The Katori-ryu Dojo welcomed an unexpected guest.
"Captain Shigyō, please have some tea," said Katori Nanatsuki as he poured a cup.
"Excellent tea." Nobutsuna Shigyō drained the cup and got straight to the point. "I've come today to thank you, Katori-kun, for saving my life."
After understanding what happened that day, he realized that had it not been for Katori Nanatsuki's support, he probably wouldn't have survived.
Only a skilled Shinigami like Katori Nanatsuki or Unohana Retsu could have stabilized such critical injuries.
At the time, Unohana was stationed at the medical post away from the battlefield, and it was uncertain whether she would've made it in time.
Thankfully, Nanatsuki had been right there on the battlefield—and that was what saved him.
"You're too kind, Captain Shigyō. Treating the wounded is my duty," Nanatsuki said with a warm smile as he refilled his tea.
"I've come to understand just how dangerous it was..." Shigyō shook his head. "If you hadn't been there, my life would've ended that day."
He pulled out a bamboo scroll from his robes and continued, "I'm getting old and don't have much to offer anymore..."
"But I do have some talent in Kidō."
"This scroll contains a few original Kidō spells I created. I'd like to pass them on to you."
Shigyō had originally planned to pass these original Kidō to his lieutenant, Asada Mitsuya, but the young man had died before he had the chance.
Still wanting to pass on his legacy, he decided to entrust them to the one who had saved his life—Katori Nanatsuki.
"If that's the case, I will respectfully accept them. Rest assured, Captain Shigyō, I won't let your Kidō go to waste." Nanatsuki was genuinely surprised—this was essentially Shigyō entrusting him with his legacy.
Given how many disciples he had, if the Kidō proved effective, he didn't mind teaching one or two of his more Kidō-inclined students to help carry it forward.
"Then I can leave with peace of mind." Shigyō stood up. "There are still matters I need to settle before I step down, so I won't overstay."
His strength had declined significantly, and he could no longer serve as a captain. Now, he had to handle the transition into retirement.
After seeing him off, Nanatsuki opened the bamboo scroll and began reading.
Not all Kidō were among the numbered spells. Many powerful individuals and noble families developed their own original spells that never made it into official records.
Shigyō's original spells were two in number—and they were linked.
One was a Bakudō called "Tidal Moonrise", the other a Hadō named "Falling Star, Sinking Moon"[1].
"Tidal Moonrise" could restrain enemies while siphoning their Reiryoku.
"Falling Star, Sinking Moon" would then use the Reiryoku absorbed through "Tidal Moonrise" to unleash a devastating Hadō blast.
'A pleasant surprise for someone focused on Kaido…' Nanatsuki thought.
According to the scroll, both of these spells were on par with high-ranking numbered Kidō. An unexpected but welcome gift.
One month later, the swordsmanship exams were set to begin.
"This time, I'm definitely taking first place in swordsmanship!" Muguruma Kensei said confidently.
He had already mastered Senmai-Oroshi!
That would surely help him shine in the upcoming exam!
"You're way behind. First place will be mine!" Azashiro Kana shot back with equal determination.
"My goal's more modest—I just want to do better than last time," said Hirako Shinji.
Last time, Shinji had already reached the semifinals, so it was clear he aimed to reach the finals this time.
"I just want to make it into the top eight," said Kobane Jin'emon calmly. Compared to the others, his sword skills were weaker, so he'd be satisfied with making it to the quarterfinals.
"You've all grown a lot recently. I believe you'll achieve great results," Nanatsuki said with a smile.
He glanced at the Status Interface. All four disciples had completed their training missions.
But not all of them had mastered Senmai-Oroshi.
Only Azashiro Kana and Muguruma Kensei had managed to learn it within a month.
Hirako Shinji didn't seem compatible with Senmai-Oroshi, but he was strong in Kidō, so Nanatsuki taught him a sword technique infused with Kidō—Dust Blade.
Kobane Jin'emon also didn't master Senmai-Oroshi in time, but his Shunpo was exceptional, so Nanatsuki taught him Shunpo Iaido.
Nanatsuki received the rewards for the completed training missions:
[Disciple Azashiro Kana completed a sword skill training. Rewards received:]
– 5,000 General Ability EXP
– Sword Skill: Windchase (Beginner)[2]
[Disciple Muguruma Kensei completed a sword skill training. Rewards received:]
– 5,000 General Ability EXP
– Sword Skill: Windchase (Beginner)
[Disciple Hirako Shinji completed a sword skill training. Rewards received:]
– 5,000 General Ability EXP
– Sword Skill: Dust Blade (Beginner)
[Disciple Kobane Jin'emon completed a sword skill training. Rewards received:]
– 5,000 General Ability EXP
– Sword Skill: Dust Blade (Beginner)
A total of 20,000 EXP was earned.
Among the rewards were two instances of Dust Blade. With three total acquisitions now, the technique's proficiency had risen from beginner to skilled.
Windchase, like Raikiri, Dust Blade, and Wave Break, was a Kidō-infused sword skill.
When using Windchase, each swing sent out a blade of wind, increasing its cutting power significantly.
Nanatsuki noted that Windchase, like Frostfang Wild Dance, Dust Blade, and Wave Break, mainly affected external targets and placed little strain on the user's body.
In contrast, techniques like Raikiri and Crimson Tide were focused on enhancing the spiritual body itself and could damage the user if executed poorly.
Recalling his training with Dust Blade, Nanatsuki felt his understanding deepen now that he had reached the skilled level.
A sudden inspiration struck him.
He drew his Zanpakutō and steadied his breath.
The disciples sensed an unusual fluctuation in their teacher's Reiatsu and turned toward him.
Fwoosh! Nanatsuki used Shunpo to leap into the air.
He raised his Zanpakutō, and a whirlwind of dust erupted around him.
In the next instant, flames ignited around his body. The dust and fire swirled together and rapidly condensed.
Moments later, the swirling elements solidified into a towering Flame-Armored Giant behind him, wreathed in blazing flames and wielding a massive flaming blade.
Nanatsuki raised his Zanpakutō—and the giant mirrored him, lifting its massive blade as well.
Nanatsuki had successfully combined Dust Blade and Crimson Tide, creating a brand-new sword technique.
This Flame-Armored Giant offered both offense and defense—it could block attacks and deliver crushing blows.
"Sensei, that move is SO cool!!" Muguruma Kensei's eyes were glued to the giant. "What's it called?"
"Hmm… I haven't named it yet. Let's go with—"
"Flamebound Armor of Dust!"