Chapter 233: Marriage
West Rukongai, District 1—Junrinan.
A man clad in a white haori strode out of Hakutōmon with great fanfare, greeted with deep respect by Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, a gatekeeper of Seireitei. As he checked the man's credentials, he also offered a polite greeting.
Having guarded Hakutōmon for centuries, Jidanbō was well aware of the man's identity—someone who frequently passed through these gates. But protocol was protocol; even when faced with a captain of the Gotei 13, he never neglected his duty. Still, a certain level of reverence was only natural.
After all, though the war had ended decades ago, many still remembered this man's extraordinary achievements. Jidanbō's respect was not flattery but genuine admiration—this was the great hero who had ended the war.
Of course, as the gatekeeper, he had no interest in the mysterious ring that had suddenly appeared in his arms. His reverence came purely from the heart.
He pondered this as he watched the man step into Rukongai...
Masatsuki Aozaki walked through the streets of Junrinan, hands on his hips, exuding confidence.
"Masatsuki Aozaki! Masatsuki Aozaki has returned!"
"Aozaki-boss is back to see Ane-san again?"
"Aozaki-aniki is so cool! One day, I'm going to join the Shin'ō Academy and become a Shinigami too!"
Masatsuki Aozaki accepted the praise without hesitation. Given his close ties with Kūkaku Shiba, it was only natural that he had become one of Junrinan's big names.