Chapter 7 – Mastery in Solitude
Nanami Kento had always been a man of discipline, and the quiet routine of his life in the Seireitei offered him the space and time to focus entirely on his training. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and before he knew it, the progress he made surpassed anything he had expected. The training was intense, and Nanami approached it with the same calculated determination he had shown in his previous life—each day was a chance to improve, to sharpen his skills and push his body and mind to new heights.
Among the skills he honed, one in particular stood out: the *Ratio Technique*. Nanami hadn't expected it to be possible in this world, yet the moment he discovered it, a strange feeling of disbelief washed over him. The *Ratio Technique* was a signature skill from his former life, a technique that allowed him to pinpoint weak spots on an enemy's body using precise mathematical calculations, effectively increasing the power of his strikes.
He remembered the first time he had performed it here in the Soul Society. It had happened almost instinctively during a training session when he was sparring with another Shinigami. His opponent, a fellow squad member, had charged at him with a relentless flurry of sword strikes, but in that moment, Nanami saw something—a pattern, a flaw in his opponent's movement. Before he could think, his body had moved on its own, and the familiar *Ratio* markings had appeared in his vision.
The next thing he knew, his blade had connected with a perfect strike, sending his opponent to the ground in one swift motion. The impact had been so precise, so powerful, that it left Nanami momentarily stunned. He stared at his own sword in disbelief, his mind racing as he processed what had just happened.
"How…?" he had muttered under his breath, his heartbeat quickening. How was he able to do this here? The *Ratio Technique* wasn't something a Shinigami could normally perform—it was unique to his former life.
But as the initial shock wore off, Nanami began to understand. The memories and skills of his past life had been deeply ingrained in him, and his new body in this world—stronger, faster, and more durable than any human—allowed him to replicate those techniques with greater ease. His abilities had carried over, adapting to his new existence. Perhaps it was because of his reincarnation, or perhaps it was simply a matter of muscle memory from his previous life. Either way, Nanami accepted it as another tool in his arsenal.
He had mastered this body, and now, it seemed, his former life's techniques were manifesting here as well.
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Nanami's training didn't stop at the *Ratio Technique*. He knew that while it was a valuable skill, there was much more to learn and improve. His focus shifted to speed—specifically, *Shunpo*. In the Seireitei, speed was a crucial factor in combat, and many Shinigami relied on their *Shunpo* to outmaneuver enemies, both in battle and during missions.
At first, his *Shunpo* had been clumsy and inefficient, but Nanami was nothing if not persistent. He practiced relentlessly, pushing himself harder and harder with each passing day. He trained in isolation, using the vast open spaces of the Seireitei to push his limits, running faster and farther than before. He studied the footwork of other Shinigami, analyzing their movements and breaking them down into precise calculations.
Before long, Nanami's *Shunpo* had reached a level where he could be considered a master. His speed was no longer something to be questioned—he was fast enough to match the elite Shinigami of the Seireitei. His movements became fluid, efficient, and almost effortless. He could cover vast distances in the blink of an eye, his body flickering like a shadow through the streets and rooftops.
It was during one of his solo training sessions that he realized just how far he had come. He had been pushing himself to his limits, moving at top speed across the Seireitei, when he noticed a few other Shinigami training in a nearby courtyard. They were practicing *Shunpo* as well, but their movements seemed sluggish and clumsy compared to his.
Without meaning to, Nanami found himself comparing his speed to theirs. His footwork had become so precise, his steps so light and measured, that he barely broke a sweat while moving at full speed. He had reached a level where he could move faster than most could follow—a skill that, in battle, could make all the difference.
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Yet despite his progress in speed and swordsmanship, Nanami knew that he couldn't neglect one of the most crucial aspects of being a Shinigami: Kido. Given his unique situation, he had chosen to avoid using his Zanpakutō, not wanting to reveal its true nature to anyone. After all, his Zanpakutō wasn't just any ordinary weapon—it was Barragan, the former Espada and embodiment of time and decay. Revealing such a powerful and unique Zanpakutō would only raise suspicion and bring unwanted attention, something Nanami could not afford.
So instead, he focused on mastering Kido. He spent hours studying the ancient texts, memorizing incantations, and practicing the various spells that Shinigami relied on in combat. From simple binding spells to destructive blasts of energy, Nanami learned to wield Kido with precision and control. He practiced silently, often in the middle of the night when the barracks were quiet and the stars shone overhead.
At first, his connection to Kido was tenuous, but as he poured more time into it, his control improved significantly. He could now perform high-level spells without chanting their full incantations, a feat that only the most skilled Kido users could achieve. His reiatsu manipulation became second nature, and he was able to combine both his Kido and swordsmanship in seamless harmony.
In addition to practicing Kido, Nanami continued to meditate regularly. Meditation was key to maintaining his connection to his Zanpakutō, even if he wasn't actively using it. Through meditation, he could communicate with Barragan's spirit, though their interactions were sparse. Barragan's presence was cold and distant, as expected from the former Espada, but the connection between them was undeniable.
The meditation sessions also allowed Nanami to deepen his understanding of Barragan's powers over time and decay. Even though he had not yet used Barragan in combat, he knew that when the time came, he would be prepared. The power within his Zanpakutō was immense, and with careful training and control, Nanami could unleash it when needed. But for now, he kept that power hidden, content with improving himself in other areas.
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As the months passed, Nanami's reputation within the 10th Division began to grow. Despite being relatively new, his skill and dedication to his training had not gone unnoticed. Captain Hitsugaya, who had initially been suspicious of Nanami, began to view him with a measure of respect. Rangiku Matsumoto, though still curious about Nanami's past, often complimented him on his progress, noting how quickly he had adapted to life in the division.
Nanami, however, remained as distant as ever. He wasn't here to make friends or forge bonds. His mission, though unclear, was to navigate this world as best he could without interfering too much in its natural course. He trained, studied, and improved, knowing that each day brought him closer to the inevitable conflict with Aizen.
For now, his focus remained on honing his skills. The day would come when he would need them—both his abilities as a Shinigami and the power of Barragan's Zanpakutō. Until then, he would continue his quiet journey of self-improvement, mastering the art of war in a world that was not his own.