Chapter 21: Aaron and the Secrets of Zanpakutō Creation
Drop Some power stones! If you like the chapter! It helps to keep me motivated to upload more!💎💎💎
------
"Since I became the master of the Phoenix Palace, my days have become monotonous, with little to do except forge the Asauchi. "
Those four fools are always busy with something, yet they never bother to visit me.
And Yamamoto, constantly preoccupied with the affairs of the Soul Society, wouldn't think of showing his face here at all!
It's truly boring!
Ōetsu Nimaiya sighed, his complaints spilling out like a stream to Aaron.
Aaron could only feel helpless in the face of Ōetsu's incessant chatter.
He had shared his research on the "Breath of All Things" with Ōetsu, considering it a way to repay the man's past favor. But Aaron never imagined that the revered "Sword God" would turn out to be such a chatterbox…
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ōetsu paused to wet his parched throat.
Seizing the opportunity, Aaron asked, "Master Sword God, I have a question I've always wanted to ask."
Ōetsu, in high spirits, waved his hand dismissively. "Ask away! No need to be shy!"
Aaron hesitated briefly before saying, "I've always been curious—what exactly are the raw materials used to forge an Asauchi?"
At the mention of this, Ōetsu's expression grew slightly awkward. The question treaded on the boundaries of Soul Society's secrets.
After a moment of thought, however, he nodded. Considering Aaron's exceptional talent, it was only a matter of time before he would encounter such knowledge.
Ōetsu's demeanor turned serious. "The Asauchi, the precursor to the Zanpakutō, was my creation. As for the materials, they consist of Soul Society's unique steel and reishi, as well as…"
He hesitated before continuing, "...the souls of countless Shinigami."
Aaron was stunned by this revelation. While he could understand the usage of Soul Society's steel and reishi, the inclusion of Shinigami souls was wholly unexpected.
His mind raced as he considered the implications. Where could such a large number of Shinigami souls come from? The possibilities were unsettling.
Aaron recalled his earlier analysis of the Asauchi using his "Omniscience and Omnipotence" ability. He had concluded that the Asauchi's essence revolved around evolution.
The transformation from Asauchi to Zanpakutō was one stage of evolution. The unlocking of Shikai and Bankai further embodied this process.
While the wielder's growth and bond with the Zanpakutō were undeniably crucial, Aaron theorized that the fused Shinigami souls played a pivotal role in this connection.
He couldn't help but think of Ichibe Hyōsube, the "Monk Who Calls the Real Name," another member of Squad Zero. Ichibe's unique power, granted by the Soul King, allowed him to bestow names on all things within the Soul Society, including Zanpakutō.
If anyone knew the source of the Shinigami souls used in forging Asauchi, it was undoubtedly Ichibe. Aaron resolved to seek him out soon.
For now, he found himself wondering how his own Asauchi would evolve once it became a true Zanpakutō. What would its name be?
But before any of that, he knew he had to focus on strengthening himself.
After chatting with Ōetsu for a while longer, Aaron left the Phoenix Palace and returned to the Spiritual Arts Academy.
At the academy, the new students, all freshly assigned their Asauchi, carried their blades proudly as they headed to their dormitories. Despite the mundane appearance of the academy, Aaron felt a flicker of anticipation.
The following morning, the entrance ceremony commenced.
Amid the crowd of students, Aaron spotted Unohana Yachiru, a figure of quiet yet commanding presence.
"Welcome to the Spiritual Arts Academy!" declared the dean. "As Seireitei's premier institution of education, we are committed to nurturing exceptional Shinigami to serve the Soul Society and beyond. For the next six years, you will learn the skills necessary to fulfill your duty as protectors of balance…"
After the dean's speech and the teachers' introductions, the placement tests began.
The procedure was straightforward: each student would channel their Reiatsu into a test stone. The stone would then light up in one of four colors—white, blue, orange, or red—corresponding to the Reiatsu level, with red being the highest.
One by one, students were called forward. Most managed only to illuminate the white threshold, eliciting murmurs of mild approval.
Then a boy with an aristocratic air stepped forward. His presence stirred whispers throughout the crowd.
This was Kuchiki Ginrei, heir to the prestigious Kuchiki family, one of the Five Great Noble Houses.
With a calm exhale, Ginrei released his Reiatsu. The test stone glowed brightly, radiating orange light.
"Kuchiki Ginrei! Orange! Third-Class Reiatsu!" the instructor announced, his voice tinged with awe.
The crowd erupted into murmurs. "Third-Class Orange! That's almost the level of an average seated officer!"
"As expected of the Kuchiki heir!"
Meanwhile, Tsunayashiro Tokinada, heir to the most influential noble house, observed Ginrei with veiled hostility. The rivalry between the two was palpable.
The tests continued, but none reached Ginrei's level—until Unohana Yachiru stepped forward.
With a soft exhale, her Reiatsu surged forth, bathing the test stone in an intense crimson glow.
The instructor's voice faltered as he declared, "Unohana… Yachiru! Red! Special-Class Reiatsu!"
Gasps and murmurs filled the air. Special-Class Reiatsu was the level of a lieutenant—or even higher. Unohana's calm demeanor as she returned to the group only heightened the awe of those around her.
Finally, it was Aaron's turn. He approached the test stone, drawing a deep breath before unleashing his Reiatsu.
As the stone began to glow, the crowd's astonishment only deepened…
---
For early access to advanced chapters visit my P@treon:
P@treon/ Dexy3
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!