Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 235: My Disciple

Masatsuki Aozaki had a vague idea of what the old man was thinking.

Maintaining Seireitei's power and stability was likely only part of it—he was also paving the way for himself.

He wasn't some genius, but he wasn't an idiot either. After following the old man for so many years, how could he not recognize his expectations?

Sure, the old man often resorted to punching and kicking him, but when he chose to be kind, it was genuine.

More than anything, as a Master, he had taught him everything.

He even let him observe his Bankai—one he hadn't used in years—and passed down all his techniques.

And now, despite knowing about his relationship with Kūkaku Shiba, he was still pushing for the Shiba family to return to Seireitei's center of power.

To say this had nothing to do with him? He didn't believe that for a second.

Kūkaku and Kaien Shiba weren't fools. They had to see the implications behind this as well.

But Masatsuki wouldn't force the issue. If they accepted, it would be a decision that defied their ancestors.

Kūkaku had agreed without hesitation—that alone was enough.

...

"Do you know why the Shiba family left Seireitei in the first place?" Kaien Shiba asked, taking a deep breath.

"I do," Masatsuki Aozaki replied calmly, glancing at Miyako. "Because the Shiba family couldn't accept that the Five Noble Clans could commit such sins and still rule Seireitei from above, so they left."

"Sins?"

Miyako tilted her head, clearly unable to grasp what he was referring to.

Masatsuki didn't answer.

If Kaien wanted her to know, he would tell her himself.

"If you know, then why are you asking us to go back?" Kaien asked.

"Seireitei will change eventually, but not yet," Masatsuki said slowly.

Now wasn't the time for internal conflict. The Quincy were still lurking in the shadows, and Aizen was up to something.

The old man was already well into his years, and who knew when he would pass? Until then, Masatsuki might as well protect the things he cared about. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

"Besides, aren't you already serving as a Lieutenant in Seireitei?"

"That's different. That's just to keep the family going," Kaien shot back. "That was the same excuse you gave when you sent Uncle Isshin to Seireitei—do you remember?"

"Of course I remember," Masatsuki nodded.

That had been one of his lines when persuading Isshin Shiba. More than anything, it was the key reason Isshin had agreed to join the Gotei 13.

Otherwise, with his carefree personality, he would have been content to waste his days away in Rukongai, despite his strength.

"That's exactly why we can't let that sin continue," Kaien murmured, his gaze lowering.

"It's not a sin. Think of it as being for everyone," Masatsuki said.

"Everyone?" Kaien frowned.

"The Tsunayashiro Clan is undoubtedly full of scum. The Seireitei they rule has no future. Compared to them, the Shiba Clan is a better choice."

Masatsuki's expression remained unreadable as he spoke words that, in Seireitei, would be grounds for execution.

"For the sake of everyone's future, that truly corrupt family needs to be erased."

"The omniscient Soul King bears his suffering for this very reason, doesn't he?"

"Whether it's for atonement or the survival of your family, just endure. Hold on—until the day this world changes."

...

"I was right about you, Masatsuki Aozaki. You truly are a disciple worthy of this old man," Yamamoto said, a faint smile on his lips, his eyes filled with appreciation.

Masatsuki muttered inwardly,

"You old fossil, always trying to take credit for yourself. I've been talking my mouth dry, and all you say is 'this old man's disciple' to claim the glory? That's low."

On the surface, however, he maintained a humble demeanor, bowing slightly.

"Master, you overpraise me. It's all thanks to your exceptional teaching."

Yamamoto sat across from Masatsuki, leisurely sipping a cup of hot tea, while Masatsuki gently blew on his own, the rising steam carrying the rich fragrance of tea through the air.

The atmosphere between the old and the young seemed unusually harmonious, as if time itself had stilled in that moment.

They sat in silence, immersed in the tranquility—almost like a grandfather and grandson.

Meanwhile, Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō stood to the side, utterly forgotten.

Like two neglected ornaments, they stood there awkwardly, watching as Yamamoto and Masatsuki enjoyed their tea.

Unable to hold back, Shunsui nudged Ukitake with his elbow and muttered under his breath,

"Jūshirō, the old man and our little junior are being downright cruel. They're enjoying tea by themselves and didn't even bother preparing a cup for us. Do they not see us as people anymore?"

A tinge of disappointment crept into Shunsui's heart. He had always felt Yamamoto treated him well, but ever since taking on a younger disciple, it seemed like he and Ukitake had been cast aside.

Not that he could really complain—after all, they knew better than anyone how their master thought.

The old man was getting on in years. What could they do but let him have his way?

Shunsui gave Ukitake another playful nudge, grinning.

"Let's go grab a drink later and celebrate."

"A little is fine, but don't overdo it," Ukitake said, covering his mouth with his hand.

"I thought you'd refuse again, but it looks like you're recovering well!" Shunsui said, pleasantly surprised.

"The Shinigami Research and Development Institute has been helping restore my body's functions. Once I reach the required standard, they'll proceed with the surgery," Ukitake replied with a smile.

He was truly grateful to his junior. Masatsuki had given him hope—something he never dared to dream of before.

"Has the head of the Shiba Clan arrived?" Yamamoto asked. "Since the Shiba Clan has agreed to return to Seireitei, it's only proper that I meet him as Captain-Commander."

A slight tremor rippled through the tea's surface, and for a moment, Masatsuki felt as if he were looking at the waves stirred by Nejibana.

...

"Masatsuki, this is the last time. This time, we end it once and for all."

Kaien Shiba's voice was firm as he gripped his trident-like spear, his expression serious.

With a powerful push, he lunged forward, his momentum surging like an unstoppable wave.

And then—

A scream of agony tore through the forest, startling the birds overhead so badly that their wings stiffened mid-flight, nearly causing them to plummet.

...

Masatsuki sighed, shaking his head.

He recalled his brother-in-law's swollen, bruised face—an absolutely pitiful sight. Meanwhile, Kūkaku stood to the side, laughing uproariously.

Brother-in-law must have been heartbroken.

"There was an accident. He lost his footing and rolled down the mountain. He's currently receiving treatment in the 4th Division," Masatsuki said, tactfully sparing Kaien's dignity.

After all, saying he got beaten up by his own brother-in-law would be far too humiliating.

Sigh... As his brother-in-law, I'm really too considerate. He'll definitely be grateful when he hears this!

Rolled down a mountain and ended up in the 4th Division?

A Lieutenant-level Shinigami is that fragile?

Or maybe... you just hit him too hard?

The three onlookers twitched slightly.

Who in their right mind would believe that nonsense?

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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