Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 226: HYUZ - : Incident

"Yuhime, Feilian!"

With this command, the wind stirred violently, erupting into a raging storm.

Like a ferocious beast, it bared its fangs and clamped down on the Hollowfied Ryuuseki and Izumo, preventing their escape. In an instant, the swirling winds formed an impenetrable prison, sealing them within.

A crushing pressure, as heavy as a mountain, bore down on them, rendering them immobile as if an invisible force was pinning them to the ground. Their bodies creaked under the immense strain, producing unsettling cracking sounds, as if they could shatter at any moment.

Masatsuki Aozaki stood still, his sharp gaze locked onto Ryuuseki and Izumo, watching them intently within the raging wind prison. His eyes held a trace of expectation, as if he were waiting for something miraculous to occur.

Time passed, minute by minute. An hour slipped away, yet neither Ryuuseki nor Izumo showed any signs of their Hollowfication breaking.

Masatsuki Aozaki frowned, shaking his head slightly. Raising a finger, he pointed at their foreheads and muttered to himself,

"Did it fail? Where did it go wrong?"

His voice carried a hint of doubt and frustration, his once-calm expression growing heavier with concern. His gaze remained fixed on the Hollowfied figures of Ryuuseki and Izumo lying motionless on the ground, unwilling to miss even the slightest change.

Then, suddenly, his expression shifted. A flicker of surprise flashed through his eyes.

The white skeletal layer covering Ryuuseki and Izumo's bodies had begun to crack—thin, web-like fissures spreading rapidly across its surface. The cracks intertwined, growing denser, forming an intricate network of fractures.

Then—

Crack!

With a sharp sound, the entire skeletal layer shattered, disintegrating into countless specks of dust that scattered into the air.

Without the bone-like armor supporting them, Ryuuseki and Izumo collapsed limply to the ground.

Had it worked?

"This... is this the power of Hollowfication? We've grown several times stronger than before...!"

A mix of disbelief and exhilaration filled their expressions. Their bodies trembled, not from fear, but from the overwhelming rush of newfound strength.

But just as they were reveling in their success, their masks suddenly fractured without warning, breaking apart into countless tiny shards that drifted to the ground.

Masatsuki Aozaki, observing the lingering Reiatsu emanating from them, gave a small nod.

"At this stage, if you can release your Zanpakutō and fully control your Hollowfication, your strength should rival that of a Captain-level Shinigami who fights without using Bankai."

He waved a hand dismissively.

"Find a place to practice. Get used to this power, and focus on extending the duration of your Hollowfication."

"Yes! Thank you, Aozaki-sama. We'll start training immediately to master this new strength."

Ryuuseki and Izumo exchanged a glance before turning and leaving, eager to refine their control over their transformation.

Meanwhile, Masatsuki Aozaki expanded his Reiatsu perception—locating Gin Ichimaru within the 11th Division.

...

One week later, 1st Division Barracks...

Inside the Captain's Meeting Room, the captains of the Gotei 13 were gathered. The only absentee was the 3rd Division Captain, Sōsuke Aizen, who was away on a mission. In his place, Lieutenant Chikane Iba attended the meeting.

"This is the situation."

Without lifting his head, Yamamoto handed out the documents he had prepared in advance for everyone to review. "The Central 46 has already uncovered the truth behind the incident."

"Due to an internal experiment leak, the Tsunayashiro Clan has suffered an unprecedented blow. I am deeply grieved. This is a failure on the part of the Gotei 13."

"Hollowfication? That's strictly forbidden in Seireitei, yet these noble families were secretly researching it themselves. No wonder they never sought our help!"

Shunsui Kyōraku flipped through the documents, which were filled with investigation reports, each stamped with the official seal of the Central 46.

"Well, well... what a disaster. Is there even anyone left in the Tsunayashiro Clan?"

"The branch family was completely wiped out, but a few children from the main family survived. They are currently under the protection of the Gotei 13."

Yamamoto shot him a hard glare, though his mood had improved compared to when he first learned of the Tsunayashiro Clan's downfall.

After all, internal strife was different from an external invasion.

If the attack had come from an outside force, failing to protect them would have been a clear dereliction of duty for the Gotei 13. But in this case, the Tsunayashiro Clan had brought disaster upon themselves. Conducting Hollowfication experiments within Seireitei—Yamamoto was already showing restraint by not taking action against them. Trying to pin the blame on the Gotei 13 was unreasonable.

Masatsuki Aozaki's expression was somewhat strange as he flipped through the documents. He could only marvel at Aizen's meticulousness—there wasn't a single flaw in his cover-up.

Yamamoto's voice turned solemn. "Now, I will announce the decree from Central 46..."

"What now?" Shunsui Kyōraku muttered under his breath. "They've already investigated everything. What's left to say?"

"Tokinada Tsunayashiro, a low-ranking member of the Tsunayashiro branch family, has been found guilty of stealing his clan's sacred treasure and slaughtering his own kin during this incident. His crimes are unforgivable."

Yamamoto continued,

"Effective immediately, Tokinada Tsunayashiro is to be hunted across all of Soul Society. Dead or alive. Captains, ensure your divisions are informed."

The more senior captains exchanged surprised glances. This wasn't in the reports, but they all knew of Tokinada Tsunayashiro.

Decades ago, he had been placed under house arrest for murdering his wife and a close friend.

The one who had exposed him back then was none other than the 8th Division Captain—his former classmate, Shunsui Kyōraku.

He had always been known as a madman, but no one expected him to go this far.

"Yes." The captains answered in unison.

"There are two more matters to discuss."

Yamamoto scanned the room, observing the captains' reactions before giving a satisfied nod.

Even the most unruly among them sat respectfully, a clear sign that this incident had not shaken his authority within the Gotei 13.

Not that it would have mattered if it had. Worst case, he'd just have to reestablish his authority—with his fists.

Masatsuki Aozaki, however, had no idea what was running through the old man's mind. He wasn't worried about Yamamoto.

After all, he was the one who had killed Tokinada Tsunayashiro. He had also slain numerous other Tsunayashiro clan members and taken the Enrakyōten for himself.

Yet here he was, completely untouched, while all the blame conveniently fell on a dead man.

He had to resist the urge to laugh.

"The first matter—Captain Ginrei Kuchiki will be transferring to the Shin'ō District. As such, he has submitted his retirement and withdrawal from active service. He has recommended 6th Division Lieutenant Kōga Kuchiki as his successor. Do any of you object?" Yamamoto asked.

All eyes turned to Ginrei Kuchiki, who nodded calmly.

"I am old. It is time for the younger generation to take up the mantle."

Since the elder himself had spoken, the captains had no reason to object.

Kōga Kuchiki's strength was well known—his performance on the battlefield was outstanding, and he had already mastered Bankai.

Moreover, the position of 6th Division Captain had always been hereditary within the Kuchiki Clan. The rightful successor, Sōjun Kuchiki, had been reassigned to the Shin'ō District early on due to health issues.

With Ginrei stepping down, Kōga was the only viable candidate for the role.

...

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