Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō-Chapter 198: Hell

Late at night, Seireitei, 1st Division...

Nobles dressed in ancient attire arrived at the division quarters. Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto, sat in his study, his hands resting on his walking stick, eyes fixed ahead. Behind him hung a portrait of the monster that burned the world.

The silence stretched on for a long time, with almost everyone keeping their heads lowered.

"So, distinguished members of the Yomi family, it has been a century since we last met. What brings you here?" Yamamoto asked calmly. "Has something happened in Hell?"

The atmosphere was oppressively heavy.

Hell existed independently of the Three Realms—Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the World of the Living. It had coexisted with the chaotic world even before heaven and earth were divided.

At the dawn of existence, all souls resided within the same chaotic world—both ordinary souls, known as "Plus," and those consumed by desire, who fell into corruption and became Hollows.

Then, one day, Hollows began to devour other souls, throwing the world's balance into disarray. Left unchecked, all souls would eventually be consumed, merging into a single, colossal Menos, and the world would fall into a state of stagnation—neither alive nor dead, neither advancing nor retreating.

Thus, the Soul King, a divine being of omniscience and omnipotence, was born. With his power, he annihilated the Hollows and restored balance. To ensure the world's continued progression, he divided it into three realms—Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the World of the Living.

In this structured world, the World of the Living served as the home of souls, composed of Kishi and Reishi. Kishi was the source of Reishi—Reishi emerged from Kishi but remained distinct from it. When humans, formed of Kishi, died, they transitioned into a Reishi state, becoming Konpaku.

Ordinary souls, known as "Plus," were sent to Soul Society, while those who fell into corruption became Hollows. Souls in Soul Society, after death, would reincarnate into the World of the Living. Human souls in the living world were either naturally born or reincarnated from Soul Society.

Hollows, when purified by a Shinigami's Zanpakutō, had their souls judged. Depending on their sins in life, they would either be sent to Soul Society or cast into Hell.

Regardless of whether a soul was a Plus or a Hollow, upon death, the spiritual body that housed it would break down into Reishi or White Sand, rejoining the natural cycle of the Reishi world.

However, if a soul's spiritual body was exceptionally powerful, it would not decompose naturally upon death, making it impossible to return to the Reishi cycle. These anomalies—souls unable to be reintegrated—had only one destination: Hell.

Hell was the most unique link in this cycle, continuously absorbing souls from the Three Realms according to its own laws, beyond the control of any being.

"Perhaps the century-long war has resulted in too many captain-level Reiatsu entering Hell," an elder of the Yomi family remarked.

"At first, nothing seemed amiss, but recently, during our observations of Hell, we noticed that its will has grown more active."

The other members of the Yomi family nodded solemnly.

"What do you intend to do?" Yamamoto asked, furrowing his brows.

He was well aware of the gravity of the situation.

Throughout history, countless powerful beings had been cast into Hell. If something was going wrong within it, the consequences would be dire.

The slightest misstep could throw the Three Realms into chaos—or worse, lead to the destruction of the world itself.

"We don't need to concern ourselves with it for now. As long as the Reiatsu of the Three Worlds keeps the Gate of Hell suppressed, the will of Hell cannot break the rules and interfere with the Three Worlds."

The old man's black eyes remained expressionless.

"Regarding your disciple, the one named Masatsuki Aozaki—I would like to meet him."

"Meet him? Has he done something wrong again?"

Yamamoto rose from his seat, leaning on his walking stick. He didn't release his Reiatsu, yet an overwhelming pressure, like a towering mountain, seemed to weigh down on everyone in the room.

"I would appreciate it if you could tell me what has happened. If he has done something inappropriate, I, as his Master, will ensure he is properly disciplined."

In Soul Society, all matters related to Hell were strictly off-limits—except for one family.

The family currently seated before Yamamoto. The one that never involved itself in Seireitei's internal struggles. One of the five great noble houses, entrusted with overseeing Hell—the Yomi Clan.

Hasn't Seireitei already had enough trouble from that brat? Now he's stirring up problems in Hell too?

"No, Captain-Commander, you misunderstand." The old man's tone was as calm as still water. "I simply have some questions for him regarding the last Konsō ritual. It's nothing serious."

The other members of the Yomi family exchanged amused glances.

They had met this Captain-Commander before, but it was their first time seeing him this flustered. It was clear that this child meant a great deal to him.

Yamamoto, however, did not smile. Instead, he slowly sat back down, quietly relieved.

The Yomi Clan was one of the five noble houses, responsible for matters related to Hell in Soul Society. Any conflict with them would be troublesome to resolve.

After all, their role was vital—it concerned the safety of the world itself.

...

"They were just knocked out by the Reiatsu. I've suppressed mine now, so they should wake up soon."

Masatsuki Aozaki explained to Harribel as he placed Loly and Menoly on the bed.

"These two are too weak. If they had reached the fourth rank of Spiritual Power like Sung-Sun and the others, they wouldn't have fainted so easily."

"I'll train them in the future. They still have room to grow."

"Now that we're Arrancar, we no longer need to devour our own kind to increase our Reiatsu. With the training method you gave us, we have a real chance of breaking through to the fourth rank," Harribel said.

"Don't blame yourself. This was my fault—I was careless and forgot to suppress my Reiatsu."

"..."

Harribel stared at him blankly.

Masatsuki Aozaki hesitated before asking, "What is it? Why are you looking at me like that? Did Banshō play a prank on my face?"

Harribel snapped out of her daze, let out a soft chuckle, and shook her head slightly. In a voice filled with quiet relief, she said,

"It's nothing. I just realized you're still the same as ever."

"What's so strange about that? I've always been me."

Silence filled the room. A gentle breeze drifted in, swirling through the underground cavern.

Masatsuki Aozaki, who had been sitting by the bed, stood up and slowly made his way outside, with Harribel following behind.

Beyond the doorway, the quartz trees glowed softly in the dim light, casting deep, serene shadows. The cool night wind carried a faint whisper as it brushed against them.

What a beautiful place... But soon, he would have to leave.

"Take care of yourself," Masatsuki Aozaki said, his voice unusually gentle as he turned his head.

"We'll stay here. We're not going anywhere. There are devices in place that block Reiatsu detection, so there's no danger," Harribel said quietly.

Partings were inevitable, but the best words to offer were always ones of reassurance.

"If anything happens, let me know immediately. No matter where you are, I'll be there in a flash." Masatsuki Aozaki gave her a playful wink.

"We won't cause you trouble... We'll wait here patiently—until you return to us," Harribel sighed softly.

"You sighed?" Masatsuki Aozaki asked.

"I was just adjusting my breathing."

"You don't want me to go," he said suddenly.

Harribel froze for a moment, then gave a small nod.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

p@treon com / PinkSnake