Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124 - 124: Evil Forces

Masatsuki Aozaki strolled down the wide avenue, passing through several blocks where rows of white buildings stood in perfect alignment. This area housed the 1st Division barracks as well as Seireitei's central administrative offices.

Due to its significance, this district was designated as the Central 1st District—commonly known as the Central Ward.

Masatsuki, lost in idle amusement, played an old childhood game as he walked, carefully stepping along the edges of the shadows cast by the walls, as if he were balancing on a tightrope.

Looking up, he saw an immense wall stretching endlessly in both directions, gleaming silver-white under the sunlight.

The light draped over it like a thin silk veil, emphasizing its flawless surface—spotless and unblemished. Solemn-faced patrol squads moved methodically along its perimeter, their presence adding to the wall's imposing grandeur.

Masatsuki took a deep breath.

For a mere division barracks, this place felt entirely out of place among the surrounding government buildings—as if it were the true center of Seireitei.

The noble families saw themselves as the rightful rulers of Soul Society, residing in their exclusive enclaves of power and prestige.

But to the Shinigami, this place was the true heart of their world.

"Masatsuki, you're here? The Captain-Commander is expecting you."

As he stepped inside, he was met with the stern gaze of Chōjirō Sasakibe.

Masatsuki Aozaki acknowledged him with a nod, then suddenly smirked as if a mischievous thought had crossed his mind.

"Oh, right. Lieutenant Sasakibe, I'm the captain of the 11th Division now. When we're working, please address me as Captain Aozaki or Captain Masatsuki. Make sure you remember that."

This little brat...

Sasakibe's eye twitched slightly.

Around them, the 1st Division members tensed instinctively.

Was he seriously provoking Lieutenant Sasakibe?

That was just like Captain Masatsuki—he had a way of saying the things no one else would dare to.

Masatsuki Aozaki, wearing a victorious grin, picked up his pace and dashed toward the captain's office before Sasakibe had the chance to respond.

As soon as he disappeared, the surrounding squad members rushed to calm Sasakibe down.

"Captain Masatsuki is always like this. After all these years, you should be used to it by now, Lieutenant..."

...

As Masatsuki Aozaki approached the Captain-Commander's office, he could faintly hear voices from inside.

Since there was no soundproof barrier in place, the conversation probably wasn't anything too confidential.

The office door was slightly ajar. Masatsuki carefully peeked inside before stepping in, hoping to catch a glimpse of who his Master was speaking with.

Yamamoto's deep, authoritative voice echoed through the room.

"Come in."

"Yes," Masatsuki Aozaki responded lazily, waving a hand dismissively as he strolled inside and closed the paper door behind him.

The moment the door shut, a soundproof barrier activated, sealing off the room.

Yamamoto sat at the tea table, his gaze fixed on the young man standing before him.

The young man lifted his head slightly, following Yamamoto's line of sight until his eyes landed on Masatsuki Aozaki.

For a brief moment, his expression wavered.

Masatsuki's presence was striking.

The standard Shihakushō, a uniform often dismissed as unremarkable, fit him so flawlessly that it looked like a masterpiece crafted just for him.

His noble, refined features carried an air of effortless superiority, and his long, jet-black hair cascaded over his shoulders like a waterfall.

The young man knew he had an appearance that could captivate noblewomen without trying—but standing in front of Masatsuki Aozaki, he felt... overshadowed.

Masatsuki Aozaki, sensing his gaze, looked at him with mild amusement.

The black-haired youth had two distinctive streaks of pink in his hair. His Kenseikan and red wind-flower scarf—symbols of the Kuchiki Clan—marked his status unmistakably. These accessories alone were worth more than twenty luxury estates.

Masatsuki recalled meeting him once before.

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