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

"If you marry into the Shihōin Clan, you'll become a noble."

Yoruichi Shihōin winked at Masatsuki Aozaki, looking rather excited.

"Our Shihōin Clan isn't just any noble family—we're one of the Four Great Noble Clans. In Soul Society, our status is second only to the royal family. How does that sound? Tempting, isn't it?"

Masatsuki mulled it over for a moment and murmured, "So I could rise to the top in one step?"

"Exactly. You'd just have to change your surname. Masatsuki Shihōin—it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

"It does sound good." Masatsuki winked back with a grin. "I wouldn't mind changing my surname, but I have two questions first."

Yoruichi eyed him for a few seconds before saying, "Go ahead."

She had only been joking at first, but hearing Masatsuki's response, she found herself wanting to continue the conversation.

"First, if I marry into the Shihōin Clan, does that mean I'm marrying you?"

"T-That's obvious."

For some reason, Yoruichi suddenly felt a little flustered, her words stumbling as she tried to explain.

"Don't underestimate yourself. You may not be a noble, but you're the disciple of the Captain-Commander."

"Other than me, who else in the Shihōin Clan would be qualified to marry the disciple of Captain-Commander Yamamoto?"

"That makes sense. Well, that works out—I do like you, after all." Masatsuki thought for a moment before nodding.

Yoruichi looked up at the sky, saying nothing.

Masatsuki continued, "Second question: After I marry you, can I still pursue my personal goals and strive for a bright and happy future?"

"You really are persistent," Yoruichi muttered, dumbfounded.

She knew exactly what kind of "goals" he was referring to—not the most respectable ambitions—but now was definitely not the time to bring that up.

"I'm asking you seriously. Yes or no?" Masatsuki pressed.

"Of course not! How could I ever agree to that?!"

Yoruichi's face turned red as she clenched her fists and shouted, drawing the attention of nearby servants. However, fearing trouble, they quickly averted their gazes.

Masatsuki let out a disappointed sigh, shaking his head. "Then forget it. My ties to this world are too deep to be severed just yet."

Yoruichi: "..."

She knew he was just joking, but she still couldn't help rolling her eyes.

...

The two of them walked up to an old, elegant estate. The clamor of the city gradually faded behind them, replaced by an air of quiet solitude.

Masatsuki and Yoruichi both remained silent, making the atmosphere even more distant and complex.

"Yoruichi-sama."

The doormen bowed as they approached, breaking the strange mood.

Yoruichi glanced at Masatsuki before turning to the guards. "Thanks for your hard work. Has anyone come looking for me?"

Perhaps sensing the unusual tension, one of the guards hesitated for a moment before lowering his voice.

"Lieutenant Ōmaeda stopped by once. He left some documents in the study."

Yoruichi: "..."

The guard added in an even quieter voice, "Lieutenant Ōmaeda said he has already handled the paperwork. You just need to review and sign it."

Yoruichi's expression relaxed slightly as she stepped inside.

Masatsuki peeked inside, and when she gestured for him to follow, he did.

They passed through a long corridor, winding through the mansion's interior, until they finally arrived at a modest room.

Seeing Masatsuki enter alongside Yoruichi, the guards, servants, and even the Shinigami stationed nearby exchanged curious glances.

This was the first time their young mistress had allowed a man other than Yūshirō into her personal quarters.

Even Kisuke Urahara, her childhood friend of many years, had never received such treatment.

And the man following her inside wasn't just anyone—he was strikingly handsome, almost otherworldly, looking every bit like a noble from a distinguished family.

More importantly, the two of them seemed incredibly close...

Just as the maids were about to let their imaginations run wild, the door suddenly swung open from the inside.

"Bring some tea and sweets," Yoruichi called out to the maids, poking her head out. "Oh, and don't let Yūshirō know I'm back."

One of the maids quickly responded, and Yoruichi nodded before closing the door.

Masatsuki Aozaki sat casually on the tatami mat, glancing around the room.

The decor was simple—fresh and elegant. There wasn't much furniture, but every piece was handcrafted with exquisite skill. It didn't appear overly luxurious, yet it was undoubtedly expensive.

Masatsuki clicked his tongue. "Bringing me into your boudoir... What, are you trying to show off the extravagant life of noble families, seduce me, and then scheme against me?"

Yoruichi suddenly chuckled, leaned in close, and blew a soft breath against his ear before murmuring, "If you regret it now, there's still time. I'll even give you another chance."

Masatsuki sighed. "How about this—you don't have to marry me. Once I become Captain-Commander, you can marry me instead."

Yoruichi raised a brow. "You've only just become the Captain-Commander's apprentice, and you're already thinking about a coup?"

"You're really something. You don't want to take a loss, not even a little."

"But if I marry outside the clan, the head position will go to Yūshirō. Sorry to tell you, but your plan is doomed."

Masatsuki shrugged. "The Shihōin family head position means nothing to me. It never had anything to do with me in the first place."

"Then what does?"

"..." Masatsuki simply looked at her without answering.

Yoruichi turned away, letting out a small "hmph" that was difficult to interpret.

After a moment, a clear voice came from outside the door. "Yoruichi-sama, your order has arrived."

Yoruichi seemed relieved and responded in a low voice, "Leave it outside. I'll take it myself."

She stood up, stretched, and carried the tea into the room. Taking a deep breath, she said lightly, "Do you know Tenjirō Kirinji?"

Masatsuki raised a brow, pointing toward the ceiling—or perhaps somewhere even higher.

Yoruichi nodded. "That's right."

Masatsuki chuckled. "My master told me about him. He was the former captain of the 4th Division and joined the Royal Guard centuries ago, serving as a royal envoy."

"The healing method you mentioned... it's not his hot spring, is it?"

"You know about that too?" Yoruichi looked a bit surprised.

Masatsuki smirked. "You do realize who my master is, right? The Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13." He took a sip of tea and nodded in approval. "Not bad."

"Of course. This is the finest tea in all of Soul Society," Yoruichi said with a grin. Then, flashing a mischievous smile, she added, "Masatsuki, let's go steal his hot spring."

Masatsuki froze. "You're joking, right? He lives in the Soul King's Palace, separated from Seireitei by seventy-two layers of barriers. How exactly do you plan on stealing it?"

"Don't tell me you're thinking of using the Kakaku Taihō? If so, I'd advise against it."

"That thing might be useful for bombing Seireitei, but sneaking into the Soul King's Palace? No chance."

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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