Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 229

Chapter 229 - 229: Protagonist

"Masatsuki, it looks like Captain Yoruichi has been slacking off lately. That won't do. I'll take her to the 4th Division for a check-up. You head back first."

Standing at the entrance of the 1st Division, Masatsuki Aozaki heard the gentle yet spine-chilling words, followed by a faint plea for help. He watched as Retsu Unohana effortlessly grabbed Yoruichi Shihōin by the collar with one hand, hoisting her up before turning away.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a small, white-haired figure standing at the doorway—clearly waiting for someone. Masatsuki walked over.

As the two walked side by side, Masatsuki spoke softly to his Lieutenant,

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I haven't noticed anything unusual, and my body feels normal," Gin Ichimaru replied calmly.

He glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby, then lowered his voice and continued,

"Ryuuseki, Izumo, and I can only sustain it for about half an hour at most, but Mashiro has already broken past the sixteen-hour limit."

Masatsuki nodded slightly.

"Keep at it. This power is crucial for you. The longer you can maintain it, the better."

"It not only strengthens you but can also prove invaluable in critical moments."

Gin fully understood the significance of this power and silently resolved to train harder, refining his control over it. Only by mastering it could he better protect himself and those around him.

Masatsuki patted Gin's shoulder and reassured him, "No need to hurry—mastery takes time."

Gin nodded firmly. "Yeah, I get it!"

"Where's that little shadow?" he muttered.

Normally, whenever they came to the 1st Division, Rangiku Matsumoto would cling to Masatsuki like glue, refusing to leave until she had personally seen him off. Today, however, she was nowhere to be found—a rare occurrence.

Not that it was a bad thing. Having her around could be a hassle; she was always chattering nonstop and hanging off Masatsuki.

"I heard she tried to take another day off, but Chōjirō didn't just refuse—he made an example out of her. She's getting a lecture right now," Masatsuki said.

"Well, serves her right," Gin scoffed.

He knew Rangiku was a hopeless slacker, but taking days off left and right? Even Chōjirō Sasakibe had his limits.

She was even worse than Masatsuki...

Gin glanced at Masatsuki's grinning face and immediately felt a surge of irritation.

No, she wasn't worse. Masatsuki was worse. At least Rangiku had to ask for time off. This guy didn't even bother—he just slacked off without permission. He never did any real work anyway!

How did I end up stuck with these two?

He had no answer. But turning back wasn't an option—because this man was the reason he was still alive. What rotten luck.

"Gin, you should smile more. No girl's gonna like a guy who always looks so miserable," Masatsuki teased.

"Heh..."

"Actually, never mind. You smiling is kind of creepy."

"And whose fault do you think that is?"

"No idea, but it's definitely not mine."

...

Late at night, in the 11th Division barracks.

A blond man in a white haori was led by a squad member to the captain's quarters.

Once the door was shut, he pulled a deep blue and black jade from his robes and carefully placed it in the hands of the person before him.

Tears welled up in his eyes, as if he were bidding farewell to a lover.

"You don't have to be so dramatic. It's like you're actually in love with this stupid rock," Masatsuki Aozaki said.

Masatsuki shoved the blond man, who was clinging to his clothes, away.

If anyone saw two grown men tugging at each other like this, it would definitely leave a bad impression. What if rumors spread and the male squad members started getting the wrong idea about him?

Dealing with all the women was already a hassle—though he didn't mind it. But men? No, thank you.

"I'm just trying to emphasize how important it is so you'll take it seriously!"

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