Hoshi sat cross-legged in his quarters, frustration evident on his face. "I still haven't successfully communicated with my Zanpakutō. I've been practicing sword meditation for days, and there's no progress."
Captain Katori, seated nearby, glanced up from her paperwork. "Impatience will get you nowhere, Hoshi. Sword meditation requires a calm and focused mind. Rushing it won't help."
Hoshi sighed. "You're right, Captain. Maybe I just need a break."
---
A Sukiyaki Break
Ever since Hoshi introduced sukiyaki to the Eighth Division, it had become a beloved tradition. The rich broth, fresh vegetables, and thinly sliced beef simmering together were a hit, and Captain Katori herself had grown fond of the dish.
She insisted on having sukiyaki at least four times a week, always paired with a modest amount of sake.
Tonight, the dining hall was filled with the warm, savory aroma of the simmering pot, along with the lively chatter of the Eighth Division members. Hoshi raised his cup toward Katori.
"Captain, this is getting too quiet. How about we host a captain's gathering? Everyone can enjoy sukiyaki together—it'd be a great way to strengthen bonds between divisions."
Katori considered his suggestion. "Not a bad idea. However, let's make it a celebration for when you finally achieve Shikai. Until then, focus on your training."
---
The Turning Point
Days passed in a blur of training. During the day, Hoshi practiced Kidō and Hakuda under Captain Yamamoto's rigorous guidance. At night, he returned to the Eighth Division and immersed himself in sword meditation.
One evening, after sharing sukiyaki and a few drinks with Katori, Hoshi felt unusually calm. He sat in meditation, and for the first time, the world around him seemed to fade completely.
A deep, commanding voice echoed in his mind.
"You've finally arrived."
Hoshi opened his eyes to find himself in a grand hall. Thunder crackled along the intricately carved pillars, and the domed ceiling above revealed a sky full of stars.
Seated on a majestic throne at the end of the hall was a man clad in resplendent purple robes. Lightning flickered around him, giving him an otherworldly aura.
[Image]
The man's voice boomed, "Sit. Let's talk."
Hoshi approached and seated himself cross-legged before the throne. "Are you my Zanpakutō?"
The man smirked. "Zanpakutō, hmm? You may think of me that way. After all, you draw upon my power. Tell me—what do you believe my power is?"
Hoshi glanced around, noting the ever-present lightning. "Thunder. Your power is undoubtedly tied to thunder and lightning."
The man nodded approvingly. "Correct. You may call me Thunder Emperor. Or Raitei, if you prefer."
"Raitei…" Hoshi whispered, his voice filled with awe. "Does this mean I've earned your approval?"
Raitei leaned forward, his intense gaze locking onto Hoshi. "Approval? That depends. Master my power, and you'll understand what it means to wield thunder itself. For now, return to your world. You'll find that the connection between us has deepened."
Before Hoshi could ask more questions, the vision faded.
---
Awakening Shikai
As Hoshi returned to reality, a surge of spiritual pressure exploded from his body. His reiatsu climbed rapidly, stabilizing at the peak of the third level.
Captain Katori, sensing the sudden spike in energy, rushed into his room. "Hoshi! Did you achieve Shikai? What's going on?"
Hoshi nodded, his eyes glowing faintly with residual lightning. "I did it, Captain. I've communicated with my Zanpakutō."
Katori's expression shifted from concern to excitement. "Show me. Let's see what kind of power you've unlocked."
They moved to the training grounds, where Hoshi stood under the night sky. Holding his Zanpakutō before him, he recited the release command with unwavering determination.
"Under the starry sky, thunder shakes the heavens! Liberate—Raitei Ken!"
In a flash of silver and violet light, his Zanpakutō transformed into a long, elegant blade. The deep purple sword glowed with lightning patterns etched along its surface, and the hilt shimmered with inlaid star-like gems.
[Image]
The sheer release of power caused a shockwave that rippled across Seireitei.
---
The Captains' Arrival
Moments later, the captains of the Gotei 13 arrived, drawn by the overwhelming spiritual pressure.
"So this is the source of that reiatsu," remarked Chika Shihōin, the Second Division captain, his tone tinged with admiration.
Captain Yamamoto observed Hoshi with a rare smile. "Impressive. His Shikai alone rivals a captain-level reiatsu. With time, he may surpass us all."
Captain Katori crossed her arms, smirking. "What did I tell you all? My vice-captain is one of a kind."
The captains exchanged knowing smiles. It wasn't every day that a young Shinigami displayed such immense potential.
"Alright, enough standing around," Katori said, ushering everyone forward. "Let's head back for some sukiyaki. Hoshi and I will ensure you're well fed, and you can save your praise for dessert!"
With that, the group followed Katori back to the Eighth Division barracks, the excitement of the night lingering in the air.
[T/N]I didn't like this chapter much it was too Chinese for my taste. Other than that, the fact that I strongly dislike thunder base powers, I feel like this mf will butcher a story that was starting good but we find eventually.