Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14 - 14: Fear of Death

Retsu Unohana was really being petty. He had only lightly touched her, yet she went and broke her own bamboo sword.

If that Reiatsu had been aimed at me... yeah, I'd probably be lying on the ground right now.

"Well done. Sparring with Masatsuki was quite enjoyable."

Retsu Unohana turned and walked toward the far end of the dojo.

"The warm-up is over. Now, we officially begin class."

Masatsuki: ???

He was completely bewildered.

That exchange just now... I definitely landed a hit on her. Couldn't she at least acknowledge that?

Oh, right, it was my sword that broke. Never mind then.

Just as the students were marveling at Retsu Unohana's composure, a sudden burst of sharp, piercing sounds echoed from a short distance away.

The air inside the dojo trembled.

Sensing something amiss, they looked up.

The sight that met their eyes left their minds blank.

In the center of the dojo, Captain Unohana—who had just been so warm and approachable—had drawn her Zanpakutō.

Its blade was more curved than most Zanpakutō, gleaming coldly as it sent ripples of force through the air.

The students turned to Keito Satō with pleading expressions.

As the headmaster of Shin'ō Academy, he couldn't just ignore their hopeful gazes.

Adjusting the hem of his robe, he put on a resolute, righteous expression and—despite his reluctance—marched toward Retsu Unohana.

"Unohana-sensei..."

"Yes, Headmaster?"

Retsu Unohana remained focused on her sword swings, casually adding a few flourishes.

Keito Satō hesitated, glancing back at the students. Their expectant stares suddenly filled him with courage.

"...Captain Unohana, actually... I just checked, and the instructor for the next Hakuda class has taken a leave of absence. Would you happen to have time to substitute?"

Coward!

The students were instantly outraged, their glares practically ready to swallow up their spineless headmaster.

Keito Satō maintained a blank expression but inwardly praised his own quick thinking.

Retsu Unohana and the Captain-Commander were both terrifying individuals—

But completely different.

As long as you didn't provoke the Captain-Commander, he wouldn't bother with you.

But even if I don't provoke Retsu Unohana, she might cut me down anyway!

You clueless brats have no idea!

"But I'm not very skilled in Hakuda. What should I do?"

"Then why not switch it to a Zanjutsu class instead?"

"That works. I happen to be free. I'll substitute for the next class as well."

"In that case, after this class, there will be no break. We'll have two sessions back-to-back."

That one sentence sent Masatsuki spiraling into memories of his past life in high school. His former teachers would probably be proud.

Hearing Keito Satō's words, a few hot-tempered students from noble families had already rolled up their sleeves, ready to charge in and beat him up.

Fortunately, the law-abiding students, led by Yūshirō Shihōin, quickly restrained them before they could act impulsively.

Taking advantage of the moment, Keito Satō used Shunpo to escape from the dojo.

Retsu Unohana pointed her Zanpakutō at the group. The sharp, intimidating presence she had displayed while sparring with Masatsuki faded, and her usual gentle demeanor returned.

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