Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 91

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Chapter 91 - 91: Senkaimon

The next morning, at the 12th Division barracks...

"Here's what you asked for," Kisuke Urahara said, handing Masatsuki Aozaki a protective suit and an accessory.

"Got it. Then give this to Kirio-san." Masatsuki Aozaki extended his hand, offering a lunchbox. "Today's special recipe."

Kisuke Urahara took the lunchbox, weighing it in his hands to check its contents.

"Is your cooking really that good? Good enough to have a captain completely hooked?"

Kisuke had to admit—though his friend wasn't as intelligent as he was, he had unexpected talents in many areas. Cooking, for instance, was something Kisuke couldn't compete with at all.

After tasting his food once, Kirio Hikifune had arranged, through the channels of the Urahara Shop, for him to provide a takeout service. When Masatsuki Aozaki was training in Shunkō and disappeared for a month, Kirio Hikifune was practically losing her appetite.

The temptation was terrifying.

"Of course. Haven't you noticed how plump and healthy Rangiku and Gin have gotten?" Masatsuki Aozaki lowered his voice. "If you want to sneak a bite, I'll pretend I didn't see anything."

"No need. Captain Hikifune is extremely sensitive to numbers and weight—she'd know if even a single portion was missing."

Kisuke Urahara shuddered, as if recalling an unpleasant memory. Then, shifting the topic, he said, "Let me tell you about the gift you're giving. The protective suit is a good choice—Kūkaku can wear it while experimenting."

"As for the choker, see that metal ornament in the center? Pull it out, and it turns into a chain sword."

"But since you insisted on this design, how you present it is up to you."

Masatsuki Aozaki examined the necklace in his hands. It looked more like a choker, with a rhombus-shaped silver metal piece at the center, its hollowed-out section suspending a teardrop-shaped clear crystal.

He had no idea how such a small accessory could conceal an entire chain sword, but considering that Mayuri Kurotsuchi could hide a scythe in his ear, he decided not to dwell on it.

Tucking the items away, Masatsuki Aozaki asked, "Kisuke, can you make a Senkaimon?"

Kisuke Urahara scoffed. "No."

He already knew Masatsuki Aozaki had become a noble and was now looking for a personal Senkaimon. But no meant no—he wasn't about to lie about it.

"Can the Shinigami Research and Development Institute make one?"

Masatsuki Aozaki frowned. He hadn't expected it to be this difficult to obtain a Senkaimon.

He had searched all over the noble district this morning and still couldn't find a place that could make or sell one, which was why he had come to Kisuke for help. Yet even Kisuke, a noble himself, had no way of making one. It seemed these things were quite rare.

"As far as I know, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute doesn't have any information on that for now. You might want to ask Captain Hikifune—she might know how to make one," Kisuke suggested, glancing off into the distance.

Masatsuki Aozaki turned to look. A beautiful woman with purple hair was approaching.

"Masatsuki, I'd love to help you, but I'm sorry—I don't know how to make a Senkaimon either," Kirio Hikifune said, scratching her head.

Masatsuki Aozaki rubbed his chin. "I see..."

Kirio Hikifune sighed. "It's an extremely ancient technique—older than the Gotei 13 itself."

"Right now, only the oldest noble clans still retain this knowledge."

"If you really need one, you might want to ask Captain Shihōin for help."

"The Shihōin Clan, being one of the most ancient noble families in Soul Society, should have the technology to create a Senkaimon."

Masatsuki Aozaki nodded.

I get it now. I've just escaped the tiger's den, only to step into the lion's den.

"Thank you very much, Kirio-san!"

"No need to thank me."

Kirio Hikifune waved a hand dismissively. "If you really want to show your appreciation, let's have a cooking exchange sometime. I've almost mastered the dishes you taught me last time, but I still struggle with controlling the heat."