Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 231

Chapter 231 - 231: Patriarch

Gotei 13, 8th Division barracks...

Masatsuki Aozaki stood quietly in the distance, gazing at the pristine white building gleaming under the sunlight. It had a solemn, imposing presence, exuding an air of mystery and authority.

As the division responsible for intelligence gathering, its security was exceptionally tight—guards stationed every few steps, watchful eyes monitoring all who passed. Each office entrance was guarded by at least two Shinigami, as if protecting some deep, hidden secret.

Masatsuki Aozaki was a well-known figure here, and his popularity within the 8th Division was remarkable. Not only was he the junior disciple of the division captain, but he also shared a close bond with the Lieutenant. His ties to the 8th Division were so strong that they could almost be called family.

Of course, given that this was an intelligence unit, its members were highly perceptive. They were all well aware of the unspoken connection between Masatsuki Aozaki and their Lieutenant.

Taking his time as usual, Masatsuki Aozaki stretched what should have been a ten-minute walk into a leisurely half-hour stroll.

Along the way, he and Lisa Yadōmaru each held onto a small hand. The girl between them was none other than the 8th Division's cherished treasure—Nanao Ise, the beloved niece of Captain Shunsui Kyōraku. Her adorable presence had a way of brightening everything around her, as if the whole world became a little warmer just by having her there.

The sight of the three together—two adults and one child—gave off the unmistakable warmth of a small, happy family, despite the lack of any actual blood relation.

"We really do feel like a family, don't we?" Masatsuki Aozaki mused, his gaze soft.

"What family... Don't say such misleading things in front of the squad members!"

Lisa Yadōmaru's expression remained neutral, but she instinctively straightened her posture, like a proud swan lifting its head. Only the slight excitement in her voice betrayed the happiness she felt in that moment.

"I'm just stating the truth. Look—little Nanao is nodding, which means she agrees with me!"

Nanao Ise glanced up at him before giving a small nod. "Brother Masatsuki is absolutely right."

Masatsuki Aozaki grinned smugly, nodding in satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Lisa Yadōmaru's cool expression twitched slightly—not because she agreed with him, but because the two people closest to her had so effortlessly teamed up to leave her out.

"I was just joking... You okay?" Masatsuki Aozaki asked cautiously.

"Do I seem like the type to get upset over something like this?" Lisa Yadōmaru sighed.

Masatsuki Aozaki shook his head.

After all, he had known this woman for decades—there was no one he understood better.

This was someone who could calmly read the strangest of books in public without the slightest hesitation. Even he had to admit, her composure was something he could never hope to match.

"You really don't know how to handle girls, do you? In moments like this, you should hold me tight, whisper sweet words, and then sweep me off my feet with something so bold I'm left speechless—like pinning me against a wall and..."

Lisa Yadōmaru lectured with a straight face.

Feeling the weight of the squad members' strange stares, Masatsuki Aozaki broke into a cold sweat and quickly clamped his hand over her mouth.

"Enough! There's a kid here!"

"I'm not a kid! In a few more years, I'll be a hundred," Nanao Ise protested, shaking her head vigorously. This time, she couldn't let it slide.

"You look so small, yet you're way older than me... Wait, that's not the point!"

Masatsuki Aozaki looked thoroughly flustered.

He could already picture how the squad members saw him—a shady older man luring an innocent girl. He wouldn't be surprised if the 10th Division was already gearing up to haul him off in chains.

And knowing his dear brother-in-law, he was sure to receive special treatment.

"Come back to me when you're a hundred and twenty."

"Actually, I think you've been growing pretty fast these past few years, Nanao." _{fre.ewebnov el.com}

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