Kisuke sensed that something was amiss.

He could feel it deeply, particularly in her behavior, which had been distinctly out of character. Despite her chronic illness, which he understood to be quite serious, she seemed to downplay her condition, presenting an image of normalcy that did not align with the reality he knew. It was perplexing to him, especially considering the severity of her past experiences, including the times she had been confined in a stark white room, a stark reminder of her struggles.

Their shared history added another layer to Kisuke's concern. She had been one of the few individuals who stood by him during his disownment, choosing to escape with him when he found himself unable to return to the Shinigami world. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and a shared intellect, making her presence a source of comfort and reassurance for him.

He had always regarded her as someone he could trust implicitly, a rare bond that had weathered many storms.

Yet, the aftermath of the war with the Quincy had cast a shadow over their connection, leaving Kisuke with an unsettling feeling that something was fundamentally wrong.

In the wake of the conflict, Kisuke's instincts told him that she was grappling with more than she let on. The changes in her demeanor were subtle yet significant, hinting at an internal struggle that she was not ready to share. He felt a growing urgency to understand what was troubling her, to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

As he reflected on their past and the trials they had faced together, he resolved to reach out, to offer his support and to uncover the truth behind her facade, hoping to restore the trust and comfort that had once defined their friendship.

Either he or she would enter each residence, engaging in deep conversations or simply checking in on one another's well-being. He had already observed that she was dedicating all her savings to the Soul Society to atone for the chaos she had caused months prior. Kisuke was well aware of her explosive tendencies; her kido was predominantly centered around creating blasts. There had even been an incident in which she inadvertently detonated an area near the Captains office several centuries ago, a testament to her unpredictable nature.

Furthermore, she seemed to possess an almost disarming naivety, readily forgiving everyone she had dealings with, even when they requested refunds. Her mantra of "I don't want enemies" struck him as peculiar and uncharacteristic, raising questions about the underlying motivations behind her actions. How could someone who thrived in chaos now seek to avoid conflict? It was a perplexing blend of both a curse and a blessing, leaving Kisuke to ponder the complexities of her character as she claimed to desire peace.

The calendar hanging behind her was filled with sketches and to-do lists, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor. Today, January 22nd, marked her birthday, and Kisuke had already presented her with a gift—a delightful mini barbeque, hoping to create a moment for personal connection.

In a gentle, measured tone, he inquired, "You're going to kill yourself, aren't you?" He recognized the boldness of his question, yet felt compelled to encourage her to open up. If she could not express her true feelings and allow herself to be vulnerable, he would do everything in his power to ensure that she would never feel alone, as the thought of losing her was simply unimaginable.

The money she had diligently earned, amounting to approximately 5,000,000 yen, lay on the table, unexpectedly seized by him. With one hand gripping the cash, he held a lighter in the other, its flame flickering ominously as it threatened to engulf the bills in a blaze. "Speak the truth. Yell it out if you wish to save this money from being burned. Tell me if you made a promise not to go through with it," he demanded. He was acutely aware of the severity of his actions and the immense effort she had invested to accumulate that wealth, yet his desperation to prevent her demise was palpable. It was a testament to his willingness to sacrifice everything to ensure her survival.