Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161 - 161: Surveillance

The 1st Division captain's office was steeped in tension, as if an invisible shadow loomed over the room.

Yamamoto sat upright at his desk, leaning on his cane. His brow was deeply furrowed, his gaze as sharp as a blade, and a few more wrinkles seemed to have etched themselves into his forehead.

Seated nearby, Masatsuki Aozaki and Shunsui Kyōraku appeared relaxed, their expressions unreadable. In contrast, Jūshirō Ukitake wore a troubled look, weighed down by concern.

As the only one to have fought the intruder and survived, Masatsuki Aozaki began his report, recounting the entire chase in meticulous detail. By blending a small portion of truth with a sea of misleading information, he made the events appear convoluted yet undeniably thorough.

When he finished, Yamamoto finally spoke.

"You are certain the intruder used Bankai?" His voice was deep, carrying the faintest trace of doubt.

Masatsuki Aozaki responded casually,

"Absolutely. I distinctly felt his Reiatsu surge dramatically."

His tone exuded confidence and certainty.

Yamamoto raised his hand slightly, signaling for the Inner Court Troop—who had been standing by—to withdraw. Once they had left, he spoke again, his voice even heavier than before.

"Do you have any idea what kind of abilities his Bankai possesses?"

A Shinigami who had achieved Bankai represented a significant leap in power. Compared to those who merely had captain-level Reiatsu, such individuals were far more dangerous.

Masatsuki Aozaki shook his head slightly, his response firm.

"No. When he used Bankai, I didn't notice any distinct changes to his Zanpakutō."

"But his Reiatsu undeniably increased to a level characteristic of Bankai."

"A Bankai without any visible changes to the Zanpakutō?"

Yamamoto frowned, murmuring under his breath.

Masatsuki Aozaki's words instantly brought to mind Sōsuke Aizen, the newly appointed Third Division Captain.

That man's Zanpakutō could manipulate mist and water currents, yet its physical form remained unchanged.

However, this similarity alone wasn't enough to confirm anything.

At best, it indicated that the intruder's Zanpakutō also remained visually unchanged in its Bankai state. As for its exact abilities or the extent of its power, there was still no way to know.

"Since we have no concrete leads, we'll set aside the Zanpakutō for now," Jūshirō Ukitake said gravely.

His voice was cold and resolute.

"But there's something even more concerning about this incident."

"I fear there is an insider within the Gotei 13... or worse, the intruder himself is one of us."

This conclusion wasn't difficult to reach.

After all, the enemy who infiltrated the Tsunayashiro Clan displayed an unsettling level of familiarity with the Gotei 13's operations.

The fact that they began their retreat before the Gotei 13 even arrived meant they had access to privileged intelligence.

Shunsui Kyōraku adjusted the brim of his straw hat, his gaze deepening as he frowned and said,

"The intruder isn't just familiar with the Gotei 13's combat tactics—he also knows the inner workings of the Tsunayashiro Clan inside and out."

"If that's the case, then he must hold a significant position. It's highly likely he's hiding among the higher ranks of the Gotei 13, or at the very least, a Seated Officer."

In the Gotei 13, only those ranked Seated Officer or higher were considered part of the true leadership.

Ordinary squad members merely followed orders, charging into battle with their swords. Many of them might not even be aware of the Gotei 13's deeper operational strategies.

So, if a traitor did exist, his status was anything but ordinary.

That realization stirred unease and vigilance in both men.

Yamamoto furrowed his brow, silently contemplating.

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