Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 282

Chapter 282 - 282: I Bought It

"What's the rush? Young people are still growing; of course, they need their rest."

Masatsuki Aozaki shook his head.

Yesterday, this woman had enjoyed herself far more than he had.

"Masatsuki, are you jealous?"

"Fēng-chan likes me better—there's nothing you can do about it. After all, I met her first."

Yoruichi Shihōin teased, glancing playfully at Masatsuki Aozaki.

"Young people always struggle to see things clearly. She'll understand the value of her captain in time."

Masatsuki Aozaki met Yoruichi's gaze, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

His eyes were calm, as if he could see through to the true nature that Yoruichi kept hidden.

"At least I know."

Yoruichi crossed her arms around Masatsuki, speaking with confidence.

"That's why I'm here."

With her arms wrapped around him, Yoruichi closed her eyes and leaned against his back, her voice soft.

"Of course. We made a promise."

Masatsuki Aozaki clasped the hands resting against his chest.

Under the dazzling white light, on the desolate rocky terrain, the two held each other tightly.

...

As time passed, several more years slipped by in the Three Worlds.

Inuzuri, the 78th district of South Rukongai.

Despite its vast expanse, it was a place of ruin and danger.

Tens of thousands lived in its scattered towns and villages, struggling through hardship and adversity.

For those who called this district home, life was an unrelenting challenge.

The threats here weren't just from the harsh environment—people were an even greater danger.

Yet, in this perilous corner of the world, a young man strolled through the streets, dressed in opulent attire, completely at ease.

The predatory eyes of wandering ruffians fixed on him, but he remained unfazed.

"Still nothing. Was today another waste of time?"

Masatsuki Aozaki sighed softly.

His gaze swept over the ragged figures in the alleyways and streets, and a trace of helplessness surfaced in his heart.

He had deliberately chosen a magnificent kimono for his visit—its ancient patterns embroidered with gold thread, jade pendants dangling as embellishments.

Paired with his refined and gentle demeanor, he exuded an air of noble elegance.

It was all carefully planned.

Had he worn his captain's haori, no one would have dared to approach him.

But he hadn't come here to intimidate or flaunt his status—he was searching for someone.

Dressing like this and wandering a place rife with danger?

The attraction was undeniable.

Simply put, he was baiting the trap.

"You useless thing! I ought to just let you starve!"

"Ever since I bought you, I haven't had a single good day!"

"I don't know what possessed me to take you in... I must've been blind!"

"All you do is eat! I don't even make as much as you consume!"

Masatsuki Aozaki frowned instinctively and glanced in the direction of the commotion.

What he saw made him pause.

The central area of Inuzuri was relatively stable.

Several shops lined the streets, though they only existed because they had the backing of ronin. Without protection, no one would dare run a business in a place like this.

A particular establishment caught Masatsuki Aozaki's attention—a tavern.

For ronin who lived by the blade, alcohol was an indispensable companion, numbing their pain and helping them forget their troubles.

Naturally, the tavern was always packed, business booming without pause.

The owner was a plump middle-aged woman who, judging by her features, must have been quite attractive in her youth.

At that moment, she stood at the entrance, furiously berating a small girl curled up on the ground. In her hand, she gripped a bamboo stick.

The child's body was covered in bruises and scars—evidence of a recent beating.

Perhaps it was jealousy, or maybe nostalgia for her own lost beauty, but as she looked down at the trembling girl, the woman's insults poured out like an unrelenting storm.

The small figure was dressed in a tattered yukata, her short black hair messy and unkempt, resembling a wild sprout.

Despite her young age, there was already a delicate beauty to her features.

She clenched her teeth and curled in on herself, enduring the woman's tirade.

One thought echoed in her mind:

One day, I will leave this place. No matter what, I will leave and never come back.

But for now, she could only endure the angry shouts.

"Tell me, you little freeloader, what have you ever done for me?!"

"You're nothing but a burden! If you're useless to me, I'll just sell you off to the North District tomorrow!"

The plump woman glared at the cowering girl, her voice filled with resentment.

"How much do you want for her? I'll buy her."

A calm, pleasant voice echoed through the tavern, silencing the room.

The woman and the gathered ronin turned in unison.

Some swallowed nervously, their eyes locked onto the finely dressed man.

How much would those clothes go for?

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify