Kisuke Urahara pondered, his tone cautious and deliberate: "Could it be a symbiotic state of two sides of the same coin?"
Both Naruto and Retsu Unohana directed their gazes towards him.
He extended his hand outwards as if it was a medium to convey his hypothesis, "Something like this."
"This side facing up is the yang."
"The other side facing down is the yin."
"Naruto's situation may not be this conflicting or contradictory, but it could be analogous to this, like a single entity possessing two completely different faces."
Retsu Unohana contemplated, smiling gently as she nodded, "Captain Urahara, your insight is truly remarkable."
Naruto lowered his head, looking at his zanpakuto.
Two sides of one coin.
Two different directions within oneself?
"However, considering Naruto's unique circumstances, it might be an entirely different scenario," Retsu Unohana shifted the conversation, "When I initially examined your body, I noticed some unexplainable anomalies."
"At the time, I assumed it was just another part of the dual swords."
"But now, aside from the 'Nine-Tails', there could be another power within you that hasn't fully become a part of you."
"That might be one side of the dual nature."
Naruto raised his head, astonished, meeting Retsu Unohana's gentle, smiling face.
There's another power within him, in addition to the Nine-Tails, that doesn't belong to him?
"It's Captain Urahara's reminder just now that led me to this assumption," Retsu Unohana gazed at him with warmth.
Naruto grasped his sword tightly, "Then I..."
"Do not be afraid, nor should you resist it," Retsu Unohana shook her head, "They are all part of your strength."
"Once you listen closely to those two voices, regardless of your choice, it will not be wrong."
"The zanpakuto is a reflection of the soul."
Naruto nodded, "Yes, thank you, Captain Unohana."
"Let's do another check," Retsu Unohana smiled, "It's a good opportunity to see the current state you're in."
The results came quickly.
Naruto had developed quite healthily, with his spiritual prowess growing from a fifth-class to a fourth-class level.
The "potential second source of power" hadn't been fully uncovered, but under Retsu's keen observation, she managed to perceive a trace of it.
Unlike the "Nine-Tails," a creature with soul and intelligence sealed within him, this almost imperceptible power held no self-awareness. It was purely an energy, blending seamlessly with Naruto's own strength, nearly indistinguishable from it.
With these two reliable mentors confirming his condition, Naruto felt much more at ease.
Having agreed with Retsu Unohana to dedicate three days every month to learning restoration techniques, Naruto bade farewell alongside Kisuke Urahara.
Returning to the barracks of Squad Thirteen, Naruto continued his blade meditation, eager to clearly understand the two voices.
Meanwhile, Kisuke Urahara dove into his research.
These "sealing techniques" fascinated him, representing a completely foreign and different domain.
A week later, at the Shin'o Academy, "Third Seat Naruto, long time no see." Boga Ichi personally came to greet him.
Naruto scratched his head, "Principal Boga, no need for formalities."
"After all, you are my student."
Boga Ichi laughed heartily, "Naruto, you should get used to your current identity. You're just a Third Seat now, but in the future, you could become a captain."
"Come, let me show you this year's incoming geniuses."
"Coming from Rukongai, truly remarkable."
He led the way in front, and Naruto followed leisurely behind him.
Once they entered the gymnasium.
"That's the one over there," Boga Ichi said, pointing his finger.
Naruto looked over, slightly surprised.
There were two people there.
One was a white-haired boy, taller than Naruto himself.
The other.
Was an old acquaintance, Sosuke Aizen.
"Why is Vice-Captain Aizen here too?" Naruto went over to greet.
Sosuke Aizen smiled warmly, "I heard Principal Boga invited you, Naruto. Knowing it's your first time attending such an event, I couldn't help but be concerned, so I volunteered to come as well."
Naruto smiled shyly, "I was a bit nervous at first, but seeing you, Aizen, immediately calmed me down."
The silver-haired boy bowed respectfully to Naruto, "Yes, Uzumaki-san, I'm Ichimaru Gin, a new student this year. Please take care of me."
"Gin, is it? You have quite an impressive aura," Naruto appraised him.
His face was fairly attractive.
But he was constantly smiling, his eyes narrowed into slits.
There was a lurking, sinister quality to him.
Upon first glance, Naruto was reminded of an opponent who made him uncomfortable, that guy named "Orochimaru".
This person.
Could also be a "serpent."
Boga Ichi laughed brightly, "He entered the school with the sixth-ranked spiritual power, what's commendable is that he works as hard as you do, Naruto."
"But his innate physical ability is slightly inferior to yours."
"Every day, our teachers have to rack their brains on how to persuade him to take a break."
"Seriously."
Being a genius working too hard is a blissful kind of suffering.
Naruto smiled, extending his hand, harnessing the power within him.
Gin Ichimaru instinctively glanced at Aizen, and seeing him just smile, he offered no resistance.
A gentle sensation flowed into Gin's body. Those feelings of "fatigue," "pain," and "wounds" slowly healed under that tender force.
"You're really quite dedicated," Naruto remarked, clearly sensing his condition, offering a slight smile. "With so much damage inside, there's no need to rush."
"We have enough time, we can take it slow."
These were words once spoken to him by Captain Unohana.
Now, they seemed perfect to relay to this silver-haired young fellow.
Gin Ichimaru was momentarily stunned, then bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Uzumaki Third Seat."
"Such an impressive healing," Aizen squinted, relishing the spiritual pressure from earlier. "Even the senior officers of Squad Four might fall short compared to Naruto."
Naruto shook his head, "Not at all, I'm still far off."
Gin Ichimaru eyed Naruto, then turned his gaze to Sosuke Aizen.
These two really seemed alike.
Yet, they were entirely different.
The opening ceremony began shortly.
Naruto stepped up onto the stage to speak; he started off a bit stutteringly but soon found his rhythm, recounting his joyous days at the Shin'o Academy and his time in Squad Thirteen.
Following him was Sosuke Aizen.
He was a masterful speaker, expanding and elevating Naruto's content, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Until the very last moment.
Sosuke Aizen raised his hand to rest on the hilt of his sword, "Every time I see you new recruits, I'm reminded of my own days at the Shin'o Academy."
"Back then, I yearned for the initial release, to become a true Shinigami."
"I suppose you all feel the same."
"The blade of Third Seat Uzumaki is unsuited for a display here."
"So allow me to show you mine."
As he spoke, he slowly drew his sword, chanting softly.
"Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu."
Mist poured forth from the blade, gently flowing and enveloping the entire room.
The space seemed to warp.
Some noticed the positions of people around them seemed to shift, from left to right, or from front to back.
Naruto was also affected.
Boga Ichi shifted from the left to the right side.
This is the ability of "Kyōka Suigetsu," a water-type Zanpakuto. Its effect is to create illusions by using the mist and water to cause irregular reflections, thereby confusing the enemy.
This was not Naruto's first time seeing the release of "Kyōka Suigetsu."
But he still felt compelled to admire it—what a beautiful sword it was.
The Nine-Tails shook its fur uncomfortably.
It sensed a very threatening aura.
The same aura as on the day Naruto came to this world's present realm.