Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 - 26: What Do You Want to Do?

Seeing that Yamamoto was about to start another lecture, Masatsuki Aozaki quickly raised his hand to stop him.

Training was fine, but listening to long-winded speeches? No thanks.

"Captain-Commander, you've said all this so many times that my ears are getting calluses. Let's just start training already."

"You insolent brat, daring to interrupt your elders!"

Yamamoto's irritation flared. This kid was just like Shunsui Kyōraku, and that alone was enough to make his blood pressure rise.

Fortunately, he had plenty of experience dealing with disobedient students. Raising a fist, he gave Masatsuki a firm knock on the head. Instantly, the boy straightened up, much more obedient.

Seeing Masatsuki lower his head and rub the sore spot, Yamamoto nodded in satisfaction.

After all, his "teaching methods" had been perfected through years of dealing with Shunsui Kyōraku. A single punch—just painful enough to be effective, yet harmless to the body—ensured that discipline was maintained without disrupting training.

...

With that settled, Yamamoto patiently imparted his knowledge of Hakuda to Masatsuki, explaining each concept in detail.

Masatsuki, in turn, switched into serious training mode, absorbing every word.

"So, if I master all these basics, does that mean I can learn Ikkotsu and Sōkotsu?"

Yamamoto responded, "It's not that simple. Ikkotsu and Sōkotsu are my exclusive techniques, not something I teach lightly."

"To this day, I have only passed them down to my disciple, Shunsui Kyōraku, Captain of the 8th Division."

As he spoke, Yamamoto couldn't help but sigh, his thoughts drifting to another of his disciples.

He cared for them both, but there was no denying that Jūshirō Ukitake's weak constitution made him unsuitable for this technique.

"What? Then if you don't take me as a disciple, I'll never get to learn it?" Masatsuki asked, his disappointment evident.

To him, this was the pinnacle of Hakuda—he genuinely wanted to master it.

Yamamoto frowned slightly.

There was no doubt that Masatsuki was a genius.

Among the four fundamental disciplines of "Zankensoki," his talent in Zanjutsu stood out the most. He could pick up any sword technique with a single glance and quickly master it—something even Retsu Unohana had praised.

That didn't mean his other abilities were lacking. On the contrary, he excelled in all areas.

However, the remaining three disciplines required time, Reiryoku, and Reiatsu to fully develop, so his growth in those aspects wasn't as immediately apparent.

Only someone as accomplished as Yamamoto—who was a master of all disciplines—could see the terrifying potential Masatsuki truly possessed.

It was enough to make even him reconsider.

If the boy's character proved solid, taking him as a disciple might not be a bad idea after all.

With that thought, Yamamoto nodded and said,

"If you can master these foundational techniques, then I won't rule out the possibility of taking on another disciple and teaching you Ikkotsu and Sōkotsu."

"But if you don't intend to train seriously, then I won't waste my time."

He deliberately pushed the boy to keep striving forward—he wouldn't allow him to become complacent.

He was still young, the perfect age to refine his skills. The last thing Yamamoto wanted was another Shunsui Kyōraku on his hands.

If he ended up raising another lazy troublemaker, he'd have to question not just his own teaching methods, but whether founding the "Genryū" school and Genji School had been a mistake to begin with.

...

Masatsuki Aozaki agreed without hesitation.

"Captain-Commander, that's a deal—you can't go back on your word."

"But I'm still a little worried... How about this? Swear on one arm—"

The instant Masatsuki changed his expression, Yamamoto had the sudden urge to kick him. And he fully intended to do so.

"Get out."

"On it."

Noticing the slight movement of Yamamoto's right foot, Masatsuki reacted instantly, bolting out of the dojo without a second's pause.

"Hey, if it isn't my dear Aozaki?"

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