Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31 - 31: A Good Plan

Masatsuki Aozaki nodded and shifted his gaze away from Jūshirō Ukitake.

Looking at Shunsui Kyōraku, as if something had just come to mind, he asked directly,

"Master is busy. Do you have time, Kyōraku-senpai? I remember Master mentioning that you also learned Sōkotsu."

"You mean that move..." Shunsui Kyōraku chuckled but then suddenly straightened up and said with complete seriousness, "Actually, I don't know it!"

Masatsuki Aozaki and Jūshirō Ukitake froze at the same time.

Ukitake thought back carefully, confirming that his memory wasn't mistaken—Kyōraku had learned Sōkotsu. He turned to look at him in confusion.

"Shunsui, no need to keep secrets from our junior, is there?"

"I'm not hiding anything—I really don't know it," Kyōraku insisted.

"What do you mean?" Ukitake still didn't understand.

Kyōraku had studied for years and even passed Yamamoto's tests. How could he suddenly claim he didn't know it?

"Well, to be honest, I never really put much effort into learning it," Kyōraku admitted, lazily waving his hand. "Basic Hakuda was fine, but Ikkotsu and Sōkotsu were way too much work. So I just practiced the stances, faked my way through it, and tricked the old man into thinking I'd learned it."

"...You faked it?" Masatsuki asked, skeptical.

Kyōraku instinctively glanced toward the dojo, as if checking whether Yamamoto had come out, before lowering his voice.

"The Hakuda test back then was completely different from how it is now. Back then, they used props reinforced with Kidō. So, I... modified them a little in advance, and well..."

"..."

Ukitake stared at him in stunned silence, his expression quickly darkening with frustration.

I worked so hard just to try to learn this, and you—because you were too lazy—cheated your way through it?!

Kyōraku, feeling the weight of Ukitake's glare, scratched his head awkwardly before flashing a sheepish grin.

"Well, I may not have learned it, but I still remember some of the theory. Oh, and I've got a few bottles of excellent sake stored at a bar in the First District of West Rukongai."

"How about this? We drink while we talk. It's close to the academy, so after we're done, our dear junior here can head back and rest."

"Or we could go to the 8th Division instead. I've got plenty of good sake hidden in my room, and Lisa's got some interesting things in her collection that I'm sure you'd enjoy."

"Our 8th Division is way safer than the Shin'ō Academy. If you get tired, you can just crash there—no need to worry about anything."

Ukitake immediately waved his hand, firmly rejecting the idea.

"No way. If you practice Hakuda the wrong way, it'll definitely cause long-term damage to your body."

"The reason the academy doesn't teach the Captain-Commander's Hakuda techniques is because they're not suited for everyone. Without enough talent, training improperly will cause serious injuries. That's why it was never incorporated into the academy's curriculum."

"Don't lead our junior astray. Let him go back and rest. He can learn properly from the teacher next time."

Kyōraku let out a long sigh.

"Well, if that's the case, then there's nothing I can do. But if Masatsuki ever wants to come to the 8th Division, he's welcome anytime."

With that, the two bid farewell to Masatsuki Aozaki and walked off down the corridor.

...

"In that case, why don't you come to my house?"

Hearing the voice, Masatsuki Aozaki looked up at the ceiling.

A short-haired girl leaped down from above.

"You've been waiting for me?" Masatsuki asked thoughtfully.

"That's right," Yoruichi Shihōin admitted casually. "I didn't have anything better to do, so I wandered around the 1st Division while waiting for you to finish class."

Masatsuki frowned. "Why were you waiting for me? Do you want to spar again?"

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