Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 205: Conscience

The bright moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room with a soft glow. The luxurious mansions of the Noble District carried a strong, lingering fragrance—the scent of rare spices that nobles spent fortunes to acquire.

Masatsuki Aozaki had visited many noble estates before, and this scent was always present, an unmistakable sign of wealth and refinement.

They referred to this tradition, originating from a great Western nation, as "the way of incense," ranking it alongside Ikebana and the tea ceremony as one of the refined arts.

Unlike the extravagance of those aristocratic mansions, Masatsuki Aozaki's room exuded a simpler, more subtle fragrance.

"What a beautiful scent... just like Captain Masatsuki," Isane Kotetsu thought to herself as she took in the gentle aroma.

Masatsuki walked into the room, carrying a tray in his hands.

"These are some dishes I made, along with a few bottles of wine that Shunsui-senpai gifted me."

He pointed to the array of dishes on the table, over a dozen in total, before taking a seat beside Isane.

"This is some of his prized wine—he's kept it stored for years and barely has the heart to drink it. I hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all! These dishes look delicious," Isane said quickly, waving her hands in slight panic as she took in the feast before her.

"I heard you like eating porridge," Masatsuki remarked, looking at her with a knowing expression. "Something about not wanting to grow taller, since porridge doesn't have much nutritional value?"

He studied the tall girl in front of him before continuing,

"You care too much about what others think, Isane. But in my opinion, you don't need to concern yourself with every opinion—just those of the people who truly matter to you."

"Besides, your appearance is nobody else's business. And they're wrong."

"There's nothing bad about growing taller. You look adorable just the way you are."

Isane's body trembled slightly at his words. Without hesitation, she poured herself a cup of wine, then lifted it to her lips and downed it in one go.

"Thank you, Captain Masatsuki. I know you're just trying to comfort me... but you really don't have to."

"Comfort you?" Masatsuki raised his glass and took a small sip, meeting her gaze. "I'm just telling the truth—not a single word of it is a lie."

Isane's heart fluttered. Her beautiful eyes locked onto him, and in that moment, her sister's words echoed in her mind.

This is the perfect chance...

"So... Captain Masatsuki... do you... like..."

Fueled by the warmth of the wine, she found the courage to speak, but her voice grew softer with every word until it was barely audible.

"I do."

Masatsuki didn't hesitate. He met her gaze unwaveringly and said,

"I've liked you since my previous life."

P-Previous life!?

Was he talking about the World of the Living?

But she was born and raised in Seireitei. The Fourth Division never had to patrol the Human World, and she had never set foot there.

And their age difference... how could they have met in a previous life?

Wait... is this... a confession!?

Does Captain Masatsuki really feel that way about me!?

A storm of thoughts raced through her mind, but somewhere deep inside, there was a quiet sense of joy.

Under the glow of the moon and the warmth of the alcohol, Isane slowly leaned forward, falling into Masatsuki's arms. The faint, elegant fragrance of the room wrapped around her, and for the first time, she felt what it was like to be held by someone taller.

The night deepened. The moon hung high in the sky.

The dense darkness of the night shimmered under a veil of silver light.

...

Seireitei, 4th Division Barracks.

"Yasochika, has Lieutenant Isane returned?"

Inside the captain's office, Retsu Unohana's expression was tinged with concern as she turned toward the door, which had just opened.

"Captain, Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu hasn't returned yet, but 3rd Seat Kiyone Kotetsu from the 13th Division is here," said Yasochika Iemura, the 3rd Seat of the 4th Division, as he hurried inside. Seeing his captain's worried expression, he quickly attempted to reassure her.

"She delivered Captain Ukitake's medical report—it's in Lieutenant Isane's handwriting. It looks like she'll be staying with 3rd Seat Kiyone again tonight and won't be returning to the barracks."

"She's staying with Kiyone?" Unohana frowned slightly, sensing that something was off.

It wasn't unusual for Isane to spend the night at Kiyone's place.

But she usually informed Unohana beforehand. This time, she hadn't even returned to report in—that was strange.

Still, Kiyone was Isane's younger sister. If something serious had happened, she would have said something.

"In that case, let's leave it be. Tomorrow is a rest day anyway."

Looking at Iemura, Unohana gave a small nod before asking,

"Did Masatsuki Kenpachi stop by the 4th Division today?"

"No," Iemura shook his head. "I heard he went to the 13th Division to see Captain Ukitake, then returned to the Noble District."

That little brat... Did he really think he could hide from me just because he broke through to First-Class Spiritual Power?

Unohana let out a displeased scoff.

She made a habit of checking in on Masatsuki Aozaki's training progress through the 1st Division from time to time. She knew exactly when he had reached First-Class Reiatsu—right after Yamamoto himself.

He used to drop by to visit her from time to time, but now? Ever since his breakthrough, he hadn't shown his face once.

Whenever she sent someone to find him, the answer was always the same: He's busy.

He had time to go to the 13th Division, but not to the 4th?

...Wait. The 13th Division?

Unohana's expression darkened.

The temperature in the room plummeted, making Iemura shudder involuntarily.

This was the first time he had ever seen his captain look this terrifying. The sheer pressure radiating from her made it feel as though he would be frozen solid just from standing there.

"C-Captain, I still have work to do... I'll be going now," Iemura stammered, immediately turning to flee.

"Wait."

Unohana's icy voice froze him in place.

"Captain, I swear it has nothing to do with me! I didn't do anything!"

Iemura halted mid-step, suddenly feeling as though taking even one more step might mean the end of his life. With no other choice, he slowly turned back around, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"When Lieutenant Isane returns, tell her to come to my office," Unohana ordered, narrowing her eyes.

"Yes, Captain!" Iemura responded, face twisted in despair.

Why is her killing intent so terrifying!?

...

The moon above shone even brighter.

The 1st Division barracks remained well-lit, and a white-haired man followed a group of squad members as they led him toward the tea room.

"Let the Shinigami Research and Development Institute handle the treatment..." Yamamoto muttered, deep in thought as he gazed at his ailing disciple.

"I already promised my junior that I would go to the 12th Division tomorrow for an examination," Jūshirō Ukitake said, dabbing at the blood on his lips with a handkerchief before looking up at his Master's gleaming bald head.

Yamamoto closed his eyes, as if locked in an internal struggle. Finally, he exhaled and spoke in a deep voice.

"...Very well. This is no longer my era. You may give it a try."

"But I must say, I'm surprised. That boy Masatsuki actually has some conscience after all—he cares enough to think about his senpai's well-being."

"It is my own weakness that has troubled both Master and my junior," Ukitake said, bowing his head.

Watching his disciple—plagued by illness and suffering day after day—Yamamoto could only sigh in silent frustration.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

p@treon com / PinkSnake