Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō
Chapter 399: The Solution

Chapter 399: Chapter 399: The Solution

Knock, knock, knock...

Urgent knocks shattered the quiet afternoon. Led by Izumo, several 11th Division squad members stood tensely outside the Aozaki residence.

They were on full alert, as if bracing for a major confrontation.

Behind them followed several members of the Kidō Corps, each visibly on edge, anxiety written all over their faces.

These were temporary reinforcements from the Kidō Corps—assigned to operate in a group due to the nature of their mission.

If anything unexpected happened, their job was to hold out just long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

They were also expected to sound the alarm at the first sign of danger, to ensure more backup could be dispatched.

As one of Seireitei’s directly governed units, Kidō Corps members rarely engaged in front-line combat.

So they weren’t exactly used to the pace or style of a combat division like the 11th.

"Is anyone home? Please open the door!"

Izumo knocked again, his voice carrying a note of urgency.

Just as he began to worry, the door slowly creaked open.

Yoruichi Shihōin stood casually against the frame, arms crossed, a relaxed smile tugging at her lips. Her tone was playful.

"Izumo, still working at this hour? Don’t you ever take a break?"

Izumo froze for a second at the remark.

If they weren’t working in the afternoon... then when were they supposed to?

He looked at Yoruichi in confusion, but quickly brushed it off—after all, this was the Captain’s wife. For the captain and his spouses, any hour of the day could be considered time off.

"Is Captain Masatsuki in? We’re here under orders to find Masatsuki-sama."

Izumo tried to keep his voice calm, not wanting her to notice his unease.

"He’s busy right now. What’s this about?"

Yoruichi’s smile didn’t waver. She didn’t seem surprised by their arrival at all.

"It was Lieutenant Gin who sent us,"

Izumo answered respectfully, careful not to show even a hint of disrespect to the former captain—and current Captain’s wife.

Then, he cautiously asked,

"Since the Captain hasn’t returned to the barracks in a while, we came to check if he’s safe... and to ask when he might return to the 11th Division."

Yoruichi crossed her arms and tilted her head slightly.

"He’s not available at the moment."

"Why?"

Izumo’s brow furrowed even more.

Yoruichi didn’t bother hiding anything.

She shrugged casually and said,

"He’s handling something very important. If it goes well, it might be the key to resolving the current crisis across the Three Realms."

Izumo looked at her suspiciously as she stretched lazily, frowning harder.

Every time the captain slacked off, they’d run into this same situation—never able to see Masatsuki Aozaki.

And the Captain’s wife always wore that same indifferent expression, like she didn’t care about anything.

But out of respect and trust in their captain, they eased up a little.

After all, at such a crucial time, surely he wouldn’t be slacking—he had to be dealing with something serious.

In his heart, Izumo quietly reinforced the image of their towering, dependable captain. Still, he couldn’t help sneaking a glance inside the residence.

Despite the tension and looming danger outside, Masatsuki Aozaki’s home radiated a strange sense of peace.

Maids brought by the noble young ladies moved gracefully through the mansion, working efficiently and calmly, as though everything was under control.

While these maids weren’t allowed into the Aozaki family’s inner quarters without permission, if something serious had happened, they wouldn’t be this composed.

Judging by the current scene, it really didn’t seem like Masatsuki-sama was in any danger.

Izumo exchanged glances with the others.

They all silently acknowledged the same thing—this wasn’t a situation that required them to worry about Masatsuki Aozaki’s safety.

After all, he was the strongest Shinigami.

In every aspect, he was Seireitei’s top force. Even the Captain-Commander had admitted to being surpassed by him.

To the 11th Division, Masatsuki Aozaki was an invincible legend.

Izumo’s admiration for him only grew deeper.

He turned and gave Yoruichi Shihōin a solemn nod, speaking in a serious tone.

"The situation is truly dangerous. Masatsuki-sama and the ladies should remain cautious."

But Yoruichi just waved her hand with a smile, her expression relaxed and reassuring—like the looming crisis didn’t concern her at all.

Seeing this, Izumo could only sigh helplessly. He bowed once more, then left with his subordinates.

Before departing, he gently closed the door behind him, as if afraid of disturbing anyone inside.

Click!

The moment the door lock clicked shut, Yoruichi’s previously composed face shifted to one of deep seriousness.

Her eyes fixed on the closed door, and for the first time, a hint of unmistakable worry appeared on her face.

She swiftly secured the door behind her, then vanished in a burst of Shunpo, her figure darting like the wind toward the core area of the Aozaki estate.

If Izumo had seen that expression, he definitely wouldn’t have left so calmly.

He might’ve even rallied reinforcements to completely surround the Aozaki household.

...

"Are they gone?"

Aura Michibane sat up slowly, stretching with a yawn.

"I thought you’d already fallen asleep."

Yoruichi handed her a steaming cup of tea with a gentle smile, nodding toward the faint drool mark on the table.

"Just dozed off for a bit."

Aura took the cup, took a small sip, and let out a satisfied sigh.

"Ahh, this tastes amazing. Yoruichi-neechan, your tea skills just keep getting better!"

"While I’m glad to hear that," Yoruichi chuckled, "you’ve been hanging around Masatsuki too long. That compliment sounded a little backhanded."

She laughed softly, then slipped her arms around Aura from behind, the two of them nestled closely together.

Yoruichi sat calmly in her chair, idly swaying her long purple hair like a flowing curtain, her tone light yet tinged with curiosity and expectation.

"Still, shouldn’t you tell me the truth? Like... what’s really going on with Masatsuki?"

Aura didn’t hesitate. She pointed toward the large door and answered without pause.

"He’s already left—with Amenominaka. It should begin soon."

Their bond was so close, like true sisters, that there was no need to keep secrets.

Yoruichi blinked, a brief flicker of surprise in her eyes, but she quickly settled back into calm.

She murmured,

"So it hasn’t even begun yet...?"

Then she smiled faintly, as if something clicked.

"Well, it is the Soul King’s heart we’re talking about. He has to be extra cautious."

She spoke thoughtfully, then turned toward Aura with a teasing look.

"Though I do wonder... how long is he going to take this time?"