The quiet hum of spirit energy resonated in my room — faint, almost imperceptible. I sat down, just thinking.
Ever since I saw my name on the Class A board, there'd been no peace.
Whispers followed me everywhere. Even upperclassmen had begun eyeing me with open curiosity. Some with interest. Some with hostility.
I couldn't stay hidden much longer.
---
[System Notification]
Rewards Unlocked
Class B Promotion: +10 Stat Points
Class A Promotion: +20 Stat Points
Total Unallocated Stat Points: 30
---
I hadn't touched my technical stats in weeks. Zanjutsu was falling behind. My reiatsu control — barely adequate.
No more excuses.
---
Allocate Stat Points:
+20 (+10 meditation bonus) --> Reiatsu: C --> B-
+20 --> Zanjutsu: C --> B-
[Confirmed.]
---
A low pulse of spirit energy rippled out of me
For the first time, my reiatsu didn't feel like it was suffocating me or slipping out at the edges.
I had control now.
My sword hand felt steadier too. I hadn't noticed it before, but every time I practiced Zanjutsu with the class, there was always this… hesitation. A gap between thought and swing.
It was gone now.
I unsheathed Kage and gave it a single, clean slash through the air.
It whistled like wind through a blade of grass. Silent. Precise.
"About time," I muttered.
---
I stared out the small window of my dorm. Outside, the last traces of dusk were bleeding into darkness.
More shadows.
I was getting stronger. That much was clear. But every step forward pulled me further into the spotlight. And attention, in this world, was dangerous.
Not just because of jealous students.
But because people like Aizen were watching.
Because captains and lieutenants were starting to remember my name.
Because I was on a path that didn't exist in the history books.
A first-year with Shikai. Combat scores rivaling third-years. A zanpakutō with three techniques already awakened.
It was only a matter of time before someone tried to test me again.
And next time, I might not be able to dodge the fight.
---
Katsu's Current Stat Sheet:
Attribute Grade
Strength: A+
Endurance: B+
Perception: S-
Agility: C
Reiatsu: B-
Zanjutsu: B-
Hakuda: D
Kido: D+