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Yamamoto gazed out the window in the direction of the powerful Reiatsu he had sensed. He nodded slightly, recognizing its familiarity. After a brief cough, he turned back and resumed the meeting in his office.
Meanwhile, in the Phoenix Hall within the Royal Guard's residence, Ōetsu Nimaiya was hard at work, hammering a new blade. The sudden surge of familiar Reiatsu caught his attention, and he paused to glance toward the direction of the Spiritual Arts Academy.
"Oh? Seems like he's made some progress," Nimaiya mused before returning to his work with a satisfied grin.
The enormous surge of spiritual pressure caused by Aaron's actions ignited widespread discussion among the Shinigami in the Seireitei.
"Did someone just achieve Bankai?"
"That level of Reiatsu can only mean one thing—Bankai mastery!"
Back at his residence, Aaron opened his eyes after successfully entering "Sword Meditation." His Zanpakutō rested on his lap, unchanged in form except for the blade's color, which had turned a deep, pure black.
Standing up, he gripped the Zanpakutō firmly and gave it a few experimental swings. A strange sensation coursed through him—it felt as though the blade was an extension of his very being. Sinking deeper into thought, Aaron decided to move to the backyard to fully test his newly awakened Shikai.
Once in the backyard, Aaron entered the inner world of his Zanpakutō again. The world had transformed dramatically since his last visit. The chaotic environment seemed to reflect the power within.
Soon, the immense form of Taotie—the manifestation of his Zanpakutō—appeared before him, its massive body dwarfing everything in sight.
"My lord!" Taotie's deep, resonant voice echoed throughout the inner world.
Aaron smiled lightly. "I must admit, I've missed hearing your true name," he said, gazing at the colossal figure towering over him.
In the world of Shinigami, every Zanpakutō possesses its own soul, thoughts, and personality—each intimately tied to its true name. For Aaron, the name Taotie carried a special significance. It was derived from ancient Chinese mythology, specifically the Shan Hai Jing, where Taotie was depicted as a creature with a goat's body, a human face, eyes beneath its armpits, and tiger-like claws.
However, the Taotie before Aaron differed from the mythological description. Its body was goat-like, but its head was obscured by swirling black mist, and its eagle-like talons burned with dark flames. Aaron speculated that this unique appearance reflected his own experiences and memories.
Still, the Zanpakutō's overwhelming power far exceeded his expectations, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
"Taotie," he said, his voice steady, "tell me your abilities."
Taotie knelt down respectfully. "My lord, my power is the ability to swallow."
Aaron's suspicions were confirmed. Smiling, he looked up at the enormous beast and asked, "Will you conquer this world with me?"
"It is my honor to follow you, my lord!" Taotie's affirmative reply resonated throughout the inner world.
Satisfied, Aaron nodded. A burst of light engulfed him as he exited the inner world, returning to the quiet backyard.
When Aaron opened his eyes, a more formidable Reiatsu erupted from his body. The wave of spiritual pressure was so immense it swept through the entire Spiritual Arts Academy like a hurricane.
Teachers and students alike froze in shock.
"What is this overwhelming Reiatsu?"
"I feel like I'm suffocating!"
"It's draining my own Reiatsu—I can't stop it!"
Aaron stood motionless, oblivious to the chaos his awakening had caused. The power of his Zanpakutō began absorbing everything around it, including the spiritual energy of those within the Academy.
"Huh?" Aaron muttered, noticing the growing intensity. Though he had anticipated some disruption, the scale of the disturbance exceeded his expectations. "If this continues, the entire Academy might be drained dry…"
Despite his concern, he was unwilling to waste this rare opportunity to fully awaken his Shikai.
At the same time, in Yamamoto's office, the meeting was interrupted by the enormous surge of Reiatsu.
"Captain-Commander, what is happening?"
"Is there a Menos Grande invasion?"
Yamamoto silenced the room with a sharp glance. "Compose yourselves!" he commanded sternly.
Standing beside him, Chōjirō Sasakibe ventured, "Captain-Commander, could this be…?"
Yamamoto remained silent, his gaze heavy. He knew the source of this power all too well.
Meanwhile, Aaron continued to wield his Zanpakutō, allowing it to absorb the surrounding energy. His courtyard was left in ruins, as though ravaged by a storm. When the blade's transformation was complete, the suction force abruptly stopped.
Holding the transformed Zanpakutō, Aaron observed its changes. The blade now radiated an ominous black aura, and its power resonated in perfect harmony with his soul. A flicker of joy lit his eyes as he whispered the command:
"Swallow everything, Taotie!"
The newly awakened Shikai responded with a surge of power, cementing Aaron's bond with his Zanpakutō.
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