Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139 - 139: Examiner Kensei Muguruma

"The Captain's exam will begin shortly. Captains, please enter."

Chōjirō Sasakibe, usually a stern Lieutenant, now assumed the role of an equally serious assistant to the examiner. With a firm push, he opened the doors to the 1st Division's outdoor training grounds and stepped inside.

"Since everyone's here, take your seats. The exam is about to begin."

As the group entered, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto followed in from behind, waving a hand toward the standing captains.

One by one, the captains took their seats—except for one, who stepped forward.

Yamamoto nodded at the approaching figure.

"Kensei Muguruma, you will be the examiner for this test."

"Remember, cheating is strictly forbidden."

"Anyone caught violating the rules will be disqualified, and the examiner will face consequences as well. Don't even think about bending the rules."

"With all the captains watching, there's no chance of deception."

"This exam is meant to evaluate the candidate's strength. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid any actions that could result in severe injury or death."

"Yes, Captain-Commander. I understand."

Kensei Muguruma gave a small nod before making his way to the center of the training field.

Yamamoto moved toward his own seat but hesitated before sitting, scanning the area as if scrutinizing whether Kensei would give it his all.

Masatsuki Aozaki, already seated, rolled his eyes.

That was a whole lot of words with no actual meaning.

How would anyone even cheat on a Captain's exam?

Did Yamamoto think the captains sitting here were just decoration? Even if the candidate didn't have Bankai—like himself—it wasn't exactly hard to determine whether someone had Captain-level combat strength.

"Send in the candidate."

Yamamoto's stern gaze shifted toward Chōjirō Sasakibe, who gave a silent nod before leaving his seat.

"Who's taking the exam, anyway? Why all the secrecy?" _{freew\ebno\vel..(c)om}

Masatsuki Aozaki half-listened to Yamamoto's imposing voice while scanning his surroundings.

The seats beneath them were crafted from fine cypress wood. He had to admit, as the Division that led the Gotei 13, the 1st Division had the best accommodations.

A cool breeze drifted through the open-air training grounds, carrying a crisp chill as winter approached. The air was fresh, but the atmosphere was heavy—filled with an unshakable tension.

It was a beautiful day, yet no one could truly relax.

Masatsuki's gaze drifted toward the other captains. Aside from Ginrei Kuchiki, who was fully focused on the training field, the rest all spared him a glance.

He felt like a celebrity under the spotlight.

Sure, he was already famous throughout Seireitei, but having this many captains watching him alone was... unsettling.

Being handsome really is a curse. Even the guys can't stop staring at me...

Masatsuki sighed to himself, basking in his own narcissism.

"Focus on the exam. Stop looking around."

Kirio Hikifune, seated to his right, must have noticed his wandering gaze. She turned slightly, her bright eyes blinking in silent admonition.

The captains' seating arrangement followed their division numbers, which placed Masatsuki and Kirio together, while Yoruichi Shihōin and Retsu Unohana sat on the other side.

"Relax. We're just here to watch. The outcome doesn't really concern us—what's the harm in looking around?"

Masatsuki smirked, giving Kirio a playful glance.

"Pfft!"

She stifled a laugh at his teasing, her previously composed demeanor softening.

"We can communicate with just a look... Have we reached that level of understanding?"

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