บท 124: Chapter 124 ⥤ So That’s Why You’re So Weak!
He couldn't comprehend what had happened. Akira showed no change in appearance, Reiatsu, or even the shape of his Zanpakutō.
That massive pillar of Reiatsu from before seemed nothing more than a mere flash bomb.
"I'm done playing with you." He snarled, his voice hoarse and deep.
With those words, Takeda burst into Shunpo, streaking through the air like a beam of light. He raised his two-handed greatsword high and brought it down on Akira like a thunderous hammer.
The greatsword, wreathed in earthen-yellow Reiatsu, struck Akira's purple flame-covered Zanpakutō with thunderbolt force.
⤫ Tenrin Hōyoku ⥤ Celestial Phoenix Wing Slash! ⤬
Beneath his mask, Takeda's features twisted grotesquely, contorting into pure ugliness.
He couldn't fathom how this brat — whom he'd just been toying with and trampling at will — could suddenly unleash such overwhelming power.
After just a brief deadlock, dense cracks spread across his broad greatsword.
Takeda stepped back, using technique to deflect the terrible force transmitted through his weapon. As he spun, black-gray earth surged up to cover his blade, instantly sealing the cracks.
His face fierce with resentment, he raised both hands again and slashed toward the youth's neck.
Clang!!
Metal clashed against metal, both blades trembling as deep fissures appeared simultaneously, like mortal wounds in their steel.
Takeda's face lit up with wild joy, "Kid, you've clearly reached your limit."
Victory was within his grasp — he could already envision Akira's miserable death.
Once this nuisance was eliminated, they could proceed to the next phase of the plan!
Takeda advanced again, withstanding Akira's power burst as earth writhed up from below, instantly binding his feet and legs. Using his towering frame, he pressed down suddenly, his Reiatsu exploding outward.
Crack!
Both Zanpakutō shattered simultaneously — the earth layer peeling away from Takeda's greatsword to reveal gleaming steel beneath.
Akira's blade splintered into countless fragments, scattering to the ground and merging with the surging marsh below.
"Die!" Though Takeda rarely stooped to taunts, he couldn't resist the word at this moment of apparent triumph.
This kid was proving frustratingly difficult to kill!
His earthen-yellow glowing Zanpakutō slashed downward — only for the clash of metal to ring out again, leaving Takeda momentarily stunned.
Clang!
Wait — hadn't this guy's Zanpakutō already shattered?
Takeda stared in disbelief, his pupils contracting at the impossible sight before him.
"Let's see if you can kill someone without a blade, shall we?" Akira grinned, yanking with both hands. Chain links ground against each other in his palms, unleashing a devastating surge of power.
Chains wreathed in black mist stretched endlessly from his palms like a torrent, blocking the enemy's Zanpakutō.
"Chains?!" Takeda's voice cracked with confusion.
Brilliant sparks erupted between the links. Though metal clashed violently against metal, no sound emerged — as if someone had pressed a mute button.
Another inexplicable scene unfolded.
Takeda realized that in this short day, his worldview had been repeatedly shattered. Even when he had submitted to Ansai Tsunayashiro and learned the world's secrets years ago, he hadn't been shocked this many times.
What kind of decent person would possess such a Shikai?
There was no time to think further. As Akira had said, the tables had turned. With his Shikai now complete, his already formidable combat power had risen to new heights.
Chains howled through the air, shattering the battlefield's silence with the sharp grinding of links — like thousands of troops charging into battle.
Takeda gnashed his teeth, refusing to surrender.
It was merely a Shikai after all. If you've got the skill, bring out your Ban—
He quickly suppressed that thought. It wasn't cowardice; this kid was simply too bizarre.
Cleaving away the incoming black iron chains with one slash, Takeda summoned his final Reiatsu. A massive pillar of light erupted, rivaling his previous display and becoming the battlefield's most dazzling sight.
⤫ Chijō no Kyojin ⥤ Earth Giant! ⤫
Under Akira's surprised gaze, soil crept up from Takeda's feet, enveloping his body layer by layer.
The powerfully built warrior in heavy armor transformed as earth accumulated endlessly, making the ground tremble.
A hundred-meter-tall giant materialized on the battlefield, its cold gaze fixed on the youth below — a silent promise of death.
Heavy armor encased its entire form, its right hand gripping a blade tens of meters long. Surging killing intent erupted as all Reiatsu locked onto Akira.
Takeda's voice boomed from within the giant warrior.
"Detestable brat, this is the end!"
The giant warrior stepped forward. As its foot landed, visible shockwaves rippled outward, the earth splitting with savage fissures.
Wild winds howled as the giant blade, gripped in both hands, chopped downward.
Where it passed, the air swirled violently, erupting with thunderous shock waves.
Facing the incoming violent force, Akira grinned, sweeping his hand wide. Countless chains radiating black light blocked out the sky, flowing endlessly like an unstoppable torrent toward the heavens.
⤫ Kūkan Kōsoku ⥤ Void Chain Restraint! ⤬
Boom!!
Like two mountains colliding, the falling meteor-like blade stopped mid-air. No matter how much Reiatsu and power Takeda released, he couldn't advance an inch.
Before him, black chains piled up like mountains, forming an impenetrable shield that blocked his path.
Aizen arrived just in time, watching the spectacular scene unfold with shock.
Though he had considered many possibilities — even imagining having to collect Akira's corpse — he never expected this.
The giant blade hung suspended, completely entangled by the climbing chains.
Seeing this, Aizen began chanting Kidō incantations, preparing to strike Takeda.
But before he could act, he witnessed an even more impossible sight.
Chains coiled around Akira's right arm as surging purple flames ignited once more, gathering under his control and concentrating around his fist. The links ground against each other with sharp, metallic screams, as if pulled by an invisible force.
Under the purple flames, his muscles and fascia trembled violently, channeling every last drop of Reiatsu from his body into a single point.
⤫ Jōshō Denkaen Henkō ⥤ Elevated Electric Flame Transformation! ⤬
The ground beneath his feet shattered as Akira crossed dozens of meters in a single bound, his explosive burst of power carrying him directly before the giant warrior's head.
⤫ Genshiki-ryū: Kūhaku Hakai ⥤ Origin Style: Single Empty Destruction! ⤬
Takeda's pupils contracted beneath his earthen armor as he sensed unprecedented danger. He swung his giant blade horizontally to block the incoming bone-crushing fist.
The chain-wrapped fist struck the blade, unleashing a deafening boom.
Crack!
A shattering sound rang out as countless mud particles sprayed like heavy rain, devastating the battlefield further.
BANG!
The giant blade shattered. Chains pressed forward relentlessly as the surrounding soil disintegrated, crashing down like a mudslide into the broken earth below.
Thunder split clouds and stone as electric arcs surged down upon the giant warrior. A massive pillar of light erupted, tearing apart the thin, gloomy clouds overhead.
Takeda's exposed body faced the incoming scorching wind.
He saw everything with perfect clarity — in the blazing light, amidst thunder and lightning, the youth's vivid-orange pupils blazed to life, reflecting the raging winds and brilliant light pillar.
And beneath that burned darkness of unfathomable depth, the iron chains wrapped around his fist absorbed most of the impact, preventing Akira's entire arm from being pulverized like last time.
Having broken through the outer shell, what awaited Takeda was an onslaught as fierce as a raging storm.
⤫ Kusari no Shinpan ⥤ Judgment of Chains! ⤬
Under his despairing gaze, chains emanating black light coiled around his body like snakes, steadily increasing the Reiatsu.
Countless fist shadows erupted at that moment. His fragile spiritual pressure defense shattered instantly as half his body exploded into a mist of blood, staining the scattered soil crimson.
He didn't even have time for last words.
3rd Division Captain Takeda Chishi — dead!
Hum—
With Takeda's Reiatsu gone, the earth trembled violently as countless jagged fissures crisscrossed the battlefield.
The badly wounded Akira descended from the sky, landing before Aizen like a meteorite crushing the ground.
"You're too weak, Sōsuke. I took down a Division Captain while you got held up by a mere Third Seat!"
Aizen gripped Kyōka Suigetsu, calmly watching the youth before him. All his thoughts could only resolve into a helpless sigh.
Before taking action, he had calculated countless scenarios, even accounting for the wild card that was this Priest/Shinigami.
But the final result still surprised him.
Especially Akira's choice.
He had expected this youth to turn against him after learning he was behind the disappearing souls.
But Akira hadn't even considered it.
From the moment Aizen began his forbidden experiments, he had already stood in opposition to Soul Society.
He had wondered long ago: if the truth came to light, could this carefree youth still joke and laugh with him as before?
He had pondered this question seriously.
His conclusion: impossible.
No one in Soul Society could accept such forbidden acts. Even high-ranking nobles couldn't escape the Gotei 13's judgment for such matters. This behavior was no different from Hollows devouring souls.
Perhaps this guy hasn't grasped the gravity of the situation yet, Aizen thought.
After a moment's consideration, he looked up at Akira and said.
"Your injuries are severe. Come with me. I have some medical equipment stored in the 79th District."
Akira nodded and followed without hesitation.
Strictly speaking, his injuries weren't too severe — the bones in his right arm were merely fractured, not completely shattered.
When the Boundless Chains wrapped around his right arm, they formed a buffer zone that absorbed most of the impact from the attack. With his Spiritual Body's strength, he could barely handle the remaining strain.
{T/N: Boundless Chains is the name for the chain per se. The name of the Zanpakutō is still Unbounded Emptiness (Kūkan Mukai)}
Most of his injuries had been inflicted by Takeda.
Being trapped in the earth and ground down like in a mill would have killed any other Shinigami instantly. Only he could have endured until releasing his Zanpakutō.
Worth mentioning was that even now, Akira hadn't fully understood his Zanpakutō's Shikai release abilities.
{T/N: The names I used were merely for the action and fun. He didn't use the Release Ability yet.}
After release, it became a chain radiating black light. Just as he had seen in the Zanpakutō's Inner World — endless above, bottomless below. With enough Reiatsu, Akira could make it circle Soul Society thirty times.
Secondly, it enhanced his own power. When the chains wrapped around or merged with his body, they could increase his Reiatsu and Spiritual Body strength to a certain extent.
This power boost had allowed him to turn the tables and completely destroy Takeda.
However, Akira sensed there were still other abilities yet to be discovered. Once this matter was settled, he would consult his ancient master Genryūsai.
The old man was knowledgeable and experienced, likely having seen similar Zanpakutō before. Perhaps he could help Akira develop unexpected new abilities.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
Mindful of Akira's injuries, Aizen deliberately slowed his pace. Though his laboratory wasn't far, their journey took about an hour with frequent stops.
In the wilderness, they came upon a slightly protruding earthen mound.
Aizen formed a hand seal and chanted a Kidō spell. As rippling light dispersed, a solid doorway materialized before them. After a moment's hesitation, he pushed it open and entered.
"Come in."
Akira followed curiously.
Inside was a modest laboratory, reminiscent of the 12th Division's facilities, with metal floors and sophisticated instruments throughout.
Most striking were the Hollows and Shinigami corpses suspended in green liquid.
Seeing this, Akira's expression changed.
Aizen, watching him closely, sighed.
Sure enough...
"Sōsuke, I can't believe you..." Akira shouted, his voice filled with bitter disappointment, "To think you've strayed this far down the wrong path! I'm truly disappointed in you!"
Aizen lowered his gaze — as he had predicted, this guy also couldn't accept such a cruel reality.
His only close friend had taken an irreversible wrong path...
"So this is why you're so weak, taking so long to deal with Rōjūrō — you've been wasting your talent on this? True power comes from within oneself — that's the right path! If you trust me, let's train together from now on. Then we can become strong and mighty, rule Soul Society, and stand at heaven's peak!"
Aizen: "?"
⤫⤬⤫
T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!
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บท 125: Chapter 125 ⥤ The Culprit is Him!
Shouldn't any normal person be concerned about seeing their fellow beings' corpses floating in liquid?
Why were his concerns so completely different from everyone else's?!
Aizen rubbed his throbbing temples vigorously, his thoughts dissolving into a helpless sigh.
Yet compared to his confusion, Akira's sighs were even heavier. As he surveyed the laboratory, his expression had moved beyond mere disappointment.
His mood had turned to pure melancholy.
It was like having a son with the talent to breeze into Harvard or Stanford, who instead chose to race motorcycles and stir up trouble in the streets — refusing the proper path for crooked roads.
No wonder Aizen's displayed strength had never matched his potential — he'd been wasting all his time on this.
The signs had been there. Even before graduating from the Shin'ō Academy, Akira had caught Aizen sneaking out at night, using Bakudō to create a fake body as cover.
Back then, he hadn't worried much. Everyone has secrets, and growing children need their privacy.
But he'd never imagined that Aizen would abandon proper training and cultivation to pursue scientific research.
Had he not seen what happened to Soul Society's researchers?
The 12th Division Captain Kirio Hikifune had transformed from a voluptuous beauty into a musclebound warrior with arms thick as a waist.
Senjumaru Shutara had become a shameless voyeur, a delinquent who forced people to strip just to fit their Shihakushō.
And Mayuri Kurotsuchi was the worst — his scientific pursuits had left him barely recognizable as human...
As a close friend, Akira couldn't stand idle while Aizen strayed down this dangerous path. He had to set him straight.
"Ouch—A sneak attack?!" While lost in thought, Aizen had applied the ointment to his body, causing a burning sensation.
Aizen gestured at the various corpses in the laboratory and asked seriously, determined to prevent any deflection.
"Akira, aren't you curious about my research? Especially with these corpses..."
Without hesitation, Akira shook his head and grinned.
"Since you're asking me directly — nope, not even slightly curious!"
Aizen: "..."
Truth be told, the ointment he developed was quite effective, capable of healing even Spiritual Bodies of his high intensity. Combined with his own Kaidō, the recovery speed was remarkable.
During their conversation, some of the smaller wounds had already started healing.
"Why?" Curiosity drove Aizen to press for answers.
Akira maintained his smile, speaking as if discussing something entirely unrelated to himself.
"Why do we need so many reasons in life? Isn't it enough to trust your feelings? Or are you suggesting I should sympathize with these evil rebels?"
Hearing this, Aizen's gaze flickered with surprise.
"Old man Yama always says I'm stupid, but actually I'm quite clever." Akira grinned, pointing at the Shinigami corpses submerged in liquid, "No division badges, no insignia — what else could they be besides rebels?"
He had noticed these details the moment he entered the laboratory.
That Gillian was specifically requested from Genryūsai. From this perspective, he was quite pleased.
In his memory, the original Aizen had never cared about the identity of his test subjects, later even experimenting on his own colleagues to complete his research. He had created the Visored army and those hybrid anomalies.
But now he was using only rebel Shinigami as test subjects.
Could this be considered redemption? They say redemption makes you three times weaker, while turning evil makes you ten times stronger.
Could Aizen's weakness be connected to this?
Akira fell into contemplation.
Watching him think, Aizen also began to ponder.
What exactly was going through this guy's mind?
Wait... did anything go through his mind at all?
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
A major incident had occurred.
3rd Division Captain Takeda Chishi had died in the line of duty.
When the investigation team returned to the Seireitei, this news spread through the entire court like wildfire.
The upper echelons of the Gotei 13 were especially thrown into turmoil when they learned from Rōjūrō that Akira was likely the one who had fought with Takeda.
They couldn't fathom what could have happened in the Rukongai to make two colleagues turn their swords against each other, leading to one's death. Wild speculations began circulating.
And they grew increasingly far-fetched.
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
Upon receiving this intelligence, Genryūsai immediately summoned everyone to the 1st Division for questioning.
The Shinigami revealed everything they knew without hesitation. Though innocent bystanders in this affair, they found themselves being questioned like suspects.
The investigation team had split into three groups, led by Takeda Chishi, Akira, and Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi respectively.
Takeda's squad had been first to discover the culprit's traces and engage in battle. Rōjūrō, sensing the battle's Reiatsu, had followed the trail and joined the combat.
When Rōjūrō quoted the phrase "Such despicable actions cannot be ignored", Genryūsai's forehead throbbed with visible veins.
No one understood Akira better than him — that phrase was unmistakably something that fool would say.
Despite the gravity of the situation, he forcefully suppressed his anger, deciding to settle accounts later.
If Akira had truly rebelled and violated Soul Society's laws... No, he couldn't finish that thought.
The boy couldn't be that foolish. There had to be other reasons.
While Genryūsai pondered this, Rōjūrō described how the culprit had deceived his senses with illusions, leading to his defeat and loss of consciousness.
Upon awakening, he'd seen Akira dragging a wounded leg, glaring with such a demonic expression that the shocking sight, combined with his injuries, had caused him to black out again.
Hearing this, Genryūsai's mouth twitched as he struggled to maintain composure.
As if his foolish disciple could manage such theatrics.
Yet when he considered that fool's typical behavior, his worries began to fade.
His disciple might be reckless and dim-witted, but his heart was true. Genryūsai believed Akira must have had his reasons — though whether those reasons would satisfy everyone present remained to be seen.
"Your turn, Kisaragi. Is Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi's account accurate? If so... this old man demands to know your reasons!"
As these words rang out, countless complex gazes — filled with awe, hatred, resignation, and shock — landed on the young man standing before them.
Yet Akira stood completely composed, showing not a hint of guilt.
"Of course it's because... Takeda Chishi was a rebel who deserved death!"
With these words, everyone was in an uproar.
"Impossible!" Rōjūrō leapt to his feet in opposition, "Captain Takeda couldn't have been a rebel. Don't slander him just because he's dead and can't defend himself!"
Hearing this, Akira looked at him with pity and shook his head.
"Let's review your testimony. We split into three groups, with three Shinigami squads total. How many survived? Two-thirds! The squads under your command and mine suffered no casualties. Yet Takeda Chishi's squad was completely wiped out."
Rōjūrō opened his mouth to object, but Akira cut him off.
"And don't suggest someone else killed them. Everyone knows Takeda Chishi's Zanpakutō abilities — and that squad lies buried in East Rukongai's 78th District."
Rōjūrō fell silent.
There was no point denying something so easily verified.
The surviving Shinigami drew sharp breaths as realization struck — avoiding Takeda's squad had saved their lives.
"Moreover, I have concrete evidence of his betrayal." Akira's final revelation instantly commanded everyone's attention.
Genryūsai extended his hand, "The evidence?"
With a grin, the youth produced documents Aizen had prepared — records from the 12th Division showing Takeda's repeated visits to crucial research facilities.
Though significantly aged, Genryūsai's mind remained sharp. These records illuminated the full picture: Takeda had stolen the 12th Division's secrets while Okama targeted the Artificial Soul technology — both serving Ansai Tsunayashiro.
The Onmitsukidō's return from the battle scene brought confirmation. Their findings matched Akira's account perfectly — they discovered evidence of earth displacement and division members' bodies buried underground.
These two crimes — murdering fellow Officers and conspiring with rebels — were enough to warrant execution at Sōkyoku Hill.
As the Onmitsukidō delivered their report, cold sweat broke out among the survivors. They gazed at the smugly satisfied Akira with grateful eyes.
Even Rōjūrō's expression transformed — doubt, guilt, apology, and regret washing over his features.
Silence gripped the room until Genryūsai spoke.
"This matter remains pending. We will discuss details at a future Captains' Meeting. You may all rest now."
Rōjūrō, his face ashen, bowed and departed the 1st Division's barracks with support from other Officers. His injuries were severe — without immediate treatment upon his return, he wouldn't have endured this questioning. Today's revelations had shaken him deeply. Recovery would take time.
As the group dispersed, Genryūsai's voice rang out, "Kisaragi, remain here."
Once again, someone was being detained after class.
Soon, only master and disciple occupied the room.
"I won't press for specifics."
Genryūsai's uncharacteristic statement caught Akira off guard.
"I'd noticed peculiarities in Takeda Chishi's behavior before now. This incident confirms his connection to Ansai Tsunayashiro. However, this evidence alone won't secure a conviction. The Onmitsukidō must gather more proof."
He paused, brow furrowing.
"Given what I know of your abilities, you shouldn't be capable of defeating Chishi. Tell me truthfully — have you achieved Shikai?"
Akira's expression froze. He hadn't expected Genryūsai to prioritize this question over the culprit's identity or other details.
Unexpectedly, Genryūsai's first concern was for his disciple's wellbeing.
Akira admitted, "Master's eyes are sharp indeed — nothing escapes your notice. I have achieved Shikai, and I'd like to ask for your help with something."
Hearing this, Genryūsai nodded slightly.
He had sensed something different about his student at first glance. This question now confirmed his suspicions.
His primary worry centered on his disciple's unusual Zanpakutō situation.
Unlike other Shinigami, Akira had never successfully completed a Jinzen — even the Genryū Jinzen he created proved ineffective.
Most peculiar was his method of communicating with his Zanpakutō through ritual offerings. Genryūsai wondered if such an unconventional connection would result in a Shikai different from normal Zanpakutō.
Under Genryūsai's watchful eye, Akira drew his Zanpakutō and released it.
A black-glowing chain materialized between them.
The old man studied it with interest, yet found nothing outwardly remarkable. He had encountered many Zanpakutō, some with similar forms.
"Its name is Kūkan Mukai, and I've discovered two abilities." Akira explained, "First is self-enhancement — when it wraps around or merges with the body, it strengthens both Reiatsu and Spiritual Body. This ability allowed me to defeat Takeda Chishi."
Genryūsai nodded approvingly — a Zanpakutō that could both transform and manifest additional powers was impressive indeed.
"Second is unlimited extension — with sufficient Reiatsu, it could encompass the entire Soul Society."
The old man's brow furrowed at this.
While powerful Zanpakutō existed in abundance, they all had limitations. He had never encountered one this boundless. Perhaps this explained the "Kūkan" (unbounded) in its name.
"Impressive abilities." Genryūsai acknowledged, "Tell me, what help do you need from me?"
Akira extended the chain, his expression serious, "I sense there are still undiscovered abilities, but I cannot get a response when communicating with the Zanpakutō. I'd like your help researching it — to explore how we might develop it further."
The old man took the black chain with curiosity, examining it closely. Intricate links wrapped in faint Reiatsu gave off an aura of indestructibility.
Even without Akira's described abilities, the surface appearance alone marked it as a formidable Zanpakutō.
But when Genryūsai probed it with his Reiatsu, his eyes widened suddenly, his aged face showing both shock and bewilderment.
⤫⤬⤫
T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!
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