Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73 - 73: Become Stronger

"Alright, that's enough fun."

Masatsuki Aozaki casually scanned the dungeon hall, now reduced to rubble, before pulling out a well-preserved pill from inside his clothing.

He ran his tongue over his lips, tilted his head back, and popped the pill into his mouth. Grinning, he revealed his pristine white teeth as he bit down with a satisfying crunch.

"Everyone... thank you for risking your lives to fight me. This battle was truly enjoyable!"

"I look forward to our next encounter. Hopefully, you'll be stronger next time."

Masatsuki propped one foot on a boulder, taking a moment to catch his breath. In just a few seconds, his Reiryoku had fully replenished.

Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he glanced at the prisoners sprawled across the ground, then turned toward the dungeon's exit.

Upon stepping outside, he turned to one of the Shinigami stationed at the entrance.

"Turn the surveillance bugs back on."

"Yes, sir."

One of the Shinigami, eyes filled with admiration, gave a nod before running off toward the monitoring room.

"Aozaki-sama."

Another Shinigami suddenly stepped forward and spoke respectfully.

"What is it?" Masatsuki frowned slightly.

"Just now, the Captain and Ninth Seat Ichimaru came by. They said Shin'ō Academy was under attack, and the Central 46 Compound has ordered reinforcements."

"I see."

Masatsuki rubbed his chin, nodding as he processed the information.

Without hesitation, he left the Nest of Maggots, taking two squad members with him as he headed toward Shin'ō Academy.

He stepped through the door with a carefree ease, as if he were heading out on a casual outing with classmates.

The moment the door closed behind him, Seireitei fell into a deathly silence.

Masatsuki walked for some time, but his pace gradually slowed.

Not far ahead, he noticed two patrolling Shinigami holding lanterns. He frowned.

Seireitei at night was nothing new to him. Many of his activities required the cover of darkness—where sins could be concealed in the shadows.

Maybe it was a remnant of logic from his past life, but he had always felt that nighttime was the safest time to do bad things.

It was self-deception, perhaps, but that irrational belief had always brought him a strange sense of security.

Yet... tonight felt different.

"What are they standing there for? Slacking off?" Masatsuki muttered casually, though his muscles had already tensed, ready for combat at a moment's notice.

He could tell the difference between a patrolling Shinigami and a stationed guard.

And he knew the difference between the living and the dead.

The air was unnervingly still.

The two figures in the distance remained motionless, yet there was no sense of life coming from them.

His seemingly offhand remark had also caught the attention of two Onmitsukidō members lurking in the shadows.

They froze, holding their breath as they carefully observed their surroundings from the rooftops.

A long moment passed before Masatsuki felt the familiar sensation of a gentle breeze against his skin.

Yes... night really was the best time to do bad things.

Glancing up at the sky, now obscured by thick clouds, his hand slowly moved to the hilt of his blade.

...

"Is that a patrol Shinigami?!"

"Damn it! Who would dare commit murder within Seireitei?!"

"Their bodies haven't dissolved into Reishi yet—the attacker must still be nearby!"

Shouting, several night patrol Shinigami gripped their lanterns tightly and ran in the direction of the bloodstains.

But just as they rounded a street corner, several dark figures suddenly dropped from above.

They wore black masks and night-ops attire that blended seamlessly into the darkness, exuding an air of mystery.

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