Kazuki's consciousness drifted in and out of focus. He was vaguely aware of the searing heat pressing down on him, the acrid smell of smoke filling his nostrils. When he finally opened his eyes, the world that greeted him was unrecognizable—a twisted landscape of ruin and flame.
Panic gripped him as he shot up from the ground. "This isn't home," he muttered, his voice trembling as he surveyed his surroundings. The towering buildings around him were scorched and broken, their once-strong structures reduced to fragile husks. "Where the hell am I?"
Kazuki's hand instinctively went to his chest, where he could still feel a deep warmth, as if a fire was burning just beneath his skin. It wasn't painful, but it was there—a constant reminder that something within him had changed. And then there was the name that had echoed in his mind: Ryūjin Jakka. It was more than just familiar; it felt like a part of him, a name that carried weight and history.
Confused and disoriented, he took a few steps forward, wincing as his foot crunched down on debris. "Okay, Kazuki… think," he murmured, trying to steady his breathing. He had no idea how he ended up in this place, but the pressing question now was what to do next. As he turned over his options, he noticed a small, translucent screen appear in the corner of his vision.
[Template System Initialized]
[Yamamoto Genryūsai Template - 5% Synchro Rate]
Kazuki blinked in surprise, trying to make sense of the sudden text. "A system…? Like in a game?" he muttered, staring at the words. The synchronization rate barely registered, but the name attached to it was unmistakable: Yamamoto Genryūsai, the legendary captain from Bleach.
Before he could fully process what was happening, more text appeared on the screen, providing further details.
[System Explanation: The Template System provides the user with the abilities and attributes of the selected template. Currently, you have access to the Yamamoto Genryūsai template, which includes basic Zanjutsu (swordsmanship) and Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat) skills. You are currently equipped with an Asauchi, a nameless Zanpakutō that will evolve as your synchronization with the template increases. Additionally, the system grants access to specific Hado and Bakudo spells, as well as the potential to acquire Hohō (agility) techniques.]
Kazuki read through the explanation, his mind racing to understand it all. "So I'm not just stuck with Yamamoto's power… I can also learn Kido and Hohō techniques?" he mused aloud, trying to wrap his head around the implications. The system was essentially a tool, one that could potentially make him a powerful fighter, but only if he could figure out how to use it properly.
As he tried to make sense of it all, Kazuki felt the ground beneath him tremble slightly. He froze, instincts on high alert. In the distance, he could hear faint echoes of something—or someone—moving. He couldn't quite make it out, but whatever it was, it was getting closer.
Not wanting to be caught off guard, Kazuki moved cautiously, sticking to the shadows of the crumbling buildings. As he walked, he pulled up the system again, trying to interact with it. "Can you hear me?" he asked, feeling a little foolish talking to thin air.
To his surprise, the system responded.
[User Query Detected.]
[Zanjutsu - Basic Level Available]
[Hakuda - Basic Level Available]
[Hado #56: Kongōbaku - Available]
Kazuki glanced down at his side and saw the Asauchi—a plain katana with no distinctive features. It felt light in his hand, yet there was a strange weight to it, as if it held potential beyond its simple appearance. "An Asauchi… just like in the Soul Society," he muttered. "So I really am starting from scratch."
Before he could experiment further, the distant noises grew louder, more distinct. He could hear voices now—sharp, urgent, followed by the unmistakable roar of something massive. Kazuki's breath caught in his throat as he peered around the corner of a building.
Down the street, he could see a group of people dressed in familiar uniforms—members of the 8th Brigade of the Fire Force. They were moving with purpose, setting up a perimeter around an area where smoke was billowing up into the sky. The sight of them was surreal, like watching a scene straight out of a manga, but there was no mistaking the tension in the air.
"This… this really is the world of Fire Force," Kazuki whispered in disbelief. The realization sent a shiver down his spine. He wasn't just an observer anymore; he was part of this world now.
As the minutes ticked by, Kazuki watched from his hidden spot, his heart pounding. He was torn between the urge to help and the fear that he wasn't ready. His power was still too new, too raw. And yet, as he observed the Fire Force preparing for combat, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was meant to be here—that this was the reason he had been brought to this world.
Twenty minutes passed in agonizing silence. Then, with a sudden roar, the Infernal appeared, crashing through a nearby building and sending debris flying. The members of the 8th Brigade sprang into action, coordinating their attacks with precision.
Kazuki watched, his mind racing. He could feel the heat of the battle even from where he stood, the weight of the Asauchi at his side a constant reminder of his new power. But he hesitated, unsure if he could control the abilities he had just acquired without causing more harm than good.
For now, Kazuki remained a spectator, his resolve hardening with every passing second. This world was dangerous, unpredictable. But with the power of Yamamoto at his fingertips, even at 5%, he knew he had to learn how to control it—to survive, and maybe, just maybe, to make a difference.