Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 232: Self-Deception

Chapter 232: Self-Deception

Under the watchful eyes of the 8th Division members, Masatsuki Aozaki was unceremoniously dragged into the captain's office by Shunsui Kyōraku.

Once inside, Kyōraku pushed Masatsuki down onto a seat before settling into the chair across from him.

With a smile that was neither too friendly nor too stern, he spoke in a gentle tone.

"My dear junior, would you mind telling your senior what exactly is going on between you and little Nanao?"

Masatsuki Aozaki's expression stiffened slightly, but he forced himself to stay composed as he countered,

"Senpai, you're not Nanao's guardian, so why do you even care about this?"

That question made Kyōraku pause.

He honestly didn't know how to respond.

Was he supposed to tell his junior that he was actually Nanao's uncle? That he had once promised her mother to keep her away from the Ise family's curse? That he had hidden the truth all this time to sever her ties with her lineage?

If he said that outright, Masatsuki would probably just think he was making up a ridiculous excuse to break them apart.

But it wasn't as if he could just pull out the cursed sword as proof either.

Kyōraku let out a long sigh, muttering to himself,

"Man, this is a real headache..."

Just then, Masatsuki abruptly changed the subject, his tone turning teasing.

"Squad members' love lives have nothing to do with the captain, you know. You should worry about yourself first. You're already past your prime and still single—don't tell me you're actually into men?"

Masatsuki Aozaki spoke with absolute confidence.

Right now, the advantage was his. He and Nanao were in a perfectly normal relationship—outsiders had no right to interfere.

"No wonder you dress so flamboyantly every day. Stay away from me!" Masatsuki took two steps back, looking at Kyōraku with exaggerated wariness.

"You little brat, how dare you turn this on me!"

Kyōraku's eye twitched, momentarily speechless.

"You just don't have any taste," he finally retorted. "My style is something people wish they could copy. The female squad members love it! What do you know, brat?"

"Whoever wants to copy it can go right ahead, but I sure don't. The flashy, flirtatious route isn't my thing—I'm more suited to a cool and sophisticated look."

Masatsuki waved his hand dismissively, his tone full of disdain.

Kyōraku almost jumped out of his seat in anger.

This brat dares to question my sense of fashion?!

Oh, I'll deal with him later!

But for now, the priority was figuring out what was going on between Masatsuki and Nanao.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to calm down before speaking seriously.

"Alright, enough fooling around. I'm being serious here, Masatsuki. You need to tell me exactly what's going on between you and Nanao."

"As her captain, I have a responsibility to look after my squad members, and there may even be potential dangers involved. I need you to cooperate and understand that."

Masatsuki playfully stuck out his tongue.

"Oh come on, senpai, a thousand-year-old bachelor like you couldn't possibly understand the beauty of love! You'll get it once you fall in love yourself."

Kyōraku's face twitched.

Him? Not understanding love?

He was Seireitei's most famous romance novelist, for crying out loud!

This... this was a direct insult to his professional expertise!

"Heh, I'm the author of The Path of Roses. Do you even know what that is? It's Seireitei's best-selling romance novel! How could I not understand love!?"

Masatsuki Aozaki raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of irritation.

"If you know so much, then why are you still asking all these questions?"

Kyōraku was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he could only sigh helplessly.

"Fine, I'll let it go. But I do have one more question for you... Masatsuki, do you fear death?"

Masatsuki shook his head. "Of course not! I've brushed shoulders with death more times than I can count just to get where I am today. We're practically old friends by now—what's there to be afraid of?"

Kyōraku blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He had nearly forgotten that, despite how well Masatsuki was doing now, he had endured his fair share of hardship.

The struggles he faced in Seireitei were one thing, but before that, he had ruled over a district in Rukongai.

And Kyōraku knew what kind of place Rukongai was. Anyone who made it to the top there had fought for it, tooth and nail.

This brat really is tough.

Masatsuki gave a casual smile. "What's wrong, senpai? You're saying falling in love is so dangerous it might cost me my life?"

"Haha, of course not!" Kyōraku quickly waved his hands. "But if I told you that being with Nanao might actually put your life at risk, would you still be this confident?"

"I would." Masatsuki met his gaze head-on.

"There's nothing more to say. My answer won't change."

He leaned back slightly. "That's not the only reason you called me here, is it? Let's get to the real topic."

Kyōraku stared at him for a long moment before finally letting out a sigh.

"I just hope you won't regret it."

Masatsuki didn't take his warning seriously. frёewebnoѵēl.com

With the Hōgyoku fused inside him, he couldn't die even if he wanted to. Some so-called Ise family curse? He wasn't worried in the slightest.

"...Actually, the old man was the one who asked me to bring you here," Kyōraku admitted, finally getting to the point.

Masatsuki frowned. "The old man?" He hadn't sensed any trace of his Reiatsu.

Kyōraku explained, "He wants the Shiba Clan to return to Seireitei."

Masatsuki scratched his head. "The Shiba Clan? They left Seireitei years ago—why bring them back now?"

"The remaining children of the Tsunayashiro Clan can't control what's left of their family's power," Kyōraku said. "With the political landscape in turmoil, Master wants the Shiba Clan to take their place and help maintain Seireitei's stability."

Masatsuki scoffed. "There are only four people left in the Shiba Clan. How are they supposed to replace the Tsunayashiro Clan?"

"They may be few in number, but Captain Isshin and Lieutenant Kaien are exceptional talents, aren't they?"

Kyōraku gave him a knowing glance, a strange smile forming on his lips.

"Not to mention... they have the backing of a certain monster—the 11th generation Kenpachi."

Masatsuki clicked his tongue. "Senpai, you sure think highly of me."

"The Five Great Noble Clans aren't just noble because their ancestors once followed the Soul King," Kyōraku continued. "Their bloodline has ensured their military dominance for generations."

"In the end, this is a world where strength rules. Even if Master appears to submit to the Central 46, do you think any of those so-called rulers actually dare to treat him like a servant?"

"Captain Isshin has already agreed, but he said he can only represent the branch family. The main family is beyond his control... and that's where you come in."

Masatsuki tapped his chin thoughtfully. "And why didn't the old man just tell me himself?"

Kyōraku sighed. "He doesn't want to get directly involved in noble affairs, so he sent me—the high-ranking noble—to deliver the message instead."

Masatsuki smirked. "Isn't that just willful ignorance?"

Kyōraku chuckled. "Who says it isn't?"

...

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