After initially experimenting with his newly acquired time-based power, Shimo discovered that he could slightly accelerate the flow of his own time, as well as influence non-living objects.
As for Shinigami or wandering souls, his time manipulation didn't seem to have any effect—for now, at least. It was also possible the effect was so subtle he simply hadn't noticed yet.
Even so, he was already quite satisfied.
Analyzing this from the perspective of the "Theory of Relativity" that had circulated in his previous life: if his own time speeds up, then his enemy's time, relatively speaking, slows down.
And in battle, the smallest detail can tip the balance.
Among true masters, even a fraction of a second could decide life or death.
Moreover, this was only his second time entering his Zanpakutō's inner world.
Shimo believed that as he continued ascending the stair of time, he would eventually be able to control even greater power—until he could finally learn his Zanpakutō's true name and achieve Shikai.
After a short rest, Shimo prepared to enter Zanpakutō meditation again for his second training session.
However, just as he was slipping into a focused state, a sudden wave of fatigue overwhelmed him—like a heavy weight pressing down on his mind.
Strange sounds echoed through his consciousness, and he found himself unable to enter the meditative state.
"Huff… huff…"
Gasping for breath, Shimo finally realized—he could likely only enter Zanpakutō meditation once per day.
It was probably tied to the limitations of his time-based ability.
"Fine then. If I can't train right now, I'll take a break."
"I'll continue studying the power of time instead."
Shimo shifted his focus back to the Power of Time.
Sitting on his meditation cushion, he began running a series of experiments—testing whether increasing spiritual pressure would enhance his time ability, and gauging how powerful it became when used at full force.
Half an hour later, he finally stopped.
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he muttered to himself as he looked at the cushion in front of him.
"At max, I can double the speed of time for myself or inanimate objects. But it continuously consumes spiritual pressure while active."
"If I go all out, I can even stop time—but only in a radius of one meter around me… and only for a single millisecond."
Beyond that, Shimo had a theory:
If an opponent was within his time field, the stronger they were, the less they would be affected.
"Still a long way to go…"
He sighed. Despite his progress, there were still glaring weaknesses in his strength.
As if sensing his frustration, the system issued a new check-in task at just the right moment.
[New Check-In Mission Issued: Check in during a Kido class and master ten types of Kido spells.]
[Mission Reward: Kido Mastery!]
"Another reward that sounds vague…"
Shimo stared at the system message for a moment before glancing away.
"Ten types of Kido, huh?"
He scratched his head, damp with sweat, and his expression returned to a lazy one.
From certain angles, Shimo's current appearance looked eerily similar to Kyōraku Shunsui.
Maybe it was true what they said—relatives really do resemble each other, both in appearance and temperament.
Knock, knock!
Just as Shimo finished tidying his dorm, there was a knock at the door.
He opened it, puzzled. "At this hour? Who could it be?"
Standing before him was a petite figure, head lowered. Through the curtain of dark hair, he could faintly see a blush spreading across her cheeks.
"U-um… could you help me carry something?"
Rukia's voice was barely audible, almost like a whisper carried by the wind.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Seeing her like this, Shimo was thoroughly confused.
Rukia tilted her head slightly, glancing to the right side of his dorm.
Shimo followed her gaze—and saw what looked like a small mountain of bunny plushies, all piled atop a pushcart.
Next to the cart stood two dormitory supervisors, smiling awkwardly but politely at him.
"Rukia said she wouldn't let us help her move these," one of them explained. "So… we had no choice but to come ask you."
Shimo raised an eyebrow, then smiled.
"No problem. Classmates should help each other out."
The supervisors looked relieved—especially after spotting the Kyōraku family crest on his uniform.
"In that case, we'll leave these with you!"
They turned and walked off in a flash. If Shimo hadn't been paying attention, he might've thought they used Shunpo to flee.
He approached the plushies, with Rukia following silently behind.
She kept her head down the entire time—not saying a word, her thoughts a mystery.
As Shimo reached the cart, he suddenly realized something very serious.
"Wait a second… this is right next door to me?"
"Rukia, was this your request?"
After finally calming down, Rukia's mood instantly shattered again.
"It wasn't! The dorm supervisors made the arrangements!"
She raised her voice in protest, "I just… just went along with what they decided!"
Shimo nodded repeatedly. "Yeah, yeah, of course. You're totally right."
Now was definitely not the time to argue with her—otherwise he feared this little firecracker might overheat and end up in Fourth Division care.
Casually, he scooped up a full armful of bunny plushies—only to freeze in place.
A soft, clean scent from the girl beside him drifted into his nose, calming and sweet.
Only then did Shimo realize why Rukia didn't want anyone else helping her carry the plushies.
Maybe… it was a sign of trust.