Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12 - 12: Sparring

Retsu Unohana smiled and nodded, as if the chilling aura from earlier had nothing to do with her.

"Very good. Sensei likes obedient students like you, Masatsuki. Come stand here!"

She took a step to the side, making room for Masatsuki Aozaki.

Fortunately, the so-called assistance was merely a demonstration of what had been learned. Unohana analyzed and explained the key points of each movement as she followed along with Masatsuki's actions.

Under her guidance, the students rose one after another, practicing with their bamboo swords alongside Masatsuki.

In this life, Masatsuki had practiced swordsmanship from a young age.

After arriving in the Soul Society, he used Zanjutsu not only for training but also in real combat, killing opponents with his blade. As a result, his mastery of basic sword techniques was exceptionally refined.

In truth, he would have preferred if Unohana had come to Shin'ō Academy to teach Kaidō instead of Zanjutsu.

After all, the Fourth Division was the medical squad, and it had the highest number of female members in the Gotei 13. Even securing a Seated Officer position there would make for a rather comfortable life.

Unfortunately, Kaidō classes wouldn't start until next semester, and he had no idea if he had any talent in that field.

If he did, he would have to train diligently.

Unohana glanced at the other students' swordsmanship before her gaze settled on Masatsuki Aozaki—and never left him again.

"Unohana-sensei, Kuchiki-sensei has already taught us everything. May I leave now?" Masatsuki sheathed his sword and bowed respectfully.

"..."

Unohana was slightly surprised by his politeness.

But the more he acted this way, the less inclined she was to let this genius go so easily. She even felt a sudden urge to push him further.

"Masatsuki, you did very well."

"However, I believe your swordsmanship still has room for improvement. How about we spar to identify any weaknesses?"

"This will also help the other students recognize their own shortcomings."

Before Masatsuki could react, Unohana had already straightened her posture and raised her bamboo sword.

"But you're a captain..."

"We'll only use the techniques you've learned—no Reiatsu involved."

Masatsuki sighed. He knew there was no avoiding this. If he didn't go along with her, she wouldn't let it go.

The moment he picked up his sword, his aura changed in an instant—returning to that of the dominant force he had once been in the Kagarashi District.

In Unohana's eyes, he was like a drawn blade, sharp and brimming with lethal intent.

Their robes fluttered in the breeze, and the wind rattled the windows.

"Tsunayashiro, do you think Masatsuki can win?"

A young student turned to Tsunayashiro, who stood with his arms crossed.

Tsunayashiro, having set his bamboo sword aside, let out a sneer without answering.

Winning? That was out of the question.

The real question was just how badly this so-called top genius of Shin'ō Academy would be beaten.

Masatsuki gripped his sword with both hands, the blade's tip aimed directly at Unohana's throat as he locked eyes with her.

To him, her one-handed stance was full of openings, but he knew better—those flaws were an illusion.

As a master of Zanjutsu, Unohana was proficient in every sword style within the Soul Society, seamlessly blending different techniques. Adapting mid-battle was effortless for her.

On the other hand, Masatsuki's rigid, by-the-book approach left him at a disadvantage.

For two or three seconds, they locked eyes.

Then, Unohana moved.

With a sudden stomp, she launched forward, closing the distance in an instant—her bamboo sword slashing down from above.

"Pa!"

Masatsuki Aozaki sank his knees slightly, every muscle in his body tensing as he angled his bamboo sword in front of him. The clash of blades rang out as the two swords met with a sharp impact.

"Whoosh!"

As Masatsuki withdrew his blade, Unohana followed up immediately, fluidly swinging her arms and body through a relentless sequence—straight slash, thrust, upward cut.

She could already picture it—Masatsuki struck down, unconscious, collapsed on the floor. _{f.r(e)e\webn.ovel.co\m}

What a shame.

Her blade drove forward, striking squarely against his forehead protector with a burst of white energy.

And yet—Unohana's disappointment vanished in an instant.

What a good child.

Across the dojo, students who had shot to their feet, ready to carry Masatsuki off to the infirmary, froze in place.

Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru let out quiet sighs.

Standing before them was Masatsuki, his face showing a hint of resignation.

With one hand gripping the hilt and the other steadying the blade, he had angled his bamboo sword against his forehead—blocking the full force of her strike.

Unohana's eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile forming.

"Masatsuki, you're still holding back, aren't you? That makes me very happy!"

She wasted no time, pressing forward with another strike—this time even heavier.

Masatsuki wanted to slap himself. He should've just dropped to the ground and surrendered.

Now, Unohana's attacks were coming faster and harder. A single misstep, and he'd be bedridden for days.

The tension in the dojo rose as the students watched, realizing the fight had escalated beyond a simple spar.

Rangiku and Gin frowned slightly.

Coming from Rukongai, they had seen real battles before, and this level of intensity—it wasn't just practice.

If Unohana didn't hold back, Masatsuki could end up seriously injured.

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The clash of blades continued, neither showing any signs of stopping.

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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