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

Masatsuki Aozaki spoke calmly, "Maybe. All I know is that this world is dangerous, and I need to get stronger. Whether my talent is good or bad, that's no excuse to give up."

"Well said. I like you more and more," Yoruichi Shihōin chuckled. "Unlike Kisuke—he's got talent but refuses to train."

Masatsuki remained unbothered. "Urahara-san is talented, but I don't think it's just laziness. He's simply not interested."

"He's highly motivated when it comes to research. Those medicines, the training ground equipment—none of that happens without effort."

Yoruichi's eyes lit up as she considered this.

"You've got a point."

Having known Kisuke for years, she was well aware of his genius. He had a knack for invention, constantly coming up with new creations.

So, his usual laziness wasn't because he lacked discipline—he just wasn't interested in training. Invention was his true passion.

Captain Kirio Hikifune of the 12th Division focused heavily on scientific research and encouraged her squad to innovate.

That settled it.

Once she became a captain, she'd recommend Kisuke to the 12th Division.

Coincidentally, her family had recently mentioned that Captain Hikifune was developing new technology and might be promoted to the Royal Guard in the next few decades.

With Kisuke's abilities, he might reach captain level and achieve Bankai before then—perhaps even take command of the 12th Division himself.

As she mapped out Kisuke's future in her head, an odd sense of pride welled up within her—like a parent watching their child finally grow up. She unconsciously straightened her posture.

"I need to become a captain soon and send Kisuke to the 12th Division," Yoruichi murmured.

Not far away, Kisuke felt an uneasy jolt in his chest. He knew Yoruichi was just speaking on impulse, but even so, his heart started racing.

Masatsuki, on the other hand, turned serious. After a moment of silence, he said, "It's still better to ask Urahara-san what he wants. No matter what we say, it should be his decision."

Kisuke's throat tightened, his lips pressing together.

The doubts he had harbored toward Masatsuki only moments ago faded, replaced by an unexpected sense of gratitude.

"No need," Yoruichi said after a pause. "I've known him for years—I understand him better than you do. He'll love the 12th Division."

She hesitated briefly before adding, "He's been secretly doing research at home. He probably thinks I don't know."

After a long silence, she grinned. "This time, it's not a prank—he's going to love it."

Kisuke remained quiet.

Sure, he liked to slack off, but he couldn't deny that he had a deep interest in this kind of work.

Masatsuki smirked. "You're not becoming a captain anytime soon, so maybe focus on the present first."

Then, with an amused glint in his eyes, he added, "Speaking of which, aren't we getting off track? Weren't you supposed to help me practice sword pressure? If this keeps up, I might have to ask Urahara-san for help instead."

"No way! I've never been a teacher before—you're not going anywhere."

Masatsuki stood to leave, only for Yoruichi to grab his arm.

…

Beneath Sōkyoku Hill, under the night sky, two young Shinigami—neither yet 200 years old—spent the night training, tirelessly honing their combat techniques.

By the next morning, Masatsuki successfully unleashed his first sword pressure attack.

Noticing Yoruichi fast asleep, he draped a piece of clothing over her before stepping away to find a secluded spot.

Drawing Banshō Senran from his waist, he swung his blade repeatedly at the surrounding rocks.

Arcs of blue Reiatsu burst from the sword like the energy waves described in martial arts novels, slicing through the stone.

After inspecting the clean cuts left in the rock, Masatsuki nodded in satisfaction.

Yoruichi had proven to be an excellent teacher. In just one night, she had not only answered his questions and demonstrated sword pressure but had also guided his Reiryoku flow, helping him experience firsthand how to properly wield the technique.

"Tsk…"

Watching the wild girl sleep soundly after an intense night of training, Masatsuki Aozaki adjusted her clothing and muttered under his breath, "What a shame… she's really pretty."

Though his voice was barely audible, Yoruichi Shihōin still heard him loud and clear. But instead of getting angry, she chuckled.

There was something playful in her smile, a hint of charm that resembled a noble lady experiencing the first stirrings of romance.

Yoruichi had always been the one teasing others. Back when she first joined the 2nd Division in her twenties, she had made a sport out of flirting with the female squad members—countless had been utterly infatuated with her.

But as she grew older and matured, she reined it in.

Still, she had always been the one doing the teasing. Who would dare flirt with her?

Aside from Kisuke Urahara, most men only saw her as the esteemed heir of the Shihōin Clan. And as for the women—many didn't even seem to think of her as a woman at all.

Time passed, and at some point, she had even started questioning what kind of person she really was.

Hearing Masatsuki's offhand remark was… refreshing.

It vaguely reminded her of the years when she used to dress up with care. Seriously… aside from my parents, when was the last time someone actually called me pretty?

For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she really had turned into some kind of oddball.

Masatsuki, oblivious to her thoughts, shrugged. "Must've been a great dream. You look so happy—I wish I could feel that way all the time."

His words were sincere, laced with a quiet envy that was hard to place.

Yoruichi's smile deepened. With the slightest movement, she cracked her eyes open, watching Masatsuki with playful interest.

To be honest, this guy's got a good face… and he's pretty amusing too.

Her usual manner was casual, but at that moment, her posture grew more languid. She hugged her clothing loosely around herself, making no effort to hide her perfectly toned, elegant figure.

Masatsuki spared a glance at her striking silhouette—then swiftly turned around and left the training ground without a word.

…

"Kisuke, what do you think of that kid?" Yoruichi asked, finally opening her eyes.

"What can you tell from just one night? But… first impressions aren't bad," Kisuke Urahara's voice drifted out from behind a rock.

Yoruichi sat up, slipped on her jacket, and grinned. "Oh? Not bad, huh? Looks like the man Kūkaku and I both have our eyes on has passed your test."

Kisuke shook his head in exasperation. If not for their connection, they probably wouldn't have even met Masatsuki in the first place.

Yoruichi poured herself some tea, then casually poured a cup for Kisuke as well.

"Now that I think about it…" she mused, smirking. "I should've opened my eyes just now and kissed him. His reaction would've been priceless."

"He'd probably sue you for harassment," Kisuke remarked dryly, scratching his head as he took a sip of tea. "And if Kūkaku found out, she'd stuff you into a fireworks cannon. That way, I'd finally get to see a cat-shaped firework."

Yoruichi narrowed her eyes, a confident glint flashing in them.

"That kid? He wouldn't report me for harassment." She smirked. "If anything, he might actually enjoy it."

Then, taking a slow sip of her tea, she chuckled.

"Besides, fireworks are pretty fun to watch, don't you think?"

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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