Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - 1: Aozaki-oyabun

AD 1878.

District 62, East Rukongai—Kagarashi.

The sun shone brightly, and a cool breeze rustled the leaves along the street.

Two children in clean clothes walked along, enjoying the wind. Their presence stood out sharply against the harsh environment surrounding them.

"Ichimaru... Ichimaru, hurry up! The registration for Shin'ō Academy is about to close. I don't want to wait until tomorrow!"

A lively young girl with orange hair, dressed in a white yukata, hopped and skipped ahead excitedly.

Behind her, a silver-haired boy with narrowed eyes strolled at a leisurely pace. Letting out a sigh, he finally quickened his steps, clearly not used to her boundless enthusiasm. He had no choice—he hadn't known the girl for long, and they weren't exactly close. Their connection existed only because of one man.

"That's Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru!"

"Shut up! Do you have a death wish? Those two aren't people you want to mess with!"

"..."

As the two of them walked further away, some souls hiding in the dilapidated houses let out relieved sighs, while others gazed at them with greed in their eyes...

"Matsumoto... I told you before we left—don't wear anything too nice. I can't guarantee you won't get stripped bare walking around like that."

"District 62 isn't like District 1. The souls here are either the oppressed or the downright vicious."

Rangiku pouted, speaking in a casual tone.

"I only went to District 1 for a little while. This is where I grew up—of course I know what it's like... But this yukata was a gift from Masatsuki."

The street fell into an eerie silence, and all the hushed whispers ceased.

The souls around them stared at Rangiku, still pouting, with envy in their eyes. It suddenly hit them just how lucky she was.

Rukongai—the first stop for souls after death—was divided into 80 districts. The higher the district number, the worse the living conditions and security. Life in the outer districts was brutal.

District 1, with its safety, stable homes, and abundant food, was like paradise to those suffering in District 62.

Yet this girl had been there, even stayed for a while, and now walked these streets in spotless clothing. _{free we\bnove(l).com}

The realization made their noses sting with bitterness.

"So this is what it's like to be rich? Damn it, my whole family couldn't scrape together enough for even a few coins."

"I'm so jealous... Boss, should we just rob her for her clothes?"

"Shut up. Do you even know who took her in? Rangiku-san is family to Aozaki-oyabun. If he hears what you just said..."

They instinctively glanced around, making sure the man they feared wasn't nearby, before finally relaxing.

"Speaking of which, where is Aozaki-oyabun?"

The man referred to as "Boss" asked.

"I heard people from District 63 are coming to take over our turf..."

"Aozaki-oyabun is probably off fighting. It's already been a day..."

"Sounds about right. Aozaki-oyabun loves to prey on the weak..."

The subordinates murmured among themselves, piecing together what they knew.

"Rubbish! Aozaki-oyabun would never do something like that!"

Suddenly, their boss straightened up, eyes red and teary. He clenched his fists and shouted with emotion,

"He must be out there protecting District 62! Damn it, such an important battle, and he didn't even take me with him!"

The subordinates exchanged silent looks.

...You seriously don't know why he didn't take you?

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