Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 201: Could It Be... You’re Scared?

Seireitei, 1st Division Headquarters.

Masatsuki Aozaki sat with a troubled expression, occasionally hissing in pain as he pressed his hands tightly against his chest, trying to ease the discomfort.

With an apologetic look, he said to the bald old man in front of him, "I'm sorry, Master. It was my fault—I got carried away."

Yamamoto nodded slightly, satisfied with his young apprentice's performance. At this moment, he was bare-chested, dried blood still clinging to his face, yet his expression was filled with an unmistakable sense of joy.

He casually picked up a teacup from the table, tilted his head back, and drank it in one go before speaking slowly. "Breaking through to First-Class Spiritual Power at such a young age... I've said it many times before, but I still have to praise your talent."

His gaze lingered on Masatsuki Aozaki's well-built physique, a flash of unreserved appreciation in his eyes. "Especially your body—it's impressive. It shows that you haven't slacked off in your Hakuda training."

Hearing his Master's praise, Masatsuki quickly stood up and respectfully replied, "This is all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master. However, this is not my full strength. If you allow me to release my Zanpakutō, then my Reiatsu..."

Before he could finish, Yamamoto's stern voice cut him off. "Silence!"

His expression darkened, and his tone became especially serious as he firmly warned, "Do not overestimate your abilities, nor underestimate your enemies. There is always someone stronger."

"The Zanpakutō is a Shinigami's most important partner, but there will be times when even it is powerless. You must never use it as an excuse to neglect your own training."

"Today's battle may have ended in your defeat, but it was still a valuable lesson for you."

"Remember—never grow arrogant. Stay vigilant at all times."

"More importantly, do you truly understand what it means to possess First-Class Spiritual Power?"

"That level of strength is immense. Its sheer pressure alone is enough to completely suppress ordinary squad members and even weaker Lieutenants."

Yamamoto's voice was low and grave, emphasizing the weight of his words.

"If you were to unleash your Bankai right now, no Shinigami below Captain level would survive!" he continued, a trace of concern in his tone.

Masatsuki frowned, doubt flashing across his face. "If that's the case, then I just have to suppress my Reiatsu so they won't sense it, right?"

He scratched his head, looking quite confident in his solution. "After all this, are you telling me you're afraid?"

"Ahem—"

Yamamoto had just lifted his teacup for another sip when he heard those words. He coughed twice, cleared his throat, and said, "Such insolence! Do you really think an old man like me—hailed as the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years—would be afraid of a brat like you?"

"I'm simply concerned that since you've only just broken through to First-Class Spiritual Power, you might not be able to fully control your Reiatsu when using Bankai. That could cause unnecessary disturbances."

"The Gotei 13 relies on every single squad member to maintain order in Seireitei."

Though he spoke with confidence, deep down, Yamamoto couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease.

He truly didn't understand how this disciple of his had developed such monstrous physical endurance.

Even after taking a direct hit from his Ikkotsu, all Masatsuki had suffered was some internal damage and a bit of blood loss.

If it had been Shunsui Kyōraku, getting hit by an Ikkotsu head-on without a Zanpakutō to defend himself would have left him either crippled or severely injured.

As for Jūshirō Ukitake? There'd be no need for a follow-up—just proceed straight to a Konsō Reisai ritual. If they were lucky, they'd even save money on his next meal.

If this kid really used Bankai and raised his Reiatsu to the same level as mine... Even if I release my Zanpakutō, I won't be able to increase my own Reiatsu further. If it comes down to pure Hakuda, I might not actually win.

Thankfully, as his Master, I have the final say. With just a few words, I've managed to keep him from using his Zanpakutō.

So this... is the taste of power?

Quite sweet, indeed.

"By the way, stay put for the next few days," Yamamoto said, his expression carrying a hint of mystery. "There's an important figure who wants to meet you. They should be looking for you in the 11th Division or the Noble District within the next couple of days."

"That person holds a prestigious status, and their family's duty is tied to the survival of the Three Worlds. Show them the proper respect."

"A noble? And their family is involved in the survival of the Three Worlds? Someone from the Soul King's Palace?"

"No." Yamamoto shook his head. "It's one of the Five Great Noble Clans—the Yomi Clan."

"Never heard of them." Masatsuki Aozaki scoffed.

"They never involve themselves in Seireitei's affairs. I don't know much about what they actually do, only that they're connected to Hell."

Yamamoto's tone carried a trace of impatience, clearly aware of his young disciple's distaste for nobles.

"Hell, huh..." Masatsuki murmured, deep in thought.

For the Three Worlds, Hell had always been a looming threat. freёweɓnovel.com

Over millions of years, countless powerful souls had been sent there, and once inside, they became immortal—unable to die, unable to be destroyed.

If, one day, the Reiatsu of the Three Worlds could no longer suppress the Gates of Hell, it would spell disaster for all existence.

"That's right. Hell."

...

In the 11th Division, an elderly noble dressed in an ornate kimono sat across from Masatsuki Aozaki.

"The Yomi Clan is said to manage Hell, but in truth, we only observe it. After all, the will of Hell is an existence on par with the Soul King."

"While it can only operate according to Hell's own laws, that also means we Shinigami cannot interfere in that world."

Masatsuki leaned forward in his seat, meeting the nobleman's gaze head-on. "So... what exactly does Hoshi-sama want to ask?"

"I want to know—did Kenpachi Kiganjō truly die?" Hoshi Yomi narrowed his eyes.

Masatsuki blinked in surprise.

Kenpachi Kiganjō.

A familiar name.

So, they had noticed something was off.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Are they trying to start trouble?"

"Masatsuki-sama has already become Kenpachi, and yet they're asking something like this?"

Before Masatsuki could react, the high-ranking Seated Officers of the 11th Division had already erupted in outrage.

Some were even ready to draw their swords, but Gin Ichimaru and Mashiro Kuna stopped them with a single glance.

Masatsuki raised a hand, signaling for silence. The room fell quiet instantly.

"My apologies. My men are passionate warriors—sometimes a little hotheaded. I hope you won't take offense, Hoshi-sama."

"No offense taken. As a combat division, this kind of spirit only proves that Captain Masatsuki is leading them well."

Hoshi Yomi shook his head.

"But there was something unusual about the Konsō Reisai ritual. Kenpachi Kiganjō's spirit did enter Hell... yet his soul does not seem to be within Hell itself."

"We suspect that this anomaly may have disrupted Hell's natural order, which is why Hell's will has recently begun to stir."

Hearing this, even Masatsuki found himself reevaluating his opinion of the Yomi Clan.

Now this—this was how a noble family should act.

The Tsunayashiro Clan could really stand to learn a thing or two.

For all that they were both among the Five Great Noble Clans, the difference was staggering.

Honestly... it seemed like the Tsunayashiro Clan was the only true parasite among them.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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