Death: This Death is a bit unorthodox.

"I'll go prepare breakfast. You guys probably haven't had breakfast yet, right?"

The two little girls answered in unison:

"No."

After they finished speaking, they looked at each other and then looked away.

Rukia narrowed her eyes slightly, as if she was thinking about something.

Nemu, on the other hand, remained indifferent, glancing at the other person casually before turning her attention back to Aozaki Mayuki.

Aozaki Mayuki smiled and led the two little girls into the house.

After Neonmu left the kitchen to help in the dining room.

Rukia's body seemed to suddenly lose its support, and she slumped against Aozaki Mayuki.

Perhaps because Aozaki Mayuki saved her, Rukia developed a strong sense of dependence on him.

Rukia was a little reserved because Mayuri and Nemu were present.

But now that it was just the two of them, she hugged Aozaki Mayuki without hesitation.

"You mischievous little girl..."

Aozaki Mayuki gently pulled Rukia into her arms, looking at the adorable little girl in front of her with eyes full of doting affection.

His gaze fell on her deep purple eyes, as if he could see stars twinkling within them.

"From now on, you don't have to be afraid of anyone..."

"Aozaki Mayuki said softly, but then paused, as if she had remembered someone," she said.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

I would be eternally grateful for anything you ask for.

Chapter 285 Don't Let Me Down

Aozaki Mayuki's expression turned serious, and after a pause, she continued:

"Apart from an old bald man named Yamamoto, you'd better not mess with him. That old man is not to be trifled with."

"If he gets angry, he might spank your little bottom."

"Even if I plead for you then, I might not be able to save you."

Rukia nodded obediently, looking sensible.

"I understand... I'll listen to what Brother Zhenyue says."

She answered earnestly, her eyes blinking.

Aozaki Mayuki smiled with satisfaction and gently stroked Rukia's hair.

"You just understand."

"By the way, brother, I can help you with chores now. When I woke up, all the injuries on my body didn't hurt anymore. It's amazing."

Rukia blinked curiously.

When she woke up this morning, she found that the faintly aching marks on her body had disappeared.

Aozaki Mayuki patted her head and explained:

"This is the effect of returning to the Dao; returning to the Dao can heal injuries and illnesses."

"When you become the Grim Reaper in the future, you will also have the opportunity to learn this magical power."

"Can one possess such miraculous powers by being the Grim Reaper?"

Rukia clenched her fists and said with conviction:

"Then I must become a Grim Reaper in the future, so I can help Brother Maki!"

Seeing the girl's flushed cheeks, Aozaki Mayuki smiled and didn't discourage her.

Learning the Dao depends on talent.

The Shinigami Academy also has a sermon.

Let alone being an expert, very few graduates each year can even scratch the surface.

On the one hand, there aren't many people who really like the return path; most people are still more enthusiastic about sword fighting.

On the other hand, the Daoist path does indeed require a very high level of talent, and those who can learn it are extremely rare.

…………

Ten years later, the First Division held another captain's meeting.

the reason is simple.

Aozaki Mayuki's senior, Ukitake Jushiro, the captain of the 13th Division.

While on duty in the modern world, a rare species was discovered—

Death is the human form of death.

It refers to humans who have not yet been transformed into spirits, but who have obtained the power of the Grim Reaper and become Grim Reapers.

This human Grim Reaper is none other than Aozaki Mayuki's old acquaintance—Ginjo Kūgo.

This kid's shrewdness has certainly improved over the years!

Facing the team captains, he was able to speak fluently and eloquently.

Originally, he relied on the power of the Tsunayo family to secretly seize the power of the Shinigami.

But what he said came out as...

After the Grim Reaper was severely injured by the Hollow, he was appointed to a critical mission and turned the tide.

Given his active efforts to purify Hollows and protect humanity during his time in the human world, coupled with his captain-level spiritual pressure.

After some discussion, the Seireitei decided to grant him the title of "Substitute Grim Reaper".

He was assigned to the Eleventh Division, forming a special operations force in the modern world, and became its captain.

And so, the first substitute Grim Reaper was born.

"Kugo...can we talk?"

Inside the Aozaki family's study.

Aozaki Mayuki sat in her seat, looking at Ginjou Kugo across from her, whose forehead was covered in cold sweat.

When he saw this man appear in a white haori at the captain's meeting, he was terrified.

Fortunately, he had a strong mental fortitude, which prevented others from noticing anything amiss.

"Please speak, my lord, I will tell you everything I know..."

Kyugo Ginjo, kneeling before Aozaki Mayuki, wiped away a bead of cold sweat and forced himself to speak.

After making some inquiries, Ginjo Kūgo understood Aozaki Maki's status in Soul Society and was completely convinced of his worth.

He was originally a high-ranking nobleman of the Seireitei.

Of the five noble families that rule the Soul Society, two openly support him, while the remaining neutral family also leans towards him.

Not to mention, the leader of the largest violent organization in Soul Society is his teacher.

He even has the title "Kenpachi," representing the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society.

The Tsunayo family, who once considered themselves the rulers of Soul Society, has now fallen into decline.

He couldn't help but wonder if Aozaki Mazuki's initial visit to him was part of an internal power struggle within the Seireitei.

And Aozaki Mayuki was undoubtedly the final winner.

Soul Society may already be his territory.

Ginjou Kugo felt he had no choice but to accept it!

Did you bring me the message I wanted?

Aozaki Mayuki's fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest.

His eyes were bright, and his voice was gentle, as if it could penetrate one's soul.

Each knock felt like a blow to Ginjou Kūgo's heart.

It made his heart beat faster and his breathing become rapid.

Ginjou Kūgo knelt before Aozaki Maki, his head bowed.

Large beads of sweat kept appearing on his forehead, his body trembled slightly, and his hands were clenched into fists.

He felt that if he couldn't give Aozaki Mayuki a satisfactory answer, the consequences could be very serious.

“I found the Anhe Duotian Crystal you mentioned, but…”

Ginjo Kūgo's voice carried a hint of hesitation and fear. He dared not look up into Aozaki Maki's eyes, for fear of seeing the anger in them.

"Do I have to teach you how to speak? You're not that incompetent, are you?"

Aozaki Mayuki looked at the trembling Ginjo Kugo in front of her, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips.

To Ginjou, that smile was as terrifying as the smile of a demon.

"But what is it? Just say it clearly, I don't have much patience."

Ginjou's body trembled even more violently.

His lips moved slightly, but then he closed them again.

He didn't know how to tell Aozaki Mazuki the bad news because he was afraid of angering her.

However, he finally mustered his courage and stammered:

"But...that man is already dead!"

Upon hearing this news, Aozaki Mayuki frowned slightly, a look of surprise on her face.

"died?"