Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 203: Give It Your All

When it comes to the Soul King's organs, one cannot ignore the Wandenreich, where both the Soul King's heart and left arm reside.

"...Aside from what happens to Jūshirō-senpai," Masatsuki Aozaki said, snapping his fingers. "Take some time to keep an eye on Seireitei's shadows."

"Shadows?" Mayuri Kurotsuchi glanced around before turning to Masatsuki. "What do you mean?"

"The Quincy you've been so fixated on," Masatsuki replied with a smile.

"You think that's funny?" Mayuri frowned.

This was Seireitei—the heart of the Shinigami's rule. How could the Quincy possibly be here?

"Nine hundred years ago," Masatsuki continued, as if speaking to himself, "the war between the Shinigami and the Quincy came to an end. But the Quincy didn't perish. In the shadows of Seireitei, they created a hidden space."

"Some of the Quincy who survived the war took refuge there and established a nation—the Wandenreich."

"The war when the Quincy invaded the Soul Society?"

"Exactly."

"But how do you know all this?"

"I have my ways."

"Shouldn't this be something we ask Kisuke Urahara about?"

Mayuri ignored Masatsuki's smirk entirely.

"He's a captain of the Gotei 13. The security of Seireitei should be his concern, shouldn't it?"

"For now, I don't want anyone else to know about this," Masatsuki said.

A strange, eerie grin spread across Mayuri's face. "So, there's something in there that matters to you..."

"You could say that," Masatsuki said indifferently. "I need you to find a way into the Schatten Bereich."

Mayuri gritted his teeth. "You bastard, are you treating me like your subordinate?"

"Aren't you?" Masatsuki raised an eyebrow. "Don't forget my position—advisor to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. As deputy director, you rank below me. Technically, that makes you my subordinate."

"Tsk, that damned woman, Kirio Hikifune," Mayuri muttered.

Masatsuki stood, placing a hand on Mayuri's shoulder with an almost exaggerated warmth. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

"Don't look so miserable. This is mutually beneficial."

"The Quincy who once invaded Seireitei... You know how brutal that war was."

"You know my strength. You'll need it if you want to stand a chance against them."

As he spoke, Masatsuki released a faint pulse of Reiatsu, giving Mayuri a glimpse of his current power.

"And I'll only take what I need. In return, I'll bring back a few Quincy for you to study—pure-blooded Quincy."

Pure-blooded Quincy... now that was tempting.

But this guy's Reiatsu... it's terrifying!

A flicker of shock passed through Mayuri's eyes before he smirked.

"Fine. I accept."

"A wise choice," Masatsuki nodded.

...

The Thirteenth Division was built in the outskirts of Seireitei, with a winding cobblestone path along the river leading toward its barracks.

Masatsuki Aozaki walked along this path, birds chirping in the ginkgo trees above. From time to time, passing Shinigami greeted him with respect.

These were members of various divisions.

As the Captain of the Eleventh Division, Masatsuki Aozaki commanded immense respect, even from those outside his own squad. It was both an acknowledgment of his strength and recognition of his approachable yet formidable nature.

The Thirteenth Division's grounds were vast, but unlike the Second Division's grandeur or the Eleventh Division's battlefield-like environment, it had the tranquility of a secluded retreat, suited for those of refined and gentle temperament.

Its barracks, built in the traditional Japanese style, consisted of numerous courtyards and pavilions arranged harmoniously. A faint, calming fragrance lingered in the air, adding to the serene atmosphere.

The entrance was brightly lit, and a Shinigami in Shihakushō stepped forward to welcome him.

Masatsuki Aozaki was a well-known figure among the Shinigami—not only as a disciple of Yamamoto but also as the one who had crushed multiple captain-level opponents during the rebellion. His reputation in the Gotei 13 was such that he even had two dedicated fan groups.

It was inevitable that his name would carry weight within Seireitei.

The guard at the entrance had clearly been informed of his arrival. Stepping back respectfully, he bowed deeply.

"Kenpachi Aozaki, the Captain has been expecting you."

His voice wasn't loud, but to the keen-eared Shinigami in the vicinity, it was impossible to miss.

The large doors, previously shut, slowly creaked open. All eyes in the courtyard immediately turned to Masatsuki Aozaki.

If he noticed the attention, he showed no hint of unease. He had long grown accustomed to being in the spotlight and accepted it with his usual composure.

"It's Captain Masatsuki!" a girl whispered excitedly, her eyes practically sparkling.

The gathered Shinigami exchanged knowing glances.

For beings as long-lived as the Shinigami, encounters with handsome men and beautiful women were not uncommon—but Masatsuki Aozaki was in a league of his own.

Among the striking figures of the Soul Society, he stood at the very top.

When he was present, even a noble like Sōjun Kuchiki or the delicate and sickly Jūshirō Ukitake failed to draw attention.

It wasn't just about good looks—what made it overwhelming was that Masatsuki Aozaki knew exactly how striking he was.

He was well aware of his charm and carried himself with an effortless confidence, letting the gazes linger on him as he strode forward.

As Masatsuki entered the main residence, the courtyard behind him gradually resumed its lively chatter.

With his sharp hearing, he caught snippets of excited murmurs:

"Kenpachi-sama is so handsome!"

"Did you see that? Masatsuki-sama looked at me just now!"

"I should've joined the Eleventh Division back then..."

...

The hallways inside the residence were quiet and refined. Though Jūshirō Ukitake was not of particularly high noble status, the tasteful decor still reflected a certain aristocratic elegance.

Surprisingly, instead of a key officer from the Thirteenth Division, it was Isane Kotetsu, the Lieutenant of the Fourth Division, who greeted him.

"Isane, what are you doing here?" Masatsuki asked, slightly puzzled as he watched Isane approach.

"I came to check on Captain Ukitake's health... and to visit my sister," Isane said shyly, her large eyes darting nervously. "Please follow me—Captain Ukitake is in the Ugendō."

"Is this really okay?" Sentarō Kotsubaki, the Third Seat of the Thirteenth Division, peeked out from behind a wall, glancing around. "Your sister looks like she's about to pass out."

"This is the only way," said Kiyone Kotetsu, the acting Lieutenant of the Thirteenth Division, as she also poked her head out. "Feelings aren't meant to be hidden—you have to make them known."

"Otherwise, with how she is, she'll never take that step."

"But don't you think your sister looks kind of pitiful right now?" Sentarō smirked.

"The more critical the moment, the stronger she has to be!" Kiyone declared, raising a tiny fist in the air as if cheering for Isane. "You can do it, Sis!"

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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