Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 283

Chapter 283 - 283: Nii-san

The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting its cold, silvery glow over the land. Within Seireitei, all was silent.

A man dressed in fine brocade and jade accessories walked leisurely alongside a girl in tattered clothes, their steps unhurried as they strolled down the wide avenue.

Patrolling Shinigami took notice of the unusual pair and were about to step forward for a closer look.

However, when the leading Shinigami caught sight of the man's face under the lantern light, he immediately stopped his subordinates from acting rashly.

...

On the spacious street, Masatsuki Aozaki observed the little girl beside him with amusement.

She tried to maintain a composed expression, but the curiosity in her eyes betrayed her.

It was hard to imagine that this small, ragged girl would one day become the captain of the Thirteenth Division—a woman both charming and dignified.

Rukia clung tightly to Masatsuki Aozaki's hand, her gaze fixed on his ethereal, almost divine features. After a moment of hesitation, she asked with wide-eyed curiosity:

"Are you a god?"

"A god?"

Masatsuki Aozaki repeated the word softly, a faint smile curving his lips.

"For now, I'm just an ordinary human."

He had long surpassed the limits of an average soul, but he wasn't so arrogant as to think he could stand on equal footing with the Soul King.

At this moment in time, the Soul King was still the supreme being of this world.

Then, as if remembering something, Masatsuki Aozaki glanced down at Rukia and asked:

"Are you hungry? How about we get another meal? I know a great place."

As he spoke, he gently ruffled her short black hair.

Rukia's face flushed red in embarrassment, and she quickly shook her head.

"N-No... I'm not hungry."

The memories of her past resurfaced—days when she barely ate, times when she went an entire day without so much as a bite of food.

But now, her belly was full, and this newfound sense of satisfaction and warmth filled her with happiness.

At this moment, she finally believed that the man beside her truly had no shortage of money.

Ever since entering Seireitei, they had stopped frequently to sample different foods, trying every local delicacy they came across.

It almost felt as if he had taken the tavern keeper's words to heart—acting as though she might starve to death if he didn't feed her constantly.

She knew she got hungry more easily than most, but she wasn't a bottomless pit!

What she didn't yet realize was that her hunger wasn't a flaw—it was a gift.

...

Before long, they passed through the Noble District and arrived in front of a grand mansion.

Its architecture was solemn and dignified, exuding an air of noble elegance.

"This will be your home from now on."

Masatsuki Aozaki gently held Rukia's small hands in his own, his gaze warm and affectionate.

It was as if he wished to transfer all his warmth to her.

"From today onward, I'll be your family. You can call me... 'Nii-san.' I like that better."

His voice was soft, tinged with gentle indulgence.

He understood what a real family meant to an orphan like Rukia.

"...Nii-san."

Rukia looked up at him carefully.

Her clear, bright eyes reflected his image, shimmering with unshed tears.

Her voice was small and hesitant, yet within it lay deep gratitude.

Ever since she was sold to that tavern, she had lived every day in fear.

The beatings, the curses, the suffocating darkness—it had nearly crushed her.

She had dreamed of escaping for so long, clinging desperately to that hope.

And just when she had steeled herself to run away on her own—

Fate intervened.

Someone had not only taken her away, but had also given her something even more precious.

A home.

A family.

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