Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 236

Chapter 236 - 236: Guidance

One year later.

The bright moon hung high in the sky, cold and clear, silently watching over the world.

Like a silver plate, it cast a soft, tranquil glow, shrouding everything in an air of mystery.

The once-mighty Tsunayashiro Clan's territory had undergone an earth-shattering transformation.

Due to their unauthorized Hollowfication experiments, although the remaining family members were spared harsh punishment, more than half of their assets were confiscated. A portion of their land was also ceded to the Shiba Clan, which had returned to Seireitei.

Though the Shiba Clan still lagged behind the other great noble clans in power, it remained one of the Five Noble Clans in name.

If they were left without any territory, wouldn't that be a disgrace to their status as nobles?

Of course, the main reason behind this shift was that the Tsunayashiro Clan had no power to resist. They were like fish on a chopping board, completely at the mercy of others.

Few had any intention of helping them maintain their influence.

Only the Kasumiōji Clan openly opposed the Central 46's decision.

Currently, the Kasumiōji Clan was led by a child, with real power resting in the hands of the family elders.

These old men were nothing if not ambitious. With their influence growing, they had long harbored resentment toward the noble hierarchy.

For years, they had set their sights on breaking into the ranks of the Five Noble Clans, striving to become the most powerful aristocratic family.

However, when faced with the combined pressure of Shunsui Kyōraku and Masatsuki Aozaki, even the highest-ranking noble house beneath the Five had no choice but to back down.

Yamamoto might still show some courtesy to the great noble families, but the Eleventh Kenpachi? He had never been one to hold back.

During wartime, anyone who stood against him—regardless of status—either fell by his hand directly or ended up dead by other means.

There were even conspiracy theories circulating within Seireitei, claiming that the downfall of the Tsunayashiro Clan was his doing.

What nonsense. Accusations like that should at least come with proof.

...

A lavishly decorated palanquin moved slowly through what was once the Tsunayashiro Clan's domain.

Beneath the freshly washed blue sky, an array of colorful brickwork and lacquered wood stretched out in all directions.

Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, head of the Kasumiōji Clan, sat idly inside, gazing at the dazzling scenery around her.

It was clear just how extravagant the lives of those who had once lived here had been.

As the head of her clan, Rurichiyo had been raised in luxury. Though the Kasumiōji Clan was not as powerful as the Tsunayashiro Clan, it was still among the most prestigious noble families.

She had long grown tired of such opulence. To her, this world, overflowing with ambition and uncertainty, held little appeal.

Yet she was keenly aware that the master of this domain had changed.

Historically, the Shiba Clan had not carried a bad reputation, but among the noble houses, they were the ones who had valued power the least.

And now, there was a certain someone stirring the winds of Seireitei once again.

Day after day of monotony had left her restless. She wanted to meet these people.

Today, at last, she had the chance.

For once, she was free from the towering walls that had long confined her—a gilded cage masquerading as a home.

With the elders' approval, she had finally been granted permission to step outside and see the world beyond the Kasumiōji estate.

"Rurichiyo-sama... we have arrived."

As the palanquin slowly came to a halt at the entrance, vassal Gyōkaku Kumoi hurried forward, carefully assisting the girl as she stepped inside.

Gyōkaku felt quite pleased with himself—after all, the surrounding onlookers were casting them admiring glances.

"I see."

Rurichiyo Kasumiōji shifted slightly, her gaze sweeping across the scene before her.

"It's quite lively here."

Gyōkaku turned around, his voice cautious.

However, as the figure at the entrance stepped into view, not only Gyōkaku but even Rurichiyo herself, who had been on the verge of anger, found herself momentarily frozen.

"How... how can someone like this exist?"

Masatsuki Aozaki walked in at an unhurried pace, his presence like the only beacon of light in an otherwise dark night.

Rurichiyo stared blankly at the man who had just entered, then glanced at the noble sons and daughters surrounding her.

These young men and women were the product of generations of selective breeding, carefully refining their bloodlines. Each of them, on their own, could be considered attractive.

But standing next to this man...

They looked ugly.

For the first time in her life, Rurichiyo Kasumiōji had this thought as she observed the finely dressed nobles around her.

"And this person is...?"

"My lady, this is the Captain of the 11th Division, the 11th Kenpachi, Masatsuki Aozaki-sama!"

Gyōkaku patiently explained, his tone carrying a trace of apprehension.

"Not only that, he has recently been elevated to high-ranking nobility."

As the saying goes, a new ruler brings new ministers.

Though the Shiba Clan was not royalty, and Masatsuki Aozaki was no mere subject, his efforts in reinstating the Shiba Clan to Seireitei had been a monumental achievement. A rise in status was only fitting.

Masatsuki Aozaki's noble rank had been officially granted after the Shiba Clan's return.

Among the gathered nobles, expressions varied—many tinged with unease, and some with outright fear.

After all, this was one of the strongest Shinigami of the current era. Not just that—he was a young, unrelenting force, sharp as a blade, completely unlike the aging and tempered presence of Yamamoto.

Several noble families had already experienced his "attention" in recent days. It would be a lie to say they weren't afraid.