[Shikai: The first stage of a Zanpakuto's release. Upon Shikai activation, the Zanpakuto unlocks unique abilities, enhancing its wielder's combat potential significantly.]
Naruto had this understanding of Shikai from his memories of Bleach. He eagerly read through the description of his own Zanpakuto's Shikai ability to see what made it special.
[Shikai Ability: Abilities obtained through the system are enhanced to deal double damage while Shikai is active.]
"What the…?!"
The ability was described in just one sentence, yet it left Naruto completely stunned.
For anyone without a system, this ability would be utterly useless. But for Naruto, who possessed a system and had acquired numerous abilities through sign-ins, it was nothing short of a game-changer.
The first thing that came to his mind was the Eight Gates.
When activated, the Eight Gates already granted Naruto terrifying strength. But with Shikai doubling that power? He could undoubtedly become the strongest Taijutsu user in existence… a Taijutsu God!
In the original work, Guy was the man who almost changed the final ending.
But if it was the current Naruto who kicked Madara, Madara would definitely die instantly.
The most important thing is that this is just the Shikai. So Naruto wondered what kind of unimaginable power would Bankai bring.
Naruto couldn't help but ask his system, "System-sama, how can I achieve Bankai? What are the requirements?"
[Friendly Reminder: To learn Bankai, the host must materialize the Zanpakuto's spirit and gain its submission.]
Hearing this, Naruto's mind immediately went to his memories of Bleach.
In fact, the system's explanation wasn't complete. In Bleach, both Shihouin Yoruichi and Hyosube Ichibe had explained that mastering Bankai involved two phases.
The first phase requires the Zanpakuto's spirit to materialize, allowing the wielder to either force its submission or earn its recognition. The purpose is to learn the Zanpakuto's true name.
The so-called 'real name' is the name of Zanpakuto's Bankai. And only by calling out the 'real name' can Bankai be performed.
Of course, in some cases, a wielder may only partially learn the true name. Once, Abarai Renji's Zanpakuto did not fully accept and recognize Renji, and only told Renji part of its 'real name', which resulted in an incomplete Bankai.
In the second phase, even after learning Zanpakuto's true name and achieving Bankai, it takes time and training to unlock its full potential. For example, Yamamoto Genryusai's Zanka no Tachi grew more powerful over a millennium of mastery, becoming far stronger than it was at the time of its initial Bankai.
In short, Bankai's potential was limitless and could be honed through diligent practice.
Naruto felt a little deflated at the realization.
While his current strength wasn't lacking, much of it came from the system. Therefore, convincing his Zanpakuto to reveal its true name seemed like a monumental challenge.
However, just as his mood began to sink, system prompt echoed in his mind.
[Friendly Reminder: Host, please do not lose heart. As long as the host completed 100 more sign-ins, you will automatically acquire the Zanpakuto's true name.]
"Wait, what?" Naruto blinked in surprise. "System-sama, are you messing with me?"
After all, signing in was something he was already doing to grow stronger, so this method of obtaining the true name seemed way too simple… practically a freebie.
[Friendly Reminder: It wasn't me who said that just now, it was your Zanpakuto.]
Hearing this, Naruto froze for a moment, and then he was ecstatic.
'If the promise came from his Zanpakuto itself, then it was reliable. After all, I have never heard Zanpakuto going back on its word.'
"I didn't expect that the Zanpakuto, which is modeled after System-sama, would be just as professional and dedicated to sign-ins."
Naruto couldn't help but chuckled and said, "Impeccable!"
The fact that he'd obtained a Zanpakuto, unlocked Shikai, and now had a clear path to obtain Bankai made this one of Naruto's happiest days.
With a satisfied smile, he returned to his room. Instead of tossing and turning with excitement, he forced himself to fall asleep quickly.
The night passed without incident.
At dawn the next day, the sound of metal colliding filled the villa.
Given Naruto's usual grumpiness upon waking, he would have stormed out to teach the noisy troublemaker a lesson by now.
But this time, not only was there no angry outburst, but the sound of Naruto's laughter could also be heard.
The reason? The sparring pair in question was none other than Itachi and Naruto himself.
Naruto had forced himself to sleep early the night before to ensure he could wake up at the crack of dawn and seize the opportunity to learn swordsmanship from Itachi.
His Zanpakuto after the Shikai resembled the sleek and elegant Dark Moon Blade from DNF, so it was a perfect fit for showing off.
The thought of wielding the Zanpakuto in battle, exuding unparalleled style, made Naruto giddy with excitement. For him, it was all worth it.
Watching Itachi twirl his blade, executing sword flourishes with ease, Naruto couldn't contain his excitement.
This move is a basic move in swordsmanship. It is not difficult to learn, but it is very practical and beautiful.
"That move is so cool!"
Naruto clapped his hands in awe and enthusiastically began mimicking Itachi's movements.
After practicing for a while, he managed to replicate the move with about 80% accuracy, but it still lacked the polished flair of Itachi's execution.
"Naruto-kun, there's something I'm not sure if I should say." Itachi had a complicated expression.
"Go ahead."
Naruto sighed inwardly, 'Everything I had was acquired through the system, including my physical abilities and my enhanced attributes. I lacked true natural talent. Swordsmanship, after all, required understanding the essence of the art, and my forced imitation wasn't yielding quick results. Itachi must be about to comment on my clumsiness.'
"Alright, I'll say it."
Itachi's black pupils gradually shone with scarlet light. He pointed at his eyes and said, "Naruto-kun, I think using your Sharingan's perceptive and copying abilities might help you learn faster. But if you're just practicing for fun and to pass the time, then forget I said anything."
"Uh…"
Naruto was momentarily dumbfounded when he heard Itachi's words.
'That's right… I still have the Sharingan.'
'Why was I putting in all this effort when I could simply rely on that?'
In order to avoid embarrassment, Naruto offered a single explanation, "I can't help it. I have so many abilities. Sometimes it gets overwhelming, and the more I overthink things, the harder it becomes to find the best solution."
"Naruto-kun, with so many abilities, do you really need swordsmanship? Maybe you could just skip it."
Itachi's tone carried a hint of exasperation. After all, Naruto's response was a classic humblebrag.
Seeing that the awkwardness had passed, Naruto grinned, "Are you kidding me? Swordsmanship is a must! Hold on a second."
With that, Naruto retrieved the Sharingan contact lenses from his system inventory and put them on.
Unlike Itachi's Sharingan, which slowly surfaced with an elegant transition, Naruto's lenses activated directly into Mangekyo Sharingan. It might lack the dramatic flair, but it was far more practical in combat, allowing for rapid activation.
Especially since he already possesses the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, so keeping it active at all times posed no strain on him whatsoever.
'Oh, and how about a Weapon Blessing while I'm at it?'
Seeing the shadow clone supplying Itachi with Weapon Blessing, Naruto decided to bless his own Sharingan contact lenses, which can also be counted as a weapon.
With a flash of golden light, his eyes shimmered with a golden-red hue, making the Sharingan appear both regal and mysterious.