Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 241: A Difference in Eras

Time flowed like a fleeting shadow, and before anyone realized it, more than a year had passed since the Shiba Clan's return to Seireitei.

During this long period, Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi had worked tirelessly—or, more accurately, under the relentless pressure and coercion of Masatsuki Aozaki.

These two eccentric scientists had managed to develop a groundbreaking technology, one with the potential to revolutionize the entire medical system of the Gotei 13.

It wasn't just Masatsuki's impatience that had been driving them forward, but also the strict oversight of an irritable and demanding Yamamoto.

"So, the 12th Division's experiment is finally complete? They now have a perfected method to restore Jūshirō's health?"

Inside the 1st Division's barracks, Yamamoto sat in quiet contemplation, his gaze fixed on his young disciple, who was beaming with confidence.

Nearby, Shunsui Kyōraku peeked out curiously, his eager eyes locked onto the two men standing before their old master.

Unlike his usual carefree demeanor, a rare seriousness filled his expression.

And his focus was entirely on Jūshirō Ukitake.

"Jūshirō can really recover?"

Hearing Yamamoto's words, Shunsui couldn't suppress the sheer joy on his face, even letting out an unrestrained laugh.

He and Jūshirō had known each other for centuries—not only as fellow disciples under the same master but as the closest of friends.

With such a deep bond, how could he not feel elated at the news that his dearest friend might finally be cured?

"Captain Kyōraku, mind your composure. Now that business has been handled, return to your division at once and stop embarrassing yourself here."

Yamamoto cast a sidelong glance at his most troublesome disciple, his hand trembling slightly as he lifted his teacup and took a slow sip.

Though he appeared composed, the truth was that his own emotions were no less turbulent than Shunsui's.

But as their Master, he had an image to uphold, and so he maintained his usual strict demeanor.

Of course, his three observant disciples saw right through it, and their hearts warmed at the sight.

"That's hardly important right now, old man Yamamoto."

Shunsui had already abandoned all other concerns. Taking quick strides into the room, he looked straight at Masatsuki, his voice filled with urgency.

"Masatsuki, are you absolutely sure that Mayuri has developed a treatment that can cure Jūshirō? Is it reliable?"

His question reflected the deep-seated doubt and concern in his heart—his complete lack of trust in Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

After all, Mayuri had come from the infamous "Nest of Maggots." Trusting someone like him was no easy feat.

However, Shunsui still had faith in his junior disciple.

And so, he desperately sought a firm and reassuring answer from Masatsuki.

Beside him, Jūshirō's pale, sickly face had taken on a faint flush of color.

His gaze was filled with both hope and nervous anticipation as he looked toward Masatsuki, as if placing all of his faith in whatever answer came next.

Masatsuki took a slow sip of tea before setting his cup down and replying with unwavering certainty,

"Captain Kisuke and I can both guarantee it—this technology is absolutely effective. It will cure Jūshirō-senpai."

"Kisuke personally conducted rigorous tests. There's no doubt—it works."

As he finished speaking, a stray thought crossed Masatsuki's mind.

The tea today is surprisingly good. Seems like old man Yamamoto's tea-brewing skills have improved quite a bit.

"In that case, there's no time to waste."

Yamamoto's staff struck the ground with a sharp thud, the crisp sound echoing through the room. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath before speaking.

"No more delays. Masatsuki, take Jūshirō to the 12th Division immediately."

His voice was steady and firm, carrying the weight of absolute authority.

"I expect to hear good news soon."

Opening his eyes, he locked his piercing gaze onto Masatsuki and Jūshirō, his expression leaving no room for argument.

"The next time we meet, I want to see a fully recovered disciple standing before me."

This time, his tone carried something more than command—

It held the warmth of a teacher's genuine concern and expectation.

Hearing Yamamoto's words, Jūshirō Ukitake immediately knelt on the ground and respectfully bowed his head.

"Please rest assured, Master. The next time we meet, I will stand before you in perfect health!"

Shunsui Kyōraku, however, fell into silence. He muttered to himself, "...What about me? Old man, did you forget I exist?"

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Yamamoto cut him off.

"You're staying here, aren't you? If you don't want to leave, then wait here with me for news."

Yamamoto took a leisurely sip of his tea, casting a casual glance at Shunsui before taking another sip.

Watching the two figures gradually disappear into the distance, Shunsui let out a long, helpless sigh.

"Old man, is this really necessary at a time like this?"

"Don't you see how much Jūshirō cares for our little junior? There was no need for all these extra schemes."

Just as he was about to take a step, a commanding voice rang out from across the room.

"Sit down!"

"Alright, alright, no need to get so worked up, old man. It's just a trivial matter."

Shunsui promptly sat back down, gripping his teacup tightly. His next words made Yamamoto's expression soften slightly.

"I have full confidence in our junior. Let him handle it—I'll wait here."

After a long silence, Yamamoto let out a sigh and spoke in an even tone.

"Shunsui, I've always considered you my smartest disciple, but you insist on acting lazy."

"I often wonder—if only you weren't such a slacker."

"Old man, if you keep talking like that, you're going to hurt my feelings," Shunsui muttered, the corner of his eye twitching.

You know I don't want to be Captain-Commander. I'm even staying behind like you wanted.

And yet, you still feel the need to take a jab at me? Isn't that a little too much?

Yamamoto shook his head helplessly.

It wasn't anger—it was disappointment.

If Shunsui Kyōraku had the drive for it, even if his strength wasn't the greatest, he would still be the best choice for Captain-Commander in Yamamoto's eyes.

Shunsui might seem carefree, but at his core, he shared the same conservative ideology—perhaps more accurately, he was a conservative reformist.

As for Masatsuki Aozaki's way of thinking... there were times even Yamamoto couldn't grasp it.

Perhaps this is just the difference between generations.

...

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