Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10 - 10: I Am Willing

"He has no intention of graduating early for the time being."

"Hm..." Yamamoto stared at the Headmaster and slowly asked, "Why?"

Had the nobles moved so quickly? He had only just received word of Masatsuki Aozaki's talent, yet had the boy already been drawn in by their offers, choosing to reject the Gotei 13?

As the de facto ruler of the largest military force in Seireitei, Yamamoto was unwavering in his loyalty to the royal family and the noble hierarchy. This was common knowledge, and it was precisely this that emboldened the noble families to scheme under his very nose.

He upheld the laws of Soul Society with absolute discipline, and he had no personal need to cultivate or expand his own influence.

The only reason he wished to recruit Masatsuki Aozaki was to prevent such a prodigy—one who even surpassed Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake—from being entangled in the nobles' meaningless power struggles, reduced from a once-in-a-millennium talent to nothing more than a tool for their ambitions.

So then... which family had set their sights on Masatsuki Aozaki?

The ambitious Tsunayashiro Clan?

The Kasumiōji Clan, desperate to rise to the ranks of the Four Great Noble Houses?

Or...

Yamamoto's gaze fell upon the document, scanning the section listing the boy's teachers.

Or was it the Kuchiki Clan, represented by Sōjun Kuchiki—taking advantage of their proximity to secure him first?

If it was the Kuchiki family, that would be acceptable.

While they had been reluctantly drawn into noble politics, Ginrei Kuchiki was not only an old friend but also a symbol of noble integrity. The Kuchiki Clan would not squander such talent.

The Kasumiōji Clan was tolerable at best. Their methods were relatively mild.

But if Masatsuki fell into the hands of the Tsunayashiro Clan... then he would be truly ruined.

"He believes he is not yet skilled enough and wishes to continue his studies at Shin'ō Academy."

The Headmaster swallowed nervously and added, "It seems he has no intention of leaving anytime soon."

The atmosphere in the room grew inexplicably colder.

"...No nobles have approached him?"

Realizing what Yamamoto was worried about, the Headmaster let out a quiet breath of relief.

"Rest assured, Captain-Commander. I have been monitoring Masatsuki Aozaki since his enrollment."

"The only individuals who have had close contact with him recently are two instructors and two friends from his hometown."

"I am familiar with Kuchiki-sensei's character. He would never cross the line. As for the other instructor, her relationship with Masatsuki Aozaki is purely professional."

The Headmaster nodded to himself.

Well... purely a bond between souls.

Yamamoto leaned back in his seat, silent in thought.

The Headmaster, sensing the weight of the moment, quietly approached the tea table and poured Yamamoto a cup of tea. His movements were practiced—clearly, this was not the first time he had performed such a task.

Time passed in silence, long enough that the Headmaster began to feel restless just standing there.

Then, suddenly, Yamamoto spoke.

"Since the boy enjoys studying, have him come to the 1st Division after class. I will personally teach him what it means to be a true Shinigami."

"I will have the Ritei-tai notify him. You may return."

The Headmaster froze for a moment—then his eyes flashed with excitement.

The Captain-Commander... personally mentoring Masatsuki Aozaki?!

Having him report to the 1st Division wasn't just about training. It was also about evaluation—and protection. _{free we\bnove(l).com}

And after that evaluation was complete...

The possibilities were too overwhelming to even dare consider.

Why wasn't I born with such talent?

If I had been, then it wouldn't have been Chōjirō Sasakibe standing by the Captain-Commander's side all these years—it would have been me, Sato Keito.

Sighing inwardly, the Headmaster turned and left the Captain's quarters.

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