(T/N: Hey guys! If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone! Thanks for the support!! it really helps a lot!)
When Nanatsuki returned to the dojo from the Department of Technological Development, he found Tōsen Kaname waiting.
"Katori-dono's grace is engraved in my bones," Tōsen said, lowering himself into a full kneel, head to the floor. "But I am a broken man, lacking strength and ability. I have no way to repay your kindness… I humbly beg you to take me as your disciple. One day, I will return the favor!"
It wasn't their first meeting.
Several years ago, Tōsen had encountered Nanatsuki in the Rukongai and received help from him.
After Kakyō became Nanatsuki's disciple, the gap between them widened.
He didn't want to drift further apart from his friend, so he asked her to introduce him and came to the Katori-ryu Dojo to seek apprenticeship.
"You wish to become my disciple?"
Tōsen had come of his own will—Nanatsuki certainly wasn't about to turn down someone with S-rank potential.
Still, Tōsen's blindness intrigued him.
In the future, Tōsen would become known for his extraordinary sensory perception—so sharp it could be called mind's eye.
Most Shinigami could only detect vague Reiatsu signatures through spiritual sense, sensing where someone was by their presence alone.
But Tōsen? He would eventually be able to perceive shapes.
Right now, however, Tōsen still relied on a wooden cane to move about. His perception had not yet matured enough to "see" forms clearly.
"You're blind. Becoming a Shinigami won't be easy," Nanatsuki said calmly.
"I will overcome that difficulty!" Tōsen bowed deeply. "After years of training, my 'mind's eye' has begun to perceive the outlines of things. I humbly ask Katori-dono to give me a chance!"
"'Mind's eye,' huh? Sounds like spiritual perception…" Batsu'unsai pressed her index finger to her chin, studying him. "If you can truly sense shapes, that's incredible. Even many seated officers—vice-captains, even—can't do that."
"Talk is cheap. Get up." Nanatsuki turned to Chijō Sōya. "Sōya, test him."
"Got it!"
Sōya, intrigued, walked to the weapon rack, grabbed a wooden sword, and tossed it at Tōsen.
He suspected Tōsen was bluffing and wanted to expose him.
After all, even Sōya himself couldn't sense detailed shapes with spiritual perception—yet this blind boy, who hadn't even enrolled in the Spiritual Arts Academy, claimed he could?
No way. He had to be lying.
Clack! The wooden sword hit the ground.
Tōsen failed to catch it.
"Hah! Couldn't even catch that! What a fraud!" Sōya laughed loudly. "The nerve—to lie in front of Sensei!"
With a simple trick, he thought he had unmasked the liar.
After all, everything in the Soul Society was made of Reishi, including the wooden sword.
If Tōsen could truly see outlines through his 'mind's eye,' he should have caught it easily.
Sōya hadn't thrown hard—anyone with functioning limbs should've caught it.
But Tōsen hadn't even realized it was thrown.
Tōsen lowered his head, fumbling for the sword.
"Sōya, he can only 'see' things with strong Reiatsu," Kakyō said quietly, picking it up for him.
"Apologies—I may not have explained it clearly. I can only see faint outlines of souls. There's still a long path ahead," Tōsen said earnestly. "But I believe I can overcome this!"
"Hmph, fine, my bad. But don't think you can deceive Sensei's eyes!" Sōya pouted. "Come on then—I'll suppress my Reiatsu to match yours."
"I'm ready." Tōsen gripped the sword in both hands and nodded. "I'm not skilled with the blade, so please forgive me."
Sōya didn't answer. He silently approached.
A smirk curled on his lips as he closed in. In a flash, his wrist flicked, sending his sword toward Tōsen's waist.
Thud! Tōsen was hit, letting out a grunt.
"See? Total fake, you—" Sōya's grin froze.
Tōsen's sword had found its way to his vital point as well.
"Heh, so you just counterattacked after being hit, huh!" Sōya scowled. "If this were a real sword, you'd be in two pieces!"
"Then let's go again. If you come at me at that same speed, I'll strike before your blade lands," Tōsen said solemnly.
Sōya hadn't used Shunpo, only soft steps.
"Big words!" Sōya scoffed. "Then I'll come at you again, same speed!"
He still didn't believe someone untrained in swordsmanship could be faster than him.
They distanced themselves again.
Sōya recalled that blind people supposedly had better hearing, so he carefully tiptoed around Tōsen, circling behind him.
He raised his sword high, another smirk forming.
But before he could swing, Tōsen extended his blade behind him—right at Sōya's forehead.
"You can really see?!"
Sōya was stunned.
The tip of Tōsen's blade rested precisely at his brow. It was clear he had identified Sōya's position.
And he hadn't made a sound—Tōsen couldn't have used hearing.
Which meant—Tōsen really could perceive outlines through spiritual sense.
"I wouldn't dare lie to Katori-dono," Tōsen said, withdrawing the blade.
"What part did you aim for?" Sōya quickly asked.
"About your forehead, I think," Tōsen replied softly.
"You can see outlines…" Sōya was shaken.
This guy's spiritual perception was sharper than his own!
'So blind people aren't just better at hearing… their spiritual sense is sharper too?'
"Your perception is excellent," Nanatsuki smiled. "You've managed to perceive shapes without formal training—rare indeed. I'll accept you as my disciple."
"Sensei!" Tōsen said, voice filled with emotion.
He had finally achieved his wish—becoming Nanatsuki Katori's disciple.
"Spiritual perception is key for you," Nanatsuki said seriously. "You must continue honing it—strive to perceive not just souls, but the outlines of the world around you."
"Once you join my school, you must respect your teachers. Betraying your master is absolutely forbidden. As long as you remain loyal and train diligently, I will teach you the sword—and help you become a Shinigami!"
"Yes, Sensei!"