However, this whole situation had started because of her in the first place.
If she backed out now, it would be too embarrassing to justify.
So, Senjumaru Shutara took a deep breath, forced herself to push through the inexplicable sense of shyness bubbling up inside her, and began taking Masatsuki Aozaki's measurements.
"...As expected, a perfect figure as always, Masatsuki-chan… You should at least acknowledge me as a woman once in a while."
If it were any other woman, she probably would've thrown herself at you like a starving beast by now…
Senjumaru muttered internally, but she didn't let her hands falter. Keeping a straight face, she pulled out her measuring tape and got to work.
From shoulder width to thigh length, every measurement was taken with meticulous precision.
...Why is it so hot in here…?
Strange… Why isn't Masatsuki-chan reacting at all?
"Has Masatsuki-chan suddenly developed ironclad self-control…? Or is it just that my new outfit doesn't interest him?"
Her emotions wavered between satisfaction and disappointment, creating a frustrating internal struggle.
The six skeletal arms behind her moved across Masatsuki's body, checking for any flaws in her carefully crafted work.
Once she was sure there were none, she finally relaxed, pushed the door open, and stepped out.
"I'm pretty good at this, aren't I, Masatsuki-chan?"
A bright smile graced her face, as radiant as a blooming carnation.
And with that, Senjumaru admitted to herself—more than anything, she was happy.
...
That day, the three of them had both lunch and dinner at Senjumaru's Zero Division Riden.
By the time they returned to Gatonden, it was already late into the night.
In high spirits, Senjumaru had enthusiastically declared, "Since they all look so good, let's make a full set!" and ended up crafting a variety of outfits for both Masatsuki and Kirio Hikifune.
In the end, the two left Senjumaru's place with an unexpected addition—an enormous wardrobe large enough to fill an entire room.
...
Night fell, and silence blanketed the halls.
Masatsuki Aozaki and Kirio Hikifune stepped into the room.
Kirio sat quietly on the large bed, her expression unreadable.
Her gaze, both calm and sharp, slowly traced Masatsuki's figure from head to toe, scrutinizing every inch.
Masatsuki stood still, unmoving, like a statue under her observation.
Then, Kirio's lips curled into a small, radiant smile.
But her narrowed eyes hinted at something deeper as she whispered,
"That's nice."
Whether it was a compliment to Masatsuki or just a passing thought, her voice was so soft that only she could hear it.
...
On the other side of Gatonden.
"…Ahhhhhhh!!"
Senjumaru Shutara flopped onto her bed, burying herself in the sheets.
She had just finished her bath and was still wearing the purple yukata Masatsuki had picked out for her earlier that day.
Her wooden geta sandals lay discarded on the floor as she finally allowed herself to release all the emotions that had built up throughout the day.
Hugging her pillow tightly, she rolled back and forth on the bed, tangling the sheets and her clothes into a complete mess.
"Masatsuki-chan, seriously… Why would you suddenly say something like that!? Acting all serious… You actually seemed kind of reliable for once."
Senjumaru didn't even know if she was flustered, happy, or frustrated.
All she could do was bury her face into the mattress and pound her fists into the blankets.
Today, Masatsuki Aozaki had completely thrown her off balance… and left a lasting impression.
No—he had long surpassed perfection, breaking through any conceivable limit.
It wasn't just his ability to match her pace effortlessly, but also the subtle excitement sparked by his meticulous care—skills refined through years of experience.
Even she, a relic from a thousand years ago, could clearly sense Masatsuki Aozaki's delicate and perceptive nature.
As she replayed the day's events in her mind, Senjumaru Shutara couldn't help but chuckle to herself.
She suddenly sat up, brushing her fingers against her flushed cheeks.
Ever since returning to Gatonden late at night, her heart had been racing.
At first, she had only seen Masatsuki as a talented and obedient junior.
But as time went on, she came to realize he had grown into a formidable warrior—one who had even surpassed her.
Then, there was the way he so shamelessly flaunted his uninhibited nature, constantly teasing her.
And yet, despite all of that, she had to admit—he was undeniably a man with an attractive side.
Her perception of Masatsuki Aozaki had been shifting, again and again, in ways she never expected.
At some point, she had stopped being able to distinguish which version of him was the real one.
Or perhaps... all of them were.
But today, what truly struck her wasn't his power or his antics.
It was the way he acknowledged her.
Not as a revered member of Zero Division.
Not as some untouchable existence.
But as a person.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of. Hold your head high, and if someone dares to mock you, slap them in the face and move on—because you're human."
It wasn't that she had never considered this before.
She had simply never allowed herself to.
Even now, just recalling the serious expression Masatsuki had worn at that moment sent a rush of emotions surging through her, making her heart pound all over again.
Had she really just spent too much time alone in the Grand Palace?
Was that why she found herself reacting so strongly to his every move?
She told herself that was the case.
But no matter how many times she repeated it, the restlessness in her heart refused to settle.
She buried her face into the sheets and rolled back and forth, trying—futilely—to dispel the unease.
No matter what she did, it wouldn't go away.
After a long while, she finally stopped moving.
Lying on her side, she stared blankly ahead, lost in thought.
"...Having Masatsuki-chan as my junior… doesn't seem so bad."
She whispered the words softly, a small smile forming on her lips.
Someone who truly understood her.
Someone who, even after realizing that the real Senjumaru Shutara was nothing like the godlike figure people imagined, still accepted her completely.
More than that—he had even expressed gratitude that he was still himself.
This feeling… this quiet impact he had left on her…
It was something no one else could ever understand.
...
Thump.
Her heart suddenly pounded violently against her ribs.
It was as if someone had struck a drum inside her chest—deep, resounding, and impossibly loud.
This was nothing like her usual heartbeat.
Her hazy thoughts scattered as her eyes widened in surprise.
Instinctively, her hand flew to her chest.
An unfamiliar tension flooded through her, leaving her momentarily dazed.
What was this feeling?
Was something wrong with her body?
Or was it something else—something she couldn't explain?
She tried to steady herself, but her heartbeat only grew faster, as though something inside her was on the verge of breaking free.
Her hands slowly slid from her chest to her abdomen, as if checking for any signs of abnormality.
But there was nothing.
Everything felt the same as always.
And yet...
A name drifted through her mind.
Realizing what she was thinking, she immediately shook her head, as if trying to banish the thought before it could take root.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake