Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30 - 30: Discipleship

"Hello, Aozaki-kun. I'm Jūshirō Ukitake, also a disciple of Master Yamamoto. Nice to meet you." Ukitake greeted him with a warm smile.

Masatsuki Aozaki returned the smile. "Ukitake-senpai, it's a pleasure. I look forward to your guidance."

Hearing the word "senpai," Ukitake felt an unexpected sense of joy. His smile widened, his face even gaining a bit of color, and he was about to nod in acknowledgment when—

Yamamoto suddenly stood up, his expression turning solemn.

"Masatsuki Aozaki, today is your entrance assessment. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Seeing how serious he was, Masatsuki let out a quiet sigh.

Didn't he say last week that I was ready? There's no way he was bluffing just to test me... right?

Then why invite these two seniors here today?

Just to watch me embarrass myself? No way... he wouldn't be that petty.

But then, Masatsuki recalled the sight of Yamamoto roasting sweet potatoes with Ryūjin Jakka and suddenly wasn't so sure.

Still, no matter how much harder the challenge had become, he was confident he could pass.

"Captain-Commander, Hakuda fundamentals aren't all that interesting. I'd like to show you something different today."

What's this brat up to now?

Yamamoto's face remained calm, but a subtle, almost kind smile formed. At the same time, a faint but unmistakable pressure of Reiatsu spread from him.

He had already made up his mind—if Masatsuki couldn't give a proper explanation, then he would personally let him experience the Ikkotsu he was so eager to learn.

Feeling the weight of Yamamoto's presence, Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake instinctively tensed up.

Like a pair of quails, they hunched their shoulders and sipped their tea in silence, pretending to be invisible.

This kohai (junior brother) of theirs... was far too bold.

He hadn't even formally entered the school yet, and he was already pushing the old man's patience.

Yamamoto narrowed his eyes slightly. "Masatsuki Aozaki, I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Captain-Commander, you won't be disappointed. What I'm about to show you will be worth it."

As he spoke, Masatsuki shifted into a stance—legs firmly planted, fists clenched tight. The air around him stirred as if responding to his movements.

Yamamoto frowned, scrutinizing him closely. The boy looked completely serious, not like he was bluffing.

"Could it be... he's actually grasped something?"

Thinking this, he motioned for Masatsuki to come at him.

Masatsuki took a deep breath, then stepped forward sharply, launching a punch straight at Yamamoto.

"Bang!"

Yamamoto raised his arm to block. The moment fist met forearm, a shockwave rippled through the room, causing Kyōraku and Ukitake's hair to sway from the force.

"Wait... that technique... no way—"

Kyōraku and Ukitake's eyes widened in disbelief.

They knew this move too well.

It was Yamamoto's signature Hakuda technique.

Feeling the impact against his arm, even Yamamoto's expression flickered with surprise.

This kid... actually pulled it off...

Just from the basic techniques I taught him... he managed to comprehend Ikkotsu!

For years, he had always believed that Kyōraku and Ukitake were prodigies—geniuses beyond the reach of ordinary Shinigami.

But compared to Masatsuki... those two might as well have been average.

In just a few months—without guidance—purely through fundamental training and self-study, he had achieved something that took others years.

How long had it taken Kyōraku to learn Ikkotsu under his direct instruction?

Five years.

A full five years.

At first, Yamamoto was stunned.

Then, a surge of joy swelled within him.

But finally... he fell into deep thought.

Yamamoto sat behind the tea table for a long moment before finally speaking.

"Masatsuki Aozaki, do you wish to take me as your master and become my disciple?"

"..."

Masatsuki stared at the old man in shock, momentarily at a loss.

Didn't they rehearse a whole formal disciple initiation last week? How did it suddenly skip to the final step?

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