Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 292

Chapter 292 - 292: Domination

The recruitment standards of the 11th Division differ greatly from those of other divisions.

Since the time of the first Kenpachi, Yachiru Unohana, the 11th Division has been designated as a combat-focused unit. In this division, strength is the sole criterion for everything. If one is powerful enough, they can rise through the ranks; otherwise, they will naturally be eliminated.

This was the reason Yachiru Unohana transferred to the 4th Division. Hundreds of years ago, she was defeated by Kenpachi Zaraki. As a result, she deemed herself unfit to continue holding the title of Kenpachi or serving as the captain of the 11th Division.

The selection process for 11th Division members follows the same principle—only graduates with exceptional combat abilities are considered. However, ever since Masatsuki Aozaki took over as captain, a new criterion has been introduced: appearance.

Of course, strength remains the most important factor, but if two candidates possess similar levels of power, appearance will also be taken into account.

"What's your name, young lady?"

Masatsuki Aozaki asked with a gentle smile.

Hearing his voice, the girl looked up, her expression carrying a mix of nervousness and shyness. She softly replied,

"Masatsuki Nii-san... Oh! I mean, Captain Masatsuki. My name is Momo Hinamori."

Masatsuki Aozaki glanced down at the document in his hands, then suddenly raised his brows in surprise before bursting into laughter.

"16th-Class Spiritual Power? A little genius, huh? Not bad—you're in!"

Without hesitation, he grabbed the stamp on the table and firmly pressed it onto Momo Hinamori's file, officially marking her acceptance.

Calling her a little genius was no exaggeration.

Typically, fresh graduates from the Shin'ō Academy fall within the twentieth Spiritual Power Class. Those who surpass that level are considered geniuses.

Of course, even among geniuses, there are varying degrees. Some graduate in the teens, while others leave the academy already at the level of a Seated Officer, a Lieutenant, or even a Captain.

Sitting nearby, Gin Ichimaru watched the scene unfold, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly in disbelief.

Isn't she an old acquaintance?

I've seen you two together in Rukongai plenty of times. Who exactly are you trying to fool with this act?

Meanwhile, Momo Hinamori, flushed with excitement upon hearing she had been accepted, quickly stood up, bowed to Masatsuki Aozaki in gratitude, and then ran out of the room.

On the other side, Kenpachi Zaraki silently observed her departing figure and gave a slight nod.

Over the years, he had followed that old man and trained under him. Though he didn't particularly enjoy it, he had endured it—solely for the opportunity to cross blades with the man sitting beside him.

Beyond combat techniques, he had also been forced to pick up some common sense.

16th-Class Spiritual Power—weak. Incredibly weak.

There's no thrill in fighting that. Not worth the effort.

Just then, a white-haired boy stepped into the room. His gaze immediately locked onto Masatsuki Aozaki, his expression unfriendly as he silently took a seat.

"What's your name, kid?"

Masatsuki Aozaki smiled warmly at the boy, his tone full of enthusiasm.

Didn't you tell me to come here yourself?

The white-haired boy stared at the infuriating expression on Masatsuki's face and replied, enunciating each word clearly:

"Tōshirō Hitsugaya."

Masatsuki completely ignored Hitsugaya's gritted teeth and nodded in satisfaction.

"So, you're the genius who graduated from Shin'ō Academy in just one year. Barely qualifies you for our squad. You're in."

Hitsugaya clenched his fists, frustration rising in his chest.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to punch Masatsuki in the face.

He was starting to regret his decision.

If he hadn't listened to this guy's nonsense, he wouldn't have joined Shin'ō Academy in the first place.

Over the past year, everyone—teachers, classmates—had sung his praises, calling him a prodigy. When he graduated early, multiple captains personally invited him to join their squads.

Among them, the most tempting offer came from the gentle and kind-hearted captain of the 3rd Division, beloved by all.

And yet, looking at Masatsuki Aozaki's smug face now, Hitsugaya felt nothing but regret.

He must've been out of his mind to turn down that captain's offer and come to the 11th Division instead.

With that regret weighing on him, Tōshirō Hitsugaya officially became a member of the 11th Division.

...

After several more interviews, a black-haired girl slowly took a seat.

"It's Rukia-chan!"

Upon seeing her, Yachiru Kusajishi immediately perked up, waving excitedly.

Feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on her, Rukia blushed slightly and nodded back, a little shy.

"Hired."

Masatsuki Aozaki didn't even bother looking at her file this time.

As soon as Rukia left, the next candidate stepped forward—a black-haired woman with straight bangs, her hair tied back into a single braid.

Unsurprisingly, Masatsuki hired her without so much as a glance at her information.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify