Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235 - 235: My Disciple

Masatsuki Aozaki had a vague idea of what the old man was thinking.

Maintaining Seireitei's power and stability was likely only part of it—he was also paving the way for himself.

He wasn't some genius, but he wasn't an idiot either. After following the old man for so many years, how could he not recognize his expectations?

Sure, the old man often resorted to punching and kicking him, but when he chose to be kind, it was genuine.

More than anything, as a Master, he had taught him everything.

He even let him observe his Bankai—one he hadn't used in years—and passed down all his techniques.

And now, despite knowing about his relationship with Kūkaku Shiba, he was still pushing for the Shiba family to return to Seireitei's center of power.

To say this had nothing to do with him? He didn't believe that for a second.

Kūkaku and Kaien Shiba weren't fools. They had to see the implications behind this as well.

But Masatsuki wouldn't force the issue. If they accepted, it would be a decision that defied their ancestors.

Kūkaku had agreed without hesitation—that alone was enough.

...

"Do you know why the Shiba family left Seireitei in the first place?" Kaien Shiba asked, taking a deep breath.

"I do," Masatsuki Aozaki replied calmly, glancing at Miyako. "Because the Shiba family couldn't accept that the Five Noble Clans could commit such sins and still rule Seireitei from above, so they left."

"Sins?"

Miyako tilted her head, clearly unable to grasp what he was referring to.

Masatsuki didn't answer.

If Kaien wanted her to know, he would tell her himself.

"If you know, then why are you asking us to go back?" Kaien asked.

"Seireitei will change eventually, but not yet," Masatsuki said slowly.

Now wasn't the time for internal conflict. The Quincy were still lurking in the shadows, and Aizen was up to something.

The old man was already well into his years, and who knew when he would pass? Until then, Masatsuki might as well protect the things he cared about.

"Besides, aren't you already serving as a Lieutenant in Seireitei?"

"That's different. That's just to keep the family going," Kaien shot back. "That was the same excuse you gave when you sent Uncle Isshin to Seireitei—do you remember?"

"Of course I remember," Masatsuki nodded.

That had been one of his lines when persuading Isshin Shiba. More than anything, it was the key reason Isshin had agreed to join the Gotei 13.

Otherwise, with his carefree personality, he would have been content to waste his days away in Rukongai, despite his strength.

"That's exactly why we can't let that sin continue," Kaien murmured, his gaze lowering.

"It's not a sin. Think of it as being for everyone," Masatsuki said.

"Everyone?" Kaien frowned.

"The Tsunayashiro Clan is undoubtedly full of scum. The Seireitei they rule has no future. Compared to them, the Shiba Clan is a better choice."

Masatsuki's expression remained unreadable as he spoke words that, in Seireitei, would be grounds for execution.

"For the sake of everyone's future, that truly corrupt family needs to be erased."

"The omniscient Soul King bears his suffering for this very reason, doesn't he?"

"Whether it's for atonement or the survival of your family, just endure. Hold on—until the day this world changes."

...

"I was right about you, Masatsuki Aozaki. You truly are a disciple worthy of this old man," Yamamoto said, a faint smile on his lips, his eyes filled with appreciation.

Masatsuki muttered inwardly,

"You old fossil, always trying to take credit for yourself. I've been talking my mouth dry, and all you say is 'this old man's disciple' to claim the glory? That's low."

On the surface, however, he maintained a humble demeanor, bowing slightly.

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