Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 278

Chapter 278 - 278: Playmate

That's the end of it... But it's still early.

Since Nelliel is busy tonight, should I go see her now while I have the time?

No need to even think about it!

Having made up his mind, Masatsuki Aozaki's lips curled into a barely noticeable mischievous smile.

Aizen, seeing that expression, couldn't help but roll his eyes. He knew all too well that this guy was up to no good again.

Just then, a figure appeared behind them.

"Reporting to Your Majesty and Aizen-sama!"

The voice was low and respectful, carrying a hint of nervousness and reverence.

Masatsuki Aozaki slowly turned around at the sound, his gaze landing on the newcomer.

The figure was tall and slender, clad in the white uniform of Las Noches, a long sword hanging at his waist.

An Arrancar—but his face was still concealed beneath a white bone mask, completely obscuring his true appearance.

This was Rudbornn, the captain of the Exequias under the Public Security Maintenance Force.

Unlike in the original timeline, Masatsuki Aozaki's Exequias had no need to retrieve fallen Arrancars.

Their duty was to explore Hueco Mundo, searching for powerful but little-known individuals—those like Starrk and Ulquiorra, whose strength was immense yet remained hidden.

A flicker of sharpness and anticipation flashed in Masatsuki Aozaki's eyes as he studied Rudbornn.

The captain's sudden appearance likely meant one thing—important information or a new discovery.

With a calm tone, he asked,

"What is it?"

Under their watchful gazes, Rudbornn knelt on one knee and swiftly reported,

"Not long ago, a male Adjuchas-class Menos with third-class Spiritual Power suddenly invaded the outskirts of Las Noches. We have successfully captured it!"

An Adjuchas with captain-level Reiatsu might have the potential to evolve into a Vasto Lorde.

For Masatsuki Aozaki and Aizen, such an Adjuchas wasn't particularly significant.

But for the Arrancars, it was an entirely different matter.

Masatsuki Aozaki nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Rudbornn was a sharp one—he knew exactly what information would be of interest.

Masatsuki Aozaki turned to Aizen.

The unspoken message was clear: This Adjuchas is your responsibility.

Aizen gave a small nod and said softly,

"Take it to my laboratory."

"Yes, sir."

Rudbornn bowed slightly, then rose to leave.

"Wait."

Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly called out, stopping him in his tracks.

Rudbornn looked up, slightly puzzled. What else did he want to know?

Masatsuki Aozaki let out a light chuckle before asking,

"What's its name?"

Rudbornn thought for a moment before answering seriously,

"Yammy... Yammy Llargo."

Upon hearing the name, Masatsuki Aozaki couldn't help but laugh.

Well, well, isn't that the little Ulquiorra's favorite playmate?

Looks like Ulquiorra won't be so bored in the future.

He gave a small nod.

"I see. You may go."

Aizen shot him a suspicious glance, silently mulling over the situation.

What does he mean by that? Is this another figure he knows about that I don't? Where is he getting his information?

Masatsuki Aozaki's smirk deepened, his expression unreadable.

Aren't you supposed to be a genius? Figure it out yourself.

Seeing that Masatsuki Aozaki wasn't going to explain, Aizen frowned slightly, lost in thought as he turned and headed toward the laboratory.

...

That evening, Masatsuki Aozaki found himself face-to-face with an enormous man, towering at nearly 2.3 meters tall.

Trailing behind him was a small, dog-like Arrancar.

Not many people in Las Noches kept pets, making him stand out even more.

The burly man grinned, baring a vicious, menacing expression as he spoke in a deep voice.

"So, you're the one in charge here, Masatsuki Aozaki?"

A cute, brown-skinned boy sobbed uncontrollably, his eyes brimming with tears.

"Waaah... Sister, I don't want to be the family head! You should be the head! I'll go tell the elders right now—I quit!"

"Alright, Yūshirō, stop crying already. You're the family head now. You can't just keep bawling like this."

Yoruichi Shihōin, looking mildly annoyed, pushed her younger brother away before he could smear his snot and tears all over her.

"And don't bother trying to talk me out of it. I gave up the position because I wanted to, not because of the elders. Even if you tell them, I'm not coming back."

It wasn't that she disliked her little brother. She knew he adored her.

But his personality could be a real handful.

Even for someone like her—who was already a handful herself—there were times she just wanted to run away.

"But I don't want to be the head! I just want to help you, Sister!"

Yūshirō Sakimune Shihōin sniffled.

Yoruichi sighed, knowing she'd never win against him, and coaxed him patiently.

"Everyone knows I'm completely unsuited to be the family head."

"If you take on the role, that's the biggest help you could ever give me."

Wiping his eyes, Yūshirō asked,

"Really?"

"Really."

Yoruichi nodded solemnly.

"...Alright then."

Yūshirō choked back his tears and agreed.

"I'll do my best as the family head. I won't let you down."

His "good" sister, however, secretly clenched her fists in triumph, unable to hide the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Got him!

"Oh, by the way, I already spoke to the Captain-Commander. Your captain succession ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow. Don't forget to show up."

"Tomorrow? That's too soon! I'm not ready yet!" Yūshirō panicked. "What if I mess up?"

"It's not too soon. Being a captain doesn't require much preparation," Yoruichi said, shaking her head.

"Besides, you're just taking over as the family head and the captain. I'm not leaving the Shihōin Clan or the Second Division. I'll be around to help you."

"Don't stress too much. Just go for it. If anything goes wrong, Ōmaeda will clean up after you."