Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō
Chapter 288: Peace of Mind

Chapter 288 - 288: Peace of Mind

The girl slowly opened her eyes, her gaze meeting an unfamiliar ceiling.

She stared blankly at the bright chandelier hanging from the wooden beams above, her mind clouded with confusion.

"So clean..."

She murmured the words without thinking.

At that moment, an unfamiliar yet gentle voice rang out.

"You're awake?"

The voice was clear and soothing, carrying a warmth that seemed to sink straight into her heart, making her feel at ease.

She instinctively turned her head toward the voice, only for a sharp pain in her chest to force a strained gasp from her lips.

"Are you in pain? Let me help you."

The pleasant voice spoke again, and before she could react, a handsome face suddenly came into view.

His deep, bright eyes shimmered like stars, filled with a gentle concern as he gazed at her.

"I feel like I've seen you before... May I ask who you are?"

Her voice was hesitant, and as she met his striking gaze, she felt a sudden shyness creeping over her.

"I am Masatsuki Aozaki, Captain of the 11th Division of the Gotei 13."

The man smiled as he introduced himself.

At the mention of his name, the girl immediately tensed.

She had only heard bits and pieces about Seireitei, but she knew that a captain was an important figure among the Shinigami—a high-ranking existence far beyond her reach.

Nervous and unsure of what to do, she fumbled over her words.

"A-Ah... A noble of Seireitei... I... I'm sorry, I—"

Masatsuki gently shook his head and reassured her.

"It's alright. There's no need to be nervous. I just came to check on you, Hisana-san."

Scratching his head, he let out a slightly apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I took the liberty of finding out your name."

"How are you feeling? Does anything still hurt?"

His gaze remained gentle, full of concern as he observed her carefully.

Hisana took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

She looked at Masatsuki gratefully and forced a weak smile, her voice trembling slightly.

"No... If anything, I should be the one apologizing..."

"I've caused you and the Gotei 13 so much trouble... I'm truly sorry."

She lowered her head, deep regret written all over her face.

Then, realizing something, she quickly waved her hands, a flicker of urgency flashing through her eyes.

"And... you saved my life. That's an enormous kindness—I could never blame you for anything!"

Her voice carried genuine gratitude and sincerity.

"This is a debt I will never forget. If anything, I should be the one thinking about how to repay you."

"Repay me, huh..."

Masatsuki murmured, deep in thought.

"Yes. Please... give me the chance."

Hisana nodded earnestly.

Something flickered in Masatsuki's eyes as he seemed to consider her words.

After a moment, he met her gaze and spoke.

"There might actually be something you can help me with..."

The second he finished speaking, Hisana's expression brightened with excitement.

"Please tell me! If it's something within my power, I'll do whatever I can!"

Her determination was clear.

...

"The people of Rukongai..."

Retsu Unohana frowned slightly.

She didn't mind the 4th Division providing medical aid to the poor souls of Rukongai.

But the fact that Masatsuki Aozaki had personally brought this one back made her suspect there was more to the situation.

After all, Masatsuki could heal others himself—if all he wanted was to save her life, there was no need to bring her to Seireitei.

"Don't you think Hisana-san looks a lot like Rukia?"

Masatsuki, standing behind Unohana, wrapped his arms around her and answered her unspoken question.

"You mean... there's a connection between them?"

Unohana's frown deepened.

"What do you plan to do next?"

"Once she recovers, I'm going to have her stay at my place."

Masatsuki nodded.

"There are three kids at home who need to be looked after, and since she wants to return the favor, I might as well let her take care of them."

"Well, if that's what you want to do, I won't stop you."

Unohana gave a small nod of approval.

...

Seireitei Noble District, Aozaki Family Mansion.

Inside one of the luxurious rooms, Hisana and Rukia held each other tightly, sobbing.

Since they would be living under the same roof from now on, Masatsuki Aozaki saw no reason to keep them in the dark.

Instead of being cryptic, he directly revealed their relationship.

To make his words more credible, he even obtained a family relationship confirmation report from Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

After finally finding her sister, Hisana didn't hide anything.

She told Rukia the whole truth—including the painful fact that she had abandoned her.

Naturally, Rukia felt resentment upon learning the truth.

But after spending so many years surviving in Inuzuri, she also understood the hardships Hisana had faced.

Hearing that Hisana had regretted her decision immediately and had never stopped searching for her, Rukia's anger gradually faded.

"Do I... even deserve to live with Rukia?"

Gazing at the empty courtyard, Hisana let out a long sigh.

To her, Rukia was now her everything.

But the guilt of having once abandoned her sister made it impossible to know how to face her.

"Onee-san, I'm here."

At the sound of a soft, youthful voice, Hisana immediately forced herself to suppress her sorrow, not wanting to let her emotions affect her sister.

The sliding paper door opened, and a petite figure stepped into the room.

"I'm sorry, Rukia, I..."

Watching as Rukia carefully placed a bento box on the table, Hisana couldn't help but speak instinctively.

"Please don't say that anymore, Onee-san."

Rukia knelt before her and began setting the food on the low table.

"I understand."

"But..."

Hisana hesitated, wanting to help but unsure if she should reach out.

"Rukia, go on ahead. I'll take care of the rest."

A large hand landed gently on Rukia's head.

Masatsuki Aozaki gave her a small ruffle and smiled.

"Yes, Nii-san."

Rukia nodded, slowly rising to her feet.

As she walked toward the door, she deliberately slowed her pace, glancing back at them as if reluctant to leave.

"Ah... I'm sorry, Masatsuki-sama. When did you get here?"

Only after Rukia's figure disappeared did Hisana snap back to reality. Realizing her oversight, she quickly bowed.

Masatsuki reached out and gently lifted her back up.

"I came with Rukia. Hisana-san, it seems your eyes only see your sister—that's a little heartbreaking."

"Ah... I didn't mean..."

Seeing Hisana's flustered expression, Masatsuki simply waved a hand dismissively.

"No need to be so formal, I was only joking."

He sat across from her and casually placed a bowl and chopsticks in front of her.

"Actually, Rukia has already forgiven you," Masatsuki said suddenly.

"I know. Rukia is kind... But I can't forgive myself. In the end, I'm the weak one between us."

Hisana closed her eyes and sighed softly.

Masatsuki shook his head, his gaze soft as he looked at her.

"I've spent enough time with Rukia to understand her a little."

"Lately, she's been saying things like, 'Did I do something wrong?'"

"She's not the type to hold grudges, is she?"

Hisana couldn't find the words to respond, so she simply listened as Masatsuki continued.

"What she truly longs for isn't an apology or resentment."

"What she wants is a warm home... and family by her side."

"I know you can't let go of the past, so whether it's out of gratitude or atonement..."

"My advice is, don't do anything foolish, Hisana-san. Atonement that exists only to ease your own guilt is meaningless."

"Don't carry remorse or pain—at least, not in front of her."

"As her sister, just stay by her side with a clear conscience."

Masatsuki's voice was calm as he met her gaze.

Hisana slowly lifted her head.

Her eyes drifted past Masatsuki...

To the doorway, where Rukia was quietly peeking in.

Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes.

She gave a small nod, as if finally understanding the real reason Masatsuki had come here.

She looked at the man before her, thoughts swirling in her mind.

After a long pause, she choked out softly,

"Thank you... Masatsuki-sama."

Seeing that she had understood his words, Masatsuki smiled faintly.

He placed a hand on the ground for support as he slowly stood up, waving a hand as if nothing had happened.

Hisana remained seated, watching in silence as Masatsuki's figure disappeared into the distance.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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