Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 306

Chapter 306: Chapter 306: Got Time

Inside the spacious palanquin, Rukia clung tightly to Masatsuki Aozaki’s hand.

She struggled to keep herself steady, trying not to lean into Masatsuki’s arms. Her large, expressive eyes darted around, scanning her surroundings.

"Nii-san, what exactly is the present you got me?"

Ever since they had left Seireitei, Masatsuki had been acting mysterious, which only piqued Rukia’s curiosity even more.

"Why don’t you guess?"

Masatsuki remained unfazed by her eager anticipation, offering only a cryptic smile in response.

"I really can’t figure it out."

Rukia shook her head in defeat, a trace of impatience showing on her adorable face.

To outsiders, she always presented herself as composed and reserved.

But in front of Masatsuki, she was like an innocent, playful child—lively and carefree.

"We’ve traveled quite a long way already. We should be arriving soon."

Masatsuki lifted the curtain slightly, glancing outside before turning back to her.

"If you really want to know, why not take a look for yourself?"

At his suggestion, Rukia couldn’t hold back her excitement any longer.

She immediately reached forward, lifting the front curtain of the palanquin and eagerly sticking her head out.

But the moment she caught sight of the building ahead—a place both familiar and unfamiliar, yet perfectly suited to her tastes—she froze in place.

Her eyes widened as she stared in disbelief, an overwhelming mix of emotions surging through her chest.

"Nii-san... how did you do this?"

She turned to him, her voice trembling with excitement.

"Do you like it?"

Masatsuki leaned in slightly, his voice gentle as he whispered by her ear.

"This tavern was abandoned after a fire. The owner no longer wanted it, so I bought it."

As one of the poorest districts in Rukongai, Inuzuri was known for its desolation and decay.

Yet, in the midst of this rundown area, a beautifully renovated tavern stood tall.

A sign shaped like an adorable rabbit hung above the entrance, and the building’s lavish decorations—both inside and out—stood in stark contrast to the bleak surroundings.

It was like a lone jewel gleaming in the dust.

"What about the owner? Is she okay?"

Rukia asked instinctively.

Masatsuki blinked in surprise before letting out a small chuckle, shaking his head.

She really is such a kind child...

Seeing his response, Rukia finally relaxed, a relieved smile appearing on her face. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and made her way inside.

...

The soft tapping of her straw sandals echoed gently against the wooden floor as she walked.

Each step was careful, almost hesitant, as if she were afraid of disrupting the tranquil atmosphere.

Her gaze slowly swept across the interior, her eyes brimming with nostalgia.

The tavern had undergone significant changes, yet it still stirred memories of a past that felt distant—perhaps not a happy past, but a part of her nonetheless.

Her eyes landed on a table where a bouquet of flowers rested.

A single cosmos—also known as an autumn sakura.

It was said that in Latin, the flower’s name bore a resemblance to the Japanese pronunciation of "Rukia."

She reached out, gently brushing her fingertips across the petals, feeling their delicate softness.

For a moment, she could almost see her younger self sitting at that very spot, wearing a bright, carefree smile.

But she knew the truth.

She hadn’t been happy back then.

Was the smile on her face at that time meant for the person she had become today?

Looking at the ghost of her past self, Rukia smiled.

"What do you think?"

Masatsuki Aozaki stepped inside, quietly standing beside Rukia. The corners of his lips curled into a warm smile.

He was certain she would love this place—it carried memories they had both shared. A place worth remembering.

"The style doesn’t quite match..."

Rukia turned to look at the familiar figure, a spark of joy flashing in her eyes. Without hesitation, she rushed forward like an excited little bird, throwing herself into his arms.

"Really? I thought you liked rabbits. If you don’t, I can always have Gin Ichimaru redo the decor."

Masatsuki smirked playfully, his voice filled with indulgence.

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