Mayuri Kurotsuchi's eyes shone with undisguised greed.
Although he did not fully comprehend the unique characteristics that Naruto possessed,
Kisuke Urahara's repeated denials of his requests to partake in "researching Naruto" were telling. The level of protection surrounding this research was intense.
Even during the chaos of his escape, Urahara had taken care to delete all research data related to Naruto, leaving behind only the results that had already been reported and became indelible records.
Among these were the "Artificial Body" and its successor, the "Artificial Body Mk II."
These findings deeply fascinated him.
The former was comprehensible; despite its brilliance, it was derivative of traditional Death God technology, serving as a vessel for weak souls—created in response to the "soul disappearance" incident, where frail souls vanished.
However, it was the latter that truly perplexed him.
For years, he had been contemplating its secrets without fully grasping them. The "Artificial Body Mk II" nearly transcended the boundary between "physical" and "spiritual" forms. A Death God could enter it and not be completely isolated from spiritual particles, retaining the ability to wield spiritual energy within it. Yet, the technology was immature, unable to hold souls of immense strength.
When Mayuri personally experimented with the "Artificial Body Mk II," it almost instantly exploded upon entry.
Even a vice-captain's spiritual pressure could easily destroy it. Only the lowest-ranking officers and standard squad members could utilize it, but even then, initiating a release or using Kido spells above number twenty would impose an unbearable load on the body.
Over the years, Mayuri had persistently sought to refine the "Artificial Body Mk II," yet the techniques inherent in this design radically diverged from the Death God technology he had studied immensely, resulting in minimal progress.
It was during these moments of reflection that Mayuri remembered Naruto Uzumaki.
Perhaps this technique related to the young Captain, who had defeated Bankai with merely his Shikai.
Naruto maintained a polite smile as he saw Mayuri out.
Once he had finished managing his tasks, he delved into the study of "Dead Demon Consuming Seal" and "Four Symbols Seal" in his office.
"Summoning Technique" had already intrigued him before. It was indeed a clever spell, but it only concerned the "same space," essentially teleporting an object within the same spatial area, somewhat inferior to the technology of the "World Gate."
The "Boundary-Transcending Gate" is, after all, a portal between two realms.
Granting this technique to Mayuri Kurotsuchi was partly out of curiosity, to see what a scientist of his caliber might discover.
A few days later.
In a small tavern in Seireitei.
"Naruto, you're interested in learning Bankai?" Kyoraku Shunsui set down his cup, scrutinizing Naruto. "Isn't it a bit soon?"
From across the table, Isshin Shiba sipped his drink and remarked, "Naruto is a Captain now. It's not that surprising that he'd want to learn Bankai, right?"
Kyoraku shook his head but didn't elaborate further.
Isshin Shiba didn't quite grasp it.
Naruto's situation was unlike that of ordinary Shinigami.
Typically, once a Shinigami learns the name of their Zanpakuto, they can unlock the Shikai form.
However, Naruto's case was quite different.
Even the powers of this "imitation name" were not fully mastered by him.
Attempting to learn Bankai in such a state...
"I've been getting along quite well with it recently," Naruto confessed, taking a sip of juice—the taste of alcohol didn't appeal to him, "I've mastered Shikai entirely. Even though it hasn't revealed its name to me, I assume it's just being a bit stubborn."
"Isn't learning Bankai a deeper understanding of one's Zanpakuto?"
"The process might just help us fully reconcile our differences."
Kyoraku nodded slightly, "I see."
"So, Uncle Shunsui, please guide me in learning Bankai," Naruto requested earnestly.
Kyoraku leaned over the table lazily, "Why come to me for this? Captain Ukitake would be a suitable choice too."
Naruto grinned, "Captain Ukitake isn't well. Uncle Shunsui, you seem perfectly healthy."
Kyoraku tilted his head, "I'm feeling under the weather too!"
"Since Little Lisa left, I've come down with a mysterious ailment where my body aches as soon as I get busy."
Naruto seized the opportunity, "My healing skills are quite good too. As Uncle Shunsui teaches me Bankai, I'll help treat your ailments."
Kyoraku Shunsui buried his head on the table.
"Speaking of which, that lad from the Kuchiki family seems to have started his Bankai training," Shiba Isshin said, fixing his gaze on Kyoraku Shunsui. "That little vice-captain from the Fifth Division also appears to be preparing for Bankai training."
Kyoraku Shunsui raised an eyebrow, "So many people recently?"
"The younger generation is growing up," Isshin noted.
"Who is Kuchiki's teacher?"
Isshin replied, "Of course, it's Captain Kuchiki Ginrei."
Kyoraku Shunsui immediately straightened up and looked at Naruto, speaking earnestly, "Naruto, you should go find Captain Kuchiki Ginrei; he's teaching one, so he might as well teach two."
"There's really no difference between training for dual Zanpakuto Bankai and single Zanpakuto," Isshin added.
"I recall that Naruto and the third seat of the Kuchiki family have a decent relationship?"
"Captain Kuchiki Ginrei is a reliable veteran; he'll be fine," Shunsui assured.
Naruto sighed, "Uncle Shunsui, no wonder the Head Captain keeps reminding me never to learn from you."
Kyoraku Shunsui laughed heartily.
Consulting Ginrei Kuchiki wasn't a bad idea at all.
Naruto had a good impression of the Kuchiki family. With the reputation of being "nobles," they were strict but didn't carry the arrogance that people like the Kamimyode family had.
The time finally came.
In front of the Sixth Division barracks.
Naruto encountered two unexpected people. Like him, they were dressed as captains, wearing captain's haoris over their black Shinigami uniforms.
"Aizen, Sajin?" Naruto greeted them, eyeing the two people behind them. "What's this about?"
Aizen Sōsuke spoke, smiling, and gestured lightly for the Shinigami behind him to step forward, "Gin is about to start his Bankai training, and I had planned to instruct him personally."
"However, as the captain of the Fifth Division, with Gin as my vice-captain, if we both went for training, there'd be no one left to handle the division's duties."
"Fortunately, I heard that Captain Kuchiki is instructing Kuchiki Byakuya for Bankai, and Naruto, you'll also be joining the training."
"So, I took the liberty to request Captain Kuchiki to take Gin under his wing as well."
Gin Ichimaru respectfully greeted, "Captain Naruto."
Naruto nodded in acknowledgment.
Using the insight of his Kagura Mind's Eye, Naruto discerned Aizen's words upon first hearing them to be truthful.
Komamura Zajin nodded, his tone serious, "I share the same sentiment as Captain Aizen."
"My friend, who is also the Vice-Captain of the Ninth Division, Tosen Kaname, is preparing to practice his Bankai."
"It wouldn't be responsible to have both the Captain and Vice-Captain engrossed in training, neglecting our duties."
"Thus, I entrust this task to Captain Kuchiki."
At his gesture, a Soul Reaper stepped forward, bowing in greeting.
Naruto's gaze lingered on his face.
He wore an unusual pair of spectacles, different from those commonly used, obscuring his view entirely.
Noticing the attention, Komamura Zajin introduced with pride, "Kaname is unique among Soul Reapers; he was born without sight."
"Despite his physical limitations, his determination has brought him to heights unreachable by many Reapers."
A blind man indeed!
Naruto had initially intended to observe if there was anything unusual behind Komamura Zajin, but the term "vision impaired" kept him drawn to Tosen Kaname's eye coverings.
He maintained a composed demeanor, smiling as he inquired of Kaname, "Is it impossible for healing to restore your sight?"
Tosen Kaname replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Captain Uzumaki. I have consulted with the Fourth Division before, but congenital defects such as these cannot be healed."
"I see," Naruto commended him, "such remarkable fortitude."
The feedback from his Kagura Mind's Eye confirmed the honesty of Kaname's words; "blind" was indeed a fact.
As they conversed, Byakuya Kuchiki emerged from the barracks, courteously announcing, "Captains, Vice-Captains, Captain Kuchiki is ready to receive you. Please accompany me inside."
Aizen, with a smile, declined softly, "I'll remain here."
"Please extend my greetings to Captain Kuchiki on my behalf."
Byakuya Kuchiki acknowledged him with a nod.
Komamura Zajin made the same choice, as there were many matters within the squad that required his attention.
Byakuya led a few individuals striving to master Bankai into the Sixth Division barracks.
Aizen watched their retreating figures, his gaze lingering on the blonde young man, glasses glinting to obscure his expression.
What was that power coursing through Naruto just now?
It didn't seem like a reiatsu probe.
It was more akin to peering into the deeper recesses of one's heart.
Furthermore, his reaction upon hearing Tosen referred to as a "blind man."
Indeed, Naruto-kun has sensed something, much like Hirako Shinji did?
Having Tosen and Gin come over appears to be a wise choice.
"Captain Aizen, is something the matter?" Komamura Zajin inquired.
Aizen shook his head, a gentle smile spreading across his face, "I was merely reflecting."
"Naruto-kun and I met twenty years ago, back when he was just a student at the Shin'o Academy."
"Now, he's become such an outstanding captain. Once he learns Bankai, he might completely surpass us."
Mention of "Naruto" prompted Komamura Zajin's words to flow, "Indeed, Captain Naruto is truly remarkable."
"If it weren't for him, I would have been trapped by materialized forms for much longer."
Aizen nodded softly in agreement, chatting lightheartedly as they made their way back to headquarters.
The bond between the Fifth Division Captain and the Ninth Division Captain strengthened at that moment.
Within the Sixth Division training grounds, Surveying the four varied heights standing before him, Ginrei Kuchiki stroked his beard, a cheerful grin spreading across his face, "Who would have thought the day would come when I teach so many students at once?"
"Bankai is exceedingly difficult,"
"Yet, in some respects, it's also quite simple."
"Since your spiritual pressure is sufficient, it means you've reached the threshold."
(End of Chapter)