Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47 - 47: The Gloomy Sun

That afternoon.

World of the Living.

"Masatsuki, what exactly is going on with you and that woman?"

Rangiku swung her fists at him, her soft punches landing harmlessly on his chest.

She had never interfered with Masatsuki's antics before, but even she had her limits. It was one thing when it came to Yoruichi and the others, but Asaka Tsunayashiro? That woman didn't seem like someone to be trusted.

"What do you mean, 'what's going on'? I don't get it."

Masatsuki held her close, his face unreadable.

Gin Ichimaru gave him a complicated look, then suddenly widened his eyes, his voice uncertain.

"Masatsuki... You're not planning to kill her here, are you?"

Masatsuki merely smirked and stayed silent.

Rangiku's anger flared, her cheeks puffing up as tears welled in her eyes.

"Masatsuki, say something!"

"You really do know me well, Gin," he sighed, finally breaking the silence. His hand brushed over the hilt of Banshō Senran.

"It's about time. She's here."

His gaze shifted into the distance, his voice eerily calm.

She's here?

Rangiku and Gin froze.

Masatsuki didn't name her, but they both knew exactly who he meant.

But why?

They had been talking just fine moments ago. What had suddenly changed his mind?

Then, they recalled something small but strange.

Ever since they had arrived in the World of the Living, Masatsuki had been glancing off into the distance now and then, as if waiting for something.

Before they could react, he had already released Rangiku, his eyes turning cold.

"Masatsuki."

A voice rang in his ears. He turned to see Gin stepping closer.

After a brief pause, Gin spoke seriously.

"Are you sure about this? That's the Tsunayashiro Clan—one of the Four Great Noble Houses. No Shinigami would dare do something like this."

"And even though she's our enemy, now's not the right time to kill her."

"Maybe we should wait and come up with a plan..."

To kill the heir of the Tsunayashiro Clan.

He didn't say the words out loud.

He had never imagined himself even thinking something so reckless.

But now that the thought had taken root, he was surprised by how... unbothered he felt.

Damn it. He really was getting infected by this thick-headed idiot.

Gin let out a wry chuckle and shook his head.

Masatsuki suddenly laughed.

"Gin, I'm sure of it. I'm going."

"Why?" Gin Ichimaru asked, frowning in confusion.

Masatsuki's smile didn't fade, but his tone turned cold and deliberate.

"This isn't some impulsive decision. I have three reasons for killing her."

"First, as you've probably noticed, she's the backbone of their group—their real leader. Which makes her our true enemy."

"Second, she wants me dead. It doesn't matter whether she recognized me or not—before or after—it was always her intention."

"But she's too young. The moment she saw me, she realized who I was, but she couldn't hide the murderous intent in her eyes—not just toward me, but toward all of us."

"Third, she's too clever. The fact that she was willing to play along proves she's not just some lunatic."

"People like her are dangerous. If we don't take this chance now, she'll become a problem we'll regret later."

A cruel grin spread across Masatsuki's face.

"A foreseeable threat should be eliminated before it ever has the chance to take root."

The two stood in the depths of the forest, locked in a distant gaze. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting patterns of light and shadow over them.

Yet to Gin, the sunlight felt colder than the shade. It chilled him to the bone.

Masatsuki's grin only grew, his expression bordering on madness.

"The Tsunayashiro Clan—one of the Four Great Noble Houses. Such a grand title."

"But do you know how long I've put up with them? I've had enough of these clowns prancing around in front of me."

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