, he was a ten out of ten for his appearance — a good candidate for her first date.
But he accepted her words at face value, leaving her embarrassed and a little frustrated.
'I fucked up… but it works everytime in romance novels.'
***
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