Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104 - 104: All Things in the Universe, Turn to Ash

"No need for Bankai... You really are stubborn."

Masatsuki Aozaki licked his lips.

For a moment, he thought he heard a girl's light laughter, accompanied by the chirping of birds.

"My little sister can be a bit headstrong. She really shouldn't be keeping secrets from you at a time like this."

A playful voice came from behind him as a girl wrapped her arms around him, placing her hands over his as he gripped his sword.

"But don't be too hard on her. She's been holding back, waiting for this moment, so of course she's a little temperamental."

"You are...?" Masatsuki turned his head.

The girl had striking green eyes and long brown hair, dressed in a pink kimono with matching ornaments. A sly smile curled at the corner of her lips.

There was an undeniable energy about her.

Masatsuki stared at her, reminded of the girl who had just vanished moments ago.

For a second, he wondered if he had somehow crossed into the world of Final Fantasy VII.

The older sister reminded him of Aerith Gainsborough, while the younger one was a dead ringer for Tifa Lockhart.

Shaking off the ridiculous thought, he refocused on Kenpachi Kiganjō, now appearing like distorted black-and-white lines in his vision. This was still Bleach's world.

"You're awful, you know that?" The girl pouted, pinching his cheek. "You kept calling our names, but you only recognize my little sister!"

"Well, you never showed up before."

"I don't care! You have to make it up to me and cheer me up!"

"You're even more willful than your so-called little sister... You two are Banshō Senran, aren't you?" Masatsuki raised an eyebrow. "So... is your name Banshō? Senran? Or something else entirely?"

"I'm not telling you! Serves you right for ignoring me."

"How could I possibly ignore you? You were the one hiding from me."

Masatsuki rolled his eyes, sighing.

"I know myself—I'd never overlook someone as beautiful and adorable as you."

"Hmph! Sweet-talking me won't make me happy."

Despite her words, the girl's face blossomed into a bright, mischievous smile.

The two of them chatted idly, as if they had completely forgotten the fact that Masatsuki was still on the brink of life and death.

...

A sharp cry rang out from the sky.

Masatsuki could sense frustration in the sound—like something, or someone, was upset at being ignored.

He looked up.

A massive bird, wreathed in roaring flames, spread its wings behind them, its fiery presence swallowing the sky. The surging waves of fire threatened to incinerate everything in their path.

"Master... You really have been looking out for your unworthy student all this time."

Masatsuki wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and glanced down at his hands.

Reishi from the surrounding world was flowing into his body.

His bleeding had stopped, and his mangled hands—once stripped down to exposed white bone—were slowly regenerating. The Reiatsu he had drained was now refilling.

This only confirmed one thing for him.

I'm definitely not a Quincy.

What am I, exactly? A god?

...Hah. When did I start getting so arrogant?

If the Soul King or Yhwach ever caught wind of this, they'd probably mock me for eternity.

Masatsuki shook his head, amused by his own ridiculous train of thought.

"My Master was always a cheapskate, you know," he muttered with a smirk. "He'd give me the smallest sweet potatoes, every time. But they actually tasted pretty good, so I forgave him."

Licking his lips, he almost swore he could remember the taste of Yamamoto's roasted sweet potatoes.

"Ryūjin Jakka really is powerful... but this is my first time using its strength. Can I actually defeat Kiganjō with it?"

"I'll help you," the girl said firmly.

She hugged him from behind, pressing herself close.

"Ryūjin Jakka and I are good friends. I know what to do!"

Masatsuki Aozaki's expression twisted slightly.

For a brief moment, he was reminded of those movies from his past life—where possession by a ghost felt exactly like this.

He remained silent. Sensing his guard lowering, the girl behind him smiled knowingly.

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