Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22 - 22: Training Genius

Midnight. _{freeweb\n(o)v.e\l.com}

The protective barrier around the training ground flickered at steady intervals, a sign that it was functioning normally.

The air was still, the silence broken only by the occasional clash of blades.

Masatsuki Aozaki stood atop a massive boulder, gripping Banshō Senran in one hand, his breath ragged.

Opposite him, Yoruichi Shihōin wielded a short sword, her stance relaxed and effortless.

Kisuke Urahara lay sprawled out in a spot with a good view, lazily watching the fight unfold.

The rhythmic clashes of swords rang out like a fast-paced melody, growing more rapid as the battle intensified. Shadows blurred together, flickering in and out of sight—until one of them landed a direct hit.

A palm strike to the abdomen sent Masatsuki flying several meters before he crashed onto the ground. The surge of Reiatsu from the impact ruffled Kisuke's short blond hair.

"...I lost."

As shadows veiled his face, Masatsuki found himself staring up at Yoruichi. The vibrant, short-haired woman stood over him, flashing a triumphant, energetic grin.

Seeing the look of satisfaction on her face, he didn't feel discouraged in the slightest.

After all, this was expected.

She might look young, but in reality, she was over a hundred years old—a true captain-level combatant. Meanwhile, he was just a Shin'ō Academy student ranked at Fifth-Class Reiatsu Power. There was no comparison.

"Masatsuki, you've got a long way to go."

Yoruichi reached out and pulled him to his feet, leading him toward Kisuke.

The two of them strolled through the rocky terrain, undisturbed by the wind, dust settling softly around them.

"You hit way too hard. For a second there, I thought I was gonna die." Masatsuki winced, clutching his stomach. "Damn... that hurts. Go easy next time."

"I was going easy. Otherwise, you wouldn't just be lying on the ground for a few minutes."

Yoruichi grinned, casually draping Masatsuki's arm over her shoulder.

"You're too fragile. That barely counts as an injury."

"See that guy over there slacking off? He sparred with me once and ended up bedridden for three days. But look at him now—good as new."

"No wonder he refuses to fight you," Masatsuki muttered, sighing. "I'm starting to regret this."

"You can't regret it, Masatsuki-kun. I worked hard to get out of it, you know."

Kisuke, having somehow acquired a folding fan, fanned himself leisurely as he watched the scene unfold, completely at ease.

Masatsuki shot him an unimpressed look, while Yoruichi clicked her tongue in annoyance before smacking Kisuke over the head. A faint wisp of smoke curled up from the impact.

"Enough nonsense. Hand over those pills you made."

"Alright, alright, no need to get violent..." Kisuke muttered, pulling a small pill bottle from inside his robes and tossing it to Masatsuki.

"Take one every hour. It'll help speed up your recovery."

Masatsuki took one pill and swallowed it, feeling the pain gradually fade.

Kisuke, meanwhile, rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

From the moment he learned of Masatsuki's background, one question had been nagging at him.

A student from Shin'ō Academy... but before that, he had been surviving in Rukongai's sixtieth district—a place most never climbed out of. Yet, somehow, he not only established himself there but thrived.

Then, on his first day at the academy, he shot to fame, quickly becoming its greatest prodigy in history.

He had already built strong ties with two captains and was now getting close to Yoruichi as well.

Someone like that... how could he be so naïve?

Kisuke's expression darkened slightly.

No matter how he looked at it, this guy was full of mysteries. And anyone who got too involved with him was bound to be dragged into something troublesome.

His gaze drifted to Masatsuki, who was now chatting and laughing with Yoruichi, seemingly carefree.

...Forget it.

Yoruichi had brought him here, after all. He'd keep watching for now, but if things got dangerous, he'd make sure to stay far, far away.

With that decision made, Kisuke let out a quiet chuckle, feeling oddly relieved.

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