Due to some unexpected developments, the planned special training ended abruptly.
Seiya was completely distracted—neither Tōsen nor Aizen could teach or learn anything in such a state.
In the end, the training session ended without any progress.
While Tōsen was concerned for his friend, he understood that there was nothing he could do to help in this situation, so he was the first to leave.
Seiya followed shortly after but not before hearing Aizen's parting advice.
"Seiya, I may not understand what exactly is happening to you, but it's best to remain calm at a time like this."
Losing your composure won't solve anything.
Hearing Aizen's reassurance, Seiya forced a faint smile and nodded in acknowledgment.
"I'll take my leave now, Aizen-sensei."
"Hm. In the meantime, do your best. I'll also think of a solution on my end."
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
After bidding farewell to Aizen, Seiya began walking back to the Shin'ō Spirit Academy.
As he walked, he couldn't shake an odd feeling—like he was being watched.
Although he'd felt something similar before, this time it was different. The sensation was so intense that he couldn't help but shiver.
The words Aizen had spoken earlier seemed sound.
Considering this was still the era where Aizen was focused on his research into Hollows, it was likely that his knowledge of the Royal Guard was limited to them being royal enforcers.
Thus, he wouldn't have had a clear understanding of individuals like the Monk of Perception and his abilities.
Fortunately, Seiya did.
The Royal Guard—the leaders of the Zero Division.
Hyōsube Ichibē, the Monk of Perception, was bestowed the title of "Eye Monk" by the Soul King himself and served as the chief steward of the Soul Society.
He was also the one who named everything in the Soul Society.
What's more, he knew the true names of every Shinigami's Zanpakutō.
It was said that the moment Ōetsu Nimaiya handed a newly forged Asauchi to a Shinigami, Ichibē already knew its true name.
Seiya's Sāgara Ryū was likely no exception.
Back in his dorm at the academy, Seiya shut the door, washed up, and lay down on his bed.
But he didn't dare close his eyes.
Because no matter how he looked at it…
Why am I being watched?
This was something from the Thousand-Year Blood War arc—a matter involving the Royal Guard. And Ichibē, as the leader, typically didn't act without good reason.
Yet now, he had taken action to seal the true name of Sāgara Ryū's Bankai…
Combining this with the contents of the original story, Seiya couldn't help but make a troubling deduction.
Was it possible that his Bankai could somehow influence the Soul King?
Seiya couldn't think of any other reason—after all, in the original story, Ichibē also sealed Zangetsu.
While the motivation and reasoning behind that had never been explicitly explained, it was likely done to prevent Ichigo from fully unlocking his powers.
If so…
Could my Bankai really have that kind of potential?
For the first time, Seiya's expression tensed.
If even Ichibē had "marked" him, who knew if one moment he'd fall asleep, and the next he'd wake up in the Soul King Palace being put on trial or something?
But that thought quickly faded.
If they wanted to act against him, they'd have done it already.
They wouldn't wait until now.
In other words…
Sealing my Bankai's name instead of coming down here to deal with me directly might just be a warning in itself.
Seiya racked his brain for answers, but he couldn't figure out Ichibē's intentions.
While the Zero Division was publicly regarded as enforcers of the Soul King's will, as individuals—especially Ichibē—they possessed a great deal of autonomy.
In the original story, the Royal Guard descended to aid the Gotei 13 after they suffered severe losses.
But it was also possible that Ichibē's actions were guided by his own will… or perhaps even the Soul King's.
That said, given the Soul King's current state, it was debatable whether he even had a will of his own.
This is getting way too complicated…
Seiya furrowed his brow, summarizing his predicament.
If they really want to act against me, I have no means to stop them.
So, for now, all he could do was wait and see.
That logic was sound enough.
But just thinking about being "monitored" all the time made Seiya incredibly uneasy.
At the same time, he had to confront an important issue.
In this state, Seiya had no one to turn to for help.
With my Bankai's name sealed, even if I reach Third-Class Reiatsu, I won't be able to release my Zanpakutō's full power…
…
...
...…
Huh?
Doesn't that mean I've already hit a wall? Am I completely stuck now?
"Argh! Think of something, you idiot!"
In his inner world, the childlike Sāgara Ryū was bawling loudly.
Her voice was already loud enough, but now she was perched on Seiya's shoulder, tugging on his hair.
"Ahhh—get down! Stop pulling my hair!"
"Ugh, it's all your fault, you idiot! Now my name's gone!"
"Let's think of a solution together! Aren't we supposed to be partners, completely in sync? We should be working together right now!"
"Idiot! Seiya, you're the worst!"
At that moment, Seiya finally understood why Aizen had reacted the way he did when asked about his Bankai.
With someone like Sāgara Ryū as his Zanpakutō spirit, Seiya wouldn't want to admit she was a reflection of his soul either.
How could he possibly be this noisy little gremlin?!
After some noisy back-and-forth, they both fell silent, staring at each other in awkward frustration.
Got any ideas?
None. My mind's blank.
After a long pause, Sāgara Ryū furrowed her brows and hesitantly suggested, "Isn't there any other way?"
Seiya rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment.
"If we can't call your name, we can't unlock your power."
"Can't we just skip the name part?"
Sāgara Ryū placed her hands on her hips, wearing an oddly smug expression.
"My power is so strong that even a little bit of it should be enough for you!"
Ha, sure, thanks.
But it's never that simple.
Just as Seiya was about to brush off her suggestion with a smile, his expression suddenly froze.
Wait.
An idea struck him.
"If I can't call its name, I can't unlock its power."
"Then… what if I skip the name?"
The name…
A wild, almost absurd thought surfaced in Seiya's mind.
He suddenly looked up at Sāgara Ryū.
"I… I think I have an idea."
The little spirit immediately perked up, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Ooh! Tell me!"
"But… this idea will require your full cooperation."
Seiya hesitated for a moment before giving her an apologetic look.
"It might even make you feel… wronged."
"What are you talking about?!"
Sāgara Ryū grinned, patting Seiya on the shoulder.
"We're partners, through and through!"
Though she seemed childish, Sāgara Ryū was undeniably Seiya's most loyal companion.
At this point, Seiya pressed his lips together and let out a long sigh, his expression filled with determination.
"Alright. Then the first thing I need you to do…"
"Temporarily abandon your true name."
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Powerstones?
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