Bleach: My Zanpakutō Is the Entire Underworld

Hearing Asano Kiyoshi's answer, old man Yamamoto was momentarily stunned. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing. Instead, a kind smile spread across his face.

Outside the window, the sunlight was warm and bright. It shone upon the willow trees, casting golden blossoms upon the slender branches. A broken bamboo stalk was pressed down by the flowing water, letting out a soft dong sound. A gentle breeze brushed past old man Yamamoto's beard, causing him to narrow his eyes slightly.

An old man and a youth sat across from each other, their eyes meeting in silence—but silence was all that was needed.

After a long moment, old man Yamamoto finally broke the stillness. He looked at Asano Kiyoshi and spoke slowly:

"Stay true to your heart. The Soul Society of the past had no light at all, so it needed a sun so blazing it hurt to look at. But the Soul Society now is different—it has changed. It needs a gentle spring, a vibrant summer, a crisp autumn, and a silent winter. But that blinding sun can't provide any of that..."

Listening to the old man's words, Asano Kiyoshi was stunned for a moment. Then suddenly, he looked out the window, gazing at the dappled sunlight and smiling as he replied:

"Sensei, isn't today's sun quite warm?"

The old man looked at the youth before him and helplessly shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He nodded lightly and said:

"Yes, it's a very warm sun. But... in a while, you're going to be hot."

Asano Kiyoshi instinctively sensed something was off. Looking at the smiling old man, he asked reflexively:

"Why?"

His answer came in the form of a wooden sword flying toward him—and Yamamoto's poised stance, ready for training...

Time flew by, and soon it was the height of summer. Two weeks had already passed since Asano Kiyoshi had returned from Rukongai.

A warm breeze stirred gently. Beneath a green screen, smoke curled lazily from the incense burner. Asano Kiyoshi napped peacefully, only to be startled awake by the crisp sound of a Go piece landing on the board.

He opened his eyes, feeling the soreness in his body. Rubbing his eyes to shake off his drowsiness, he listened to the soothing chime of a wind bell.

Inside the room, old man Yamamoto was playing Go with Captain Shunsui. For once, amidst the intense training, he had stolen a moment of leisure and dozed in the shaded corridor.

Shunsui's voice echoed in frustration—he'd apparently made a bad move. Then came the old man's angry voice:

"No take-backs! You blockhead of a disciple!"

Hearing the voices from inside, Asano Kiyoshi smiled helplessly. As expected, Captain Shunsui's reputation as a terrible Go player wasn't unfounded...

Just as Asano was mentally mocking Shunsui, a shout came from inside:

"Kiyoshi! Would you mind brewing two pots of tea?"

"Sure, sure! The usual kind? Is roasted tea alright?"

"That's perfect, thank you."

"No problem at all."

Moments later, Asano entered the room carrying the tea. He handed the cups to the two players seated at the board.

Old man Yamamoto took a few sips, savoring the tea between his lips. He nodded slightly and complimented him:

"You're getting better and better at making tea. I'm beginning to feel I can't live without it."

Scratching the back of his head a little shyly, Asano Kiyoshi chuckled at the praise.

Shunsui chimed in with compliments of his own—and even tried to recruit Asano to his division after graduation. But before he could finish, the old man shot him a fierce glare that shut him up.

After a short chat, Shunsui suddenly shifted the topic, his expression growing serious. He looked at Asano and spoke with a low voice:

"Kiyoshi, do you know what day tomorrow night is?"

Asano frowned slightly and thought hard, then shook his head. Just surviving in the Soul Society had nearly exhausted him, and growing up in Rukongai, festivals hadn't been a part of his life.

Seeing that Kiyoshi didn't know, Shunsui sighed, took a sip of tea, and continued:

"Tomorrow night is the Fireworks Festival—one of the most important celebrations in Seireitei. Almost all the noble families will attend. The Shiba Clan will present the fireworks, and there'll be offerings to the gods, lantern stalls... it's a major event."

As he listened, Asano's face gradually turned serious. If Shunsui was bringing this up, then the next part was probably—

"And before the Fireworks Festival begins—in the afternoon—the Shin'ō Academy will be holding a public assembly. Many nobles will be attending. The Tsunayashiro family, for the first time, has sent a formal letter of congratulations to the Head Captain. That means they'll be present at the festival."

At that point, Asano already understood what Shunsui was getting at.

"So you're saying... my duel with Tsunayashiro Kojiro is likely to take place after the assembly tomorrow afternoon?"

Shunsui nodded, his expression tinged with helplessness:

"Apparently, that object is extremely important to the Tsunayashiro family. In any case, prepare yourself well. You must defeat Kojiro tomorrow—otherwise, our side will face major constraints."

His face grew a shade more serious. He looked at Asano with a trace of expectation and curiosity in his eyes.

He wanted to see whether this boy, after so many years and chosen by his teacher, could deliver the answer they were all hoping for in this critical moment.

Old man Yamamoto, sipping his tea, looked at Asano and said calmly:

"There's no need to worry. Just do your best."

Shunsui smiled slightly at that. The old man had certainly mellowed out with age.

Asano nodded, then smiled and asked:

"Sensei, is there anything you'd like from the Great Spirit Library Annex? I could try and find it for you."

Hearing this, both Yamamoto and Shunsui laughed. The old man even made a rare joke:

"Then bring back whatever the Tsunayashiro family wants—I'm quite looking forward to it."

Afterward, the two elders gave him plenty of advice until the moon dipped low in the sky. Only then did Asano return to his room next door to sleep.

After Asano left, old man Yamamoto took a sip of his now-cold tea and continued the conversation with Shunsui:

"Did you manage to find out anything?"

Shunsui sighed with a helpless look:

"Ahhh... I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Yamamoto-sensei. Yes, I did dig up some information—but if it's true, then I'm afraid Kiyoshi is in serious danger this time…"

"That object is simply too important to the Tsunayashiro family!"

T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead on all my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle

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