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

She was about to say something when Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly sat up.

"Someone's coming."

The moment he spoke, Yoruichi also sensed an approaching Reiatsu.

She glanced at him in surprise.

As the heir of the Shihōin Clan, Yoruichi had been trained in stealth and detection from a young age, with Reiatsu perception being one of her strongest skills.

She had always believed that among her peers, no one could surpass her in sensing presences.

But just now, Masatsuki had reacted faster than she had.

This guy... really never stops surprising people.

In the distance, the voices of patrolling instructors could be heard.

"Lieutenant Ōmaeda!"

"Have you seen anyone or any animals approaching this area?"

"Reporting to the lieutenant, I haven't seen anything."

Despite the reply, Ōmaeda didn't seem convinced.

A few seconds later, he knocked on the door of Masatsuki's dormitory.

"My lady! Are you in there?"

Yoruichi's expression darkened. "Damn, it's Marenoshin. Why did that guy come looking for me?"

"Marenoshin?"

"Marenoshin Ōmaeda, head of the Ōmaeda family and the lieutenant of the 2nd Division. Ugh, using stealth to retreat is impossible now..."

"So you really did sneak out," Masatsuki chuckled, rubbing his eyes. "Retreat? What is this, a battlefield?"

"More or less. This is a war for freedom..."

Masatsuki snorted.

A war? More like she's just having fun.

"You go handle it. I'll get dressed."

"Why should I— Wait, hold on!"

Before Masatsuki could react, Yoruichi had already returned to her human form and was pushing him toward the entrance.

"If you so much as glance back, you're dead."

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Masatsuki smirked.

"Oh? Are you embarrassed?"

"Ridiculous! As if I'd be embarrassed over something like this."

Still grinning, Masatsuki extended two fingers and traced a line in the air.

With his movement, an invisible Reishi membrane slowly expanded, fully enveloping Yoruichi.

Her eyes lit up at the sight.

As a member of the Onmitsukidō, she immediately recognized the technique—Bakudō #26: Kyokkō.

Kyokkō created a layer of Reishi that bent light, rendering the target invisible.

Since most Shinigami preferred direct combat with their Zanpakutō, this kind of Kidō was rarely studied.

Yet Masatsuki not only knew it but had flawlessly cast it without an incantation.

The more Yoruichi observed him, the more impressed she became.

This kid would fit right in with the Onmitsukidō.

Exceptional Reiatsu detection, precise concealment techniques...

The only problem was his face—way too recognizable. Someone like him would draw too much attention.

But that wasn't a big deal. The Onmitsukidō wore masks during missions anyway.

...

Masatsuki walked to the entryway and opened the door.

A towering man—easily two meters tall—stepped inside.

He had a broad, stocky build, a brown crew cut, and an arrogant expression. A thick, gaudy gold chain hung around his neck.

Masatsuki looked him up and down and was instantly hit with the overwhelming aura of a nouveau riche.

The burly man asked, "Masatsuki Aozaki?"

"That's me. Do you know me?" Masatsuki asked, puzzled.

"I'm Marenoshin Ōmaeda, Lieutenant of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13. The reason we're here is largely because of you."

Ōmaeda let out a hearty laugh.

"For your sake, Captain-Commander Yamamoto personally ordered us to increase 2nd Division patrols around Shin'ō Academy."

"I see. No wonder there are so many strong Reiatsu around campus today. I appreciate the trouble, Lieutenant Ōmaeda."

"You noticed? As expected of the Captain-Commander's disciple."

"Is something the matter?"

Masatsuki glanced at the 2nd Division squad members working behind Ōmaeda and asked with a calm expression.

Amused by Masatsuki's flawless performance, Yoruichi shot him a mocking grin.

Ōmaeda crossed his arms. "We're searching for someone. Have you seen a crazy weirdo around the dorms?"

"Crazy weirdo..."

Masatsuki stole a glance behind him.

Hidden within Kyokkō, Yoruichi gritted her teeth, shaking her fist in silent rage.

How dare you call me that?! Just wait until I become Captain—I'll make sure you regret this!

Masatsuki casually replied, "No."

"That's strange... Someone clearly saw the young lady heading this way."

His gaze sharpened, and he started walking toward Masatsuki.

Yoruichi tensed up like a startled cat.

Masatsuki's lips curled slightly.

At that moment, he felt more awake than before.

Not only was he not nervous, but a part of him thought it wouldn't be so bad if Yoruichi got caught—actually, it might even be entertaining.

After all, what did he have to lose?

Catching sight of Masatsuki's smug expression, Yoruichi rolled her eyes.

...

Under their watchful gazes, Ōmaeda stopped in front of the shoe cabinet.

A pair of familiar-looking shoes sat neatly on top.

He reached out, picked them up, and after a brief pause, his eyes narrowed.

"My lady sneaks out of the manor at night, infiltrates the private residence of a Shin'ō Academy student, and then..."

He hesitated, as if realizing just how absurd that theory sounded.

After all, Yoruichi Shihōin was the princess of one of the Four Great Noble Clans—the future Captain of the 2nd Division.

Why would she sneak into a student's dorm and... what exactly was she plotting here?

But then, recalling Yoruichi's usual antics, Ōmaeda glanced at Masatsuki's face again.

Suddenly, it didn't seem that far-fetched.

"Masatsuki-kun, she didn't hurt you, did she?" He looked at Masatsuki with genuine pity.

...How little faith do you have in your own lady?!

"No," Masatsuki answered flatly.

"You have seen her," Ōmaeda declared with certainty.

Shit.

Masatsuki cursed internally.

He hadn't expected this thick-browed, small-eyed, thick-lipped musclehead to be so cunning.

"Masatsuki Aozaki-kun, you wouldn't mind if I searched your dorm, would you?"

Ōmaeda rubbed his hands together with a knowing grin.

"As you know, the rebels have been causing trouble lately. The young lady's status is far too important—if she were to run into danger, it would be a disaster."

Masatsuki sighed and glanced behind him, giving Yoruichi a look that screamed: You're on your own now.

"Please, go ahead, Lieutenant Ōmaeda."

Ōmaeda didn't call for his squad and instead entered alone, conducting a meticulous search.

Somehow, Yoruichi had managed to vanish completely—Masatsuki himself couldn't even sense her presence anymore.

The moment Ōmaeda stepped inside, the Kyokkō Masatsuki had cast dissipated.

Yet even with the spell gone, Yoruichi was nowhere to be seen. Not even a trace of her Reiatsu remained.

Ōmaeda searched every inch of the dormitory—he even checked the bathroom—

But in the end, he found nothing.

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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