Bleach: Starting as a Vasto Lorde

Chapter 72: Constant Flow

As Kazuya walked back to his comrades, his gaze swept over Cirucci and Mila Rose, who had abandoned their sparring session. The group had assembled together, radiating a familial bond that reminded him of a gathering around a bonfire. Sung-Sun and Apacci were bundled together, sharing the plush softness of a large towel, their bodies close enough to feel each other's warmth. The outward warmth evaporated as soon as he heard Sung-Sun teasing Apacci.

Harribel's aqua green eyes widened in shock as Kazuya returned empty-handed. She'd sensed the abrupt disappearance of the egg's Reiatsu earlier. Her sharp gaze drifted to the radiant red gem glinting in his forehead, discovering the fate of the egg without any explanation.

The corners of Mila Rose's mouth turned upwards into a sly grin. "Did you finally see your child, Mom?"

He revealed a bright smile. "The egg hatched while I was in Kisuke's room. Congratulations, Mila... you're finally a dad."

A scowl instantly marred Mila Rose's previously triumphant expression. "Enough with those jokes! What emerged from the egg?"

The group leaned in, their bodies taut with anticipation, their eyes shining with curiosity. Even Cirucci was drawn in, captivated by the enigma of his one-of-a-kind Zanpakutō.

Rubbing the back of his head in an endearing, casual gesture, he shrugged. "A bird."

The revelation led to a collective sigh, their previous excitement deflating like a punctured balloon.

"It should've been a chicken," Mila Rose lamented, disappointment clear on her face. "What a missed opportunity to tease you."

Harribel exhaled a sigh. "I'm glad it happened safely."

Despite the unexpected turn of events, her primary worry had always been for Kazuya. As long as he was unscathed, any outcome was acceptable. Besides, she was delighted with his powerup.

"Apacci, Sung-Sun, it's already dark out there. I'm gonna grab some sleeping clothes for you."

Kisuke and Nami had consumed much of his evening. He saw this as an opportunity to plan for a whole day's date tomorrow — a strategic move to soften their defenses before he revealed his intention to depart for Seireitei later this month.

Sung-Sun narrowed her eyes into suspicious slits. "You promised to take us shopping. I won't let you wiggle out of it."

"Yeah," Mila Rose chimed in for Sung-Sun's support. "I'm tired of wearing your shirt. Gimme new clothes!"

A quick clarification calmed their discontent and dispelled the misunderstanding.

Mila Rose broke into a broad grin, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "A full day dedicated to us. Skull, you're kinda reliable."

"Of course. You all are my sweethearts." He turned to the only one who couldn't accompany him tomorrow due to her striking wings. "Cirucci, I'll talk to Kisuke about your Zanpakutō. He'll find a solution."

He'd refuse Kisuke's mission if the shopkeeper turned down his request. The mission gave him a massive leverage.

{You can repair her soul yourself.}

'How?'

{Once I evolve to give you a full Resurrección.}

'Can we speed up the process by getting you Hollows to eat?'

{Yuck. I'm not interested in their disgusting souls. Bring me a source of pure and untainted energy... like the Heart of a Virgin Maiden.}

'...'