At that moment, the sword in Satoshi's hand burst into dazzling golden light.
The light from Sakanade instantly filled the entire space.
"Here it comes," Satoru's eyes flashed. "This is the true power of this Zanpakutō."
Satoshi stroked the blade, and a smile finally appeared on his calm face. "The first step is complete."
At that moment, the golden runes in the air began to reorganize.
They reformed into a more intricate magic circle. This time, not only did Sakanade resonate, the Star Plasma within Riko's body also underwent a qualitative shift.
The air in the forge gradually settled, and the golden runes dissipated like scattered petals. Riko stood there, feeling the new power in her body.
The Star Plasma was no longer violent and hard to control. It became like a clear spring, flowing gently through her meridians. With every breath, she felt that power blending with the rhythm of her life.
Sunlight slanted through the forge's skylight, casting mottled shadows across the floor.
A faint metallic scent and the aroma of charcoal lingered in the air, the forge's unique atmosphere.
At this moment, everyone in the room could feel a subtle pressure, the aura produced by the resonance between the Star Plasma and the Zanpakutō.
So this is true power?
Riko tightened her grip on the sword and felt warmth spread from the hilt.
Not suppression, but resonance. Not confrontation, but guidance. It is like finding a long-lost soulmate.
"Riko," Satoshi's voice was calm. He stood before the anvil with the firelight flickering behind him. "Next, you need to learn how to truly use this power. This is not only to protect yourself, but to understand the essence of the Star Plasma."
Riko raised her head, the sunlight washing over her slightly pale face. "Learn... to use power?" There was uncertainty in her voice, but her eyes were firm.
Satoshi took a few steps closer. His presence was gentle, yet undeniable.
"Sakanade is more than a Zanpakutō. It is the medium to harness the Star Plasma. Like a bridge between two shores, it will be the bond between you and this power."
He turned to Shoko.
"And to truly master it, you need the right teacher."
Shoko stood quietly by the window, warm sunlight casting a soft halo over her delicate features. The stick in her hand glowed faintly, gentle yet sharp.
As a medical sorcerer, her control had always been precise and delicate. That quality was exactly what Riko needed.
"Shoko," Satoshi's eyes settled on her. "Will you teach her? With your temperament and strength, you are the most suitable candidate."
Shoko nodded lightly.
She approached Riko with a graceful step, a gentle look in her eyes. "Of course. It is my honor to teach such a talented student."
Her voice was soft but firm. "I am also curious. What possibilities will be born from the union of the Star Plasma and a Zanpakutō?"
Naoya leaned against the doorframe, watching, his feelings growing more complicated.
Letting the Star Plasma learn swordsmanship... Satoshi's ideas are always unexpected. But given Shoko's personality and strength, she is indeed the best choice. Her gentleness and toughness might be exactly what Riko needs right now.
Sunlight passed through him and cast a long shadow on the ground, just like the faint doubt lingering in his heart.
Shinsuke stood beside his cousin, his gaze moving between Riko and Satoshi. The shock in his eyes gradually gave way to understanding.
This is good. At least here in the Gojo clan, Riko can learn to truly control her power. This may be better than simple protection. And...
He looked at Satoshi's calm profile, thoughts swirling.
This man always seems to see possibilities beyond ordinary sight.
The temperature in the forge felt a touch higher, the combined effect of fire and Cursed Energy. Tension hung in the air as everyone waited for what would come next.
"Then let us start with the basics."
Shoko's voice broke the brief silence. She lifted Minazuki and gracefully took the most basic kendo starting stance.
"Riko, follow my movements. Remember, kendo is not only about imitation. It is also about training the mind."
Riko, nervous, lifted Sakanade and copied Shoko's posture.
The delicate pattern on the hilt fit perfectly into her grip, warm against her palm.
Though she had never practiced kendo, the moment she held the sword there was a strange familiarity, as if her body already knew what to do.
It is so strange. This is my first time holding a sword, but it feels like my body remembers. It is like some innate instinct is awakening.
Her breathing naturally grew long and even.
"Relax," Shoko said gently, stepping behind Riko to adjust her posture. Her touch was professional and considerate, as if handling a precious work of art.
"A Zanpakutō is not merely a tool for clashing. It is a medium that extends your will. Just like the Star Plasma you feel now, you must learn to listen and to guide. Let the power become part of you, not your enemy."
Sunlight fell across them, shadows crisscrossing the ground. The scene felt perfectly harmonious, like a timeless painting.
Satoru leaned back against the wall, his Six Eyes gleaming with interest.
I see. Use swordsmanship to guide the flow of Star Plasma. This approach preserves its essence while granting control.
(To be continued.)