Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 291

Chapter 291 - 291: Autograph

Early in the morning, after apologizing to Suì-Fēng,

A somewhat weary voice echoed through the room.

Masatsuki Aozaki lay sprawled in the middle of the bed, nestled between two figures, still able to hear their heavy breathing beside him.

Despite that, he looked refreshed—his complexion glowing, his entire being exuding a sense of satisfaction. As he slowly sat up, shaking his head slightly, he seemed like someone thoroughly rejuvenated.

And truthfully, he was.

A delightful night had left him invigorated, as if he had just consumed a Senzu Bean, bringing his body to its peak condition.

Masatsuki Aozaki scratched his head.

"I see... It's that time again, huh? The 11th Division is about to welcome new blood."

Suì-Fēng nodded lightly.

"That's right. Gin told me when I went to the 11th Division to find you."

"The induction is set for early next month. The graduates of Shin'ō Academy will be notified in a few days."

"Rukia will probably mention it to you then."

"Speaking of which, Aura went off to assist Kisuke and Mayuri. So, where are Rukia-chan and Nemu-chan planning to go this time?"

Yoruichi Shihōin reached out, wrapping an arm around Masatsuki Aozaki's, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Someone raised those girls from childhood—wouldn't he want them to stay by his side?"

She chuckled as she asked.

Masatsuki Aozaki gave a small smile and replied,

"Ah... I'm not that controlling, alright?"

He waved a hand dismissively.

"I'm not about to dictate which squad they should join. Let them decide for themselves."

However, his response didn't seem to convince anyone. Yoruichi eyed him skeptically.

"Really?"

Then she added,

"Or is it that after raising them for so many years, you're just confident they'll come back to you anyway?"

"Though you've built a strong bond with them, don't forget—Nemu's 'official' father is still that weirdo."

"Who knows? He might pull some strings and snatch her away from you."

"He wouldn't dare!" Masatsuki Aozaki raised an eyebrow. "If he tries anything, I'll make sure he doesn't have any hands left to pull strings with."

"Yes, yes, Masatsuki-sama, you're the strongest!"

Yoruichi playfully shook his arm, grinning mischievously.

Her expression was one of pure amusement, as if she were humorously indulging a child.

Suì-Fēng, watching from the side, couldn't help but feel a sense of exasperation.

These two...

They had a habit of acting like children every now and then, making it both amusing and frustrating.

And sometimes, they both acted like children at the same time—those were the moments Suì-Fēng usually ended up suffering the most.

Then again... holding Yoruichi-sama like a child wasn't such a bad feeling...

...

Just as Masatsuki Aozaki and Yoruichi Shihōin were about to start another one of their playful scuffles,

Suì-Fēng quickly interjected,

"There's one more thing. Lieutenant Marenoshin asked me to pass this on to you..."

She rummaged through the pile of clothes beside her, searching for something.

Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at her, puzzled.

A moment later, Suì-Fēng finally found what she was looking for and handed it over.

It was a poster—with an image of Masatsuki Aozaki's in-game character printed on it.

Yoruichi's eyes lit up in surprise.

"Wait... Is Marenoshin into Final Fantasy too?"

"Looks like I'll have to set aside some time to play with him online. I'm calling dibs on Masatsuki!"

"Then I'll play as Tifa, and Suì-Fēng can be Aerith," Masatsuki Aozaki added.

Suì-Fēng rolled her eyes at the two of them, then turned to Masatsuki Aozaki with an irritated look.

"It's not for him. His daughter wants your autograph."

An overly stacked division, while powerful, would weaken the overall balance of the Gotei 13. That would not be tolerated.

Thus, despite the overwhelming number of applicants, the 11th Division could only accept fifteen new recruits.

Typically, the selection process was handled by Lieutenants or high-ranking seated officers. These experienced individuals had keen judgment, capable of identifying the most exceptional candidates among the many hopefuls.

Occasionally, a prodigy would emerge—a student whose talent and reputation were so outstanding that captains took direct notice.

If such a match was made, there was no need for an interview. The decision would be made instantly.

However, Masatsuki Aozaki was different.

Regardless of whether a prodigy applied, he insisted on personally overseeing the 11th Division's recruitment each year.

His dedication had earned him repeated praise from Yamamoto, who often took the opportunity to tease a certain lazy senior in front of the other captains.

Faced with his Master's jabs, Shunsui Kyōraku had once lost his temper—briefly.

But in the end, he could only hold back his frustration and drown his sorrows in sake after the meeting.

And yet, the following year, he remained completely unchanged, continuing his carefree ways as if nothing had happened.

Masatsuki Aozaki had his suspicions.

His senpai likely used this as an excuse to drag him and Jūshirō Ukitake out for a drinking spree.

Then, after claiming he was too drunk to function, he would conveniently take a few extra days off to slack off.

The real victim in all this? Lisa Yadōmaru.

That poor, straightforward, and kind-hearted woman.

As a Lieutenant, when her Captain slacked off, her workload skyrocketed.

Truly, she had the worst luck.

Masatsuki Aozaki let out a deep sigh.

While feeling sorry for his wife, he considered whether he should visit Lisa's dorm tonight—

Or better yet, just bring her home and help her relax.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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