Ai naturally could do it; although she was a bit more lively, she wasn't a willful person.
Her mother, Uta, often taught her.
At the same time, Hisana and Rukia, two well-behaved and gentle members, were always influencing her at home.
In such an environment of constant exposure, unless the family encountered a major change, it would be difficult to develop bad habits.
Ai nodded lightly, pondering what an Ice-type Kido truly was, then immediately recalled the specific details, a smile blooming on her face.
Even though she knew in her heart that she might not be as proficient as her two aunts with their Zanpakuto.
But what did that matter?
Just having it was enough.
If her father was willing to teach, she was willing to learn.
With a beaming smile, she looked up and said clearly:
"Father is the best! By the way, Father, if I learn this, can I teach it to others?"
"Like my friends, it's summer right now..."
Hearing the words'summer,' Yoriichi immediately understood the little idea in Ai's heart.
She probably wanted to make ice to cool down, just like Toushiro before.
Ai's friends were all young noblewomen, accustomed to a life of luxury. Even when they wanted to cool off in the summer, it was usually their subordinates who did the work for them.
However, people always have moments of whim. Mastering more skills might come in handy someday.
After a brief thought, Yoriichi nodded and replied, "You can, but before teaching others, you must pass my assessment."
"No matter how weak a Kido is, once it loses control, it can injure others."
"Ai, you must remember this."
...
...
Time flew by like a white colt passing a crevice.
Finishing a day's work, Yoriichi returned home with Ai in the evening.
At this time, Uta was organizing some data on female Shinigami.
She was hunched over a desk, looking focused and quite busy, yet seemingly enjoying herself.
Yoriichi did not disturb her.
Soon, it was dinner time, and Hisana emerged from her room.
After a day of rest, her complexion was much better, and her Zanpakuto had returned to its original form, placed casually beside her.
Ai took the opportunity to reach out and touch the Zanpakuto.
Hisana saw this, merely smiled indulgently, not minding at all, then turned her gaze to Yoriichi Tsugikuni and asked:
"Brother, should I tell Byakuya about learning Shikai?"
"And what was the flower sea you described earlier like?"
Although Hisana knew the abilities of Byakuya's Zanpakuto, due to her reserved nature, she had not delved deeply into understanding it.
And Byakuya mistakenly thought Hisana knew, so he hadn't proactively explained it.
Suddenly hearing that Byakuya's Shikai seemed to have changed, Hisana's curiosity was immediately piqued.
"The flower sea..."
Yoriichi pondered for a moment, just as he was about to explain in detail.
At this moment, Uta finished organizing everything, rubbing her temples as she exited the room.
Taking advantage of everyone being present, Yoriichi explained, after all, Byakuya might become Hisana's husband in the future.
Senbonzakura's ability was not difficult to explain; it was extremely similar to Hinagiku. While its offensive power might not match it, its defense was superior.
Recalling the countless flying petals and the countless snowflakes created by Hisana, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's words paused slightly.
Then, he added:
"Hisana, have you noticed that your ability has a rather serious flaw?"
"As long as someone's Reiatsu is close to yours, any fire-based ability can melt all those things."
"If you want to compensate for these flaws, you must rely on external objects."
"Just like Rangiku's Hinagiku and Toushiro's Hyōrinmaru."
"If these two Zanpakuto cooperate, they can greatly enhance the ice's resistance to flames."
"Your snow is no exception."
"You haven't graduated yet. After you graduate and enter the Sixth Division, perhaps you can team up with Byakuya once."
"There's a certain compatibility between your two Zanpakuto at the ability level; I'm sure you've noticed it too."
Indeed, otherwise Hisana wouldn't have asked.
It was precisely because Yoriichi had mentioned Byakuya earlier that Hisana had a sudden flash of insight and became a little interested.
However, this interest was only a very small part, and she only had scattered impressions in her mind.
But now, when Yoriichi brought it up again, she suddenly understood that these two Zanpakuto truly were a match made in heaven.
One to bind the enemy, one to lock onto the enemy.
Making it impossible for the enemy to hide.
Hisana nodded slightly:
"Is that so? Thank you very much, Brother. I generally understand in which direction I should develop this ability in the future."
"Since I've already been pre-assigned to the Sixth Division, then I should indeed tell them about this."
Hisana's inner turmoil gradually vanished; enlightened by Yoriichi's guidance, she suddenly felt clear-minded.
At this moment, Rukia suddenly raised her hand and asked, "What about me? Brother, in what direction should my ability be developed?"
"Is it just simple freezing?"
"It feels so boring, it seems all ice-snow types develop in this direction, it's too unoriginal."
"Is there a Zanpakuto that can cooperate with my Sode no Shirayuki?"
"..."
Yoriichi thought for a moment and gave a definitive answer: "No, at least not at the moment."
"Sode no Shirayuki's ability is quite special; it releases a large amount of cold air forward to freeze everything in front."
"If a wind-type Zanpakuto were to cooperate with you, it would only be frozen along with it. As for water-type..."
"Not all water-type Zanpakuto can release water flow."
"If the Reiatsu is insufficient, and the impact is not enough, it won't significantly enhance the power of Sode no Shirayuki, and the timing also needs to be precisely controlled."
"It's not suitable for immediate, intense combat."
Upon hearing this, Rukia's initially hopeful eyes dimmed instantly, and a look of disappointment appeared on her face.
However, before her spirits could drop for too long, Yoriichi's subsequent words instantly re-energized her.
"If you can't rely on others, then rely on yourself."
"Rukia, you must understand that fusion Kido doesn't necessarily require two people to unleash it successfully."
"You must have heard of incantation-less casting, right?"
This was a relatively advanced technique among Shinigami, and Rukia had naturally heard of it.
Although she could currently skillfully use all Kido below Sixty, she couldn't perform incantation-less casting for the stronger Kido.
Now...
What Yoriichi was about to say next was exactly what Rukia had been thinking.
Her brother planned to teach her these during the summer vacation.
Rukia was a bit excited.
So much so that after dinner, she involuntarily left the dining room, preparing to practice all her Kido again before the formal training began.
Hisana saw Rukia leave and also got up and departed.
She planned to return to her room and communicate further with her Zanpakuto, in order to unearth other techniques and further enhance her strength.
Ai, on the other hand, clung to Yoriichi, because he had previously said she would get a Zanpakuto when they returned home.
Now, dinner was over, and the day was almost gone, yet she still hadn't seen a trace of the Zanpakuto.
Fortunately, the entanglement didn't last too long. Regarding Ai's Zanpakuto, Yoriichi had actually prepared it decades ago.
Although it was just an asauchi, Ai was very happy, because it meant her father approved of her.
As for the Ice-type Kido...
No rush, summer vacation was still long, and she didn't need to go to school; to be precise, she wasn't old enough for school yet.
Ai held the asauchi, a look of excited joy on her face, and quickly left the dining room.
Uta smiled faintly at the sight.
Then, she seemed to remember something, and the smile on her face gradually faded, replaced by a worried expression, as she softly asked Yoriichi Tsugikuni:
"Yoriichi, isn't it a bit too early to give Ai an asauchi now?"
"Are you planning for her to become a Shinigami later?"
"No."
Yoriichi gently shook his head, gazing in the direction Ai had left, then looked at Uta:
"There's no necessary connection between obtaining an asauchi and becoming a Shinigami."
"I'm giving her the asauchi simply so she can gain the ability to protect herself in the future war against the Quincy."
"Ai is our daughter, but she will eventually grow into an adult. As her parents, we cannot shelter her for a lifetime..."
Uta fell silent. She knew Yoriichi was right, but her motherly love made it difficult for her to accept.
In her heart, no matter how old Ai grew, she would always be their child, and they should always protect her meticulously...
Unfortunately, she also understood that this was spoiling her, and spoiling would ruin a person...
Thinking of this, Uta sighed softly:
"Alright."
She could only let Yoriichi do as he pleased, because Yoriichi was the head of the family...
...
The next day, when Rukia eagerly went to train with Yoriichi, she suddenly saw two other people in the training ground.
She recognized these two; she had met them once at the entrance ceremony, and they had left a deep impression.
They were Abarai Renji and Kira Iziru...
Why were they here?
Could it be that, like her, they were also receiving training from Brother?
Filled with questions, Rukia couldn't contain her curiosity and walked forward with small steps.
Before she could even open her mouth to ask, Renji and Kira noticed her arrival.
Their training movements stopped abruptly, and their expressions changed slightly. It would be a lie to say they weren't surprised, after all, she was the Headmaster's sister...
At this moment, the same thought as Rukia's popped into their minds.
Why was the Headmaster's sister here?
No sooner had the thought appeared than they realized how foolish this question was.
So foolish that Renji even felt a sense of absurdity.
—In terms of relationship, they were the outsiders.
Taking a deep breath, Renji tried his best to calm himself down.
Out of respect for Rukia, he slowly walked in front of her, bowed respectfully, and then politely asked:
"Greetings, Miss Rukia."
"May I ask if you came with Headmaster Tsugikuni?"
"Although this isn't our first meeting, please allow me to reintroduce myself."
"My name is Abarai Renji, and this is Kira Iziru."
"We are currently undergoing two months of special training under Headmaster Tsugikuni's guidance."
"Thank you very much for your help before; the matter with that monk has now been resolved."
Abarai Renji unhurriedly finished his self-introduction, then went straight to the point:
"Are you here today to..."
...
"Ah... Oh... I see."
Soon, Rukia understood everything and nodded.
Although she wasn't quite sure why Brother was training them, since he was doing so, there must be a reason...
Maybe they are all geniuses.
As they hadn't seen each other for a long time, Rukia re-introduced herself.
Just then, Yoriichi Tsugikuni rushed over.
Seeing that the few of them were getting along quite well, a relieved smile immediately appeared on his face:
"Not bad."
With that thought, Yoriichi quickened his steps and walked to Rukia's side, lowering his head slightly:
"I presume you have all gotten to know each other."
"Rukia, don't look down on them just because they are students from the ordinary class."
"I wouldn't," Rukia muttered softly, then asked,
"Brother, are you training them to join the Ninth Division?"
"I remember one needs to possess special talents to do so."
"Where should I go after graduation?"
As soon as she said this, Renji and Kira were instantly captivated, as this was also the question they wanted to ask.
Now that Rukia had asked it on their behalf, they eagerly wanted to know the answer, as it concerned their future.
Unfortunately.
Yoriichi did not give a definite answer:
"I'm sorry, Rukia, recruiting has always been Gin's responsibility, and I cannot be sure until you formally graduate."
"It could be the Ninth Division, or it could be other divisions; in short, it's the same wherever you are."
"But no matter where, it requires strength as a foundation."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni clapped his hands, bringing everyone's thoughts back, and then earnestly instructed,
"It's getting late, Rukia, don't just stand there."
"To learn spell casting without incantation in a month, you need to put in three or four times the effort of an ordinary person."
"As for Kira and Renji... Kira, how has your Kido training been recently? What is the highest sequence of Kido you can use?"
Kira Iziru quickly regained his composure; although he felt a bit envious upon hearing that Rukia was going to undergo training for spell casting without incantation.
But as a commoner, he could only bury this envy deep in his heart.
He firmly believed that he too would grow up one day and be able to complete such training.
Thinking of this, Kira Iziru took a deep breath and respectfully replied:
"Reporting, Principal, I can currently use Kido of sequence twenty and above. Thank you very much for your guidance; it has greatly benefited me."
"In just one month, you've improved from sequence nine to sequence twenty. I'm sure everyone will be surprised when school starts."
As commoners, Kido is learned from scratch.
Normally, one would only master Kido around number forty by about the fifth year.
While Kido includes Hado and Bakudo, here it refers only to Hado. On average, each grade learns about eight types.
Currently, Kira Iziru's mastery of Kido is already on par with third-year students.
Seeing this, Yoriichi was very satisfied. If things continued to develop this way, catching up to the Elite Class students would not be difficult.
It's not that his Kido level is above average; one must know that this average includes the Elite Class.
In other words... when students in the ordinary class were still struggling with Hado number four, finding it difficult to break through.
Kira Iziru had already mastered Hado number twenty.
Even Rukia couldn't help but slightly open her mouth in surprise; he truly was a genius.
Her friends in the ordinary class had only learned Hado number six...
If a seemingly unremarkable blond was so powerful, then what about this redhead...
Rukia thought, while turning her gaze towards Renji, her eyes full of curiosity and anticipation.
Suddenly being stared at by a girl like that, Renji's originally relaxed mood inexplicably tensed up.
When facing Yoriichi Tsugikuni's inquiry, his tone was a bit stiff, and even the expression on his face seemed unnatural:
"Uh... reporting, Principal! My Breathing Technique training has entered the constant stage!"
"Regarding communication with my asauchi, I am also making gradual progress."
"Currently, I can kill a tiger with one sword strike!"
Perhaps due to nervousness, his voice unconsciously rose a few octaves; an uninformed person might have thought he was reporting achievements.
Yoriichi found it a bit strange; it was clearly a significant improvement, something worth praising.
But coming from his mouth, it sounded like... he was trying to show off?
From the perspective of Transparent World, Renji's muscles appeared somewhat stiff.
It's likely that among everyone present, only Renji himself knew what he was thinking.
He wanted to repay the kindness, but he might not be able to join the Ninth Division, and if he couldn't join the Ninth Division, it meant he couldn't interact with Captain Tsugikuni.
In that case, he could only settle for the next best thing and repay others...
Under these circumstances, showing off became particularly important...
It's just that his mindset wasn't very good.
Rukia saw his strained appearance, and it was as if she saw those boastful boys she had encountered before.
However, compared to them, those boys had no real ability, while Renji certainly had genuine skill.
After all, he was trained by her brother.
Very interesting.
Rukia's lips curved slightly into a smile. Of course, this smile didn't last long before Yoriichi Tsugikuni interrupted it.
After the two reported their respective training progress, she was taken away by Yoriichi to begin a month-long training in spell casting without incantation...
...
West Rukongai.
Since the summer vacation ended with the start of school, which was also the time for new students to enroll.
Hisagi Shuuhei had set off early from District Seventy-something, arriving in First district a week in advance.
Although the outer districts were very poor, he was penniless, and after a long journey, he was somewhat hungry...
But fortunately, there were still many kind-hearted people in First district.
One family, seeing that he also seemed to be a Rukongai resident about to enroll in Spiritual Arts Academy, kindly offered him temporary shelter.
This family was a household of three, consisting of grandparents and a granddaughter.
After Hisagi Shuuhei learned more, he discovered that the two elderly people's granddaughter was about the same age as him.
Both were around eighty years old and possessed spiritual pressure... Shuhei was initially a bit embarrassed because he felt he might not pass the assessment.
He had come once last year and failed.
If he still couldn't pass this year, it would mean wasting the two elderly people's food.
Having struggled in the outer districts for so many years, he knew better than anyone the importance of food...
However.
The old people didn't mind, and neither did their granddaughter.
Instead, seeing that he came from the outer districts and had experience applying before, she gradually developed an interest in him.
"What's your name?"
Seeing Hisagi Shuuhei slowly sipping water, Crab-swamp Firefly, the only granddaughter of the two elderly people, approached quickly with light steps, hands behind her back.
With a hint of curiosity, she asked:
"Is the Spiritual Arts Academy assessment very difficult? Can you tell me about it in detail?"
"What's that mark on your head? A burn?"
"Where are you from?"
Crab-swamp Firefly had many questions in her mind; living in First district, she completely did not understand the outer districts.
Her grandparents had only said that it was very chaotic... She couldn't imagine how chaotic it truly was.
Hearing the questions, Hisagi Shuuhei slowly raised his head. The girl who appeared before him made his face instantly flush, and he stammered in reply:
"Th-that, you're too close to me, please move a little further away."
"My name is Hisagi Shuuhei, and I'm from District Seventy-one."
"I don't know if the Spiritual Arts Academy assessment is difficult or not; I only know that the reason I failed last time was because I didn't pass the written exam."
"This mark on my head..."
As Hisagi Shuuhei was speaking, Kanisawa exclaimed in surprise, "Eh? District Seventy-one?"
"How amazing!"
"That must be a very distant place. I can't believe you managed to come here all by yourself. You must have endured a lot of hardship."
Indeed, District Seventy-one is quite far from First district. Even a Shinigami would take several days to arrive.
Of course, those with stronger abilities are an exception; a single Shunpo can cover hundreds of kilometers...
But Hisagi Shuuhei was not a Shinigami; he was an ordinary Rukongai resident, only able to move slowly on foot.
He started his journey three months ago, spending two months to finally arrive.
The dangers he encountered during that time were countless, and the hardships he suffered were also innumerable. Fortunately, he arrived safely.
Recalling his experiences, Hisagi Shuuhei sighed bitterly:
"Yes, but as long as I can become a Shinigami, all this effort will be worth it."
"I'm ready. If I still can't pass the assessment this time, I'll find a job here first, work for a while, save some money, and then go back."
"At the same time, I will repay your kindness for taking care of me, after all, this water cannot be drunk for free."
"I didn't expect you to be quite principled," Kanisawa smiled sweetly. She reached out and smoothed her soft brown hair, saying softly:
"I'll remember you, Hisagi Shuuhei. My name is Crab-swamp Firefly, just call me Kanisawa."
"Grandpa and Grandma told me that the outer districts are very dangerous, and I thought everyone living there was just a rough fellow."
Hisagi Shuuhei scratched the back of his head: "That's not wrong, I suppose. In short, the outer districts are best avoided if possible."
"By the way, are you also applying for this year's entrance examination?"
"Yes, I've been waiting for this day for a long time," Crab-swamp Firefly slowly sat down.
Her serene gaze looked towards Seireitei, as if lost in thought, and she sighed softly:
"I had planned to apply last year, but I was delayed by some things. I didn't expect to meet you this year."
"Since you and I have the same goal, how about we go together?"
"If we succeed, it'll be good to have someone to rely on."
"What's the situation with failing the written exam? Can you tell me more about it?"
The two continued to discuss various matters related to the assessment, seemingly drawing closer, yet the distance between them remained quite far.
Whenever Kanisawa tried to get closer, Hisagi Shuuhei would instinctively move a certain distance away.
This made Kanisawa laugh out loud.
"You're so interesting."
"I'm really looking forward to your performance this year."
"Why don't you stay here? If you don't succeed..."