Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 261

Chapter 261 - 261: Investigation Complete

At that moment, Nelliel pouted and silently watched Masatsuki Aozaki from behind. _{fre ewe bnove l.com}

After seeing Cirucci off, Masatsuki Aozaki turned around—only to catch a glimpse of a green blur flashing past.

In the next instant, Nelliel shot forward with astonishing speed, leaving behind a clear afterimage before slamming straight into Masatsuki Aozaki's arms...

A loud crash echoed through the room!

Masatsuki Aozaki was sent flying.

"Masatsuki, you're too mean!"

A soft, sulky voice rang out as Nelliel, her head still adorned with her goat-like mask, nuzzled against Masatsuki Aozaki's chest and whined playfully.

She was so adorable that it nearly made his heart melt.

"Nell, get up first..."

Masatsuki Aozaki had been knocked back several meters, but to avoid wrecking Aizen's carefully designed laboratory, he used just enough strength to steady himself.

Of course, Nelliel hadn't reverted to her child form.

And "Nell" was simply Masatsuki Aozaki's personal nickname for her—a name she absolutely adored.

"No way! Not until you pet my head!"

Nelliel clung tightly to Masatsuki Aozaki's waist, refusing to let go.

Masatsuki Aozaki could only sigh in exasperation.

Faced with such an adorable demand, how could he possibly say no?

With no other choice, he reached out and gently stroked her hair, savoring the silky smoothness beneath his fingertips.

Nelliel closed her eyes in pure bliss, letting out a soft hum, as if this was the most wonderful thing in the world.

Despite looking every bit like a mature woman, she was acting like a spoiled child—this kind of contrast was undeniably charming.

Masatsuki Aozaki couldn't help but smile at her.

Back when they first met, Nelliel had stood fearless against the Arrancar army, and without the events of the original story that turned her into a child, Masatsuki Aozaki had assumed she would be a cold and dignified figure.

But after spending time with her, he realized that she was basically an enlarged version of "Little Nell" from the original story.

Composed and dependable in battle, yet affectionate and clingy in private.

It only proved that a person's true nature rarely changes.

Looking at Nelliel's radiant smile, Masatsuki Aozaki's expression unconsciously softened.

In truth, it wasn't Nelliel who usually assisted him with the Arrancar experiments—it was Sung-Sun.

If Nelliel were involved, nothing would ever get done.

She was responsible for the defense of Las Noches, but since she happened to be free today and wanted to spend time with Masatsuki Aozaki, he had brought her along.

Thinking of this, Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly asked,

"Have those two been found?"

"Those two?"

Nelliel tilted her head.

"The two Arrancars who don't belong to Las Noches," Masatsuki Aozaki reminded her.

"Oh, them... We've launched a thorough search across Hueco Mundo and have found some clues," Nelliel said, wrapping her arms around Masatsuki Aozaki's neck. "But... are you sure they even exist? Hollows evolving into Arrancars purely through their own power?"

"You don't believe me?"

"Of course not! I trust Masatsuki the most!" Nelliel shook her head. "I'll have my people keep searching."

...

In the Captain-Commander's office within Soul Society, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.

One of the most powerful Shinigami in Soul Society's history sat in his chair, his hawk-like eyes fixed on the man standing before him.

Sōsuke Aizen stood silently, his expression serious, his presence carrying a heavy weight.

After a long silence, Yamamoto finally spoke, his voice low and commanding.

"Speak. What exactly happened?"

Aizen nodded slightly, adjusting his glasses with a light push to the bridge of his nose. Taking a deep breath, he responded in a solemn tone.

"I have investigated the recent disappearances of Shinigami..."

Yamamoto's sharp gaze never left Aizen.

"According to my findings, there is a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow in Hueco Mundo named Szayelaporro."

That sounded exactly like Baraggan, the self-proclaimed king of Hueco Mundo.

He recalled his younger years, when he had fought another Menos at the same time as Baraggan.

Even then, despite giving it his all, he had ultimately lost.

It was only after the Zero Division sealed that Menos away that the crisis threatening Seireitei had finally ended.

If Baraggan had once shared power with that Hollow, then it was clear he was no ordinary opponent.

With both Kōga Kuchiki and Sōsuke Aizen—two Third-Class Spiritual Power captains—facing him, escaping would have been an almost impossible feat.

Based on what Yamamoto knew, Aizen likely stood no chance in a direct fight against him.

As for Kōga Kuchiki...

That man was infamous for excelling in internal conflicts but failing in external ones.

Muramasa's abilities were formidable when used against fellow Shinigami.

But against Hollows? His most crucial techniques would be useless, leaving only a handful of Kidō spells as his last resort.

Against Baraggan, he was as good as dead.

Yamamoto let out a long sigh.

If Kōga Kuchiki had perished, it was certainly a loss.

Despite everything, he had been a talented young Shinigami.

But more than that, Yamamoto felt concern for his old friend, who might now face the pain of losing a son-in-law.

At their age, enduring such a tragedy—burying the younger generation—was a cruel fate.

Thinking of this, Yamamoto couldn't help but be reminded of his own disciple.

Fortunately, that troublesome brat, despite always causing chaos, was strong enough and had fists hard enough to back it up.

Otherwise, with his knack for attracting trouble, Yamamoto might have been the one mourning a loss instead.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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