Chapter 199: Solitude
"Why are you acting like we're parting forever? I've been to Soul Society before—it's just that this time, I'll be staying a little longer."
Masatsuki Aozaki slowly leaned in toward Harribel, placing a gentle hand on top of her head and softly ruffling her hair with a touch of affection.
"If you miss me, you can use Kidō or a Jigokuchō to send me a message. No matter when or where, if you call for me, I'll be there."
Harribel lowered her head, burying her face in the high collar of her clothing. She stood there, motionless, like a statue.
"I am not a child. Compared to me, Loly and Menoly need more comfort."
"I've never seen any of you as children. Even Loly and Menoly—sure, they look small and cute, but in terms of age, they're actually several times older than I am."
Masatsuki Aozaki gazed into Harribel's flickering emerald eyes, watching as she avoided his gaze. He shrugged helplessly.
"If anything, it should be them comforting me, considering they're the older ones."
"Do you want me to wake them? They should have recovered by now," Harribel said softly. "As Adjuchas-class Arrancar, they shouldn't be this fragile."
Masatsuki Aozaki sighed.
"Sometimes, I really want to crack open your head and see what's going on inside."