Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181 - 181: Forest of Menos

Harribel lay quietly in the dim cave, her gaze slowly shifting to the handsome man before her, who wore a faint smile.

Then, she lifted her head and stared at the pitch-black ceiling above.

On either side of her stood two massive Adjuchas—Apacci and Mila Rose.

The two towering female Menos flanked her, fussing over her condition with visible concern.

However, their anxious chatter was relentless, ringing in her ears and making her already aching head throb even more.

After a period of rest, Harribel's Reiatsu had nearly recovered, and her Ultra-Speed Regeneration had returned to its usual efficiency.

By now, her wounds had almost completely healed.

The once-torn flesh had mended, and a layer of smooth, white bone armor encased her body once more.

Harribel, the golden-haired warrior—Hueco Mundo's Valkyrie—had faced an unprecedented crisis, yet she had survived.

After suffering severe injuries and falling into unconsciousness, she had been carried to this temporary underground refuge by her closest companions, where she received timely medical care.

"You sure can sleep! You've been out for an entire day and night."

After thoroughly examining Harribel's condition, Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled and teased,

"But don't worry, I have some knowledge of healing techniques. Your injuries aren't serious."

Masatsuki had studied Kaidō under Retsu Unohana, and after years of rigorous training, his mastery had reached extraordinary heights.

With full concentration, he meticulously assessed Harribel from head to toe, inside and out, ensuring a thorough examination.

Not only that, but he had even prepared an incredibly detailed medical report, neatly inscribed with the name "Harribel" at the top.

Every detail was accounted for—the sheer level of precision was almost excessive.

"...You're not going to kill us?"

Harribel sat up, her turquoise eyes locking onto Masatsuki Aozaki's with confusion.

He had shown no mercy when dealing with Las Noches before. Even now, he could easily end her life.

So why hadn't he?

Why was this Shinigami tending to her injuries with such care instead?

It never even occurred to her that the man before her might have ulterior motives.

After all, beneath the bone-white armor that covered her like a second skin, her entire body was concealed—even her face was hidden, save for a pair of piercing, luminous eyes.

"I do enjoy fighting, but I wouldn't call myself a bloodthirsty lunatic. Honestly, I don't get you people—always talking about life and death."

Masatsuki waved a hand dismissively and said in an offhanded tone,

"If you want to thank someone, thank Sung-Sun and the others. They practically sold themselves just to get me to save you."

Harribel frowned slightly, still filled with doubt.

"Shinigami... You are a Shinigami, aren't you? Then why are you helping us Hollows?"

Masatsuki Aozaki gazed at the Vasto Lorde before him in silence.

For a brief moment, time seemed to freeze, the only sound between them the quiet rhythm of their breathing.

Then, at last, he broke the silence.

"Believe me, Harribel... I don't care whether someone is a Hollow or a Shinigami."

His voice was steady and calm, yet the conviction within it was impossible to ignore.

Harribel's body tensed slightly, her eyes widening as she stared at this enigmatic man.

She had never imagined that a Shinigami would say something like that.

Masatsuki Aozaki spoke again.

"What I truly care about... is you, Harribel! You, as a person!"

"I need you, Harribel. Will you stand by my side and walk this path with me?"

His gaze remained locked onto Harribel, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"Companion? Walk together?"

Harribel murmured to herself, momentarily dazed. She couldn't comprehend it—Why would a Shinigami with such unfathomable power make such an unimaginable request?

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