Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64 - 64: Decayed System

As Kirio Hikifune's figure disappeared into the distance, Masatsuki Aozaki and Kisuke Urahara both let out a sigh of relief.

Among the Gotei 13, Kirio Hikifune wasn't known for her combat prowess, but she was still a cut above the average captain.

Neither of them had reached captain level yet, and even if combat wasn't her specialty, she could still take them down in an instant if she wanted to.

Of course, they knew she wouldn't.

They just didn't want to get scolded for slacking off.

"That was way too close," Kisuke muttered, wiping away nonexistent sweat.

"Aren't you heading back? If Yoruichi finds out you snuck out, she'll probably lose all motivation to work too."

"I thought you were going to say, 'She'll drag me back to work.'"

"She's not that kind of person."

"True," Masatsuki nodded seriously, then chuckled. "Actually, that just reminded me of something."

"Hm? What is it?" Kisuke asked.

Masatsuki leaned in. "Can you make a protective suit? Something that can withstand Kidō attacks from a Seated Officer. Price isn't an issue."

Kisuke scratched his head. "What do you need a protective suit for? With your freakish durability, you really think a Seated Officer-level Kidō could even scratch you?"

"It's for Kūkaku," Masatsuki said, rubbing the back of his head with a grin.

"Kūkaku?" Kisuke stroked his chin. "Ah, I get it. With how reckless she is, her hobbies are pretty dangerous. Without proper protection, she definitely needs something like that."

"You really do read my mind," Masatsuki praised.

"No need for flattery," Kisuke sighed. "Just leave it to me. Kūkaku's my friend too, after all."

"If anything, I should be thanking you—I wouldn't have even thought about this if it weren't for you."

Masatsuki waved a hand with a smile. "Then I'll leave it to you. I need to find a new place to slack off."

"There's gotta be a limit to how much you slack... Well, not that I'm one to talk," Kisuke muttered.

As he watched Masatsuki practically skipping away, Kisuke sighed and strolled lazily back toward the barracks.

Meanwhile, Masatsuki carefully climbed onto the roof and slipped over the wall.

"Aozaki-san, why sneak over the wall instead of using the main path?"

A gentle voice drifted into his ears, warm and soothing like a spring breeze.

"Because it's more fun this way."

Masatsuki Aozaki answered instinctively before freezing for a moment. Then, his face lit up with recognition.

"Lieutenant Aizen! So it's you!"

Aizen adjusted his glasses, a polite smile gracing his lips. "It seems Aozaki-san is quite happy to see me. It's an honor that the Captain-Commander's disciple recognizes me."

"I should be the one honored," Masatsuki said with a grin. "Lieutenant Aizen's reputation is legendary at the Shin'ō Academy. There's not a single student or instructor who doesn't know your name."

"Many consider you an idol. Even now, your calligraphy is still displayed in the academy's grand hall. Every time I pass by, I can't help but stop and admire it."

"Oh? I didn't expect you to have an interest in calligraphy as well," Aizen said, feigning pleasant surprise.

Masatsuki nodded earnestly. "I've admired you for a long time, Lieutenant Aizen. Back at the academy, I wanted to enroll in your calligraphy class."

"But my training schedule was intense, and I didn't have the free time. Unfortunately, I had to give up on the idea."

"It's a shame I missed the opportunity to learn from you."

"Calligraphy can be learned at any time—it doesn't have to be at the Shin'ō Academy," Aizen said smoothly.

"I often practice in my spare time. If you're interested, feel free to come find me."

...

The patrolling Shinigami nearby had fallen into a strange silence, watching the two men shower each other with compliments.

Masatsuki hopped down from the wall and took a quick glance around. Strangely enough, no one seemed to be paying attention to him.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify