บท 10: Chapter 10 ⥤ Jinzen, Asauchi, Communication
From the glory of the royal family to the rise of the Five Noble Houses, to the establishment of the Gotei 13, he even mentioned the war between the Shinigami and the Quincy clan hundreds of years ago. Even to this day, Quincies still wandered in the world of the living.
Below the podium, a rather peculiar scene unfolded.
Ninety-nine percent of the students sat neatly at the front, attentively listening to the teacher's lecture. At the back of the classroom, however, several rows of seats were empty, with two slightly thin figures sitting at separate desks.
One of them listened attentively, no different from the other students. The other had his head buried in the crook of his arm, seemingly in a state of hibernation.
The teacher on the podium noticed this scene and, hesitating to speak, could only vent his pent-up frustration by raising his voice by several notches.
However, this commotion was like a lullaby to Akira. When the strong and forceful voice reached his ears… he fell into an even deeper sleep.
Aizen glanced sideways at his troublesome friend, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes. Perhaps this was a true portrayal of "interest is the best teacher".
Ever since Akira had sent Uruoi flying with one sword strike in the Zanjutsu class, his quality of life had been on a straight upward trajectory. Countless elite students, having witnessed his true strength, developed a deep-seated awe for him.
No matter where, the strong are always respected. The Shin'ō Academy was no exception.
This news spread like wildfire, quickly circulating throughout the entire academy. Whether teachers, students, or even the principal, everyone knew that a true genius had emerged in Class 1-A.
In just a few months since entering the academy, he was already capable of overwhelming teachers, and his Reiatsu even surpassed that of an average Shinigami squad member.
An undisputed genius, Akira Kisaragi.
Yet this guy didn't play by the rules at all. Although he chose to listen attentively in classes like Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and even practical combat courses, when it came to cultural classes, he would start snoring away, showing not a hint of the pride or attitude a genius should have.
He spent his days fooling around, occasionally coming up with unexpected ideas. These included night raids on the Shin'ō Academy cafeteria, tampering with disciplinary notices, or offering to "exorcise and consecrate" female classmates, and so on.
The key was that if he were doing these things alone, it would be fine, but every time he prepared to cause mischief, he would drag along his friend.
In Akira's words, "Good brothers should share in the joys, while you alone bear the hardships". Although it's unclear where he heard such a twisted saying, he always strictly adhered to it.
"That's all for today's lesson." The history teacher announced from the podium, his expression serious.
The genius and handsome pupil stirred from his slumber…
"Is class over?" Akira mumbled, bleary-eyed and disoriented.
"Our final exams are in a month." The teacher continued, "Although practical skills are the most important course for Shinigami, cultural classes cannot be neglected either. For this exam, any student who fails to pass will be given a major demerit of probation!"
At the word "demerit", Akira suddenly perked up, turning to look pitifully at Aizen beside him.
"Sōsuke, we're good brothers, right?"
Aizen remained silent.
"You surely can't bear to see me fail the exam, right? You see, during the exam..." Akira had somehow slid next to Aizen, familiarly draping himself over the other's shoulder, already brainstorming his usual mischievous ideas.
"The next class is Jinzen." Aizen said, standing up from his seat, "You should first think about how to complete the most basic meditation. If I remember correctly, as of last night, you still couldn't complete the first step of Sword Zen. Failing cultural classes is one thing, but if you can't obtain your own Zanpakutō, even if you graduate smoothly, you won't be able to join the Gotei 13. Perhaps your only choice will be the Kidō Corps..."
Akira was stunned, his good brother's sudden backstab leaving him momentarily heartbroken.
But at this point, he could only grit his teeth and push on. Although he wasn't sure of the exact reason, it seemed he was naturally incompatible with his Zanpakutō.
From the initial choice of Asauchi to the current understanding of Jinzen, even the worst students could vaguely sense the power of their swords. Yet he couldn't even complete the most basic Sword Zen, let alone unleash the power of his Zanpakutō.
Wasn't it said that Zanpakutō were forged based on a Shinigami's soul? So why was he naturally incompatible with his own soul? Could it be that he was just purely stubborn (or dumb…)?
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With hearts filled with trepidation and doubt, Akira and Aizen arrived at the Jinzen dojo.
The spacious room exuded a zen-like tranquility. A faint fragrance lingered in the air, inducing a dreamy state that made one feel as if floating on clouds.
This was the special Reishi incense of the Jinzen dojo, used to help new Zanpakutō wielders enter the state of Sword Zen more quickly, facilitating smooth communication with their swords.
Of course, this Reishi incense had little effect on those with strong willpower — like Akira and Aizen.
The two sat cross-legged on cushions, assuming meditative postures, and began their meditation.
Like the other students around them, Aizen quickly entered the state of Jinzen. Only Akira fidgeted, scratching his ears and face as if covered in lice.
He couldn't understand why, even though he had followed the teacher's instructions and received Aizen's guidance, he still couldn't complete the most basic Sword Zen.
He stared blankly at the blade placed neatly across his knees. The shape, abilities, and state of a Zanpakutō are all forged based on the Shinigami's soul. Shinigami gain power by knowing the name given to their Zanpakutō and engaging in spiritual dialogue with it.
To be precise, the blade before him now couldn't be called a Zanpakutō, but rather an Asauchi. Shinigami need to live and breathe with their Asauchi, constantly honing it, imprinting the essence of their soul into it, thus creating their own Zanpakutō.
However, Akira understood the theory. The problem was, how to imprint the essence of his soul into the Zanpakutō?
It was like knowing that beyond the door lay the Shin'ō Academy cafeteria and women's dormitory; if he could just open the door and walk in, he could enjoy endless happiness. But how to open the door??
{T/N: The FBI knows how. They always know…}
The conventional methods of Jinzen were completely ineffective for him. He folded his arms, furrowing his brow as he stared at his Asauchi, countless thoughts flashing through his mind.
"Damn, even Mimihagi isn't as hard to communicate with as you..." Akira muttered angrily. But just then, a flash of inspiration struck him like lightning, "Wait a minute! What if I try to communicate with the Zanpakutō using the method for communicating with deities?!"
With this thought, his gaze towards the blade on his knees filled with fiery enthusiasm!
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Zanpakutō — Soul Slayer
Jinzen — Sword Zen or Sword Meditation
Asauchi — Nameless Zanpakutō
T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! I'm constantly translating and the difference will keep getting bigger!
For just $1 you can access all the extra content, and descriptive images, costs only $2!
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)
https://www.patreon.com/mrblackwing
บท 11: Chapter 11 ⥤ In the Name of the Shrine Priest, Akira!
There are three ways to communicate with the divine: blessing, prayer, and ritual.
Unlike the Ise family of shrine priests, the Sakahone Shrine — due to its small size and remote location — has limited methods for divine communication.
Akira knew only these three methods, with prayer and ritual being the most common. Nanao had taught him the specific techniques.
Having made his decision, he stood up abruptly. Disregarding the Jinzen class teacher's puzzled look, he left the dojo carrying his asauchi.
As he disappeared, Aizen's half-closed eyes opened. Confusion flashed across his face, 'What's he up to now?'
Given his friend's penchant for the inconceivable and unreasonable, occasional truancy was hardly surprising.
"This kid is becoming more and more unruly!" Tthe Jinzen teacher muttered, watching Akira leave.
He wanted to intervene but, mindful of their difference in combat skills, held his tongue. After all, this troublesome student wasn't wielding a bamboo sword — it was a real asauchi.
Though not yet imbued with soul essence to become a true Zanpakutō, its durability and sharpness far surpassed a bamboo sword.
If that reckless youth lost control, he — a mere Jinzen teacher — could end up at the blade's mercy. For his own safety, discretion seemed the better part of valor.
"Teacher, I'll go bring him back." Aizen said after a moment's hesitation, curious to see what Akira was planning.
Having obtained the teacher's permission, he quickly left the dojo as well. Following Akira's Reiatsu trail, he chased him all the way to the dormitory area.
The scene that unfolded there once again challenged his worldview and understanding of this unpredictable realm.
He watched as his friend meticulously arranged talismans across the table, with candles burning, creating an eerie yet sacred atmosphere. A large black eye was engraved on a nearby banner, and a bronze bell swayed, emitting crisp metallic chimes.
Carefully, Akira placed his asauchi in the position typically reserved for enshrining deities.
Under Aizen's puzzled gaze, the usually sunny and carefree Akira transformed. He became serious and solemn, his whole demeanor exuding a powerful mystical quality — just like a true shrine priest.
"This guy..." Aizen mused, "Could he be attempting to complete Jinzen through a ritual method, to communicate with his own Zanpakutō?"
Clever as he was, he quickly grasped the essence of Akira's plan just by observing the preparation stage.
His understanding stemmed not just from knowledge, but from his familiarity with this shrine priest. Due to Akira's unconventional ways, Aizen remained his sole friend at the Shin'ō Academy.
But wasn't Aizen in a similar position? Who would dare to casually mess with someone associated with Akira?
Even Uruoi, a teacher, had already secured a private room in the infirmary. Others were even more hesitant to get involved with this "enigmatic" and "reserved" student.
"In the name of the Shrine Priest, Akira, I perform this ritual..." Akira's fingers fluttered like butterflies, forming intricate yet sacred hand seals. As he chanted, he focused his mind on the object of the ritual.
What should the image of a Zanpakutō be? A simple sword? Countless images surged through his mind, only to be swiftly discarded.
Though uncertain if this method would work, Akira knew he couldn't simply bluff his way through by imagining a Zanpakutō in his mind.
Suddenly, a revelation about Zanpakutō flashed through his thoughts. Since it was essentially constructed from a Shinigami's soul, could he change the object of the ritual to himself? To communicate and dialogue with his own essence?
His eyes brightened, reflecting the flickering candlelight as if brilliant stars were slowly forming within them. Having determined the object of the ritual, he used the asauchi as a medium to proceed with the ceremony.
As the bronze bell swayed, a sudden gust of wind arose in the room, lifting countless objects into the air. They collided, emitting sounds of shattering.
Akira poured all his Reiatsu into the bell, using this method to awaken the "deity" he needed to communicate with.
In the midst of this, an invisible thread seemed to connect his soul to the asauchi.
Seeing this, Aizen's eyes widened, his usually calm, somewhat childish face now replaced with an expression of disbelief and shock.
It actually… succeeded. Using a ritual method to replace Jinzen, he had completed the communication between a Shinigami and their Zanpakutō!
'How on earth does this guy's brain work?' Aizen thought, 'To come up with such an outrageous method!'
Surge, double, explode! The moment his soul connected with the asauchi, Akira's Reiatsu began to rise violently, forming a tangible pressure that covered the entire dormitory room.
Had he any spare attention, he would have noticed — the data on his personal status panel was changing rapidly.
〈 Reiatsu: Level 20 → 22 → 23 → 24 → 25 → 26 →… 〉
The numbers kept soaring, as if there was no upper limit!
Compared to the changes on the status panel, the impact of his Reiatsu on the surroundings was even more shocking.
The wooden floor cracked layer by layer, the wallpaper and walls torn apart by the wind, swirling into the chaotic gale. Scattered objects collided and were ground to dust.
What was even more perplexing was that the loudest sound in the room wasn't the howling of the wind, but the muffled impacts coming from his body.
It was — the beating of his heart!
It was as if thunder from the sky had fallen into his chest cavity, pounding and resonating, seeming as though it would burst his chest open.
Aizen's expression changed repeatedly. Indeed, not following the usual path would lead to completely different results.
Akira, who never followed the beaten track, had directly arrived at an unfamiliar situation.
Even for someone like Aizen, who had perfect scores in history class, he had never heard of anyone experiencing such a shocking change after communicating with their Zanpakutō.
The Reiatsu continued to rise. From the level of a standard Shinigami Division member, it soared all the way to the level of a Seated Officer.
〈 Reiatsu: Level 45 | Rank 12 Spirit Class 〉
Looking at Akira, his eyes were now completely white, his expression dazed and blank, like a wooden statue. His consciousness, however, had arrived in a completely unfamiliar space.
To be more precise, it should be called — a world!
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〈 Check-in Conditions Met! 〉
〈 Location Check-in: Zanpakutō Inner World! 〉
〈 Obtained Reiatsu Level +1! 〉
〈 Reiatsu Level increased! Currently at Level 46! 〉
〈 Obtained Exclusive Trait: Light as a Feather! 〉
〈 Light as a Feather: Body becomes nimble, speed increased by 50%! 〉
A familiar voice echoed in his ears. Gazing at the boundless world before him, Akira felt confidence surging through his heart.
Indeed — when it came to rituals, he was a professional!
Initially planning to use EXP, he later deemed this setting too cumbersome and simply decided to increase Levels directly.
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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! I'm constantly translating and the difference will keep getting bigger!
For just $1 you can access all the extra content, and descriptive images, costs only $2!
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)
https://www.patreon.com/mrblackwing
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