With Shoko's guidance, Riko gradually found her rhythm. Each movement still had the awkwardness of a beginner, yet a unique cadence emerged.
What was even more surprising was that the Star Plasma within her flowed with the shift of the sword's momentum, like a silent dance.
The sunlight outside the window softened, marking the passage of time. The forge's temperature dropped, but everyone's attention stayed fixed on the kendo lesson unfolding at the center.
"Very good," Shoko said, satisfaction in her voice. "You have talent. Not only in kendo, more importantly, your grasp of power is unique."
At that moment, Sakanade in Riko's hand rang with a clear, melodious note. Golden runes appeared in the air again, but this time they were no longer violent or unruly. They flowed gracefully like water.
Each rune shed a gentle light that shone across their faces.
This feeling...
Riko held her breath.
It is as if Sakanade is responding to my feelings. No, not only responding, it is guiding me in a certain direction.
Shunichi stood in the corner, his keen sword-sense catching the anomaly in the air.
Amazing, to trigger resonance with a Zanpakutō this quickly. This girl's talent is exceptional. Does the Star Plasma itself possess a special affinity?
The Zenin brothers instinctively took half a step back, shock in their eyes. Golden runes danced, outlining mysterious patterns in the air. It was a sight they had never seen before.
In that moment, they finally understood why Satoshi chose this path. Sometimes the best protection is not a safe cage, but teaching someone to protect herself.
The light in the forge dimmed, yet the golden runes grew brighter.
As training continued, Riko's progress was visible to the naked eye. Shoko's teaching was strict yet gentle, attentive to every detail, while knowing when to encourage.
Riko showed remarkable learning ability. Each movement carried innate grace, as if she had been born to wield a sword.
"Take a break," Shoko said softly, lowering her stick. "You did very well for your first day. Kendo requires patience."
Riko nodded, but her hands still gripped Sakanade tightly, as if something was calling her.
She felt herself nearing a critical point, like standing at a cliff's edge before a qualitative leap.
At that moment, Sakanade resonated again, the sound unusually clear, like a morning bell.
"This is..." Surprise flashed in Shoko's eyes as she sensed the familiar fluctuation. As an experienced sorcerer who had worked with Zanpakutō for nine years, she knew exactly what this sign meant.
Satoru and Suguru stood almost simultaneously. They felt that special aura. The Cursed Energy in the air began to stir, not chaotically, but with a certain rhythm.
Signs of Shikai... Suguru's eyes flickered with surprise.
I didn't expect it to come so soon. This girl's talent is far beyond what we imagined.
The temperature in the forge suddenly rose, the result of resonance between Cursed Energy and the power of the Star Plasma.
Riko felt the Star Plasma within her turn unusually active, yet not violent or unruly. It pulsed with a peculiar rhythm, like a silent symphony.
Sakanade vibrated gently in her hand, sending warm waves through her palm, as if waiting for something, as if guiding something.
I see...
Riko's eyes turned crystal clear.
Sakanade is not just a weapon, it is a bridge that communicates the Star Plasma. And now, it is time to open that bridge.
The golden runes began to flow faster, weaving a mysterious web across the forge. Everyone held their breath. A crucial moment was approaching.
"Collapse..." Riko spoke softly, yet her words carried undeniable power. It was as if the phrase had been carved deep into her soul, waiting for this moment to be released. "Sakanade."
In an instant, dazzling golden light burst from the blade, blooming like fireworks and flooding the space.
The airflow churned into small whirlwinds, but unlike before, the force was not chaotic. It carried an elegant order.
When the light faded, Sakanade in Riko's hand had transformed, shining with a unique luster.
Satoru narrowed his eyes, a strange light passing through his Six Eyes. "So this is Sakanade's Shikai. Exciting.
"Want to try it?" Satoshi asked, his voice calm, a faint smile in his eyes. "Sakanade's effect."
Excitement flickered through Satoru's gaze as his aura sharpened.
Riko raised the blade and traced a slow stroke. The edge glowed with faint blue light, each gleam tracing a special path through the air. In the forge's dim light, the lines looked mysterious, as if whispering secrets.
I understand...
Riko's eyes lit up, as if realization struck in that instant.
Sakanade's ability is the pinnacle of subverting cognition. It is not a simple illusion, it is a complete inversion of perception.
"The ability of Sakanade," Riko said softly, her voice carrying quiet force. "is to control the opponent's perception."
"Oh?" Satoru arched a brow, interest flashing in his Six Eyes. "That sounds fun. Tell me."
Riko tightened her grip, feeling the delicate resonance along the blade. "Up becomes down, left becomes right, front becomes back. The reversal is not limited to sight, it affects all perception."
She paused, then continued, "For example, if the opponent's right hand is injured, he will feel pain in his left. The illusion is so real it will influence all of his actions and judgments."
(To be continued.)
***
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