Chapter 111: Do Not Want
Masatsuki Aozaki flinched at an unpleasant memory and quickly waved his hands.
"No... Master, let me explain! I wasn't messing with you—I really did master Shikai!"
Yamamoto paused, his hand stilling mid-action. He frowned in suspicion.
"What do you mean? Was your Zanpakutō previously in a semi-released state? Or does it have multiple Shikai abilities and Release Phrases?"
Masatsuki Aozaki grinned. "As expected of you, Master—the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years. Sharp as ever! You figured it out right away!"
The flattery was awkward, but Yamamoto didn't seem to mind. He nodded slowly, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
Getting this brat to say anything nice about him was a rarity—and when he did, it was usually laced with sarcasm.
For once, the praise felt genuine, and Yamamoto couldn't deny it was oddly refreshing.
Seeing the old man's expression soften, Masatsuki Aozaki grew bolder and continued casually,
"The Shikai I used before was actually in a semi-released state due to a mistake in the Release Phrase."
"During my battle with Kenpachi Kiganjō, after experiencing the brink of life and death, Banshō Senran finally revealed the true Release Phrase to me."