Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 220: Time

Pfft!

With a sharp, piercing sound, a bone-chilling torrent of water surged forward like a raging tidal wave, smashing through the tightly shut door ahead and sweeping across the space with unstoppable force.

A mysterious and powerful energy erupted—an ability belonging to an unknown Water-based Zanpakutō. The sheer force within the rushing water was overwhelming, carrying a ferocious momentum that seemed capable of tearing everything apart.

Yet, the intense heat radiating from Ryūjin Jakka clashed against it, making the approaching figure keenly aware of the threat.

The corridor ahead was eerily empty—only scattered ashes drifting in the wind and a thick, lingering mist filling the air. Through it, the surging torrent advanced like an unbridled beast, charging forward without restraint...

Faced with such a fierce assault, Masatsuki Aozaki merely smiled, unfazed.

With a simple, fluid motion, he swung his long katana, and in an instant, flames erupted, evaporating the rushing water completely. Confidence and composure filled him—he regarded his opponent as nothing more than insignificant insects.

With an unhurried pace, he walked forward, each step leaving a steady imprint on the floor. The closer he got to the end of the corridor, the denser the mist became, and from within it, cold steel glinted menacingly, growing ever more radiant.

Then, suddenly—

A rhythmic "tap, tap" echoed from beyond the door, as if someone was strolling inside at a leisurely pace.

Moments later, the footsteps abruptly ceased.

Then—Bang!

The dilapidated wooden door was violently kicked open, sending a thick wave of white steam billowing outward.

From within the swirling mist, a young man dressed in elaborate aristocratic attire slowly emerged.

His presence only deepened the mystery.

Illuminated by the crimson firelight, a face that felt both familiar and unknown stepped into view, greeting Masatsuki Aozaki with a bright, almost cheerful expression.

Though this was their first meeting, Masatsuki Aozaki recognized him.

Tokinada Tsunayashiro, on the other hand, couldn't see his face clearly, yet an unsettling sense of familiarity stirred within him.

More than thirty years ago, he had seen a portrait—of a young man's face, a face etched into his memory, impossible to forget.

He stepped forward, advancing down the corridor toward Masatsuki Aozaki, his grin twisted into something almost grotesque.

"You can't sense my Reiatsu because of this cloak, can you?"

"This cloak is quite useful." Masatsuki Aozaki pulled back his hood, revealing a face so striking it could shake one's mind with just a glance. frёewebnoѵēl.com

Now, the killing would continue. This man had to die—their grudge had lasted far too long.

"You're late. Those old men passed away peacefully," Masatsuki Aozaki said indifferently. "Though... the process might have been a bit painful."

"Haha! Masatsuki Aozaki, so it really is you! Hahahahaha!!" Tokinada Tsunayashiro laughed heartily. "Today is truly a double celebration. The old geezers in the main family are done for, and I don't even have to lift a finger."

Masatsuki Aozaki watched the madman in silence.

Through his perception, he could feel that the Reiatsu in the highest pavilion was rapidly fading. The one responsible, of course, was Kōga Kuchiki.

Everything was going smoothly there. Masatsuki Aozaki knew exactly what was happening. Aizen had orchestrated the plan, and Kōga Kuchiki was merely the executioner.

As for him—he had come to settle a personal grudge. At the same time, this was a preliminary test for the upcoming Hollowfication experiments.

"So, shall we continue?"

Tokinada Tsunayashiro suddenly extended his arm, pointing his Zanpakutō at Masatsuki Aozaki with a cold smirk.

"Captain Masatsuki, to be honest, I hate those old men too. If you think about it, we shouldn't really be enemies."

"But I want to kill you." Masatsuki Aozaki smirked in disdain, his voice calm. "Which means you're going to die here today."

"So there's no room for discussion?" Tokinada Tsunayashiro's gaze turned icy, his tone chilling. "Then die!"

Enrakyōten carved through the dense fog again and again, its crimson light flickering as it left shimmering trails in the air. The blade's arcs intertwined like an impenetrable web.

One after another, pristine white blades clashed against it, sparks bursting from the collisions. Slashes tore across Tokinada Tsunayashiro's body, carving countless bloody lines.

As Banshō Senran's blade became soaked in red, a clear wave of water surged from its steel, washing away the blood.

"How... how are you this strong?"

Tokinada Tsunayashiro gritted his teeth, his bloodied mouth trembling in disbelief.

He had always considered himself equal to his two fellow veteran captains. Yet now, he was being completely overpowered by a junior.

Their blades clashed once more—his knees buckled slightly.

"You've been locked away for too long," Masatsuki Aozaki said mockingly, pausing slightly. "A frog in a well has no idea how much the world has changed."

With a single slash, Masatsuki Aozaki sent Tokinada Tsunayashiro staggering backward, slicing a shallow cut across his face. His Zanpakutō dipped slightly, red droplets falling from its edge.

"Damn it."

More sword strikes came at him in rapid succession. Tokinada Tsunayashiro no longer had time for mind games—words wouldn't save him now.

It was just like back when his wife was still alive. She had been a mature adult, while he had always remained the childish one.

He never wanted to listen to her guidance. Her gentle words had only ever irritated him.

Even now, he was still that same child. But this time, the words of instruction had become an inescapable storm of steel and blood.

The powerlessness enraged him.

Damn it. Why won't you just die?!

I'm a noble of one of the Five Great Clans. You should just accept your fate and die by my blade!

...

Meanwhile, the main family's council chamber had been utterly transformed. The elders and their guards lay sprawled across the floor, lifeless. Some of them wore white masks, their bodies already beginning to break apart.

Kōga Kuchiki had lost interest in the corpses. Instead, the bull-headed Vasto Lorde beside him—loud, incomprehensible, and irritating—was starting to make him want to draw his blade and cut something down.

"Ahhh!!" The bull-headed Vasto Lorde charged toward Kōga Kuchiki, its mouth open in an endless, wordless bellow.

"Enough! I know they're all dead, so shut up." Kōga Kuchiki snapped, raising his bloodstained left hand and knocking the creature on the head.

Annoyance crept over him. He hadn't expected the Tsunayashiro Clan to have such a skilled fighter. This battle had been far more brutal than he anticipated—he had even suffered injuries himself.

He glanced at the bull-headed Vasto Lorde beside him. The beast had fared worse, having lost an arm and a leg in the battle. But thanks to its Ultra-Speed Regeneration, it had already fully recovered.

"Rrgh." The Vasto Lorde let out a low growl, pointing at the bodies on the ground.

"I don't understand a damn thing you're saying. Can you shut up for a second?" Kōga Kuchiki frowned. "Or do you still want to keep killing?"

"No. We're done." He pulled a clock off the wall, wiping the blood off its face with his sleeve. "Look at the time—we need to retreat."

The bull-headed Vasto Lorde tilted its head at him, then nodded.

This thing can read a clock?!

...

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