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

Masatsuki Aozaki poured Yoruichi Shihōin a cup of tea before taking a seat across from her and explaining the Hakuda techniques he had learned from Yamamoto.

At first, Yoruichi remained calm, sipping her tea as she listened.

But before long, her eyes widened in surprise. She nodded occasionally, looking like an eager student absorbing every word.

"I see! So the moves I secretly learned before were just the form, not the essence."

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto's power generation techniques are truly incredible. With this method, Reiatsu and the spirit body synchronize perfectly, allowing for an explosive burst of force!"

"Using this training as a foundation, Hakuda may look no different from ordinary techniques, but the hidden power within… it might even surpass most Kidō."

"In terms of sheer explosive force, my Shunkō is actually a little inferior."

Hearing Yoruichi analyze it so thoroughly, Masatsuki's attention was immediately drawn in. Could this be the kind of genius capable of creating new combat techniques? She had already grasped the full potential of Yamamoto's Hakuda principles so quickly.

Yoruichi tilted her head, resting her cheek against her palm, and smiled playfully.

"And you're just going to share such an important secret technique with me, just like that?"

Masatsuki scoffed. "The old man only said Ikkotsu and Sōkotsu were off-limits—not the rest."

"Besides, didn't you say you'd teach me Shunkō? Is that something you can just pass on? If it is, I'll teach it to the old man, and we'll all win."

"I wouldn't trust just anyone with it, but if it's the Captain-Commander, I wouldn't mind," Yoruichi said, blinking innocently. "The only problem is, I doubt he'd even care about my techniques."

Masatsuki had been watching her closely and noticed that she said this so casually, without a trace of hesitation.

His mind raced. Now this was interesting… What would happen if Shunkō was combined with Sōkotsu?

Yoruichi was still smiling. "Masatsuki, how much of this Hakuda technique have you mastered? Shouldn't it be your turn to teach me now?"

Masatsuki had only learned it today—giving pointers to a Hakuda master like her wasn't exactly an easy task.

Scratching his head, he suddenly glanced at Yoruichi and smirked.

"I've got most of it down. The rest is just a matter of practice."

Yoruichi rolled her eyes. If he wanted a sparring partner, he should just say so. Did he really think she didn't know what kind of person he was?

Seeing through him instantly, Yoruichi smirked. "No matter the technique, proficiency is key. If you're not skilled enough yourself, you'll only make mistakes when teaching others."

"In that case, I'll spar with you."

Masatsuki grinned and cupped his hands. "Then I'll have to thank you, Princess Yoruichi."

Yoruichi, known as the princess of the Shihōin Clan, was technically a noble, so the title wasn't inaccurate.

She paused for a moment before her smile grew even wider.

Seeing the slight blush on her face, Masatsuki suddenly chuckled.

"You're pretty cute—"

Before he could finish, Yoruichi slammed her teacup onto the table.

"Shut up and drink your tea. When you're done, we're sparring."

...

After finishing their tea, the two headed to the Hakuda dojo, changed into training gear, and began practicing Yamamoto's techniques.

At first, Yoruichi struggled slightly—she couldn't quite time her Reiatsu release correctly.

But with Masatsuki's guidance, she quickly got the hang of it.

"Hah!"

With a serious expression, Yoruichi suddenly struck, and the air around them shifted. A streak of blue light shot forward like a falling star, cutting through space in an instant.

Masatsuki wasn't about to back down. Releasing his Reiatsu, he threw a punch straight into the incoming attack.

A deafening explosion rocked the dojo as both of them were blasted backward. Twisting mid-air, they landed smoothly on the ground.

Despite the overwhelming force of her strike, Masatsuki had managed to block it.

Yoruichi swallowed hard, now fully understanding why he was called a genius.

After a long silence, she finally exhaled and said, "Not bad, but your Reiatsu control is lacking. You're wasting way too much energy."

Masatsuki nodded, recalling how Yamamoto executed Hakuda.

On the surface, the old man's strikes looked plain—there was no visible Reiatsu, nothing flashy.

Unlike himself, who was practically glowing.

Yoruichi let out a chuckle. "That's enough for today. It's getting late—go rest up. You've got classes tomorrow."

The two of them sat back down at the tea table.

Yoruichi's gaze lingered on Masatsuki.

He glanced down at himself, puzzled.

What was she looking at? It's not like he was injured or anything...

Yoruichi suddenly spoke. "Aren't you curious about what I talked to the Captain-Commander about today?"

"You said it was important, so obviously it's not my place to ask. But if you want to tell me, I'm all ears." Masatsuki Aozaki shrugged.

Yoruichi pouted. "I never thought you'd care so little about me. I must have misjudged you."

Masatsuki replied flatly, "If you want to talk, then talk. If not, I'm going to bed."

"No, wait!"

Yoruichi grabbed his arm and locked eyes with him for a moment before finally sighing in defeat.

"It's about me succeeding as the captain of the 2nd Division. What do you think? Soon enough, you'll have to call me Captain Yoruichi."

Masatsuki's face remained blank. "Oh…"

Yoruichi squinted at him, puffing out her cheeks. "You're not even a little surprised?"

"Wasn't it just a matter of time? What's there to be surprised about?" Masatsuki pinched her cheek.

Yoruichi made no effort to resist. Then, all of a sudden, she said, "Masatsuki Aozaki…"

Masatsuki raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? What does Captain Yoruichi need from me?"

Looking straight into his eyes, Yoruichi asked, "You've already outgrown the Shin'ō Academy, haven't you? How long are you planning to stay cooped up in that place?"

Masatsuki was caught off guard. He had never expected Yoruichi to bring this up. Stunned, he replied, "I don't know."

Originally, he had planned to follow the standard six-year curriculum and graduate as usual.

But after what he had witnessed Aizen doing last time, he started having second thoughts.

Now, he was conflicted.

Yoruichi seemed to pick up on his hesitation. She fell silent for a moment, contemplating her words before finally speaking.

"Your future is something only you can decide. Don't let unnecessary worries hold you back. At most, you have five years left at Shin'ō Academy. Five years isn't that long… and the 2nd Division's doors will always be open for you."

Masatsuki couldn't help but smile, nudging closer to Yoruichi. "Oh? Our princess sure is subtle. If you want me, you don't have to use the 2nd Division as an excuse…"

Yoruichi smirked and pressed a hand against his face, pushing him away.

"Just go to sleep, you brat."

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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