Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 117

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Chapter 117 - 117: Gift

Shunsui Kyōraku chimed in,

"That's true. There's no mandatory requirement that a captain must have Bankai—it's just that Bankai is usually a strong indicator of a Shinigami's strength, which is why it became an unwritten rule."

"But let's be real—Masatsuki already defeated Kenpachi Kiganjō. That alone proves he's strong enough for the position, so what does it matter whether or not he has Bankai?"

"Rules are meant to serve the living, not the other way around. Besides, the 11th Division has always been an exception—learning Bankai has never been a requirement to become its captain."

The room fell silent as everyone stared at Kyōraku with odd expressions.

Good grief... It was exactly because he was the Captain-Commander's prized disciple that he could say things like this so freely.

First, he was the one advocating for rules.

Now, he was the one pushing for flexibility.

What were they supposed to say when he had already said everything?

Yamamoto gave a small nod before casting a calm yet scrutinizing gaze over the group.

"What do the rest of you think?"

With your status and strength, do you even need to ask us? What could we possibly say?

Shinji Hirako and the others were momentarily speechless.

"I agree with Captain Kyōraku," Yoruichi Shihōin was the first to speak up. "I believe Masatsuki is fully capable of leading the 11th Division."

Retsu Unohana, Kirio Hikifune, Isshin Shiba, and Ginrei Kuchiki followed suit, nodding in approval.

At that moment, with Yamamoto and his disciple included, eight captains had already voiced their support for Masatsuki Aozaki as the next 11th Division captain.

And these weren't just any captains—they were the eight strongest and highest-ranking figures in the Gotei 13.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Shinji Hirako, Love Aikawa, Kensei Muguruma, and Chikane Iba also nodded in agreement.

As for the man in question... Masatsuki Aozaki was still in a daze!

...

"Congratulations, 3rd Seat Masatsuki—no, I should say Captain Masatsuki!"

As he stepped out of the 1st Division barracks, Masatsuki was snapped back to reality by a bold and cheerful voice.

"Kirio-san!" Masatsuki acknowledged her with a nod. "Something on your mind?"

"Do you have time this weekend? I still want to practice my cooking, and now that you're a captain, I thought I'd give you a little gift."

"It's not just any gift—it may not be the rarest treasure, but it's definitely something most people could only dream of having."

Kirio Hikifune gave him a sidelong glance, her gaze carrying a hint of expectation. Without realizing it herself, she flashed a smile that was both charming and playful.

Masatsuki could see the passion for fine cuisine gleaming in her eyes.

Still, her words piqued his curiosity, prompting him to ask, "What kind of gift?"

"You'll know when you see it. I promise you won't be disappointed," Kirio replied confidently.

...

Seireitei—Gotei 13, 12th Division Barracks.

White robes swayed gently in the air.

Masatsuki Aozaki let out a slow breath, then playfully winked at the refined woman taking his measurements, earning a satisfied smile in response.

She had delicate features, porcelain-white skin, and jet-black hair neatly parted to one side with elegant bangs. Intricate golden ornaments adorned her hair, and she wore a white, buckle-fastened mantle draped over her shoulders. Behind her, six golden arms moved with effortless grace.

Masatsuki glanced at his reflection in the mirror, standing half-dressed while Senjumaru Shutara carefully adjusted the fabric.

Behind him, Kirio Hikifune watched with an amused smirk, clearly enjoying the moment.

With a resigned sigh, Masatsuki muttered, "I still don't understand why a mere captain like me is getting a personally tailored uniform from a member of the Royal Guard."