Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō
Chapter 392: Hung on the Wall

Chapter 392: Chapter 392: Hung on the Wall

Masatsuki Aozaki’s request to have a child ultimately ended in failure, dismissed with the reason that "Masaki is too young."

Still, Masaki Kurosaki, though kind-hearted, clearly knew right from wrong—and this only strengthened her belief that the Shinigami who had held back was a good person.

That, at least, was good news for Masatsuki Aozaki.

Afterward, Masatsuki wasted no time summoning Bambietta and Candice to the World of the Living, instructing them to cooperate with Sōken Ishida in managing the Quincy.

Naturally, some of the Quincy didn’t take it well.

These were proud individuals, not the type to follow orders easily.

They had no idea who—or what—they were up against.

But Bambietta and Candice weren’t the kind to be trifled with.

They had never exactly been "good people" to begin with. The only reason they’d reined themselves in was because they’d been sticking close to Masatsuki—either by choice or out of necessity.

Now that they had a chance to cut loose, they certainly weren’t going to hold back.

And so, a real show of force unfolded.

Some were blasted into nothingness. Others quickly fell in line.

Not that it mattered anymore.

Dealing with the Quincy was indeed Soul Society’s top priority at the moment. But the Quincies in the World of the Living lacked both the Schrift and the Wandenreich’s new Vollständig. And with only a handful of Echt Quincy remaining, they posed almost no threat to the Gotei 13.

The true urgent task now was to eliminate Yhwach and destroy the Wandenreich.

As long as Yhwach lived, the Wandenreich remained—and fear would continue to cast its shadow over all three realms.

To that end, Yamamoto called another captain’s meeting.

...

With a blinding flash, the massive Senkaimon activated.

Whoosh!

A torrential downpour poured from the sky, connecting heaven and earth in an instant.

Just moments ago, the sky had been clear—but the moment they crossed that threshold, thick storm clouds plunged the world into darkness.

Masatsuki Aozaki stepped forward, letting the rain soak him in silence.

He took a deep breath and sighed.

"Ah... Soul Society really is more comfortable. The Reishi density in the World of the Living is way too low."

Kenpachi Zaraki stood nearby, laughing heartily.

"Hahahaha... You said it, Boss!"

Watching his Lieutenant echo his sentiments so cheerfully, Masatsuki couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental.

Just a few decades ago, he was nothing more than a wandering ronin who only knew how to fight.

Now, he was starting to resemble a normal person more and more.

But just as he was lost in that thought, Zaraki suddenly yelled out:

"This weather’s perfect for a fight, Boss! Let’s go one-on-one!"

...Alright, forget what I just said.

Masatsuki shook his head with a sigh. Whatever sentiment he had just felt vanished instantly.

This guy really hadn’t changed a bit—still obsessed with fighting, without the slightest trace of sensitivity.

Weather like this...

Shouldn’t you be at home, sitting on the porch, brewing a pot of hot tea, nibbling on some snacks, quietly enjoying the rain, and maybe teasing your pet cat?

That’s what it means to savor life.

Spending all day thinking about battle? Absolutely dull.

And with Kenpachi Zaraki’s clumsy technique, how was he supposed to enjoy fighting him anyway?

Masatsuki stood with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the sky as the rain streamed down his face.

Through the clouds, he looked toward the heavens above, a deep loneliness welling up in his chest—one that came from knowing he could sweep across the world, unstoppable and unmatched.

Zaraki, however, didn’t seem bothered by Masatsuki’s dismissive attitude. He just scratched his head, unfazed.

He was well aware that he stood no chance against him right now.

Still, being near someone as powerful as Masatsuki made it nearly impossible to suppress the urge to draw his blade.

If only he had mastered Bankai by now... maybe then he’d be able to stand his ground—and maybe, just maybe, he would take the fight seriously.

"Damn it, that old man’s gone way too far. I just crushed and conquered the Quincy—and almost managed to tame a beautiful young girl."

"With an achievement like that, I should be getting a proper reward, maybe even a long vacation. But instead? I get dragged into another meeting. Talk about inhumane."

Masatsuki Aozaki shook out his hair, grumbling in frustration.

Kenpachi Zaraki blinked in surprise—only to feel Masatsuki’s hand suddenly rest on his shoulder.

Wait... could it be that the Boss was planning to start a rebellion and bring him along?

Now that didn’t sound too bad.

Sure, the old man’s sword was a serious problem—they might both end up dead—but dying in battle against the strongest Shinigami? That’d be one hell of a way to go.

With that thought, Kenpachi couldn’t help but grin fiercely.

Just as he was getting ready to follow Masatsuki into what was sure to be a glorious mess, he noticed that Masatsuki’s gaze was locked straight ahead.

The next moment...

Kenpachi turned his head.

To his surprise, a figure had appeared before them—no one had noticed when.

The bells tied into his hair hadn’t made a sound.

That meant this newcomer was either weaker than a standard squad member, or their Reiatsu Concealment was master-level.

Given how silently they’d approached, it clearly wasn’t the former.

Anyone that good at hiding their Reiatsu was definitely up to something shady.

Beneath the darkened sky, a handsome man stood still and composed.

He wore a black Shihakushō, layered with a white haori. His skin was slightly tanned, and he had a neatly cropped head of white hair—sharp, efficient, confident.

The young man flashed them a faint smile—more specifically, he smiled at Masatsuki Aozaki.

Despite his relaxed posture and warm appearance, no one felt at ease.

Instead, everyone tensed up involuntarily.

A wave of killing intent—indescribable, suffocating—swept through the air, filling every inch of space.

It was far more terrifying than even the blood-drenched maniacs of the 11th Division.

Masatsuki straightened up slowly. Though he didn’t move a step, he was already standing protectively in front of the others.

His gaze locked on the man in front of them, and a strange look flickered across his face.

Who the hell was this cosplayer? Wearing a captain’s uniform without permission—that was a serious crime.

Still... the guy’s dark skin did resemble Yoruichi’s a little. Same complexion and everything.

Wait a second—

"Dark skin, naturally tanned, ridiculously good-looking, eye-catching hair... I’ve definitely seen him before!"

"Ah, right. Back when I was hanging out at the Shihōin estate. I think he was the one mounted on the wall or something."

"But I’ve got a terrible memory. Mind introducing yourself?"

"I’ll go first. I’m Masatsuki Aozaki — husband to Yoruichi Shihōin, former head of the Shihōin Clan, and Captain of the 4th Division. And you are...?"

As Masatsuki spoke, the white-haired man narrowed his eyes.

"So it really is you, you damn punk."

He let out a deep breath, his face twisting into the kind of ferocious scowl only a father-in-law could make when staring down his would-be son-in-law.

Though Masatsuki could swear on his life that he had absolutely nothing going on with this man’s daughter.

"I’m Chika Shihōin, founding captain of the 2nd Division, and head of the Shihōin Clan a thousand years ago!"

"And you—Masatsuki Aozaki. I heard someone’s been bullying men and women and raising hell in our Shihōin household. That someone... was you, wasn’t it?!"

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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