"A Seat Officer? Unknowingly, he's reached this point…"
Yoriichi Tsugikuni heard Chōjirō Sasakibe's words, and his thoughts seemed to drift back to the past, a reminiscent expression on his face.
Unlike most genius Shinigami, Shuhei's cultivation speed wasn't particularly fast; he didn't possess the kind of talent that would astonish everyone at once.
However, with extraordinary effort, he steadily caught up to those gifted Shinigami, one step at a time.
He vaguely recalled inviting him to join the Elite Class back then.
But he was rejected for one reason.
Yoriichi couldn't quite remember what it was, but it was definitely related to the girl by his side.
Now…
"Is he the only one?"
Yoriichi slightly raised his eyes, his gaze scrutinizing, and asked, "Which Division is the girl named Kanisawa Hotaru currently in?"
"Kanisawa Hotaru?" Chōjirō Sasakibe subconsciously raised an eyebrow, finding the name somewhat familiar, as if he had seen it in a report somewhere.
He pondered for a moment, skillfully pulled out another report, and after a careful glance, slowly said:
"Captain-Commander, are you referring to the girl who became Captain Retsu Unohana's disciple a few years ago?"
"She is currently serving in the Fourth Division. Although she previously applied for a transfer to the 1st Division, Captain Retsu Unohana rejected her."
"The reason given was that the child was too young and naive…"
As Chōjirō Sasakibe spoke, his eye twitched imperceptibly. What kind of reason was that? He hadn't noticed it was so odd before.
However, it was quite in line with Retsu Unohana's character.
Taking a deep breath, he continued:
"In my opinion, Captain Retsu Unohana probably doesn't want her beloved disciple to waste her time in our 1st Division."
"After all, the 1st Division's affairs are complex, and she is proficient in Kaido, so staying in the Fourth Division would allow her to better utilize her talents."
"May I ask if you need to see her for something?"
"Fourth Division?" Yoriichi didn't immediately answer Chōjirō Sasakibe's question; he just frowned subtly.
It seemed something had happened between the two after graduation.
Otherwise, there was no reason for one to go to the Eleventh Division and the other to the Fourth Division, even becoming Retsu Unohana's disciple.
Yoriichi nodded, coming back to himself, "It's nothing. It's good that she's not in the 1st Division. Which Seat Officer is Shuhei challenging?"
"Chojiro, do you have a record?"
Chōjirō Sasakibe immediately reported the already organized information to Yoriichi in full.
Shuhei also entered the deeper parts of the Division barracks following the subsequent order issued by Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
After an exchange, Shuhei's target was adjusted from the 20th Seat to the 17th Seat, and the time was also postponed from seven days later to one month later.
"One month should be enough for you to prepare thoroughly. I saw in your file that you don't get along very well with your Zanpakuto. What's going on?"
Yoriichi's gaze was fixed on Shuhei, his eyes filled with concern and confusion.
Generally speaking, if one doesn't have a good relationship with their Zanpakuto, it's absolutely impossible to awaken Shikai.
The influence of Muramasa would have exacerbated this situation. However…
Was there a problem with Muramasa's ability? Or was it due to other reasons?
In Yoriichi's impression, Shuhei wasn't the type of Shinigami with a bad personality.
"Captain-Commander, it's not Muramasa's problem, but Kazeshini's problem. Thank you for your concern."
Shuhei's Zanpakuto was named Kazeshini.
At this moment, he seemed to have understood the implied meaning in Yoriichi's words, and he sighed:
"Not getting along well doesn't mean Kazeshini and I have fallen out. It's just that I don't particularly like its style."
"It takes lives and heads at the drop of a hat."
"It's too cruel."
"So I've always resisted it."
"However, even though it keeps nagging in my ear, as long as I don't materialize it, there's no problem."
"It can't affect me yet."
"Is that so?" This was the second time Yoriichi had seen a Zanpakuto that reflected the true thoughts of the heart being resisted by its owner.
The previous similar example was Yumichika Ayasegawa.
But Yumichika Ayasegawa's case was due to jealousy and dissatisfaction upon seeing a peer. What was Shuhei's situation?
To understand whether the squad member's mind and body were healthy, Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked again at the report Chōjirō Sasakibe had handed over.
It stated that Kazeshini's ability was to bind others with chains and then cut them with a scythe.
Its destructive power was very strong.
To be able to awaken such an ability, it was believed that Shuhei also had a certain aggressiveness within him. However…
After pondering for a moment, Yoriichi looked up at Shuhei and said:
"It's good that you're confident, but just in case, before the official challenge begins, you should go see Muramasa first."
"If you misunderstand its intentions, leading to discord between you and it, that would be a loss for the entire Seireitei."
"I hope you won't be careless."
Shuhei hesitated for a moment.
Although he genuinely didn't want to interact with Kazeshini, remembering the Captain-Commander's advice, he ultimately nodded and accepted the order.
"Yes."
...
Spiritual Arts Academy, Teachers' Dormitory.
After a series of events, Muramasa had honorably become a teacher, responsible for teaching Shinigami knowledge related to Zanpakuto.
At this moment, it was just noon, and sunlight streamed through the window into the room. Muramasa was leisurely playing a game.
Suddenly, he heard a series of knocks on the door.
He opened the door.
It was Shuhei.
"Oh?"
Narrowing his eyes slightly, Muramasa's gaze first swept over Kazeshini at Shuhei's waist, and he immediately recognized the man before him.
He had a very deep impression of him.
Because.
Shuhei was the only Shinigami whose personality was completely opposite to that of his Zanpakuto.
"Do you need something, Brother Shūhei?"
School hadn't started yet, so Muramasa naturally didn't want to be disturbed during this rare holiday.
But considering that Shuhei's presence here might be at someone's behest, he didn't show an unwelcoming attitude.
His tone merely carried a hint of inquiry.
Shuhei nodded and told Muramasa the purpose of his visit: he was dispatched by the Captain-Commander.
"Captain-Commander?" Muramasa heard these three words and immediately invited Shuhei into his room.
The room was simply furnished: a sofa, a coffee table, and several bookshelves stacked with books.
Once they sat on the sofa, he crossed his hands and said solemnly, "Tell me in detail, Brother Shūhei. Has your Zanpakuto started to riot?"
"I warned you long ago to communicate with it properly. Completely opposite personalities must have a reason."
"You haven't found the reason even now, have you?"
To his shame, Shuhei really hadn't.
Because he thought Kazeshini was a pervert, and one naturally couldn't communicate with a pervert.
Listening to Muramasa's questioning, he slowly lowered his head, a helpless expression on his face.
Seeing this, Muramasa immediately understood that this Shinigami had ignored his words.
Why couldn't Shinigami and Zanpakuto put themselves in each other's shoes? It was so tiring. Thankfully, he was here.
Otherwise, if what he and Kōga had experienced were to happen again, it would be a sin.
Muramasa reached out his hand, and with a light flick just above Kazeshini, a dark red figure suddenly appeared in the living room.
This figure was terrifying, looking like a ghost , with black cloth strips covering its limbs and crimson long hair standing up like a hedgehog.
Its physique was quite robust, with clearly defined muscles visible.
At this moment, seeing the two people sitting on the sofa, it scoffed, its voice full of disdain.
Immediately after, a playful smile curled at the corner of its mouth.
"Oh, isn't this my good master? What, you couldn't handle me, so you went to find someone else for help, preparing to subdue me?"
"It's useless, Shuhei, you can't escape. I am you."
"Instead of resisting me, why not join me? I will grant you power."
"Don't dream, I will never agree with your views." Shuhei retorted in a deep voice. He looked at Muramasa and asked, "What should I do?"
"The Captain-Commander asked me to ask you about Kazeshini's thoughts."
"But with him like this now… do I need to use force?"
"Force? No need." Muramasa heard their entire argument.
He chuckled softly, and with an indifferent snap of his fingers.
Snap.
Instantly, Kazeshini's ability to speak and move was stripped away.
Kazeshini's eyes widened. He clutched his throat and mouth, yet couldn't utter a single word, and his legs seemed to be welded to the spot.
Muramasa looked at him and quickly got into character.
Although as a hypnotic-type Zanpakuto, he could make Kazeshini directly speak its mind.
But that would undoubtedly enrage Kazeshini, which would be detrimental to the future relationship between the Shinigami and the Zanpakuto.
Therefore, in such situations, he generally adopted a conciliatory approach.
First, he would silence it and gain control, then gradually guide the Zanpakuto to reveal its true feelings.
Shuhei watched silently from the side. Seeing Kazeshini completely helpless before Muramasa, he couldn't help but sigh at how unreasonable hypnotic-type Zanpakuto truly were.
No wonder he hadn't known about this before; Yoriichi had only hinted at it when he was about to challenge a Seat Officer.
Perhaps it was to prevent some Shinigami from becoming dependent on Muramasa.
After all, without any mishaps, with Muramasa's power, one could even easily achieve Bankai.
However, a Bankai obtained through trickery was ultimately a crooked path. If one's spiritual pressure was insufficient and they forcibly used Bankai, it would only harm both themselves and others.
Pondering this, Shuhei exhaled deeply, his heart feeling somewhat heavy.
As time passed, Kazeshini's psychological defenses were gradually broken down under Muramasa's guidance.
Soon, Shuhei understood the reason why Kazeshini's temperament was so extreme.
It turned out to be…
"It turns out it's because of me?" Shuhei muttered to himself, his eyes downcast, his mind in turmoil.
"Deep down, I admire Shinigami and want to become more like a Shinigami, so a part of Kazeshini became scythe-shaped…"
"This is the shape for reaping souls…"
"But that's not right, I never wanted to reap souls! That's not me!"
Kazeshini stared resentfully at Muramasa, but given the disparity in their strengths, it clenched its fists and could only give up in frustration.
It turned to Shuhei, its tone displeased, and scoffed coldly:
"What you say doesn't count. My existence is the best proof. I am your shadow."
"You want to deny all this? Hmph, no way. Admit it, Shuhei."
"Deep down, you admire the former Captain Tsugikuni, but you don't know how to become him, so you stumble forward, completely clueless."
"To be honest, I admire you for getting this far, but I also despise you."
"Among all Shinigami, you are the only one who resists his own dream."
"Is it really that hard to admit your ambition?"
"Answer me, Shuhei."
Shuhei fell silent. The truth of the matter emerged as the negotiation deepened.
It all stemmed from the life-saving grace decades ago.
Because he encountered Shinigami, he longed to become a Shinigami.
However, his personality was rather mediocre and weak.
It was like a quiet student wanting to become a school bully; thinking about it was fine, but publicly admitting it… no way.
Under this contradictory mindset, his communication with his Zanpakuto reached an impasse.
How could this deadlock be broken?
Should he go back and ask the Captain-Commander for help? Or…
Let Muramasa…
"Oh, my dear Shuhei, this is where you're wrong. I'm only responsible for making the Zanpakuto open its heart to you, not for making it submit to you."
Muramasa was incredibly astute. The moment Hisagi Shuuhei's gaze flickered towards him, he instantly understood the other's thoughts.
So, he smiled and interrupted Shuhei's thoughts.
"You know, I'm just a teacher. I finally got this position, and I live a carefree, leisurely life every day."
"I can't just ruin my future thousands of years as a blade because of a momentary impulse."
"Kazeshini has already made it very clear; he is your shadow. You two should go back and communicate properly. He won't harm you. Towards you…"
Muramasa paused slightly, shaking his head gently.
"Perhaps it's just the thought of being disappointed in your lack of progress."
As soon as these words were spoken, Shuhei was filled with helplessness.
Disappointed in his lack of progress…
It was as if he was particularly useless.
However, since Muramasa's words made sense, he couldn't refute them…
Shuhei sighed, "You're right. This is all my problem. I'm ashamed of the Captain-Commander's cultivation of me. I'm sorry, Kazeshini, but… I still can't accept you."
"Although I really want to become a Shinigami like the Captain-Commander, I know this is an impossible dream…"
"Foolish."
Before he could finish speaking, Kazeshini's sharp voice interrupted him mercilessly, "You haven't even tried, so how do you know if it can be achieved?"
"Do you think that Captain-Commander asked you to come here to find reasons?"
"No, he wants you to face your weaknesses. He saw through your ridiculous confusion long ago!"
"Otherwise, he wouldn't have let you challenge the Seventeenth Seat, nor would he have postponed the time to a month later."
Kazeshini paused, as if trying to suppress his inner anger, then spoke with a hint of mockery in his tone.
"One month, that's the time given for you to adjust."
"It's a pity he went through so much trouble, yet you still act like a coward, not striving for progress."
"You're truly useless, Shuhei."
Kazeshini had always been sharp-tongued, and this merciless scolding left Shuhei speechless once again.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart. After his emotions stabilized a bit, he thought carefully… it seemed to be true.
Was all of this the Captain-Commander's arrangement?
Did he even see the core conflict between himself and Kazeshini?
No, probably not.
He just felt…
…that he was very dejected.
Shuhei's brows were furrowed, his thoughts in a tangled mess.
After a long time, he exhaled, deciding to go back and ask the Captain-Commander.
Although this was a bit rash, it might be his only hope to break through his predicament.
When encountering problems, merely thinking about them is absolutely useless.
…
Shuhei returned to the 1st Division again, but this time, the materialized Kazeshini was by his side.
The squad members guarding the door seemed to have anticipated Shuhei's return and did not stop them when they saw them.
As soon as Shuhei pushed the door open, he heard Yoriichi's gentle voice:
"You're back. How do you feel?"
"Did Muramasa help to ease the relationship between you and your Zanpakuto?"
"Not at all." This was Kazeshini's blunt, unreserved voice.
He seemed to have no sense of occasion, speaking with undisguised disdain as he pointed to Hisagi Shuuhei beside him, "This kid is completely useless. It's truly a struggle to have such a master. Are you the Captain-Commander he worships so much?"
Kazeshini's gaze, with a hint of concern, scanned Yoriichi Tsugikuni up and down. He paused, his voice filled with emotion, "Incredible. I feel like even if I try my best, I might not be able to cut off a single strand of your hair. No wonder this kid is so self-conscious."
"Captain-Commander, if this kid can't master Bankai in the future, I think it's definitely your problem."
"Impudent! How dare you speak like that!" On the side, Chōjirō Sasakibe's eyebrows shot up in anger, immediately annoyed.
The personalities of these Zanpakuto were one more straightforward than the last, speaking without any sense of propriety.
Although, literally speaking, it was a compliment to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, deeming him too powerful, thereby affecting Shuhei's self-confidence.
But how did it sound, upon closer listening, like an attempt to shirk responsibility?
This Zanpakuto named Kazeshini and his master were completely unalike.
Kazeshini, however, smiled nonchalantly, a hint of cynicism in his grin. Before Shuhei could react, he spread his hands, "Am I not speaking the truth? He's simply a monster."
"And the Zanpakuto beside him, too, feels like it could take my life at any moment."
"I, the great one, never lie."
As his words fell, Shuhei finally recovered from his astonishment.
He saw the faint throbbing vein on Chōjirō Sasakibe's forehead and inwardly cried out in dismay, immediately reaching out to cover Kazeshini's mouth and hastily apologizing.
He knew that whether Kazeshini's words were praise or not, speaking them in this setting was undoubtedly disrespectful to the Captain-Commander and the Vice-Captain.
Fortunately, Chōjirō Sasakibe's temper was not particularly volatile. Considering Kazeshini was a first-time offender, he only gave a single warning.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni smiled. After the three calmed down, he continued, "Very good. It seems Kazeshini has told you everything, otherwise your relationship with him wouldn't be so harmonious."
"Tell me, what exactly happened?"
Yoriichi actually didn't know the core conflict between the two, he just noticed some clues while browsing the archives.
Following these clues, he could discover that Kazeshini's actions had hidden reasons.
Because if he didn't approve of Shuhei, Shuhei wouldn't have been able to master Shikai.
Now it seemed his deduction was indeed correct.
After Shuhei recounted what had happened earlier, Yoriichi nodded understandingly, his gentle tone carrying a hint of relief, "So that's it. Is all of this because of me?"
"Wanting to surpass me… there's nothing to be ashamed of. A young person who isn't a bit wild is a wasted youth.
When one is young, who hasn't harbored great dreams?"
"Of course, I also understand you… So, knowing all this, will you still continue with the challenge a month from now?"
"Of course." Shuhei's tone was firm, "Only if I win can I prove Kazeshini's words are wrong."
"I can admit my dream, but I absolutely cannot admit that deep down, I enjoy taking others' lives."
"I will make Kazeshini acknowledge me."
"Rather than me acknowledging him."
Shuhei felt that the saying "A young person who isn't a bit wild is a wasted youth" was truly apt.
He was still young, with infinite possibilities in the future, so why should he remain trapped in the mire of self-doubt?
Previously, he had been blinded by the glorious deeds of some seniors.
Now, after talking with the Captain-Commander, it was as if the fog in his heart had suddenly dispersed, and everything became clear.
Seeing this, Yoriichi nodded, his eyes full of approval: "Excellent."
"It's good that you have this determination. This is how a Shinigami of my 1st Division should be."
"Kazeshini, what are your thoughts? Do you think he can make you acknowledge him?"
Kazeshini scoffed, his expression disdainful, but he didn't speak too harshly.
Because he also couldn't figure out the current situation.
Could Shuhei do it? It was difficult, his personality was set, and while mountains may change, one's nature is hard to alter.
But what if? What if Shuhei could truly break through himself?
Kazeshini remained silent. After a few seconds, he glanced at Shuhei, who also looked at him.
The two looked at each other, and then Kazeshini suddenly disappeared from where he stood. A voice slowly resonated in the air, seemingly resigned: "I will always be watching you, Shuhei."
"I hope you're not just talking big."
"If you die before gaining my approval, I'll mock you for the rest of your life."
Hearing this, Shuhei smiled, not expecting Kazeshini to have such a stubborn side.
In front of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he whispered, as if making a vow:
"Hmm… I definitely won't disappoint you. I will definitely work hard to become stronger and then become the Shinigami of my dreams."
After speaking, he raised his eyes and looked at Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
"I have truly disturbed you today. If there is nothing else, Captain-Commander, I shall take my leave."
"One month from now, I will definitely not let you down and will become the new Seventeenth Seat."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni nodded, showing encouragement: "Hmm, I have high hopes for you…"
After he finished speaking, Shuhei left, and Chōjirō Sasakibe closed the door and began to handle official business.
Yoriichi sat there alone, sighing that those children from before had grown up.
He believed that in the future, they would definitely become the new pillars of the Seireitei.
Perhaps, besides Toushiro, the strongest in other departments would also emerge from among them.
…
Time flowed like water, and a month passed quietly.
The day of the challenge arrived, everything started smoothly and ended smoothly, without any unexpected incidents.
Because of Kazeshini's inability to be sensed.
Offensive and defensive capabilities were both strong.
So even though the original Seventeenth Seat was superior to Shuhei in Reiatsu, he ultimately lost to him.
In this battle, Yoriichi saw the girl who used to be by Shuhei's side.
Despite being in different divisions, their relationship was as good as ever.
Perhaps their dreams didn't align. The former was taken as a disciple by Retsu Unohana, and her future was certainly bright.
Perhaps Shuhei's choice of the Eleventh Division was also influenced by this.
Yoriichi only paid a little attention and then no longer focused on it, after all, their paths ultimately had to be walked by themselves.
After Shuhei successfully completed the challenge, his entire demeanor underwent a noticeable change, and his self-confidence increased by a level.
Renji, who had been continuously learning by Yoriichi Tsugikuni's side, felt a surge of impulse when he saw this situation.
He vaguely had a clue about learning Bankai, but before that, it had to be tested through actual combat.
Yoriichi saw through his little thoughts but did not stop him, because he also wanted to see how far Renji could go with his own efforts.
Time continued to flow in an orderly fashion.
One day, Tōshirō Hitsugaya's Reiatsu finally reached third-class.
So, he unhesitatingly challenged Hirako Shinji, the Captain of the Fifth Divsion.
And at the same time, Rukia, far away in the Human World, also made up her mind.