[Asauchi]
Origin: Derivative World – Bleach
Rarity: Fine
Main Weapon Type: Sword
Durability: 30/30
Sharpness: 11
Toughness: 11
Details: Forged by Ōetsu Nimaiya. Once imbued with the wielder's spirit and convictions, it can become a unique Zanpakutō. Nimaiya called it "the most powerful Zanpakutō with infinite developmental potential."
Weapon Skill 1 (Passive): Resonance
Skill Description: Resonates with the user. Upon learning its true name, it becomes the user's unique Zanpakutō.
Current Resonance Progress: 0%
Evaluation: Though it looks like standard issue, it holds limitless potential.
—
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Hao shifted his gaze away from the Asauchi's details and checked over the information for the items he'd acquired—basic contract-granted abilities from the Terminal Space.
According to the contract, once he passed the trial world, he would officially become an Explorer. At that point, he'd be granted a personal inventory space, making item management far more convenient.
He had arrived in Seireitei at night. Thanks to Unohana's recommendation, he was now a pre-transfer student at the Shinō Academy.
The reason it was called "pre-transfer" was because he wasn't technically a full student yet. It wasn't the academy's official admission period, but out of respect for Unohana, they had made an exception and allowed him to transfer—on the condition that he pass an entrance exam.
Having missed the regular enrollment season, the academy would arrange a simplified assessment just for him to complete the formalities.
Apparently, Unohana didn't think the exam would pose any challenge for him. Judging by the attitude of the teacher handling his dorm assignment, they were already treating him as a full student.
But Hao himself wasn't so confident. While he had read parts of the Bleach manga, he didn't know what exactly was tested on the Shinō Academy entrance exam.
If they tested things like Kido, which he had no clue about, that would be a serious problem.
"Room 406…"
Hao murmured his dorm number under his breath. After confirming the door, he knocked gently.
Dorm conditions at the Shinō Academy were pretty good—two students per room. The dorm staff had told him that his roommate was a great guy: high marks, friendly personality, and someone he could ask for help if needed.
After about ten seconds, the door opened.
Standing there was a young man with short brown hair and warm brown eyes behind black-framed glasses. His gentle gaze radiated kindness like sunlight, and his soft smile gave off the impression of a warm-hearted big brother.
What the hell.
That was Hao's first thought.
He studied the person standing in the doorway—his appearance, demeanor, and, more importantly, the subtle sense of danger pinging on his "strong person radar" all pointed to one shocking possibility:
His roommate might actually be one of the most dangerous characters from the original series… Sōsuke Aizen.
"Can I help you?"
The brown-haired youth asked politely.
Snapping back to reality, Hao responded,
"Hi, I'm Hao. I've just enrolled, and I was assigned to this dorm."
"Ah, I see."
The young man smiled and introduced himself:
"Sōsuke Aizen. Welcome."
As he spoke, he stepped aside to let Hao in, even kindly helping him organize his bedding.
As the two chatted, Hao became fully certain—his roommate was, without a doubt, that Aizen. The future master of manipulation, the king of one-liners, the guy who could make even a straitjacket look fashionable. The guy who redefined "cool" in every possible way.
And yet, Hao had to admit: interacting with Aizen at this stage was surprisingly pleasant. He came across as the model roommate—gentle, courteous, and helpful.
Not only did he help Hao set up his bed and explain the dorm layout, but he also patiently answered all of Hao's questions about the Shinō Academy, never once showing any impatience.
No wonder the dorm teacher had described Aizen as a "good kid." It seemed everyone liked dealing with him.
"By the way, Aizen-senpai, what year are you in?"
Hao asked as he sat on his freshly made bed. Since he was here now, he figured he might as well settle in. Even if Aizen became a monster later on, he probably wouldn't start anything inside the academy—not yet, at least.
Besides, Hao could sense that the young Aizen's ambition hadn't spiraled out of control yet. For now, he was probably just enjoying the thrill of hiding in plain sight.
"Just call me Sōsuke. I'm no senpai—I'm a new student too, same as you."
Aizen said with a warm smile, handing Hao a freshly brewed cup of tea.
"No wonder we were assigned the same dorm room."
Realization dawned on Hao. He politely accepted the cup of tea and used the Terminal Space's appraisal function to check it. After confirming it wasn't anything like "Sleepytime Tea of Doom," he took a small sip.
Aizen had just told him a lot about the Shinō Academy, so Hao had assumed he was a seasoned student. Who would've thought the guy had only enrolled a few months earlier than him?
The two chatted for a while longer before lights-out. But Hao noticed that even after the room went dark, Aizen didn't go to sleep. He sat cross-legged on his bed, Zanpakutō laid across his knees, as if sensing or attuning to something.
Hao figured this was probably a typical training method for Shinigami to strengthen themselves. It only confirmed what he already knew—Aizen wasn't strong for no reason. His talent was downright monstrous, and the guy trained like a maniac on top of it.
As if sensing Hao's gaze, Aizen opened his eyes and offered a gentle, apologetic smile.
"If I'm disturbing your rest, I can move to the balcony."
Hao shook his head with a chuckle.
"It's no bother. Who knows—maybe we'll end up training together down the line."
With that, he turned away and shut his eyes, pretending to fall asleep.
Now that he had safely arrived at the Shinō Academy, as long as tomorrow's entrance test went smoothly, he would complete the first phase of his mission.
This was a temporarily safe environment, so it was time to take stock of what he knew so far.
As he thought, Hao mentally opened the Terminal Space system menu. He hadn't had a chance to explore it properly during the day due to everything going on, so now was the time to dive in.
Aside from the basic attribute page, he noticed several other tabs: Bloodline, Techniques, Skills, and Specializations.
The Techniques tab was empty. In his era, legendary techniques with supernatural abilities had long been lost. All he'd learned were standard combat moves.
Some special moves were classified as Skills by Terminal Space. Hao had learned a pretty mixed bag—some practical, some flashy. Details could wait.
As for Bloodline, that was empty too. He hadn't used any corporate "enhancement packages" or shady biotech. He was a purebred human.
The most intriguing section, though, was Talents. It was only today that he learned the reason behind his innate superhuman strength.
---
Talent: Limiter Release – Initial Stage
Rating: S (Scale: E- to SSS+)
Description: Your body's natural limiter has been partially unlocked. With extreme potential for growth, you can break through normal human limits through training and gain immense strength.
Talent Skill – Limiter Release (Passive): All training or enhancement effects related to attribute growth receive a 1000% boost.
Evaluation: Oh dear. Are you going to go bald in the future?
---
Hao stared at the system's comment with a twitch in his expression. What did being bald have to do with limiters?
The Next Day
Fresh spring air pierced the courtyard. Bamboo clacked softly against the stones.
Sunlight filtered through the paper windows, falling across Hao's face. His eyes were fixed on a stone platform ahead.
Inside the dojo were many young students in white training uniforms, curiously watching Hao.
Yes, it was time for his entrance test.
Though Aizen had told him the Shinō Academy's entrance exam was easy and he'd have no trouble passing, Hao didn't expect it to be this casual.
He had thought they'd at least bring him to some secret room for an individual assessment. Apparently, he'd overthought it.
According to Instructor Fujimoto, who handled the swordsmanship classes, Hao only needed to complete two assessments. Passing the first one—the Reiatsu Measurement Test—was enough to be officially admitted to the Shinō Academy.
And to Hao, the standard seemed quite low. He simply needed to resonate with the testing device, meaning if he had any potential in spiritual pressure, he could enroll.
Makes sense. In this world, a typical seated officer in the Gotei 13 only had about Level 20 Reiatsu, meaning most academy graduates barely reached that level.
If the entrance requirement was already set that high, the Gotei 13 would never be able to recruit anyone.
Under the watchful eyes of fellow students—and a slightly curious Aizen—Hao stepped forward and placed his hand on the unusual stone platform.
This testing device was said to be invented by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, current captain of the 12th Division. It could precisely measure a person's spiritual pressure level.
To better evaluate incoming students, he had added ten sub-divisions below Level 20. If a new student could reach at least Grade 3, it was considered sufficient for admission.
Hao stared at the display screen embedded in the stone. He was honestly curious himself—just how strong was his spiritual pressure?