Naruto felt a bit uncomfortable with his new identity as a "genius." He was also not quite used to being the center of so many "friendly" and "enthusiastic" gazes. The stark contrast from how he was treated in Konoha was overwhelming, making him anxious.
He worried if he truly had the talent everyone believed he had. He feared that if the truth was revealed, he would once again become a target of ridicule from his classmates and cold stares from his teachers.
But after enrolling in the academy, Naruto quickly learned a new word: "groundless fears." He was indeed a genius.
At Shin'ō Academy, the core curriculum focused on four main disciplines: "Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō."
"Zanjutsu" referred to swordsmanship, essential for Shinigami, whose lives revolved around their Zanpakutō.
"Hakuda" was unarmed combat, very similar to the taijutsu Naruto was familiar with.
"Hohō" was a technique called "Shunpo," a high-speed movement technique.
In these three areas, Naruto excelled, especially in Shunpo. While other students struggled to grasp the basics, Naruto had already mastered it, as if the technique was ingrained in his body, waiting to be awakened with just a touch.
His talent in Zanjutsu and Hakuda was not as pronounced; some students were more gifted in these areas. But Naruto made up for it with relentless effort. Having always possessed an incredible healing ability, which carried over to the Soul Society, he could train fourteen to sixteen hours a day, while others could barely manage seven or eight.
Naruto was determined to quickly realize the potential the principal had spoken of, to become a Captain, find his parents, and finally have a family.
However, in the fourth discipline, Kidō, Naruto's performance was average at best—perhaps even poor. Kidō, much like the ninjutsu of his previous world, involved channeling spiritual energy into various spells through incantations.
While his classmates mastered the first-level spells, Naruto's attempts at "Hadō #1: Shō" were laughably weak—less impactful than a puff of air. This frustrated Naruto.
It wasn't that he lacked talent; he learned just as quickly as the others. The problem was that something within him prevented the techniques from manifesting properly. As a child, he had struggled with similar issues when learning ninjutsu, unaware of what caused it. Now, he could sense that the problem stemmed from a mysterious power inside him.
Naruto didn't know how to explain this to his teachers and feared that revealing it might confirm his worst fears.
But not all schools were like the Ninja Academy, and not all teachers were like those in Konoha. The teachers in the Soul Society were different. The Shinigami responsible for teaching Kidō didn't scold Naruto. Instead, they were patient and encouraging.
After learning about Naruto's situation, the teacher didn't see it as a lack of talent. Instead, they attributed the strange interference to Naruto's overwhelming spiritual energy, which he had yet to fully control. They reassured him that with practice, he would overcome this "genius problem." Comforted by the teacher's kindness and encouraged by his classmates, Naruto regained his confidence and the spirit that once drove him to perfect his "Sexy Jutsu."
Although his progress in Kidō was slow, it was still noticeable.
Academically, Naruto was thriving. Socially, things were also going well. His classmates liked him and often took care of him, partly because he was the youngest in the class.
Two months later, after the new students had settled in and those who couldn't keep up had left, it was time for the first-year students to receive their Zanpakutō.
The instructor announced to the class, "The day has finally come. Today, you will receive your Zanpakutō."
"From today on, you can call yourselves trainee Shinigami until you graduate," he said, tapping the table.
"And now, I should explain the academy's graduation rules. There are two ways to graduate. The first is to complete the six-year course. Even in this elite class, that's the path most of you will take."
"The other way is to achieve Shikai, which allows for early graduation. But such geniuses are rare. It's even rarer for a first-year student to graduate through Shikai."
As he spoke, almost all eyes in the classroom turned toward Naruto, who sat in the front row.
"Sensei, I—" Naruto scratched his head with an embarrassed grin.
The instructor ruffled Naruto's hair. "I'm counting on you to become the youngest Captain ever!"
He then handed Naruto an Asauchi, a nameless Zanpakutō, and said, "The Zanpakutō you receive today doesn't have a name yet. Or rather, it only has a generic name: Asauchi."
"Remember this: the Asauchi is not a gift but a temporary loan from the academy. You will officially be granted your own Zanpakutō upon graduation when you join the Gotei 13 or other organizations."
"Now, listen carefully!" The teacher's tone grew stern. "While on loan, you are not allowed to give your Asauchi to anyone else. You must not lose it. If it is lost or damaged, report it to the academy immediately, or you will face severe punishment."
The students solemnly nodded in agreement.
Once everyone had their Asauchi, the teacher's expression softened. "Now, let's try meditating with your blades, just as we've taught you."
"Use your spiritual energy to sense the voice of your Zanpakutō."
Jinzen, or meditation, was a form of training for Shinigami. By meditating with their Zanpakutō, they could communicate with it, leading to the first step toward achieving Shikai.
Naruto closed his eyes, placing the sword across his lap. As soon as his spiritual energy touched the blade, his consciousness was suddenly pulled as if a deep chasm had opened beneath him, and he fell into it.
When he regained his senses, he found himself in a damp, dark sewer.
Naruto looked around in confusion. Where am I? Another world?
But he quickly dismissed that thought. He could feel the familiar power here, the same force that had been interfering with his Kidō. This must be the "inner world" his teachers had mentioned.
But wasn't this supposed to happen only after achieving Shikai? Had he advanced so far already?
And where was his Zanpakutō spirit?
Naruto stood up and walked down the path, which soon led him to a massive red barred gate. Beyond the gate lay darkness, from which emanated heavy breathing, unmistakable malice, and the brief glimpse of a burning red light, like fire ready to consume everything.
"Hey, kid." A deep voice rumbled from behind the gate, and the enormous figure moved.
Naruto responded, "I'm here."
"Come closer," it called.
Naruto stepped forward.
With a whoosh, a massive claw shot out, slamming against the gate. The sharp tips of the claws pierced through the bars, stopping just short of Naruto's throat.
"Quite brave, aren't you, kid? Not even flinching."
Naruto grinned brightly. "Why would I flinch? You won't hurt me."
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki. What's yours? Can you tell me?"
(End of Chapter)