Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō

"Hello, Aozaki-kun. I'm Jūshirō Ukitake, also a disciple of Master Yamamoto. Nice to meet you." Ukitake greeted him with a warm smile.

Masatsuki Aozaki returned the smile. "Ukitake-senpai, it's a pleasure. I look forward to your guidance."

Hearing the word "senpai," Ukitake felt an unexpected sense of joy. His smile widened, his face even gaining a bit of color, and he was about to nod in acknowledgment when—

Yamamoto suddenly stood up, his expression turning solemn.

"Masatsuki Aozaki, today is your entrance assessment. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Seeing how serious he was, Masatsuki let out a quiet sigh.

Didn't he say last week that I was ready? There's no way he was bluffing just to test me... right?

Then why invite these two seniors here today?

Just to watch me embarrass myself? No way... he wouldn't be that petty.

But then, Masatsuki recalled the sight of Yamamoto roasting sweet potatoes with Ryūjin Jakka and suddenly wasn't so sure.

Still, no matter how much harder the challenge had become, he was confident he could pass.