Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 228: Fierce Sister

Kisuke Urahara instinctively shook his head. Something told him this kid was about to drag him into another troublesome mess.

I'm busy too, you know!

"You're seriously not bored? I really misjudged you, Kisuke Urahara. I thought you were a man on my level, but clearly, you've still got a long way to go."

Masatsuki Aozaki let out a dramatic sigh.

"But whatever. As long as I'm bored, that's all that matters. I have a... no, an entire series of games I want you to help me create."

"Games? A series of games?"

At the mention of games, Urahara's interest immediately piqued.

Masatsuki had no talent for scientific research, but every now and then, he came up with some genuinely interesting ideas.

And entertainment? That was something worth backing without hesitation!

Seeing that Urahara was hooked, Masatsuki launched into an animated explanation.

"It's a role-playing video game series..."

"A new type of game, huh? That does sound interesting." Urahara stroked his chin, nodding in approval. "Final Fantasy, huh? That's a solid name."

"Actually, I've got a bunch of other ideas too. Once you finish this one, I'll tell you about the rest."

Masatsuki's eyes gleamed with excitement.

In his past life, he had played through hundreds of games—not just for fun, but as a serious connoisseur.

Red Dead Redemption, Monster Hunter, Demon's Souls, Dark Souls, Elden Ring... and of course, Resident Evil—he had to bring them all into existence.

The plan was simple: he provided the ideas, and Urahara handled the execution. A perfect partnership.

"No problem. Leave it to me." Urahara gave a confident nod. "Though, I've never done anything like this before, so I can only promise to try my best."

Anything related to having fun was right up his alley. The moment he got into it, his entire body practically radiated motivation.

"Good, I'll leave it in your hands, Kisuke." Masatsuki nodded, a bit excited himself.

If he became truly invincible one day—free from all threats and worries—what would be left to do?

Spending every single day with women? That sounded boring as hell.

"Masatsuki... Since I'm doing you this favor, how about returning one for me?"

Urahara casually draped an arm over Masatsuki's shoulders, pulling him off to a quiet corner.

"What do you mean, doing me a favor? This is mutual benefit, don't act like I don't know what kind of person you are."

Masatsuki shot him a look of disdain.

They'd known each other for years. Who was he trying to fool?

Honestly, Masatsuki wouldn't be surprised if Urahara ended up more addicted to gaming than he did.

"...Fine, tell me what it is first. I'll think about it."

"I... I want you to keep that thing safe for me."

Urahara raised an eyebrow, his voice low and cryptic.

Masatsuki's eyes narrowed. freēwēbnovel.com

"That thing? And why would I need to hold onto it?"

He already knew what Urahara was talking about—the Hōgyoku.

Urahara still didn't know its true name. Up until now, he had treated it like his personal treasure, keeping it hidden away and only bringing it out for the occasional experiment.

So why the sudden decision to hand it over?

"You know as well as I do how dangerous that thing is. It's not safe with me. I need you to keep it for me."

Kisuke Urahara spoke in a hushed voice.

"Why me?" Masatsuki Aozaki asked, narrowing his eyes.

Urahara took a deep breath.

"If I'm not mistaken, your current strength is on par with the Captain-Commander, right? Tell me—where in this world could possibly be safer than by your side?"

Masatsuki let out a dramatic sigh.

"To think I hid my power so well, yet you still saw through it..."

He shook his head.

"As expected, I shine as brilliantly as the sun in the sky—no matter how much I try to hide, I simply cannot be ignored."

Urahara shot him a look of pure disdain.

That said, he had to admit—Masatsuki wasn't exactly wrong.

Whether it was his personality, appearance, or sheer talent, Masatsuki was someone no one could simply overlook.

"But since you've so sincerely begged me, I suppose I can reluctantly agree to do you this favor."

Masatsuki smirked.

Urahara's eye twitched.

This guy... he's acting like he's being put out when he's the one benefiting the most!

But then again, the Hōgyoku was a dangerous burden. Masatsuki wasn't an idiot—agreeing to take it meant taking on serious risks.

"I owe you a favor," Urahara said.

"Hah? We're friends—why are you saying stuff like that? You looking down on me? Apologize."

For a brief moment, Urahara actually felt touched. After a moment of silence, he sighed.

"...I'm sorry."

"I forgive you. Just don't forget to repay this favor." Masatsuki waved his hand dismissively.

Give me back my emotions, you bastard!

"Are you free tonight? I'll bring it to you then," Urahara said, exhaling deeply.

"I was planning to slack off..." Masatsuki muttered.

"...Fine, I guess I can graciously squeeze some time out of my busy schedule. Come find me at the barracks tonight."

Urahara hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to part with his research, but the truth was—it had become too dangerous.

He couldn't keep working on it, but at the same time, he couldn't bring himself to destroy it either.

Last time, when his lab was raided, the Hōgyoku had gone unnoticed.

But what about next time?

He couldn't keep gambling on luck forever.

If someone really set their sights on the Hōgyoku, nowhere would be truly safe.

There was only one choice—entrusting it to the man who was likely the strongest Shinigami in all of Seireitei.

There was nowhere safer than at Masatsuki's side.

"...I'll deliver it on time." Urahara gave a small nod before turning to leave.

...

"What's with that evil grin? You bullied Kisuke again, didn't you?"

Yoruichi Shihōin's voice rang out from behind Masatsuki.

"Bully? What are you talking about?" Masatsuki crossed his arms, raising a brow. "I was just offering him something fun. He was thrilled just now."

"You found something fun and didn't tell me? What is it? Spill it!"

Yoruichi latched onto his arm, shaking him excitedly.

Masatsuki stood firm, unmoved—like a rock being battered by waves. He glanced at her and said flatly,

"Tell me, do you know anything about programming or art design?"

"...Neither," Yoruichi admitted.

"There you go, then. The technical stuff is Kisuke's job. We just have to wait for the finished product."

Masatsuki waved a hand dismissively before shifting the conversation.

"By the way, how's Yūshirō doing?"

"He's reached Third-Rank Spiritual Power. I'm teaching him Shunkō now," Yoruichi said, visibly pleased.

Masatsuki smiled. "Then let me congratulate you in advance—you'll finally get to take it easy soon."

"Once Yūshirō masters Shunkō, I'll pass both the clan head position and my captaincy down to him."

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, leaning in close.

Her warm breath tickled Masatsuki's ear as she whispered,

"That means I won't be the head of the Shihōin Clan much longer. If you're interested in becoming the head of a noble family, there's still time. If you marry into the clan now, I might be willing to reluctantly step down from head to... head wife."

"So? Wanna think it over—"

Before she could finish, a pale hand suddenly grabbed the back of her neck.

"Yoruichi isn't being a good girl."

Turning around, Yoruichi was met with the gentle—yet terrifying—smile of Retsu Unohana.

A visible shiver ran down her spine.

"R-Retsu-neechan, I was wrong! I won't do it again—please, just this once, let me off the hook!"

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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