CHAPTER 257: Crucible (III)

Apacci hurriedly shook her head at Kazuya's direct question. "Why will I be hostile towards the organization that took my lover away from me? I don't have any bitter resentment for sleeping alone in my bed while reminiscing about the old days… AND I never feel annoyed every time I see loving couples on the street."

She topped off her passive aggressive comments with a nice, gentle shove of a spoon full of rice in his mouth.

As she removed the spoon, he chuckled, despite knowing that it'd piss off Apacci even more. He couldn't help it when she was acting so adorable.

A deep frown formed on her face. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing. Come here." He gently took the plate from her hand, setting it aside, before pulling her close into his embrace. "I know it's my fault."

She buried her face in his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. "No, it's not. You won't go away if the Soul Society didn't exist. It's their fault. They should stop existing."

"Don't hate the sword, hate the hand that wields it," he whispered. "I'm sorry for making you feel lonely."

"I'll forgive you on one condition."

"Apacci has learned negotiation… My peaceful life is just over."

She bit his chest as her arms wrapped around him tightly. "Come back sooner this time… or I'll wage war on the Soul Society. I'm dead serious."

"I will."

For the rest of his twenty minutes, he showered her with affection, making her forget every resentment.

Right as the twenty minutes ended, Mila Rose showed up, wearing a blue string bikini with yellow floral patterns.

Mila Rose playfully tugged at the strings of her bikini, posing in a way that highlighted her toned abs and stunning, slender legs. "Honey, let's go for a dive. This kitty is thirsty!"

She separated from him, shaking her head in disappointment. "You got to stop spoiling this weirdo. She'll get out of hand one day."

The intention behind her words was crystal clear — she wanted to provoke a strong reaction from Mila Rose.

Mila Rose slapped the wall, making the entire room shake from her fury. "Fuck off, Apacci. It's my time. I can do whatever the hell I want."

Stepping away from the bed, Apacci confronted Mila Rose head-on. "Who the fuck swims at this hour?"

The lioness glared at the deer. "I DO! Do you have a problem with ME?"

Apacci flexed her fingers, cracking her knuckles, and twisted her neck. "Let's settle it with a duel, then. I'll beat the crap out of you."

Mila Rose snorted. "We'll settle it tomorrow. I'm gonna go swimming today."

Apacci bumped shoulders with the lioness as she walked towards the door.

Just as the door closed, Mila Rose lunged at him and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a bear-like hug that could have squeezed the life out of any normal human being.

"Kazuyaaaaa."

She stepped back and gave a wide smile. "Did you feel that? My arms are stronger than ever!"

"You nearly killed me with your grip. What's your secret?"

She thumped her chest before placing her hands on her waist. "I don't know. I woke up with this feeling, like I could crush anything with my bare hands. Sung-Sun said I'm getting crazier. Do you think I'm getting crazier?"

He shook his head. "Nah."

"My response exactly. Snake needs to stop being so self-centered. Anyway, let's stop wasting time. We have some swimming to do!"

Kazuya took his Shinigami outfit before the excited lioness dragged him down the stairs.

What awaited him in the swimming pool nearly blew his mind away. Sitting on the edge of the pool and waving her legs like a child was Cirucci, wearing a black revealing swimsuit. The black color certainly matched her goth vibes.

As though noticing his gaze, she leaned back with a smirk. "Ka-zu-ya. Fran-ces-ka."

{She's a goner… so is my beloved. Rest in peace.}

"Huh? Izanami, what are you talking about?"

Mila Rose snatched his uniform. "I'm gonna hang it in your room. Be right back!"

She darted away, making her sneaky plan to put him and Cirucci in the same place just plain obvious.

"She is unstable." Cirucci chuckled as she patted the ground beside her, motioning him to sit with her. "Come over, Leader."

…

Meanwhile, Unohana watched as Apacci, the third woman, returned to the living room. None of them had anything negative to say about the arrangement, as if they were content with any decision Kazuya made for them.

'It must be the reason he cares so much about them.'

Harribel calmly patted the empty seat beside her. "Apacci."

Apacci sighed and plopped beside Harribel. "What is it?"

"You look happier. He must've comforted you."

Apacci's eyes widened at the unexpected comment. "W-What do you mean? We just talked about the Soul Society."

Harribel narrowed her eyes, looking skeptical. "I believe you."

"Like hell you do!"

A soft chuckle escaped Harribel's lips. "Sorry. I didn't mean to tease you."

"I believe you."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Harribel turned to Unohana. "I hope you aren't feeling bored."

Unohana shook her head. "Observing the bonds between you and others is quite fun actually. I nearly forgot you ladies were Hollows."

Far from nearly, she had completely forgotten about Harribel and others being Hollows. While a bit odd and quirky, they could easily pass as a family in the Living World. If it wasn't for Kazuya, she would have never allowed them to live like this.

Izumi nodded her head. "I forget about it too sometimes. It's not half bad sharing a house with them… they are all very sweet in their own way."

"Sharing? You aren't a Hollow?"

Izumi tilted her head before she let out a giggle. "You're mistaken. I'm just a normal human girl who fell in love with Kazuya."

Unohana once again looked at Izumi, probing the brown-haired lady's Reiatsu with her senses. She couldn't find much difference in Izumi and every other Hollows' Reiatsu in the room. Kisuke's concealment tech was throwing off her senses.

"Quincy is the right word to describe her," Apacci said. "Also, she didn't fall in love. She became obsessed with the man she once called her younger brother."

Izumi scratched her cheek, clearly embarrassed to have her secret spilled in front of the guest. "Apacci, you didn't have to say it like that."

Sung-Sun burst into giggles. "Dear god, moments like these make me feel happy about being with everyone."

Unohana chuckled softly. "Since we have time on hand, why don't you tell me more about everyone?"

***

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