Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11 - 11: Big Shot

Shin'ō Academy...

Outdoor training ground.

The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze brushed against the skin.

Dust swirled over the vast training grounds.

Rows of targets were lined up along the edges, and further beyond, a blue Kidō barrier stretched across the entire area. Many students were already engaged in their routine Kidō training, yet their gazes frequently drifted toward the lone figure standing at the center of the field.

Masatsuki Aozaki, clad in the academy's blue and white uniform, stood with his palm aimed at a target.

"O Lord who reigns! Mask of flesh and bone, all things, spreading wings, bearing the name of man! Scorching heat and chaos, rolling across the sea to the south—step forward!"

"Hado #31: Shakkahō!"

As he chanted, Reishi rapidly gathered in his hand, condensing into flames before surging forward.

"Boom!"

A thunderous explosion echoed, shaking the ground. As the smoke cleared, the target had vanished, leaving behind only a scorched crater.

This was the scene witnessed by the gathered students. _{f|re(e)web.n\ovel. (c)o.m}

"Aozaki is incredible. I haven't even mastered Byakurai yet, and he's already practicing Shakkahō..."

The training students felt a mix of emotions—admiration, frustration, even envy—but they had to acknowledge Masatsuki's talent.

Typically, Souls from Rukongai, having grown up far from Seireitei, lacked early exposure to Shinigami training, making it difficult for them to keep pace with noble-born students.

Unless someone possessed extraordinary talent in Kidō, most Rukongai students struggled to match the progress of their aristocratic peers, even after graduation.

But Masatsuki was different. Despite his notoriously chaotic personal life, his rapid mastery of Reiatsu control was one thing—but his aptitude for Kidō was unexpectedly high.

"Tch, big deal. Kidō is nothing. A real Shinigami relies on their Zanpakutō. We've got Zanjutsu class this afternoon—I'll prove I'm just as good with a blade..."

The noble students scoffed, though there was an unmistakable bitterness in their tone.

In truth, they were shaken. Most of them were still struggling with Hado #12: Fushibi, yet Masatsuki was already launching high-level Kidō with precision.

No wonder the elders of their families had advised them to associate with him—this guy was something else.

As they continued watching, Masatsuki fired off another perfectly executed Shakkahō.

"Want to train together?"

Masatsuki dusted off his uniform and smiled as he approached Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru.

Running a hand through his long hair, sweat trickled down his strikingly handsome face and pale neck, disappearing beneath his collar.

The sheer impact of the scene was undeniable. A group of female students watching from afar was already mesmerized—one even reached into her pocket, counting her allowance.

Yui-sensei, their Kidō instructor, blinked at the sight and sighed inwardly.

"...Honestly, I can't even blame myself for wavering at first."

She had been teaching at Shin'ō Academy for nearly a century, far beyond the point of being swayed by mere appearances. Yet she had never encountered a young man quite like Masatsuki before.

Even Kuchiki-sensei, the so-called "perfectly handsome man," paled slightly in comparison.

Glancing at the bald Headmaster and then at the male students around her—some scowling in resentment, others striking forced cool poses—the difference was almost comical.

Masatsuki truly was the academy's prized star these days.

"Yui-sensei, is something the matter?"

"Aozaki, today's Kidō class is over," Yui said with a smile. "Make sure to take a proper break and adjust your condition. This afternoon's Zanjutsu class will be very beneficial for you."

Masatsuki's eyes flickered with sharpness.

It seemed that the important guest arriving this afternoon was truly significant—someone with remarkable swordsmanship, worthy of Yui personally reminding him.

"I understand, Yui-sensei. We'll be heading off then."

Masatsuki bowed slightly and left the training ground with Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru.

After lunch, the three of them rested in their dorm for two hours.

Masatsuki followed his usual habit, securing Banshō Senran at his waist.

A legend of unparalleled brutality, an unprecedented nightmare in Soul Society's history. Calling her a merciless killer would not be an exaggeration.

As murmurs spread among the students, Unohana swept her gaze over the class, her expression warm and kind.

"Good afternoon, everyone."

"I am Retsu Unohana, Captain of the Fourth Division in the Gotei 13."

"Originally, Captain Ukitake was supposed to conduct today's Zanjutsu lesson, but due to health reasons, he was unable to attend. So, I will be filling in."

"Please do not worry. As a captain of the Gotei 13, aside from Kaidō, I happen to know a thing or two about Zanjutsu as well."

...The first Kenpachi, who "knows a thing or two about Zanjutsu?"

Then does that mean we could train for a lifetime and still not even scratch the surface?

"Before we begin, I'd like to get an understanding of what you've learned in previous lessons."

Unohana walked up to Masatsuki, still smiling.

"Would you be willing to assist me, student?"

Despite the warmth on her face, the moment she spoke, Masatsuki felt a bone-chilling cold pierce straight through him.

He realized something—but there was no time to dwell on it.

"Aozaki?"

She called my name on our first meeting?

Yeah... she's definitely here for me.

"Of course!" Masatsuki shot to his feet, looking as if he were marching straight to his death.

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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