Chapter 155: I've Been Waiting for You

Boom!

Explosions rumbled in the distance, the deafening noise a clear sign of the fierce battle raging on. Masatsuki Aozaki didn't even need to see it to know—the 11th Division was fighting hard.

As he approached, he was surprised to find that most of the fallen squad members were only incapacitated or unconscious. Not a single one had suffered fatal injuries. It seemed his name still carried some weight.

For Shinigami, getting hurt was nothing. Even lost limbs could be healed—unless, of course, it was like Yamamoto in another timeline, who sacrificed his body using a forbidden Hadō.

In cases like that, not even Retsu Unohana could do anything.

These soldiers, though, were only out of the fight temporarily. A trip to the 4th Division for treatment would have them back on their feet in no time. That was far better than the fate of the Tsunayashiro Clan members, who had been slaughtered outright.

Masatsuki Aozaki drew Banshō Senran from his waist and casually twirled the blade in a flourish before speaking.

"The thief who invaded the Tsunayashiro estate… I appreciate you not killing my subordinates. Almost makes me not want to kill you either. But since no one's stopping you, why haven't you run?"

A figure, cloaked entirely in black, responded indifferently,

"I was waiting for you. I wanted to see the so-called greatest genius in Soul Society's history."

Beneath that pitch-black robe, his appearance had undoubtedly changed in the eyes of the Gotei 13 soldiers.

Masatsuki Aozaki sighed internally. Is now really the time for a jealousy-fueled grudge match?

This guy was too stubborn.

Masatsuki didn't particularly want to kill him. After all, he had some ties with Kōga Kuchiki, the outcast son-in-law of the noble Kuchiki Clan. But if he insisted on throwing his life away, there wasn't much Masatsuki could do.

He had never considered the possibility of losing this fight.

Kōga's Zanpakutō, Muramasa, was indeed formidable. But knowing its weakness and preparing accordingly made him far easier to deal with than Kenpachi Kiganjō.

Kōga never spoke of Muramasa's full abilities.

But as a transmigrator, Masatsuki Aozaki knew exactly where its flaws lay.

Muramasa's power had no effect on those who had closed off their hearts.

And because Masatsuki understood how dangerous this Zanpakutō could be, he had long since learned how to do just that.

Before Kōga could even release his Zanpakutō, Masatsuki pulled open his shirt slightly and slapped his chest. A dark, circular formation rapidly took shape, pulsing with spiritual energy. At its center, the kanji for "seal" was etched into the air.

The cloaked man hesitated.

"…What is that?"

"A Kidō formation to seal emotions," Masatsuki answered casually, as if it were nothing.

"What!?"

Kōga flinched, eyes widening. This was a direct counter to Muramasa's ability. Shocked, he blurted out,

"You… figured out who I am?"

Masatsuki nodded without hesitation.

"That's right."

Kōga narrowed his eyes. "Then how do you know my weakness?"

Masatsuki clasped his hands behind his back, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"I might know you better than you know yourself."

His tone carried an air of mystery, like a sage standing above the world, beyond comprehension.

Kōga chuckled, a relieved smile spreading across his face.

Rather than feeling pressured by the words, he actually found them comforting.

He understands me this well? No wonder he's my closest friend.

Masatsuki wasn't afraid of Muramasa—not like others who panicked the moment they learned what it could do.

Unlike them, he stood his ground, unfazed.

Kōga studied him curiously.

"…Are you here to help the Tsunayashiro Clan?"

"The Central 46 ordered the 11th Division to support them," Masatsuki replied with a shrug.

"But you know how I feel about the Tsunayashiro. I don't care who you killed—I might even applaud you for it."

Then, as if a new idea had struck him, he grinned.

"But now that I think about it, I've got a better idea. How about we stop fighting and just… talk?"

Kōga shook his head.

"Masatsuki Aozaki, the truth is, I don't want to see you as an enemy… but losing to you still weighs on me."

Memories of their countless sparring matches surfaced in Kōga's mind.

Despite never using Bankai, Masatsuki had beaten him every single time.

Ginrei Kuchiki had always praised Masatsuki, but never spared Kōga a word of recognition.

He knew it wasn't Masatsuki's fault.

But he just couldn't let it go.

"If I win, I'll go back to my cell and I won't kill you, but you can't tell anyone about what happened today."

"But if you win, my life is yours. Whatever you ask of me, I'll do it."

"This guy is seriously stubborn! Is getting that old man's approval really that important?" Masatsuki Aozaki thought to himself.

For someone like Masatsuki, who only cared about women's mental well-being, he simply couldn't understand Kōga Kuchiki's obsession.

What's so special about an old man's recognition?

Unless it was someone like Yamamoto, who resorted to violence at the slightest provocation—then maybe he'd pay attention.

Suppressing his scattered thoughts, Masatsuki Aozaki clicked his tongue and said, "Let's change locations. There's no room to fight here."

Kōga Kuchiki was momentarily stunned but quickly let out a hearty laugh.

"Alright, follow me!"

He turned around, leaving his back completely exposed to Masatsuki Aozaki without a second thought.

If it had been Kamen Rider Tiger standing here instead of Masatsuki, Kōga Kuchiki would probably be hearing the electronic voice announcing, "Final Vent."

Masatsuki Aozaki shook his head helplessly, sighing at his own kindness before following after Kōga Kuchiki at full speed.

As captains, both of them moved with incredible swiftness. Before long, they had left the Tsunayashiro Clan's territory and arrived in a dense mountain forest.

Impatiently, Masatsuki Aozaki asked, "Hey, you know my patience is limited. This place should be good enough, right?"

"This will do."

Kōga Kuchiki stopped without a hint of frustration.

He was well aware that the man in front of him only ever showed his refined, gentlemanly side when dealing with women.

Brandishing his Zanpakutō, Kōga Kuchiki sighed, "You've never seen my Bankai, have you? Once I use it, my Shikai's power increases tenfold."

Muramasa had really treated him well…

Kōga Kuchiki's control over his own power was still lacking. But the fact that his Bankai could amplify his strength tenfold spoke volumes about how obedient Muramasa was to him.

Watching Kōga Kuchiki bask in his own self-admiration, Masatsuki Aozaki couldn't help but chuckle.

Still, he could understand—at least to some extent. Achieving Bankai was a major milestone for any Shinigami.

Once a Shinigami obtained Bankai, their name would be forever etched into the history of the Soul Society. The sheer significance of Bankai, along with the immense power boost it provided, was undeniable.

And for someone as young as Kōga Kuchiki to have already mastered Bankai, it was only natural that his confidence had swelled.

Without another word, Masatsuki Aozaki took advantage of that arrogance, using Shunpo to appear right in front of him and swing his blade.

Clang!

The slash came in an instant, forcing Kōga Kuchiki to hastily raise his Zanpakutō to block.

Masatsuki Aozaki let out a small laugh.

With just a slight increase in force, Kōga Kuchiki was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing through the air and kicking up a massive cloud of dust.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

p@treon com / PinkSnake