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

Masatsuki Aozaki and Yoruichi Shihōin made their way across half of Seireitei, eventually arriving at the base of Sōkyoku Hill.

One look at the place was enough to leave Masatsuki stunned.

The underground beneath Sōkyoku Hill had been completely hollowed out by two incredibly audacious individuals. The space was packed with an assortment of training equipment—clearly meant to serve as a training ground.

"Damn you, Yoruichi! You were the one who wanted to build this place, so why am I the only one doing all the work?"

Yoruichi was enthusiastically showing Masatsuki around when a lazy, disgruntled voice interrupted her.

The source of the complaint was a man with messy, light-blond hair that curled slightly at the ends. His military-green eyes held a perpetual look of exhaustion.

"That guy over there is my partner, Kisuke Urahara."

Yoruichi pointed toward the slouched figure before suddenly raising her voice.

"Oh? I could've sworn I just heard someone badmouthing me. Kisuke, are you slacking off?"

"No way, can't you see how much fun I'm having?"

Kisuke grinned as he continued digging with a shovel in hand.

Masatsuki stepped closer and asked, "Urahara-san, what exactly are you digging?"

"I'm making a big pool for a hot spring," Kisuke replied matter-of-factly.

"Why not just use Kidō? Isn't there a barrier set up outside?" Masatsuki asked, puzzled.

Kisuke chuckled. "Well, large-scale Kidō is too noisy. If we use it, the barrier outside might not hold up, and then we'd have a problem."

"I see. Urahara-san, you're quite cautious," Masatsuki remarked with a nod.

Kisuke paused mid-dig, his expression shifting.

"Wait a second… who are you?"

Masatsuki blinked. "You don't know me?"

Only now did he realize that Kisuke had no idea he was coming. He turned to Yoruichi.

"You didn't tell him?"

Yoruichi scratched the back of her head and laughed. "I forgot! But it's fine, you two seem to be getting along just fine."

Seeing Yoruichi play innocent, Masatsuki couldn't help but chuckle. "Guess I'll introduce myself, then."

"Nice to meet you, Urahara-san. I'm Masatsuki Aozaki."

Kisuke froze for a moment before exchanging glances with Yoruichi, whose smirk radiated unmistakable pride.

His voice turned wary. "Masatsuki Aozaki… as in, the Captain-Commander's disciple?"

"I suppose I am that Masatsuki Aozaki, but I'm not the Captain-Commander's disciple."

Masatsuki smiled before changing the topic.

"So, Urahara-san, you built this underground training ground? I have to say, it's impressive. Everything needed for training is here. More importantly, the space is huge—you don't feel constrained in battle."

For techniques like Shunpo, having ample space was essential for proper training. Practicing in a cramped area meant missing out on important details…

Kisuke rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "So, Yoruichi just decided to hand over all my hard work…"

"Yup." Yoruichi answered without hesitation, showing not the slightest guilt about claiming his efforts.

Come on, the whole idea had been hers in the first place—Kisuke was just doing the manual labor. Ever heard of intellectual property?

She turned back to Masatsuki. "No need to be polite. You can use this training ground however you want. If anything breaks, Kisuke will fix it. Just try not to use Kidō above level 70 until he finishes upgrading the protective barriers."

"Understood," Masatsuki replied, glancing at Yoruichi again with a renewed sense of appreciation.

He was already planning how to incorporate this training ground into his schedule. It was more than just a place for Shunpo practice—there was potential for so much more.

Masatsuki asked sincerely, "Then, will you train with me?"

Yoruichi smirked. "You really do have a thing for me, huh? You're so straightforward—I'm starting to feel a little flustered!"

"No, I just want to steal your Shunpo and Reiatsu Concealment techniques. Ideally, we'd spar once a week. The Captain-Commander says I have some talent, so I won't trouble you for long."

Yoruichi was impressed. Masatsuki's composure was remarkable—completely unfazed by her teasing.

Many of the female officers in the 2nd Division couldn't even handle her advances, yet he didn't so much as blink.

No wonder there were rumors that the Captain-Commander favored him, even considering making him a third disciple.

"Well, I don't like the word 'steal,'" Yoruichi waved a hand dismissively, "but since you're being so honest, I suppose I'll allow it."

"Hey, have you two forgotten that I'm the one who built this training ground?" Kisuke Urahara raised his hand lazily.

"Thank you, Urahara-san. We can train together," Masatsuki said without missing a beat.

Of course, he had his own motives, but some things could be worked on over time. However, the chance to learn Shunpo from the "Goddess of Flash" was an opportunity he couldn't afford to pass up.

Yoruichi seemed touched by his words, while Kisuke's eyes lit up in realization. After a moment, he grinned.

"No need to thank me, Aozaki-kun. But forget about training—I'm much older than you, and you need the exercise more."

With Masatsuki around, Yoruichi wouldn't be pestering him, meaning he could slack off.

Yoruichi got a training partner. Masatsuki got a sparring partner. And he got to laze around.

A perfect three-way win.

Genius. He was an absolute genius.

"…Alright then," Masatsuki muttered, picking up his Zanpakutō. After a brief pause, he asked, "Can I start training now?"

"So soon?" Kisuke looked surprised. "Not even gonna take a tour first?"

"The Captain-Commander gave me a week to master sword pressure," Masatsuki said, shaking his head. "I already lost a day yesterday thanks to someone… If I don't get it down in time, the old man's gonna hit me with an Ikkotsu." (A Hakuda technique known for breaking bones.)

"Ikkotsu? Does Soul Society even have something like that?" Yoruichi raised a brow before grinning slyly. "Oh~ I see now. That's what you're into? Who would've thought?"

Masatsuki glanced at her short frame, his face blank and expressionless.

She looked youthful, petite, yet surprisingly well-toned—every part of her was perfectly proportioned.

Yoruichi folded her arms and laughed. "Disappointed? Too bad! Hakuda is one of my strong suits!"

Masatsuki, unwilling to entertain her smugness, shifted his gaze to Kisuke.

"Well, at least there's someone weaker than me. Urahara-san, you're looking a little scrawny."

Kisuke accepted the remark without a hint of offense. In fact, he even lifted his thin arms and legs in mock display, as if to say:

"I'm lazy. I'm not a good sparring partner. Go train with Yoruichi instead."

A flicker of amusement passed through his eyes before he turned and strolled away.

"Seriously, all that guy knows is how to slack off," Yoruichi sighed, shaking her head in exasperation.

"Come on, let's spar. I'm curious to see just how strong Shin'ō Academy's so-called greatest prodigy really is."

As he watched Kisuke leave, Masatsuki found himself lost in thought. He pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Yoruichi narrowed her eyes. "Hey, you're not into both men and women, are you?"

"What?! Of course not!" Masatsuki snapped back instantly.

"Hm… you don't seem like it," Yoruichi mused. "So, does that mean you're underestimating me?"

She let out a small huff before smirking.

"Listen, kid. Sword pressure? I mastered that ages ago. Once we're done sparring, I'll personally teach you. Sound good?"

(40 Chapters Ahead)

p@treon com / PinkSnake