Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 120

Chapter 120 - 120: Opportunity

Masatsuki Aozaki smiled and waved his hand. "No need to get so worked up. I know the traditions of the 11th Division—their reaction is understandable."

"Captain Aozaki?" A hesitant voice sounded from behind the crowd.

"Huh? Someone from the 11th Division actually called me 'Captain'?"

Masatsuki Aozaki turned his head, narrowing his eyes. Standing before him was a bald old man.

"And you are...?"

"I am Yamazaki Ittora, the 3rd Seat of the 11th Division," the old man said in a deep voice.

His sleeve billowed as a strong, aged hand suddenly shot out, reaching for Masatsuki Aozaki's Zanpakutō at his waist.

"Interesting. So the 11th Division isn't full of idiots after all!"

Masatsuki Aozaki smirked, grabbing Yamazaki's wrist and casually throwing a punch.

"What strength!"

Without hesitation, Yamazaki Ittora stepped forward, his expression serious as he swung a punch in return.

Bang!!

Their fists collided mid-air, the dull impact echoing through the room.

Masatsuki Aozaki released the wrist he had grabbed.

Yamazaki Ittora barely held on for a moment before he was sent flying, crashing through the paper door, which shattered into pieces.

As expected, the 11th Division members' expressions changed when they saw their 3rd Seat sent flying. But instead of anger or outrage, their faces showed a mix of surprise and shock.

"I heard that the Captain-Commander's disciple possesses captain-level strength and even killed our former captain, the traitor Kenpachi Kiganjō. Seeing it firsthand... it seems the rumors were true!"

A hearty laugh rang out as Ittora Yamazaki sat up from the wreckage, his grin slowly spreading.

"Forgive my recklessness, Kenpachi Aozaki. It's an honor to meet you!"

Shaking his head, he sent dust and wood splinters flying from his shoulders.

"Apologies, Captain, but your name carries too much weight. There isn't a single person in the Gotei 13 who hasn't heard of your feats."

"My hands were itching, and I couldn't resist testing myself against you. I hope you won't take offense."

"It's fine. I've long heard about the 11th Division's warrior spirit, and seeing it firsthand confirms it."

Masatsuki Aozaki retracted his fist and extended a hand to help him up. His bold smile carried a natural charisma that was hard to ignore.

Yamazaki Ittora's eyes flickered as he quickly scanned the practice hall. After a brief, almost imperceptible nod, he grasped the offered hand.

"Thank you, Captain." He stood up with a grin. "Are you here to inspect the barracks?"

"That's right." Masatsuki Aozaki nodded. "We've seen most of it and were just about to head to the office area."

"Perfect timing. I just finished training—why don't I escort you to the captain's office?" Ittora Yamazaki suggested with an easygoing smile.

"That works." Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at him and said casually, "I was planning to ask you about the current state of the division anyway."

...Was that a subtle reprimand for my management?

Ittora Yamazaki blinked in surprise and turned to look at him.

Masatsuki Aozaki still wore that faint smile, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

The group made their way to the captain's office. Once inside, Masatsuki Aozaki turned to Ittora Yamazaki, still smiling.

"3rd Seat Yamazaki, this is my first day as captain, and I'm still unfamiliar with the division's situation. Shall we talk?"

Yamazaki Ittora chuckled. "Of course, Captain."

This suited him just fine.

Even if Masatsuki Aozaki hadn't sought him out, he would have made the first move. A captain who had caused such an uproar in Seireitei was worth getting to know.

After all, they'd be working together for a long time. Leaving the division in this tense, uncertain state wouldn't do anyone any good.

If the 11th Division were just a logistics unit, it wouldn't matter. But they were a combat squad—always the first to charge into battle.

A bad relationship between the captain and the squad could lead to unnecessary casualties.

Ittora Yamazaki was curious.

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