Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - 5: The First Business Deal

"Sō-san, don't like the food?"

Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at Sōjun Kuchiki, who sighed softly, then shifted his gaze to the nearby table reserved for teachers.

The long table was adorned with exquisitely carved food boxes, clearly from an esteemed household. Servants stood attentively by, bowing as they carefully arranged the boxes in perfect order.

As the heir of the Kuchiki family—one of the Four Noble Families—Sōjun Kuchiki embodied nobility in every aspect, even in something as simple as dining. The difference between a true aristocrat and someone like Masatsuki, a self-made "rich man," was apparent at a glance.

Compared to this refined young master, the so-called "luxurious meal" Masatsuki and his friends were enjoying barely deserved the title.

"Well, Masatsuki, you can call me Kuchiki-sensei or Sōjun-sensei, but 'Sō-san' isn't quite right." Sōjun Kuchiki offered a warm smile and gestured invitingly.

"Help yourself to whatever you'd like."

Is this really the so-called "perfect gentleman" Sōjun Kuchiki? He's almost too kind.

He wasn't as strict as his father, Ginrei Kuchiki, nor as cold and distant as his son, Byakuya Kuchiki.

Masatsuki silently marveled at the difference but spoke with genuine admiration.

"You're truly a generous person. Well then, we won't hold back."

Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed a few slices of wagyu beef, tuna sashimi, and premium sushi, acting as though he belonged at the table.

Rangiku Matsumoto stared at the food before swallowing hard, but unlike Masatsuki, she wasn't shameless enough to dig in the moment someone extended an offer.

Gin Ichimaru let out a helpless sigh.

He had long known Masatsuki was socially awkward. Back in Rukongai, that very trait had somehow landed Gin in the role of his reluctant subordinate. Now, even in Seireitei, Masatsuki showed no intention of changing his ways.

Gin's narrow eyes darted toward Sōjun Kuchiki, subtly assessing his reaction. Seeing that the nobleman wasn't offended, he sighed in relief.

Sōjun Kuchiki chuckled softly and turned his attention to Rangiku, who sat beside Masatsuki, staring longingly at the meal before her.

"Matsumoto, Ichimaru, you should eat as well. With your talent, a meal like this isn't nearly enough to support your growth."

"You'll both become exceptional swordsmen one day, tasked with protecting Soul Society. Don't waste your potential."

With that, he pushed two food boxes toward them.

In the end, Rangiku couldn't resist and reached for the chopsticks.

Gin, however, politely lowered his head and nudged the box back.

"Thank you, Kuchiki-sensei, but this is already more than enough for me..."

"You've never had real food before, have you?" Masatsuki interrupted before Gin could finish. "This stuff is even better than what I've had in the World of the Living. If you don't try it, you'll regret it."

Without waiting for a response, Masatsuki grabbed a grilled fish from the box and dropped it into Gin's bowl.

"Oh, right. This is for you."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card, handing it to Sōjun Kuchiki.

"As long as the price is right, I can take care of anything."

"I know. The 'handyman,'" Sōjun Kuchiki replied with an amused smile. "The admissions instructors already told me about you."

"They said there was a student handing out business cards to the female teachers during the exam, claiming to offer all kinds of 'services.' Apparently, you had them all completely captivated. That was you, wasn't it?"

Masatsuki gave a sheepish smile.

"If nothing unexpected happened, yeah, that was probably me. Honestly, I didn't expect the teachers' demand to be so... high."

Then, as if realizing he needed to clarify, he quickly added, "But just so we're clear, some services are strictly for beautiful women. Don't get the wrong idea."

"What kind of 'service' only caters to women..." Sōjun Kuchiki took the business card, slipping it into his pocket. For a moment, he paused—then chuckled.

"Hmph, you little troublemaker. Still, you should take on fewer of these jobs. A young man's health is important, you know. Moderation is key."

"You actually understand what I mean?" Masatsuki raised an eyebrow.

"Understand what?" Sōjun Kuchiki blinked at him innocently. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"What you need to focus on is your own safety. Leave the dangerous matters to us." _{fre(e)webnove.l.c.om}

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