Chapter 19 – The Path of Mastery
With Ichigo Kurosaki's unexpected awakening as a Substitute Shinigami, Nanami Kento's role as the regular patroller of Karakura Town had come to an end. It was clear that the tides of fate were shifting, and Nanami could feel the ripple effect moving through the ranks of the Gotei 13. After centuries of diligent, disciplined service, he was being reassigned to new missions and granted an unusual amount of freedom to pursue further training.
Nanami had always taken pride in his mastery of Kido, but he knew there was still more to learn. His decision was clear: he would train himself to perform high-level Kido without incantations, a skill reserved for only the most gifted of Shinigami. In an era where conflicts were beginning to resurface, he wanted to be prepared, ready to answer any call for aid with power that few could match.
As the weeks turned into months, Nanami immersed himself in his studies and training. From the quiet sanctuary of his private quarters within the 10th Division, he would often be seen meditating with a focused intensity, letting his spirit energy flow and condense as he channeled it into precise forms. The Kido techniques he practiced had always required incantations, their complex words guiding the flow of power. But now, Nanami was determined to bypass the need for words, relying purely on raw control and mastery.
The silence in his training space was often broken only by faint pulses of energy, a quiet hum, or a subtle flash of light. His training focused on control, each exercise emphasizing precision and strength in equal measure. He would cast spells one after another without a single chant, pushing himself to overcome the limits of concentration and stamina.
Finally, after one particularly grueling session, Nanami tried casting *Kurohitsugi*, the infamous Black Coffin, without an incantation. It was one of the most dangerous Kido spells, capable of encasing enemies in dark energy and crushing them from all sides. Few dared to wield it without preparation, but Nanami felt ready.
He extended his hand, channeling his energy with laser-like focus. The air around him thickened, growing dense and oppressive as if the weight of his spiritual power was too much for it to bear. Shadows coalesced, forming the outline of the dark box that gave *Kurohitsugi* its name. Within moments, he had created a full, stable form—an incantationless Black Coffin, executed with flawless control.
A faint smile appeared on Nanami's face, satisfaction settling in. He had done it. His ability to wield high-level Kido without incantations would now grant him unparalleled agility in battle, allowing him to respond faster and more effectively to threats without the need to pause or recite a single word.
After this achievement, news of Nanami's skill began to circulate within the Gotei 13. Word spread of the 10th Division's vice-captain, whose command of Kido had reached levels beyond most captains. Though he remained composed, Nanami couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. His years of dedication had brought him here, where he could serve as a protector of Soul Society, as well as a force prepared to face whatever dangers might lie ahead.
And with Ichigo's story just beginning to unfold, Nanami felt the subtle call of fate, wondering when his path might cross with that of the young Shinigami once more.