Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97 - 97: Masked Monster

At that moment, Masatsuki Aozaki seemed almost possessed by Retsu Unohana.

Just as Unohana had once done during a Zanjutsu class at the Shin'ō Academy, he pointed out each flaw in Suì-Fēng's combat technique with precise clarity.

The onlookers mentally reenacted the battle between the two and quickly realized that Masatsuki was absolutely right, prompting murmurs of amazement.

As she listened to him highlight her weaknesses and offer solutions, Suì-Fēng's sharp eyes lit up—only to dim again a moment later.

If this man is my rival, how can I possibly remain by Lady Yoruichi's side?

As soon as their sparring match ended, several team members clenched their fists in anticipation, itching to challenge him next.

Unlike their more laid-back superior, these members were brimming with motivation.

Masatsuki, however, had no interest in them whatsoever, his expression making it clear that he found the idea bothersome.

He was willing to humor Suì-Fēng because she was Suì-Fēng—but as for the rest, they could find something else to do.

Scratching his head, he absentmindedly grabbed Suì-Fēng's hand and glanced toward the mountains northwest of the barracks.

"The training ground tour is over. Let's head to the Nest of Maggots."

"There's a newcomer there—the most powerful and most cowardly criminal in its history."

Powerful? Cowardly? How do those two words even go together?

Suì-Fēng tilted her head in confusion, momentarily forgetting to pull her hand away from his grasp.

The moment they stepped out of the exclusive training ground for the 3rd Seat, they were immediately surrounded by an eager crowd of squad members.

Fortunately, with Marenoshin Ōmaeda's help, Masatsuki and Suì-Fēng managed to slip away from the overly enthusiastic group.

After leaving the 2nd Division barracks, they made their way through the moat and dense forest, eventually arriving at the Nest of Maggots.

Gin Ichimaru was already there, waiting. When he noticed the unfamiliar girl at Masatsuki's side, his expression remained unchanged—calm and indifferent, as always.

—He was used to this.

"This isn't exactly an ideal spot for a date," Gin quipped. "If you're trying to charm a little girl, you should take her to the Noble District instead. With your noble status, the 10th Division won't bother arresting you."

In the past, the 10th Division wouldn't have dared to provoke a noble. But under a captain dead set on making his mark, that might not be the case anymore...

Masatsuki pondered this briefly before turning his gaze toward Suì-Fēng, who was a short distance away, storing her Zanpakutō.

Her petite frame certainly gave her a youthful appearance, but from their time traveling together, he was certain she was already an adult—just still in the middle of growing.

Though Masatsuki didn't quite understand how someone could be both fully grown and still developing at the same time.

But whatever. If Suì-Fēng said so, then it must be true. After all, she was both cool and adorable—who was he to argue?

Gesturing for her to follow, he casually waved to Gin before stepping into the underground prison that housed the most dangerous criminals.

The prisoners, as always, exuded menace, but Masatsuki had long since lost interest in them. With little effort, he swatted away any who dared to get too close.

Suì-Fēng could clearly sense the prisoners' Reiatsu, and the sheer power radiating from them left her stunned.

It wasn't just the strength of these criminals that shocked her—it was the way Masatsuki moved through this place as if it were his own backyard.

And the most unsettling part? He had been suppressing his Reiatsu the entire time. The realization made the whole situation feel almost surreal.

Pushing open the heavy prison doors, they arrived at Takasugi Hirofumi's cell.

The sheer durability of his confinement and the appalling conditions within were far beyond what was standard for a prisoner in the Nest of Maggots.

There were no torture devices scattered around, no grisly instruments of pain—just an empty space, barren except for the chains and shackles binding him to the wall.

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