Masatsuki Aozaki strolled down the wide avenue, passing through several blocks where rows of white buildings stood in perfect alignment. This area housed the 1st Division barracks as well as Seireitei's central administrative offices.
Due to its significance, this district was designated as the Central 1st District—commonly known as the Central Ward.
Masatsuki, lost in idle amusement, played an old childhood game as he walked, carefully stepping along the edges of the shadows cast by the walls, as if he were balancing on a tightrope.
Looking up, he saw an immense wall stretching endlessly in both directions, gleaming silver-white under the sunlight.
The light draped over it like a thin silk veil, emphasizing its flawless surface—spotless and unblemished. Solemn-faced patrol squads moved methodically along its perimeter, their presence adding to the wall's imposing grandeur.
Masatsuki took a deep breath.
For a mere division barracks, this place felt entirely out of place among the surrounding government buildings—as if it were the true center of Seireitei.
The noble families saw themselves as the rightful rulers of Soul Society, residing in their exclusive enclaves of power and prestige.
But to the Shinigami, this place was the true heart of their world.
"Masatsuki, you're here? The Captain-Commander is expecting you."
As he stepped inside, he was met with the stern gaze of Chōjirō Sasakibe.
Masatsuki Aozaki acknowledged him with a nod, then suddenly smirked as if a mischievous thought had crossed his mind.
"Oh, right. Lieutenant Sasakibe, I'm the captain of the 11th Division now. When we're working, please address me as Captain Aozaki or Captain Masatsuki. Make sure you remember that."
This little brat…
Sasakibe's eye twitched slightly.
Around them, the 1st Division members tensed instinctively.
Was he seriously provoking Lieutenant Sasakibe?
That was just like Captain Masatsuki—he had a way of saying the things no one else would dare to.
Masatsuki Aozaki, wearing a victorious grin, picked up his pace and dashed toward the captain's office before Sasakibe had the chance to respond.
As soon as he disappeared, the surrounding squad members rushed to calm Sasakibe down.
"Captain Masatsuki is always like this. After all these years, you should be used to it by now, Lieutenant…"
...
As Masatsuki Aozaki approached the Captain-Commander's office, he could faintly hear voices from inside.
Since there was no soundproof barrier in place, the conversation probably wasn't anything too confidential.
The office door was slightly ajar. Masatsuki carefully peeked inside before stepping in, hoping to catch a glimpse of who his Master was speaking with.
Yamamoto's deep, authoritative voice echoed through the room.
"Come in."
"Yes," Masatsuki Aozaki responded lazily, waving a hand dismissively as he strolled inside and closed the paper door behind him.
The moment the door shut, a soundproof barrier activated, sealing off the room.
Yamamoto sat at the tea table, his gaze fixed on the young man standing before him.
The young man lifted his head slightly, following Yamamoto's line of sight until his eyes landed on Masatsuki Aozaki.
For a brief moment, his expression wavered.
Masatsuki's presence was striking.
The standard Shihakushō, a uniform often dismissed as unremarkable, fit him so flawlessly that it looked like a masterpiece crafted just for him.
His noble, refined features carried an air of effortless superiority, and his long, jet-black hair cascaded over his shoulders like a waterfall.
The young man knew he had an appearance that could captivate noblewomen without trying—but standing in front of Masatsuki Aozaki, he felt… overshadowed.
Masatsuki Aozaki, sensing his gaze, looked at him with mild amusement.
The black-haired youth had two distinctive streaks of pink in his hair. His Kenseikan and red wind-flower scarf—symbols of the Kuchiki Clan—marked his status unmistakably. These accessories alone were worth more than twenty luxury estates.
Masatsuki recalled meeting him once before.
This was the Kuchiki Clan's prodigy—Kōga Kuchiki.
Looking at Masatsuki's defiant smirk, Kōga hesitated for a moment before finally preparing to greet him.
"Hey, old man, this handsome guy looks familiar... Ah, I remember now—it was that time with Sōjun. So, did you call me here because of him? You should know by now, I'm not interested in men."
Masatsuki Aozaki's voice cut through the room as he strolled past, casually picking up a teacup from the table and downing its contents in one gulp—only to immediately wince and smack his lips.
"Hot!"
"It's freshly brewed tea. How many times have I told you? You need to be calm and take your time when drinking tea, but you never listen," Yamamoto said, unfazed.
He lifted his own cup and took a sip before clicking his tongue. "Hmph… it is a bit hot."
Masatsuki Aozaki stuck out his tongue and fanned his mouth with his hand. "Told you."
"Well… just let it cool before drinking," Yamamoto replied nonchalantly, setting his cup down and pouring Masatsuki another.
Kōga Kuchiki watched the exchange with mild surprise.
This was the first time he had ever seen Captain-Commander Yamamoto like this—just like an ordinary old man.
While Yamamoto was known to show moments of gentleness, anyone else who dared to act this casually with him would be met with a sharp reprimand.
"Master, you're too strict most of the time. Look, you've practically scared this guy stiff!"
Masatsuki Aozaki grinned and extended a hand toward Kōga Kuchiki.
"We didn't get a proper introduction last time. I'm Masatsuki Aozaki, Captain of the 11th Division—and the old man's disciple."
Kōga maintained his noble composure, his expression calm as he extended his hand in return.
"Kōga Kuchiki, Captain of the 1st Division's Special Forces Unit. A pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
Masatsuki Aozaki nodded, releasing his grip before turning to Yamamoto.
"So, old man, what's the real reason you called me here? I'm busy, you know. Dealing with the barracks mess has been a nightmare."
"Isn't that your own fault?"
Ignoring his disciple's complaints, Yamamoto looked up, frowning slightly at his relaxed demeanor.
"How are the barracks coming along?"
"Should be ready in about a month. The 12th Division is incredibly efficient," Masatsuki Aozaki said, genuinely impressed.
Rebuilding barracks was child's play for a genius like Kisuke Urahara.
"The Special Forces Unit has located the rebels' last stronghold," Yamamoto said, shifting the topic without concern for Masatsuki's previous remarks. His gaze flickered toward Kōga Kuchiki as he continued.
Masatsuki Aozaki leaned back slightly, a knowing look in his eyes.
"So you've finally decided to wipe them out completely? About time. They've been a threat to the Soul King and the Five Noble Houses for long enough."
Yamamoto remained silent.
He knew his disciple was mocking him.
With his power, he could have crushed the rebellion at any time. Even if he hadn't acted himself, sending either Shunsui Kyōraku or Jūshirō Ukitake alone would have been enough to deal with the problem.
But he had delayed until now—because he had no interest in meddling with the noble clans' internal power struggles.
Finally, Yamamoto spoke.
"In previous operations, the rebels suffered heavy losses. Their high-ranking fighters have been nearly wiped out. Now is the best opportunity to eliminate them for good."
"The 6th and 11th Divisions will take the lead in this operation, with the Special Forces Unit providing support. You and Captain Ginrei Kuchiki will serve as joint commanders."
Masatsuki Aozaki, who had just taken a sip of tea, froze mid-drink.
Seriously?
With the way he phrased it, how was he supposed to refuse?
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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