Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 115

Chapter 115 - 115: The Next Era

Early the next morning...

Masatsuki Aozaki and Yoruichi Shihōin arrived at the 1st Division barracks, hand in hand, and greeted Rangiku Matsumoto, Lisa Yadōmaru, and Kirio Hikifune.

The group exchanged jokes and laughter, with no bloody conflicts erupting—everything seemed perfectly harmonious. Except...

When they passed by Retsu Unohana, Yoruichi deliberately stopped to chat with her, all while still holding Masatsuki's hand.

Unohana returned her a smile, and for the first time in a long while, Masatsuki sensed the killing intent hidden within it.

So... how did things even end up like this!?

Masatsuki let out a deep sigh as he looked up at the sky.

Even if this were some kind of battlefield, shouldn't the other person in this mess be Rangiku or Kūkaku? Why was it Retsu Unohana of all people?

I haven't even done anything inappropriate with Unohana, so why am I suffering like this!?

Shaking his head, Masatsuki simply couldn't make sense of their behavior.

As Shunsui Kyōraku, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Isshin Shiba walked past, each wore an expression of amusement, surprise, or helplessness.

Kyōraku and Ukitake even winked mischievously and discreetly gave him a thumbs-up.

"The Genryū school is full of jerks. Not a single decent one among them. When a senior sees his junior in trouble, he doesn't even bother to help..."

Masatsuki muttered under his breath, cursing even himself in his frustration.

Fortunately, the old man Yamamoto arrived just in time, putting an end to the spectacle without needing to say a word.

He shot his popular young disciple a glance before letting out a cold snort, sending a chill through everyone present.

Even Yoruichi instinctively let go of Masatsuki's hand.

Yet Masatsuki remained unfazed, standing calmly behind Yamamoto.

This time, he positioned himself slightly closer to the front, not far from Yamamoto and the other captains.

After defeating Kenpachi Kiganjō, his confidence had grown significantly, and even in such a formal setting, he could maintain his composure.

Scanning the meeting room, Masatsuki noted that compared to the last captains' meeting, the number of attendees had decreased.

Because one of them was dead—killed by him.

Two days ago, Central 46 had issued an order for Kenpachi Kiganjō to be included in the next Konsō Reisai.

The Konsō Reisai was a ceremony held once every twelve years in Soul Society, meant to send fallen captains to Hell.

A captain's Reiatsu was far too powerful—after death, their Reishi couldn't naturally return to Soul Society. The only way to handle it was through the Konsō Reisai.

However, while Kenpachi Kiganjō's body still existed, his soul had already become part of Masatsuki's grand creation. Who knew what would happen during the next ceremony?

Masatsuki stroked his chin thoughtfully.

There were still a few years until the next Konsō Reisai—if anything went wrong, it wouldn't be his fault... probably.

Several captains instinctively glanced at the spot where Kenpachi Kiganjō once stood, then turned to look at Masatsuki, standing behind Yamamoto.

Kenpachi Kiganjō had served as a captain for nearly a century, making him one of the more senior members of the Gotei 13.

He had always come across as somewhat slow-witted.

But no one could have predicted that he would actually betray the Gotei 13—not only joining the rebel faction but even attempting a prison break at the Nest of Maggots!

He had witnessed the Captain-Commander's power firsthand—did he seriously think he could get away with something like that?

Did he truly believe the nobles could protect him after angering Yamamoto?

What a complete fool.

The captains all reached the same conclusion at once, their feelings mixed.

Yamamoto swept his gaze over the room, then struck his cane against the ground with a loud thud.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him.

"Masatsuki Aozaki!"

"Here!" Masatsuki Aozaki responded loudly, stepping forward.

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