Chapter 201: Could It Be... You’re Scared?
Seireitei, 1st Division Headquarters.
Masatsuki Aozaki sat with a troubled expression, occasionally hissing in pain as he pressed his hands tightly against his chest, trying to ease the discomfort.
With an apologetic look, he said to the bald old man in front of him, "I'm sorry, Master. It was my fault—I got carried away."
Yamamoto nodded slightly, satisfied with his young apprentice's performance. At this moment, he was bare-chested, dried blood still clinging to his face, yet his expression was filled with an unmistakable sense of joy.
He casually picked up a teacup from the table, tilted his head back, and drank it in one go before speaking slowly. "Breaking through to First-Class Spiritual Power at such a young age... I've said it many times before, but I still have to praise your talent."
His gaze lingered on Masatsuki Aozaki's well-built physique, a flash of unreserved appreciation in his eyes. "Especially your body—it's impressive. It shows that you haven't slacked off in your Hakuda training."
Hearing his Master's praise, Masatsuki quickly stood up and respectfully replied, "This is all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master. However, this is not my full strength. If you allow me to release my Zanpakutō, then my Reiatsu..."
Before he could finish, Yamamoto's stern voice cut him off. "Silence!"
His expression darkened, and his tone became especially serious as he firmly warned, "Do not overestimate your abilities, nor underestimate your enemies. There is always someone stronger."
"The Zanpakutō is a Shinigami's most important partner, but there will be times when even it is powerless. You must never use it as an excuse to neglect your own training."
"Today's battle may have ended in your defeat, but it was still a valuable lesson for you."