Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 237: Head of the Clan

"It's Captain Aozaki! What an honor to meet you here—I never expected this!"

Gyōkaku Kumoi wore a fawning smile, his eyes locked onto Masatsuki Aozaki as if staring at a mountain of gold.

"I heard that Captain Aozaki was recently promoted to a high-ranking noble—such wonderful news!"

"I, Gyōkaku Kumoi, would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on behalf of the Kasumiōji Clan!"

His words took everyone by surprise.

Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, in particular, widened her eyes in disbelief. A vassal who had just been deferential to her was now boldly stepping forward to speak on behalf of the entire Kasumiōji Clan?

Nearby, Kūkaku Shiba, Kaien Shiba, and Miyako Shiba exchanged glances, filled with doubt. They couldn't comprehend how a mere servant had the audacity to make such a statement in this setting.

Yet, Gyōkaku seemed utterly indifferent to the reactions around him. His attention was solely on Masatsuki Aozaki, as if gaining his favor was the only thing that mattered.

Rurichiyo Kasumiōji furrowed her brows, silently seething. She never expected Gyōkaku to act so brazenly at a time like this. Where had his previous respect for her gone? Why was he behaving so differently in front of this man?

Gyōkaku, however, didn't care about what others thought. He had only one goal: to win over Masatsuki Aozaki at any cost.

For years, he had harbored ambitions of seizing power within the Kasumiōji Clan. Bit by bit, he had tightened his grip, leaving only a few loyalists still dedicated to the head of the family. Now, most of the power rested in his hands.

Masatsuki Aozaki was the perfect pawn to further his ambitions. If he could secure his support, achieving his goal would become far easier.

And now was the perfect opportunity. Offering congratulations on behalf of the Kasumiōji Clan was a strong show of goodwill.

To him, Masatsuki Aozaki might be a high-ranking noble, but he was still just an individual. Meanwhile, the Kasumiōji Clan was the most powerful among the upper nobility, standing closest to the Five Great Noble Houses.

However, Masatsuki Aozaki's next words doused his enthusiasm like a bucket of cold water.

"Since when can a mere servant represent the Kasumiōji Clan? Can't they even keep their subordinates in line? If that's really the case, I wouldn't mind helping with the discipline—it's quite affordable."

Masatsuki Aozaki smirked and winked at Rurichiyo Kasumiōji as he spoke, his tone light but laced with mockery.

Rurichiyo couldn't help but nod in satisfaction. At least this man still acknowledged her authority—and even said aloud what she herself wouldn't dare to.

Gyōkaku had always acted superior, treating her like a child. He never truly respected her position as head of the clan.

"But Captain Aozaki..." Gyōkaku Kumoi frowned.

"Shut up! Did I say you could speak?"

Masatsuki Aozaki raised an eyebrow, and an invisible wave of pressure crashed down on Gyōkaku. His consciousness faded instantly, and he collapsed to the ground.

Everyone present shuddered.

The Reiatsu hadn't even been directed at them, yet just sensing it faintly was enough to send cold sweat dripping down their backs, as if they had just brushed against the depths of Hell and been pulled back.

"We haven't even introduced ourselves yet."

Feeling Masatsuki Aozaki's gaze, Rurichiyo Kasumiōji finally snapped out of her daze. Gathering her courage, she said, "I... I am Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, head of the Kasumiōji Clan."

"Wow, quite the presence you've got there!" Masatsuki Aozaki teased, as if speaking to a child. "I'm Masatsuki Aozaki. Nice to meet you, Rurichiyo-san."

Masatsuki Aozaki studied the girl in front of him. She lowered her head in silence.

"Rurichiyo-san, let's head inside."

Miyako Shiba stepped forward at just the right moment.

Rurichiyo hesitated, glancing at Masatsuki Aozaki one last time before reluctantly turning away. With her two guards supporting the unconscious Gyōkaku, she left.

"Young girls these days sure are something else," Kūkaku Shiba chuckled.

"What do you mean?" Masatsuki Aozaki asked.

"Oh, come on, don't play dumb. You really don't see it?" Kūkaku scoffed. "That girl obviously has an interest in you."

"Oh? So I should be happy about that?"

Masatsuki Aozaki feigned sudden realization, which only earned him an exasperated eye-roll from Kūkaku.

"Being so courteous to the Kasumiōji head, huh?"

"So the rumors are true."

"We need to report this to the family head. Are there any suitable daughters left in the family...?"

As the two continued chatting and laughing, those around them couldn't help but start scheming their own thoughts.

"What's wrong? Feeling upset?"

Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at Kūkaku, who had turned her face away. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her waist and whispered into her ear.

Ignoring the curious gazes from the crowd, the two strolled into the house, still laughing as they talked.

...

"Come now, Shiba Clan Head, have a taste—this is excellent wine."

Gyōkaku Kumoi poured a drink for Kaien Shiba and raised his own cup with a smile.

"You're too generous, Gyōkaku."

Kaien Shiba pretended to be pleased as he downed the drink in one gulp, though in truth, he couldn't stand the man sitting before him.

But since Gyōkaku was here as the representative of the Kasumiōji head, Kaien couldn't very well go and fetch the young lady herself to drink in his place.

"Why haven't I seen Aozaki-sama?" Gyōkaku asked casually, sipping his wine.

"It was my mistake earlier, and I was hoping to personally apologize to Aozaki-sama."

This guy really knows how to bend when needed, Kaien thought.

If he had been humiliated as publicly as Gyōkaku was earlier, even if his strength was far inferior, he would never lower himself to openly admit fault like this.

Kaien didn't understand—sometimes, dignity was worthless to ambitious men like Gyōkaku.

...

"So, it's Aozaki-sama..."

A soft and youthful voice came from behind.

Masatsuki Aozaki smiled before turning around.

There, in the garden, a young girl in a pink kimono approached him with slow, graceful steps.

The hem of her skirt was embroidered with delicate peach blossoms, swaying gently as if caught in a breeze.

Rurichiyo Kasumiōji—like an unopened flower bud among a field of blooms, exuding an air of fresh innocence.

"So it's you, Rurichiyo-san," Masatsuki Aozaki said, a slight smile playing at his lips as he gazed at her.

"Shouldn't you be discussing important matters with the head of the Shiba Clan? Why are you here alone?"

"I don't understand any of the things they're talking about. Besides, I don't like the smell of alcohol, so..."

Rurichiyo lowered her gaze slightly, as if feeling a bit self-conscious. Her eyes drifted down to her toes.

"So, you left on your own."

Masatsuki Aozaki inhaled the floral fragrance in the air, and in that moment, he understood why poets so often compared women to flowers.

After all, wasn't there a delicate, unbloomed bud standing right beside him?

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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