In the main hall, Suguru brewed tea for the others, but the steam rising from the celadon teacups could not conceal the restlessness in everyone's hearts.
Through the open sliding door, they could clearly see green smoke billowing from the direction of the forge in the distance.
From time to time, golden light flashed inside, illuminating the sky above the entire Gojo family estate.
Naoya's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, his eyes fixed in the distance. "It's simply unimaginable."
Suguru gently set down the teapot, a calm smile on his face.
Amanai Riko sat quietly to the side. Although she appeared calm, the power of the Star Plasma in her body was constantly surging. Every time the sound of metal clashing came from the forge, her body resonated violently with it.
What a strange feeling. Even though Tengen is thousands of miles away, she cannot influence me. Why is this Zanpakutō being born making my power so restless?
Shinsuke noticed the strange fluctuations around Riko and was about to ask her when he suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of oppression. The Gojo family's barrier trembled, and the air grew heavy with suffocating Cursed Energy.
"It's coming," Suguru stood up, his expression solemn. "The final forging stage."
The green smoke in the distance suddenly condensed into a column that pierced straight into the sky. Golden runes shimmered within the smoke, forming a massive magic circle. Within it, Satoru's figure flashed, his Limitless Technique stabilizing the entire space.
"Boom!"
A deafening explosion shook the entire Gojo estate. Riko abruptly stood, feeling the Star Plasma within her completely out of control, resonating intensely with the force ahead.
This feeling... it's as if something is calling to me.
Suguru noticed Riko's abnormality and was about to step forward when golden light burst from the forge, illuminating the night sky as bright as day.
"It worked," Suguru's eyes flickered with surprise. "Much faster than expected."
The sudden light blinded everyone in the main hall, except Riko, who seemed pulled by an invisible force. She stared directly in that direction.
From her perspective, countless runes flowed within the golden light. Each rune resonated with the Star Plasma inside her.
This feeling... stronger than ever. It's like something is about to awaken. Riko unconsciously took a step forward.
The Zenin brothers exchanged glances, seeing shock in each other's eyes.
Is this the foundation of the Gojo family? Shinsuke thought. Not only can they forge such a powerful Zanpakutō, they can also make it resonate with the Star Plasma Vessel...
"Boom!"
Another explosion erupted, accompanied by the sharp ring of metal. The Gojo barrier fluctuated violently, space itself seemingly distorted by the force. Naoya felt the world spin around him and had to cling to the wall to stay upright.
"Limitless Technique," Suguru explained softly. "Satoru is using Limitless to stabilize the space. Without it, this force would have flattened everything for miles."
At that moment, a figure walked out of the golden light. It was Satoru. His usually lazy face was unusually serious. "You can come now. Satoshi will let you pass."
Everyone followed Satoru toward the forge. Though the violent Cursed Energy in the air had weakened, it still made them uneasy. Tiny golden runes floated in the air like fireflies.
Satoru rolled his shoulders as he walked. "Really? That guy is showing off again. He just woke up from a long sleep..."
Suguru smiled gently behind him. "After all, this is a Zanpakutō forged specifically for the Star Plasma Vessel."
Riko walked at the back, each step making the Star Plasma in her body surge more violently.
What incredible power. Just being near it makes my body react so strongly. Satoshi, what kind of Zanpakutō are you forging?
When they reached the forge, Naoya suddenly froze, his eyes wide.
Is this Satoshi's true strength? The residual Cursed Energy alone makes it hard to breathe...
The forge door stood open. In the center, Satoshi quietly held a Zanpakutō shining with golden light. Sweat stained his white kimono, but his eyes were bright and steady.
"It's done," Satoshi said softly, his gaze landing on Riko. "A Zanpakutō that can truly protect the Star Plasma Vessel."
As his voice fell, Sakanade let out a crisp ring, and golden light filled the room. Riko felt the Star Plasma inside her surge uncontrollably, as if answering the Zanpakutō's call.
"This Zanpakutō..." Satoru narrowed his eyes, sensing it's ceaseless vibration. "It's truly impressive."
Suguru, standing aside, was momentarily stunned. What powerful resonance. The Star Plasma is reacting so strongly with the Zanpakutō. Did Satoshi master some special forging method?
Satoshi stroked the Zanpakutō in reverse. With each step he took, golden ripples spread through the air. Countless runes surrounded the blade, carrying an aura of deep mystery.
"Although the Star Plasma's power is strong, if it cannot be controlled, it becomes a shackle," Satoshi said calmly. "Sakanade can not only distort spatial direction, but more importantly..."
Before he finished, the Zanpakutō rang sharply. Riko felt the restless Star Plasma in her body suddenly calm, replaced by a gentle stability she had never experienced before.
This feeling... it's like finding a harbor to rely on.
Shinsuke's eyes grew solemn.
So that's it. Satoshi not only intends to protect the Star Plasma Vessel, but also to help her control her power. His foresight is admirable.
Satoru chuckled. "Seems you've gone and done something unnecessary again." His tone was teasing, but approval shone in his eyes.
"It's not unnecessary," Satoshi shook his head. "It's something that must be done."
"This Zanpakutō doesn't just reverse direction. Its greater purpose is to guide the power of the Star Plasma." His voice was calm, yet carried unquestionable authority. "Like a compass, guiding lost power."
As his words ended, golden runes floated from Sakanade, forming a complex magic circle in the air. Riko felt the Star Plasma inside her pulled into alignment, flowing with order for the first time.
(To be continued.)