If that was all there was to it, Masatsuki Aozaki wasn't concerned.
He'd seen the entire Metastacia unit slaughter the Tsunayashiro Clan firsthand and knew exactly what kind of power those things held.
But this? It was just a fusion of what looked like residual Reishi from a single Metastacia.
Even with Aizen's enhancements, this version was far stronger than the one from the original timeline—but it was still just Adjuchas-class. Nothing he couldn't handle.
When Masatsuki encountered trouble, his first instinct was simple: eliminate it.
As for Metastacia's Reishi-fusion ability, Masatsuki considered himself more than qualified—a master in Reishi manipulation.
...
Sensing Masatsuki Aozaki drawing closer, the massive octopus-like Hollow began to panic.
Aaroniero could feel the overwhelming pressure radiating from Masatsuki—an oppressive force that triggered deep instinctual fear.
It knew this intruder was dangerous.
Aaroniero had Adjuchas-level Reiatsu, but it was cobbled together from scavenged Hollows—at its core, it was still just a Gillian.
Even with its beastlike mind, it could feel fear.
Though it had no eyes, it relied on perception alone.
And that perception told it this Shinigami Reiatsu invading the soul world wasn't like any prey it had encountered before.
This prey... was dangerous.
But it was too late to back down.
It had already begun fusing with Masaki Kurosaki's Reishi. Just one step more, and it could devour her soul, claiming this powerful vessel as its own.
Masaki Kurosaki was an exceptional Quincy, a natural talent.
Even back in high school four years ago, she had already reached second-rank spiritual power.
And over the past four years, though she had become a university student, she hadn't slacked off in her Reiatsu training.
She was a true powerhouse—the kind of soul only a Vasto Lorde could rival among the Hollows.
A prize like that, right at the edge of its jaws, was hard to let go.
After a brief pause—about as much thinking as its limited intellect could manage—Aaroniero made its choice:
Take the risk. Fight Masatsuki Aozaki head-on.
...
Masatsuki watched with amusement as Aaroniero's body began to stir.
It lashed its thick tentacles forward with a violent surge of strength, charging at Masatsuki like a beast.
But just as the tentacle was about to strike him—
A shocking moment unfolded.
Masatsuki casually swung his arm and shattered the tentacle—thicker than a person's body—with a single slap.
The sudden, brutal force stunned Aaroniero. Its body trembled uncontrollably.
If it had eyes, they'd be wide with terror.
Unfortunately, it didn't.
Which meant Masatsuki couldn't enjoy the expression he had been hoping to see.
...
"Don't worry, Masaki-chan. It'll all be over soon."
Masatsuki turned and flashed what he believed to be an incredibly charming smile, hoping to reassure Kurosaki Masaki.
Then he turned back around and strode confidently toward Aaroniero.
At that moment, Kurosaki Masaki couldn't take her eyes off him.
However, she didn't seem to notice his smile. Instead, a strange blush crept across her face.
"Masatsuki Nii-san… you're not wearing any clothes."
In his soul state, Masatsuki Aozaki stood there completely bare, revealing a toned and well-defined physique. Though shy, Masaki couldn't tear her eyes away.
...
In the real world, Bambietta, Candice, and Ryūken Ishida occasionally glanced over at Masatsuki Aozaki and Masaki Kurosaki.
Seeing the bright grin on Masatsuki's face and the odd blush on Masaki's, a peculiar feeling stirred in their hearts.
What exactly are they doing?
It's... kind of weird. Just one more peek.
Just then, Bambietta suddenly spoke.
"Someone's coming."
The moment her words fell, the others sensed it too.
All eyes turned toward the doorway.
Without warning, a Senkaimon appeared out of thin air.
As it slowly opened, a figure stepped through.
Short silver hair. A captain's haori.
It was none other than Gin Ichimaru, Captain of the Ninth Division.
...
Once they confirmed his identity, Sōken Ishida and Ryūken Ishida both let out a subtle breath of relief.
They knew this young man well—he'd served as Masatsuki Aozaki's lieutenant and had since become a captain.
Among the Quincy, everyone knew about his close relationship with Masatsuki. Some even said he cared more about Masatsuki than Masatsuki did himself.
"Bambietta, Candice—what's going on with Masatsuki?"
"Ah, Captain Ichimaru, we're not entirely sure about Aozaki-sama's condition..."
At Sōken Ishida's response, Gin Ichimaru finally turned his eyes to the center of the room, where Masatsuki Aozaki sat with his hand on Masaki's head.
He frowned slightly.
"Is Masaki alright?"
He stepped forward.
In a flash, Bambietta moved to block his path.
"Stop. Who are you? Don't come any closer to my master."
"Huh? What's gotten into you?"
Gin looked genuinely confused.
"I'm Gin Ichimaru. Don't you remember? We met six months ago."
"Don't try to fool me."
Bambietta narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
"If you were really Gin, the moment you walked in, your attention would've gone straight to Master. But you only looked at him twice."
"She's right."
Though unsure of the full context, Candice still nodded in agreement.
Hearing their exchange, Sōken and Ryūken Ishida froze.
What did they mean?
This man looked exactly like Captain Ichimaru—why were they saying he wasn't?
"Bambietta, Candice, what are you talking about?"
Gin glanced over curiously, still walking forward.
...
Just as the distance closed between them, Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly opened his eyes and looked up.
"They're right. Stop there. Don't take another step."
"Masatsuki?"
Gin halted immediately at Masatsuki's words.
"Aozaki-sama!"
Sōken and Ryūken turned in surprise. Then, seeing Masaki murmuring "Masatsuki Nii-san" with a rosy flush on her cheeks, relief spread across their faces.
She hadn't fully awakened, but from her peaceful, comfortable expression, it was clear she was okay.
...
While the two men looked on, Masatsuki ignored them and turned his gaze to the silver-haired figure with a clear look of distaste.
"Don't call me that so casually. It's disgusting. I don't even know you."
The moment the words left his mouth, he vanished.
Shinsoku!!
In an instant, Masatsuki appeared beside Gin Ichimaru, hand raised in a swift, slicing motion!
Sensing the sudden danger, Gin tried to retreat—but it was too late. He moved straight into the path of Masatsuki's strike.
One arm was severed cleanly, soaring into the air as blood sprayed out.
"Masatsuki!?"
Gin's eyes widened in shock.
"I told you—don't call me that."
Masatsuki sighed.
"Your Reiatsu might be identical, but you're missing the gift I gave him. And that soul of yours... it's just wrong."
"Doesn't it feel cramped, being stuffed into that little shell?"
...
"Just like I thought… still so gentle, Masatsuki."
Gin let out a sigh and, with his remaining hand, drew his Zanpakutō. Smiling like a snake, he murmured to no one in particular,
"What a lucky guy... really makes you jealous."