"Finally, it's done."
⤫ Hadō #?: Raienken ⥤ Thunder Fire Sword! ⤬
At the back mountain of the Shin'ō Academy, Akira gazed at the lightning-fire sword in his hand, smiling with satisfaction.
Three days had passed since the dormitory's destruction.
As Aizen had warned, creating original Kidō was no simple task. Even with his exclusive Trait 'Unique Insight', it took multiple attempts before he finally perfected the lightning-fire sword.
Given his limited literary skills, he opted to skip creating new incantations — that would have been too mentally taxing. Instead, the precise arrangement of Reiatsu alone was enough to manifest the sword.
Without incantations or hand seals, the technique's difficulty surpassed that of Level 50 Kidō. Yet for Akira, who had mastered Byakurai and Shakkahō to the point of instinct, this actually proved more practical.
"Should I create more Kidō next?" His mind buzzed with possibilities waiting to be explored.
This sense of mastery felt like drinking ice-cold cola on a scorching day — pure refreshment from head to toe.
As he eagerly planned to develop techniques from the neighboring village, he sensed a familiar Reiatsu approaching.
Aizen's eyes flickered with surprise at the finished creation in Akira's hand, though he quickly masked his reaction.
"Akira, people from the First Division are here."
Akira frowned, "What of it? Is this about the destroyed dormitory?"
He wasn't concerned — Aizen had informed him that Uruoi's withheld mission rewards could rebuild ten dormitories easily.
"It's about you." Aizen said, his expression darkening, "Kaoru-sensei warned me that Principal Sasakibe returned from the First Division asking detailed questions about your daily activities. These Officers are likely here because of that."
Akira's heart lurched as he frantically reviewed his recent actions.
The Academy cafeteria? No, he hadn't gone exploring there at night for ages. The destroyed dormitory? That had already been compensated for.
Hiss—
Then, a chilling possibility struck him.
Could this be about the Coordinated Relief Station? Had… his secret with Unohana been discovered?!
His rapidly changing expressions betrayed his inner turmoil, and it was clear his thoughts weren't pleasant ones.
"Sōsuke, this is bad!" Akira snapped out of his daze, looking at him nervously.
"Has it been exposed?" Aizen replied calmly, "Kaoru-sensei's connection should still be usable. First, have him issue you a mission certificate, then go to the Hakutōmon to find Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, who can help you return to West Rukongai."
Akira stared at his best friend in confusion, surprised to hear such suggestions from the usually serious guy.
Then it dawned on him — if Aizen could still joke around, the situation couldn't be that dire.
Hmph, very well!
Akira relaxed, smoothly decomposed the Kidō in his palm back into its Byakurai and Shakkahō components, then with a rumble, released its Reishi back to Soul Society.
"Well then, let's go meet the elite Shinigami of the First Division!"
Aizen's eye twitched as he surveyed the devastated back mountain, impressed by his friend's dedication.
For three days straight, Akira had done nothing but create explosions here between meals, perfecting the Raienken Kidō.
Talented and hardworking — that was Akira through and through…
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
Soon after, he encountered the elite officers from the 1st Division.
As the Gotei 13's leading division, their responsibilities were vast. They not only assigned and issued missions but also held temporary command authority over other divisions.
Such prestige meant that any officer accepted into the 1st Division ranked among the most elite Shinigami — a source of immense pride for its members.
"Lord Kisaragi, the Captain-Commander requests your presence at the First Division."
Their politeness struck him — there was none of that typical arrogance or bullying often seen in stories.
The formal address puzzled him though. Was this standard protocol for addressing an academy student, or were 1st Division Officers simply more courteous than most?
"Oh, alright." Akira gladly agreed.
He had long awaited this chance to visit.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
1st Division Barracks.
The announcing Shinigami led Akira through the grounds.
Unlike the relaxed atmosphere of the 4th Division, these barracks bustled with guards and Shinigami. Each carried an imposing presence, their faint Reiatsu creating an aura of authority.
Following his guide through several corridors, Akira arrived at a modest tea house that stood in contrast to the surrounding buildings. The fragrance of tea wafted through the air.
"Lord Kisaragi, please enter. The Captain-Commander is waiting for you." The announcing Shinigami's tone carried deep reverence, as if addressing royalty.
Akira pushed down his curiosity, stepped forward, and opened the door.
A wave of tea fragrance enveloped him, its soothing aroma dispelling the tension in the air.
He paused at the doorway, taking in the scene.
Simple paintings and calligraphy adorned the walls. An antique tea table sat horizontally, while nearby, a tea stove gurgled softly, wisps of fragrant steam rising from its spout and lid.
By the tea table sat a figure of modest height. His eyes were half-closed, his head gleaming, with a white beard that nearly touched the ground and straight white eyebrows that cascaded downward.
Though he wasn't wearing a captain's haori, his distinctive appearance left no doubt about his identity.
This was Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto — Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and Soul Society's strongest Shinigami for a thousand years!
Akira's heart fluttered with nervousness. As he carefully entered and prepared to bow, a familiar voice reached his ears.
〈 Location Check-in: Genryūsai Yamamoto's Private Tea House! 〉
〈 Obtained Reiatsu Level +3! 〉
〈 Reiatsu Level increased! Currently at Level 59! 〉
〈 Obtained Zanjutsu Level +3! 〉
〈 Zanjutsu Level increased! Currently at Level 70! 〉
〈 Obtained Hakuda Level +3! 〉
〈 Hakuda Level increased! Currently at Level 31! 〉
〈 Obtained Hohō Level +3! 〉
〈 Hohō Level increased! Currently at Level 26! 〉
〈 Obtained Kidō Level +3! 〉
〈 Kidō Level increased! Currently at Level 35! 〉
〈 Obtained Exclusive Trait: Absolute Justice! 〉
〈Absolute Justice: Cannot tolerate those who neglect justice. Inflicts 50% increased damage against the Malevolents! [Hidden Effect: My heart and actions shine like a bright mirror — all I do is justice!]! 〉
Akira was overwhelmed with joy, drawing in a sharp breath.
The tea's fragrance filled his mouth, but before he could savor it, an elderly yet commanding voice echoed through the tea house.
"Akira Kisaragi, do you know your crime?!"
At these words, another sharp intake of breath pierced the silence...
⤫⤬⤫
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