Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131 - 131: Arrogance Requires Ability

South Rukongai, District 80 – Shūrin.

Golden sunlight bathed the mountain forest, casting a sacred glow over the bloodstained land.

The morning had been overcast, yet by noon, the sky had cleared completely—as if even the heavens had acknowledged this "righteous" war.

Life-giving light poured down like a golden river, illuminating the battlefield where men clashed in combat, screams of pain echoed, and others fled in desperation.

"Kill them! Wipe out these rebels!"

"Protect the Soul King and the Five Great Clans—traitors must be eliminated!"

"Damn the nobles! We've been betrayed!"

Masatsuki Aozaki stood on the trunk of a large tree, draped in a black cloak that concealed his Reiatsu, gazing down at the chaos below.

The battlefield was a mess of battle cries, curses, and blood-soaked earth. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, warm against his skin. Severed limbs littered the forest floor, while the wind rustled the canopy above, adding an eerie undertone to the carnage.

Landing lightly on the ground, Masatsuki listened to the clashes still raging in the distance—soldiers and rebels locked in battle, blades colliding as each fought for the other's life.

The 11th Division handled the main front, while Kōga Kuchiki led the 1st Division's Special Forces to guard the perimeter, ensuring none of the enemy escaped.

Masatsuki glanced at Kōga without a trace of concern. He wasn't worried about being seen through.

Their Reiatsu levels were on par, and as long as he didn't use Bankai to amplify his presence, there was no risk of his illusion being exposed.

Besides, the two weren't particularly familiar with each other. Even in close proximity, Kōga wouldn't notice anything amiss.

"War... it's almost over," Masatsuki murmured, gazing into the distance with a trace of sentiment.

...

"Who are you? Why are you blocking our path?"

A squad of six had appeared behind him, clad in tattered uniforms bearing the rebel insignia. The leader eyed him warily.

"This is quite a distance from the main battlefield," Masatsuki remarked, glancing at their tense expressions. "Judging by your panicked faces... are you running away?"

The rebel leader's gaze flickered to the Zanpakutō at Masatsuki's waist. Narrowing his eyes, he drew his own blade.

"This has nothing to do with you. If you don't want to die, step aside."

Masatsuki rolled his eyes, tilting his head back to peer at the sunlight streaming through the leaves. "Cocky, aren't you? Reminds me of myself on an average day." His lips curled into a smirk. "But arrogance requires skill—and you just so happen to lack it. What a shame."

"What nonsense are you spouting? You think a coward hiding in the shadows has the right to be so arrogant against our righteous army?" The rebel leader raised his sword and charged. _{fr\(e)ew(e)b.(n)o (v)(e)l.com}

Masatsuki sighed, effortlessly raising his blade to block the attack. He eyed the group with mild interest.

"You seem like a small-time leader, so let's not kid ourselves. Do you rebels even understand how worthless you are? Without noble backing, you're barely surviving in the Shūrin District."

The rebel leader's expression darkened, but before he could react, Masatsuki's gaze sharpened.

"Rank 10 Reiatsu? Not bad," he mused, sizing him up. "As for the ones behind you... average Shinigami level. They'll do for filler."

The intensity of Masatsuki's stare made the leader instinctively step back.

"Who the hell are you?" he demanded.

"That's not something you need to worry about."

Seeing his opponent falter, Masatsuki didn't waste words. In an instant, he appeared right in front of him. A single swing—blood splattered in all directions.

The remaining five rebels swallowed hard, hands trembling as they touched their foreheads in disbelief.

Just moments ago, their leader had been exchanging words with this man—then, in the blink of an eye, he was struck down. Worse still, he hadn't even been able to block a single attack. His Zanpakutō lay shattered, and his body crumpled lifelessly on the ground, save for the gaping wound in his chest still faintly bleeding.

"Relax, he's not dead yet," Masatsuki said lightly, flicking his blade. A graceful arc of blood painted the ground. "But he will be soon."

His golden eyes glowed with amusement as he gazed at the remaining rebels.

"Are you ready to join him?"

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify