Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138 - 138: The Test

The meeting room in the 1st Division barracks...

As the designated venue for the Captain's Meeting, the room was already filled with Lieutenants. However, there weren't actually that many of them.

Among the Lieutenants present, one was acting as a Captain's Substitute—ranked half a step higher than the rest—so they didn't have to wait outside with the others.

The Shinigami who had just arrived outside the office walls were visibly excited.

Serving in the 1st Division, they had encountered many powerful figures, with their own Captain being the strongest of them all. Yet, they couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

This was the Captain's seat—one of the highest positions among professional Shinigami—and today, the last remaining vacancy would finally be filled.

Perhaps it was simply human nature to always yearn for something greater.

Even though these elite Shinigami knew that mastering Bankai gave them a 99% chance of becoming a Captain, they still wanted to witness the appointment of a new Captain firsthand. After all, Captain exams were a rare occurrence.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

At the sound of approaching footsteps, silence fell over the room.

Three men, clad in white haori, walked directly into the meeting chamber, drawing admiring gazes from the gathered Shinigami.

Leading the way was Kensei Muguruma, Captain of the 9th Division, looking visibly irritated.

Behind him was the newly appointed Captain, Masatsuki Aozaki—widely regarded as the greatest prodigy in Soul Society's history—wearing a broad, unmistakably cheerful smile.

Following at the rear was Shinji Hirako, Captain of the 5th Division, his half-lidded eyes filled with exasperation as he watched the two ahead of him.

Trailing behind them were three Lieutenants.

Aizen's gaze occasionally flickered toward Masatsuki Aozaki, but to any outside observer, the two appeared to be only distantly acquainted.

"When does the Captain's exam start?"

A voice suddenly rang out from behind them, prompting Masatsuki Aozaki to instinctively turn toward the familiar sound.

Standing at the doorway, arms crossed, was Yoruichi Shihōin. Dressed in a combat-style Shihakushō with a white haori draped over her shoulders, she gazed at the massive doors before her with a nostalgic expression.

"Masatsuki, good morning! Look at you—so lazy. I knew leaving the 2nd Division wouldn't suit you."

Yoruichi turned back and waved casually at him.

As someone closely connected to Masatsuki Aozaki, just the sight of the two standing together immediately drew the attention of onlookers. Everyone knew their relationship was far more than just friendship.

Gossip was one of humanity's greatest instincts, and a rumored affair between two Captains was always a hot topic.

But when discussing the peculiar dynamic between them, one couldn't ignore the presence of several other notable women in the room.

Under the silent yet unmistakably menacing gaze of Retsu Unohana, Kensei Muguruma willingly vacated his spot beside Masatsuki Aozaki, allowing the two to stand side by side.

Lisa Yadōmaru, rumored to have spent nights in the 11th Kenpachi's dormitory, kept her head buried in a peculiar-looking book, pretending not to notice anything.

Kirio Hikifune, Captain of the 12th Division, stood off to the side, munching on a melon, her expression making it clear she had no interest in getting involved.

Meanwhile, Rangiku Matsumoto—neither a Captain nor a Lieutenant—could only watch from outside the doorway.

Though she wore a bright, amused smile, even she could sense the pressure weighing on Masatsuki Aozaki at that moment.

"Actually, I was just as lazy when I was in the 2nd Division. But when it's time to be serious, I can't slack off."

With a nonchalant wave of his hand, Masatsuki Aozaki casually took Yoruichi's hand in his own.

As for Unohana, he knew better than to try anything.

Yoruichi nodded in satisfaction.

"You two seem to be having a great time chatting. This meeting is about the operation to eliminate the rebels, isn't it? Looks like Masatsuki is already prepared."

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