Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 285

Chapter 285 - 285: Don’t Disappoint Me

Masatsuki Aozaki's expression grew serious. After a brief pause, he continued,

"Apart from an old bald man named Yamamoto, you'd best not mess with him. That old man is not to be trifled with."

"If he gets angry, he might just spank you."

"And when that happens, even if I beg on your behalf, I might not be able to save you."

Rukia nodded obediently, looking as if she completely understood.

"I got it... I'll listen to you, Masatsuki-nii."

She answered earnestly, blinking her big eyes.

Masatsuki Aozaki smiled in satisfaction and gently ruffled Rukia's hair.

"As long as you understand."

"Oh, right, Nii-san! I can help you with chores now too! When I woke up, all my injuries stopped hurting—it's amazing!"

Rukia blinked curiously.

When she got up this morning, she realized that the dull aches from her wounds had completely vanished.

Masatsuki Aozaki patted her head and explained,

"That's the effect of Kaidō—it heals injuries."

"When you become a Shinigami in the future, you'll have the chance to learn this incredible power too."

"Shinigami can learn this kind of amazing power?"

Rukia clenched her fists, her face full of determination.

"Then I have to become a Shinigami! That way, I can help you, Masatsuki-nii!"

Seeing the girl's flushed cheeks, Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled and chose not to dampen her enthusiasm.

Learning Kaidō depends on talent.

Shin'ō Academy does offer Kaidō courses, but forget about mastering it—by the time they graduate, barely anyone has even scratched the surface.

For one, very few people are actually interested in Kaidō. Most are more passionate about sword combat.

And on top of that, Kaidō requires a high level of innate talent—those who can truly grasp it are one in a million.

...

Ten years later, the 1st Division convened another Captain's Meeting.

The reason was simple.

Masatsuki Aozaki's senior, the 13th Division Captain, Jūshirō Ukitake, had come across a rare phenomenon while on duty in the World of the Living—

A human Shinigami.

A human who had not yet transformed into a spirit, yet had acquired the power of a Shinigami.

And that human Shinigami was none other than Masatsuki Aozaki's old acquaintance—Kūgo Ginjō.

That kid had certainly honed his craft over the years!

Standing before the assembled captains, he spoke with remarkable eloquence and confidence.

Originally, he had relied on the Tsunayashiro Clan's influence to orchestrate an ambush and steal Shinigami powers in secret.

But the way he spun the tale, it sounded as if—

After a Shinigami was gravely wounded by Hollows, he had heroically stepped in to turn the tide.

Considering his active efforts in purifying Hollows and protecting humans during his time in the World of the Living, along with the fact that he possessed Reiatsu on par with a captain's, after some deliberation, Seireitei made a decision—

He was officially granted the title of "Substitute Shinigami."

He was assigned to the 11th Division, where he formed a Special Forces Unit for the World of the Living and took command as its captain.

And with that, the first Substitute Shinigami was born.

"Kūgo... can you talk to me?"

Inside the Aozaki family study, Masatsuki Aozaki sat in his seat, gazing at Kūgo Ginjō, who was sweating profusely.

When he had seen this man appear at the captain's meeting wearing a white haori, he had been so startled that his heart nearly stopped. Fortunately, his nerves were steely enough to keep his reaction from showing.

"Please speak, my lord. I will tell you everything..."

Kūgo Ginjō, kneeling before Masatsuki Aozaki, wiped his brow, forcing himself to remain composed.

Through his investigations, he had come to understand Masatsuki Aozaki's standing in Soul Society, and the realization left him in awe.

Masatsuki was not only a high-ranking noble of Seireitei, but he also had the open support of two of the Five Great Noble Clans, with another neutral clan leaning in his favor.

More than that, the most powerful military force in Soul Society was led by his own Master.

He even held the title of "Kenpachi," marking him as the strongest Shinigami.

Meanwhile, the once-dominant Tsunayashiro Clan, who had prided themselves as the rulers of Soul Society, had fallen into decline.

It made Kūgo Ginjō wonder—had Masatsuki Aozaki's initial approach been nothing more than a maneuver in Seireitei's internal power struggle?

If so, there was no doubt about who had emerged as the ultimate victor.

Soul Society might as well be his domain now.

Kūgo Ginjō had no choice but to submit.

"Have you brought me the information I asked for?"

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