Asta's body ached. His breathing was heavy, his arms stung from the repeated clashes, and his uniform was torn in several places. But despite all that—his grin never faded.
Across from him, the Adjuchas loomed, its golden eyes glowing with malice. The Hollow's armored body was covered in gashes from their fight, but it was still standing strong. Stronger than Asta expected.
The air between them was thick with spiritual pressure, the ground beneath them fractured from their battle.
Asta tightened his grip on his Zanpakutō. "I gotta admit, you're one tough bastard."
The Adjuchas chuckled, flexing its claws. "And you are stubborn. But your blade lacks power."
Asta clicked his tongue. He couldn't argue. His slashes were landing, but they weren't dealing enough damage. This thing was stronger than a normal Hollow, way stronger.
And his sword—it wasn't keeping up.
His Zanpakutō felt… restrained. Like there was something inside it, waiting.
Asta exhaled, steadying himself.
He needed more.
More power. More speed. More strength.
He had faced countless challenges before—he had never let limits hold him back.
Why should he start now?
A low, ancient voice rumbled in his mind.
"You are still holding back."
Asta's eyes widened.
"Do you fear your own strength?"
The voice was deep, resonating through his very soul. It was familiar yet distant, like something that had always been there, waiting to be heard.
His fingers twitched. His heartbeat thundered in his chest.
"You do not need to hesitate. You do not need to doubt."
The Hollow lunged, claws raised for a final strike.
"Call my name—and unleash me."
Asta moved.
He charged forward, faster than before, his spiritual pressure exploding outward. His Zanpakutō pulsed in his grip, responding to his will.
He felt it.
The power within.
"UNLEASH—GYAKUTEN!"
A surge of black and red energy erupted from his sword.
His Zanpakutō transformed.
The slender katana morphed, its blade widening into a massive black greatsword. Jagged, rough edges ran along its sides, and its hilt extended into a dark, sturdy grip. It looked just like his Demon Slayer sword.
The moment it took shape, the air itself trembled.
The Adjuchas froze.
For the first time—it hesitated.
Asta grinned, his new blade humming with raw power.
"Now let's see what this baby can do!"
He vanished.
Reappearing above the Hollow in an instant, Asta swung his blade down.
The Adjuchas barely had time to raise its arm in defense—
SLASH!
The moment the blade connected, its Reiryoku was drained.
The Adjuchas screamed, its arm shriveling as Asta's Shikai absorbed its energy. Black and red veins spread from the wound, sucking away the Hollow's power like a parasite.
Asta blinked. "Whoa! That's awesome!"
The Adjuchas stumbled back, horror flickering in its glowing eyes. "What… is that sword?"
Asta swung it over his shoulder, feeling the strength surging through him.
"This?" He smirked. "This is Gyakuten. And it looks like it eats energy."
He charged again.
The Adjuchas tried to run—but Asta was faster.
He slashed through its leg, draining more Reiryoku in the process. The Hollow collapsed, its energy withering away.
It let out a final, desperate roar—before Asta drove his sword through its chest.
SHOOM!
The Adjuchas disintegrated, its power completely consumed by Gyakuten. The massive sword hummed in satisfaction, its edges glowing faintly.
Asta exhaled, letting the weight of the moment settle in.
Then, he grinned.
"Now that… was awesome!"
His Shikai had finally awakened.
And he was just getting started.