Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō
Chapter 398: The Battle Begins

Chapter 398: Chapter 398: The Battle Begins

Masatsuki Aozaki seemed to see straight through Szayelaporro’s thoughts, and the smile on his face became all the more chilling.

"If that was your last resort, then you might as well accept your fate."

His voice was low and cold—like it came from the depths of the underworld.

"?"

Szayelaporro’s eyes widened in confusion as he stared at Masatsuki Aozaki, completely unable to grasp the meaning behind his words.

But at that moment, Masatsuki slowly raised his right hand and reached toward Szayelaporro’s chest.

A cold dread surged through Szayelaporro. The hairs all over his body stood on end.

Whatever Masatsuki was about to do—it couldn’t be anything good.

Retsu Unohana and Sōsuke Aizen stood quietly to the side, watching everything unfold.

Their expressions varied, but neither made a move to interfere.

Suddenly, a crimson rift ignited with blue flames opened out of thin air.

"?!"

Feeling the familiar presence behind him, Szayelaporro’s horror shifted instantly into delight.

His eyes widened as he shouted excitedly,

"Hahaha! It’s Hell! Hell still needs me!"

Black chains shot out from his body and connected to the gaping void.

As if seeing a sliver of hope, a smug grin spread across his face.

"No matter what tricks you’re planning, they’re meaningless."

His voice dripped with mockery.

"The power of Hell isn’t something a single person can defy!"

"Don’t worry—I’ll be back for you!"

Szayelaporro glared at Masatsuki Aozaki, voice full of venom.

"Wait for me... I’ll make sure you suffer more than ever."

Masatsuki, however, didn’t seem fazed by the threat in the slightest.

He just grinned, an eerie smile tugging at his lips.

"Amenominaka."

As he whispered, the surrounding space began to distort and ripple.

Szayelaporro’s eyes went wide, confusion overtaking his face as he stared at Masatsuki, wanting to ask what was happening.

And then—without a sound—a blonde woman appeared beside Masatsuki. She wore a flowing white robe, and over her eyes, a silver crown-like blindfold.

In her hand was a simple, unassuming long blade.

But the moment she gave it a gentle swing, a flash of cold light split the air—and the Hell chains shattered.

These were the chains of Hell—and they were cut so effortlessly, by a slash that seemed utterly weightless!

And as the chains broke, the crimson void behind Szayelaporro slowly began to close.

Szayelaporro stared, eyes wide in utter disbelief. He couldn’t even form a single word.

The laws of Hell, the power of Hell—had been severed, just like that!

"I told you already—this isn’t your turf. Why insist on reaching in and asking for trouble?"

Szayelaporro Apep swallowed hard as the long-haired man’s deep voice echoed in his ears.

Damn it... why is Masatsuki Aozaki so powerful...? Not even Hell can deal with him?!

Before long, Masatsuki Aozaki swiftly completed the process, skillfully transforming Szayelaporro into a pure soul and sealing him within a crystal-clear spirit orb.

Just as he had said—letting Szayelaporro die here and be reborn in Hell would’ve been letting him off too easy.

After all, Szayelaporro had once used Roka as an experiment, subjecting her to relentless torment.

Maybe Roka doesn’t hold a grudge... but Masatsuki hasn’t forgotten.

Roka had done a lot for Las Noches, even helping capture Bambietta. Of course Masatsuki would want to repay her.

Once the mass production of Hōgyoku begins, he’ll make sure the one crafted from Szayelaporro’s soul goes straight to Roka.

With that thought, a smile tugged at Masatsuki’s lips.

"One punch to finish the enemy—Captain Aozaki is incredible!"

"Yeah, truly amazing!"

Voices of praise from the other captains reached Masatsuki’s ears.

Clearly, what they saw didn’t match what Masatsuki had actually done.

Once the room quieted down, Yamamoto spoke.

"Hell has made its request—but you all heard Yomi’s words just now."

"That’s why I will not, and cannot, agree to Hell’s terms."

"Any objections?"

Silence filled the room. Some captains gently shook their heads.

This was a matter of life and death for the Three Realms.

Sure, handing over Masatsuki Aozaki might make Hell withdraw, and peace might return.

But... who would gamble on a "maybe"?

No one.

Even if Hell truly retreated, Soul Society and Hueco Mundo would be left in a vulnerable position.

They’d lose the power suppressing the gates of Hell.

More importantly—who’s to say Hell wouldn’t just push further and demand more?

What next? Hand over another captain? Or the Captain-Commander himself?

Absolutely not.

There’s no such thing as "just one" compromise. It’s either zero—or countless more.

Expecting mercy from your enemies?

Only a fool would do that.

Their mission is simple: grip their blades tightly, and cut down every last enemy in their path!

Seeing no one speak up, Yamamoto nodded in satisfaction.

He despised cowardice.

The peace and stability of the Soul Society for the past thousand years had been carved out by him and his old comrades—through blood and steel.

If anyone dared speak of surrender, his sword would be the first to answer.

"Since no one objects, then it’s decided."

"I hereby announce to all members of the Gotei 13—"

"Effective immediately, full alert. Spread the word—war is upon us!!!"

His voice was deep and firm, like a thunderclap shaking the entire meeting hall, igniting the fire in everyone’s hearts.

...

"Passing down orders from the Captain-Commander: as of now, the entire court is under lockdown and enters combat readiness!"

The Inner Court troops’ messengers shouted across every corner of Seireitei.

Since the end of the last rebel uprising, the Gotei 13 hadn’t been in such a high-alert state.

Now, throughout Seireitei, from the Noble District to important locations like Seijōtōkyorin, squads of Shinigami in black Shihakushō could be seen racing to their posts.

Gin Ichimaru stood silently at the center of the 11th Division dojo, eyes scanning the busy squad members around him.

In his hand was a deployment map, his brows slightly furrowed, irritation simmering in his chest.

Like the other divisions, the 11th only had around 200 members.

Yet they had to split into three teams to guard three different areas.

Their top-tier fighters were strong—but with such a wide patrol zone, they were clearly short-staffed for day-to-day operations.

Just then, Ryuuseki burst through the door, excitement all over his face. Holding up a warrant, he shouted,

"Great news! Captain Masatsuki said the Captain-Commander has approved us to borrow personnel from the Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō!"

A small smile appeared on Gin Ichimaru’s face.

Finally, they could deal with the manpower shortage and properly fulfill their defensive duties.

After all, this was about protecting the entire world—and he had people he cared about living in it.

The Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō, though often overseen by the same leaders, were both directly under Seireitei’s command and equal in rank to the Gotei 13.

They weren’t as large overall—but each group was bigger than a single division in terms of numbers.

Still frowning, Gin Ichimaru asked, puzzled,

"Masatsuki was here? Where is he now?"

He’d been swamped these past few days, and as captain, Masatsuki Aozaki was constantly nowhere to be found.

Ryuuseki answered helplessly,

"Captain Masatsuki went home."

Gin Ichimaru’s face darkened instantly.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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