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God is great.
Ishikawa Katori silently called out in his heart, then took the Asauchi into his hand.
Although it was his first time holding an ownerless Asauchi, as far as Ishikawa Katori knew, the initial appearances of Asauchi didn't vary much; they were more standardized, with katanas, uchigatana, and short swords... distributed according to each person's sword-wielding habits.
For example, for the Onmitsukidō, which Ishikawa Katori was most familiar with, if one's goal during their Shin'ō Academy days was to join the Onmitsukidō, most would choose short and exquisite short swords.
However, this didn't mean that an Asauchi wouldn't change after being acquired. All Asauchi, after spending time with their owners, would undergo some changes in their blade style, becoming more suitable for the owner's sword-wielding habits, and transforming into the owner's unique Zanpakuto.
The Asauchi in Ishikawa Katori's hand was an uchigatana style, with a slight curve to the blade and a length of about 70CM.
"So, this is what it feels like?"
Ishikawa Katori looked at the hilt of the Asauchi in his hand. The moment he held the Asauchi, he felt his Reiatsu become active, as if cheering with joy.
Even without injecting Reiatsu into the Asauchi, Ishikawa Katori could feel that injecting Reiatsu into it wouldn't be obstructed like with ordinary blades; instead, it would flow unimpeded, almost as if it were his own body.
Moreover, with continuous nurturing, this feeling of complete control would only become more and more pronounced!
Although he wanted to experiment, Ishikawa Katori still resisted the temptation in his heart. After all, he had never obtained an Asauchi before, and he couldn't be sure what the consequences would be if he injected Reiatsu into it.
If it were to lead to the Asauchi recognizing him as its owner and transforming from an Asauchi into his exclusive Zanpakuto, that would be problematic.
There were many opportunities to obtain an Asauchi; there was no need to fixate on this one.
Because this rebellion involved not only twelve ordinary Squad Members but also three Seated Officers, one of whom was the 4th seat of the Third Division. This incident would undoubtedly attract significant attention from the Central 46 and the various Squads of the Gotei 13.
If, at this moment, Ishikawa Katori were to transform the traitor's Asauchi into his own Zanpakuto, it would completely expose him to everyone's view.
Although Ishikawa Katori didn't arrogantly believe that...
Being known would lead to being targeted, but it was better to avoid it if possible, given how many lunatics there were in Seireitei.
"It feels very strange to hold, doesn't it?"
Ōmaeda looked at Ishikawa Katori, who was staring intently at the hilt, and smiled, "It's actually fine if you try injecting some Reiatsu into it. Every Asauchi needs a long period of nurturing before its form changes and it eventually becomes what we call a Zanpakuto. Injecting Reiatsu into it once won't make you its owner."
In fact, when he threw out the Asauchi, he had been watching Ishikawa Katori's reaction the entire time.
Although injecting Reiatsu was fine, Ishikawa Katori's not rashly doing so still made him breathe a sigh of relief, because it showed that Ishikawa Katori had no intention of claiming the Asauchi for himself; he just simply wanted to try what it felt like to hold an Asauchi.
If Ishikawa Katori hadn't come to the Human World with the Fourth Division this time, his mission would have undoubtedly failed. Since he had helped him so much, he could certainly fulfill the simple request of letting him play around with the Asauchi.
Thinking of this, Ōmaeda couldn't help but say, "Actually, if you really want to get an Asauchi, it's better to work with the First Division. Although the Central 46 have always tried their best to prevent Asauchi from flowing out, if you get the approval of Captain-Commander Yamamoto of the First Division, then even the Central 46 won't say anything on the surface."
"Although the level of surveillance on you might become even greater, but..." At the end, Ōmaeda's expression couldn't help but turn a little strange: "I suppose you probably don't care."
He had never seen before...
A target being monitored by their Onmitsukidō who came to the Onmitsukidō every day, even often eating there and spending the night in the Maggot's Nest, making the Onmitsukidō familiar with his presence.
Especially the Squad Members of the Supervisory Team, who held great affection for Ishikawa Katori, almost calling him Captain directly.
Although he was a Captain without power, in reality, most of the measures proposed by Ishikawa Katori, after internal discussion within the Supervisory Team, would be implemented, though they still needed to be reported to Captain Soi Fon for her approval before execution.
The target and the monitors were all getting along, so what was the point of strengthening surveillance?
Besides, this kid knew more of the Onmitsukido than he did.
"It is indeed very strange."
Ishikawa Katori nodded, raised the Asauchi, and looked at the cold light glinting on the blade against the sun, but he didn't try injecting Reiatsu into it as Ōmaeda had suggested.
Hmm?
But then he paused, startled. He wasn't sure if it was an illusion, but the curve of this Asauchi seemed to be slightly less than when he first held it, and the blade seemed to have lengthened a bit.
An illusion!?
"Holy crap—"
Ishikawa Katori's face changed. He quickly flicked his hand, throwing the Asauchi about two meters away. His body, which had been sitting on the ground, also stood up, and he retreated a few steps.
What illusion!?
At his level of strength, his dynamic vision was incredibly sharp. In that instant, he had indeed seen the blade gradually changing.
Bang~
Seeing Ishikawa Katori's reaction, Ōmaeda paused slightly: "What's wrong?"
"Didn't you say that it takes a long time of Reiatsu nurturing for an Asauchi to become a Zanpakuto?"
Ishikawa Katori's mouth twitched slightly: "Why is this sword changing!?"
"Huh?"
Ōmaeda's face also changed, reacting exactly like Ishikawa Katori's. Both suddenly stood up from the ground, the tall and short figures simultaneously retreating, as if that wasn't an Asauchi, but a bomb about to explode.
"This is impossible~ You must have seen it wrong, right?"
Ōmaeda muttered to himself. He was certain that Ishikawa Katori had absolutely not injected Reiatsu into the Asauchi, and even if he had, it would absolutely not cause the Asauchi to transform into a Zanpakuto.
But since Ishikawa Katori said so, he must have discovered something, so his gaze didn't shift, but remained fixed on the Asauchi on the ground. The next scene made his face greatly change.
Because after the Asauchi was thrown out by Ishikawa Katori, the change did not stop. The curve of the blade was still gradually decreasing, and the blade length had grown from the original 70CM to 75CM, and was still continuously lengthening. And most importantly...
After the Asauchi left Ishikawa Katori's hand, it actually began to autonomously absorb the sparse Reishi from its surroundings, and its form change became even faster.
"Did you do something sneaky?"
"You've been staring at me so hard your eyeballs are practically popping out, how could I do anything sneaky!?"
Ishikawa Katori cursed, but a strange glint flashed in his eyes, and his mind immediately sank into his consciousness.
Sure enough...
When he saw the system interface in his mind, Ishikawa Katori forcibly suppressed the twitching of his mouth, lest Ōmaeda notice anything amiss.
[Activation conditions met, Zanpakuto activation successful.]
...Ishikawa Katori.
What the hell does 'activation successful' mean? I didn't even want to activate it!
Ishikawa Katori looked at the system panel again and found that his attribute panel had also changed.
Zanpakuto: Intermediate (3648 / 10000)
The original three words 'Not Activated' had changed at some point, skipping 'Beginner' and 'Low Level' and directly becoming 'Intermediate'.
Moreover, the value 3648 was still continuously rising as the Asauchi... no, the Zanpakuto autonomously absorbed Reishi.
"What's going on? Didn't you say that Zanpakuto need to be nurtured?"
Ishikawa Katori put on an annoyed expression, half genuine, half feigned...
Regardless of right or wrong, he had to adopt a stance that it had nothing to do with him, first establishing his 'reason' and trying his best to shift all responsibility onto Vice-Captain Ōmaeda!
"It has nothing to do with me, Vice-Captain Ōmaeda, you know that. I never injected Reiatsu, and holding it to observe was with your permission. If you had told me earlier that an Asauchi would change just by being held, I wouldn't have looked at it. You're practically harming me!"
This blame had to be placed on Ōmaeda!
Anyway, he hadn't injected any Reiatsu into it, and Ōmaeda had been watching the whole time. Ishikawa Katori didn't believe anyone could investigate the system?
Ōmaeda looked at Ishikawa Katori, then at the Asauchi on the ground, on the verge of tears.
This has gotten out of hand...
Captain, help!
Why did this broken sword just change?
Then, as if he had thought of something, Ōmaeda hastily opened the bundle on his back and began rummaging through it.
Before long, Ōmaeda pulled out a bandage from the bundle. Without a word, he rushed forward and wrapped the Zanpakuto on the ground. Almost the instant the bandage was completely wrapped, the surrounding absorbed Reishi immediately dispersed.
Ishikawa Katori was startled at the sight. He glanced at the system panel and found that the slowly increasing proficiency behind 'Zanpakuto' had stopped after the bandage was wrapped.
Seeing this, Ōmaeda finally breathed a sigh of relief and explained, "This is a divine artifact borrowed from the Heavenly Garment Brigade before we set out. It has the ability to seal Zanpakuto and should temporarily stop the Zanpakuto's transformation."
After saying that, he looked at Ishikawa Katori with a strange gaze… He wanted to say something, but his mouth opened and closed several times, and he really didn't know what to say.
Just as Ishikawa Katori said, from the moment the Asauchi came into Ishikawa Katori's hand, he had been observing from the side; it was impossible for Ishikawa Katori to do any small tricks without him knowing… But this blade just inexplicably changed!
In the end, he could only let out a heavy sigh: "I've realized it. It's better to interact with you less in the future…"
Ever since he met… no, ever since he knew of this guy's existence, he had been plagued by bad luck. Because Ishikawa Katori was constantly being punished by the Captain, the minor mistakes of misjudging Ishikawa Katori's spiritual power talent and strength before were fine; at least he hadn't made any major mistakes due to underestimating Ishikawa Katori.
He was just reprimanded a few times by the Captain and had his vacation canceled.
But this time… He never expected that because of Ishikawa Katori, he would cause such a huge mess.
Hearing this, Ishikawa Katori couldn't help but roll his eyes: "Is it that serious? Don't you Shinigami have a way to strip a Zanpakuto?"
"Easier said than done."
Ōmaeda sighed. Since things had come to this, he could only try to make amends.
There was indeed a method to strip a Zanpakuto, but it depended on the strength of the target. When the target's strength reached a certain level, the Zanpakuto, which was connected to the Shinigami's soul, could only be sealed, not stripped.
"When we go back, you must come with me to see Captain Soi Fon."
Ōmaeda said with a serious expression, "I know it has nothing to do with you, but… the Central 46 will only recognize the Asauchi as having become your Zanpakuto, and they won't care how the Asauchi transformed into a Zanpakuto!"
"Now, the only person who can protect both of us is Captain Soi Fon. Before that, absolutely no one can know."
As he spoke, Ōmaeda used the remaining five Asauchi to surround the Zanpakuto, then wrapped it in layers of cloth, emphasizing again: "Absolutely do not speak of this to anyone, not even the Onmitsukido. Although the Captain has basically gained full control over the Onmitsukidō in recent years, the Onmitsukidō is, after all, a direct agency of the Central 46, and it has always received secret instructions from the Central 46 through hidden channels. It's hard to say there aren't people from the Central 46 planted within the Onmitsukidō."
"At least, before we see the Captain and explain the situation, it cannot be exposed!"
"Don't worry."
Ishikawa Katori nodded. He wouldn't dare to tell anyone either. He wasn't unfamiliar with the character of those people in the Central 46.
Once they found a reason, who knew what unexpected changes would occur.
Moreover… Ishikawa Katori also felt very wronged. He really didn't plan to obtain a Zanpakuto at this time.
According to Ishikawa Katori's original plan, he intended to invest all his experience points into his Reiatsu first. After his Reiatsu reached Captain-level strength, he would then look for a suitable opportunity to obtain a Zanpakuto. This way, even if a conflict with the Gotei 13 arose, he would possess a certain level of resistance.
Even if he couldn't win, escaping wouldn't be a problem.
And the most suitable time was the period after the Central 46's demise. If he obtained an Asauchi then, even if he didn't become a Shinigami, it wouldn't be difficult to avoid conflict with the Gotei 13.
As for the newly formed Central 46 afterward, Ishikawa Katori wasn't too worried. After being slaughtered once, the power of the Central 46 would inevitably be weakened, and the balance of power would gradually shift. The changes in the Gotei 13 also began during that period.
The Central 46, after being slaughtered once and then re-established, would also become less extreme!
However… Plans couldn't keep up with changes!
Ishikawa Katori never expected that merely taking a look at an Asauchi could cause it to transform into a Zanpakuto, and the Zanpakuto even directly went from unactivated to Mid Level. It felt as if it had been nurtured for a long time, waiting for a 'catalyst,' and the moment the catalyst appeared, it immediately integrated into him.
Even now, in its sealed state, Ishikawa Katori felt a faint sense of soul fusion when looking at the Zanpakuto wrapped in bandages.
That was… a Zanpakuto born from him, an existence equivalent to a part of his soul.
The two waited in this silent atmosphere for nearly ten more minutes, and then more than ten Onmitsukido members finally returned.
After reporting to the Seireitei, with the opening of the Senkaimon, everyone embarked on their journey back.
… In front of the Senkaimon of the Thirteenth Division.
Aside from the personnel opening the Senkaimon, a tall figure stood on the outskirts of the plaza. It was Kotetsu Isane, who had just rushed over from the Comprehensive Relief Station after receiving news of Ishikawa Katori's return.
At this moment, her face was full of unease.
Because, in her opinion, Ishikawa Katori had accompanied the team to the Human World at her request. If Ishikawa Katori were to be harmed because of this, it would be entirely her responsibility.
If not for the too many injured people being sent to the Comprehensive Relief Station, she had even considered staying in the Human World to wait for Ishikawa Katori to return together.
Buzz— Just then, the Senkaimon rippled with an invisible wave, slowly spreading outwards.
Immediately, figures walked out of the gate.
Kotetsu Isane hurriedly looked inside, and upon seeing Ōmaeda and Ishikawa Katori at the forefront, she quickly stepped forward to greet them.
"Mr. Ishikawa, are you unharmed?"
As soon as she got close, Kotetsu Isane looked him up and down with concern.
Ishikawa Katori smiled at this, not dodging, but instead laughed, "Don't worry, I was only responsible for accompanying and providing treatment; I didn't participate in the fighting."
Kotetsu Isane heard this and didn't stop observing. When she found that Ishikawa Katori had no injuries on him, aside from some dried water marks, she finally breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good!"
If Ishikawa Katori had been harmed because of her, she would regret asking for Ishikawa Katori's help every day thereafter.
"If you ever need anything in the future, please don't hesitate. Through this experience of going to the battlefield with everyone, I actually gained a lot."
Ishikawa Katori ignored Ōmaeda's constant poking at his back with his finger, a gentle smile on his face: "This kind of experience will be of great help to my research into Kaido. I'm truly grateful, Miss Isane, for being willing to take me to the Human World."
"Mr. Ishikawa, you're too polite. I only called you along because the incident happened suddenly, and I couldn't gather more personnel in a short amount of time."
[Kotetsu Isane Affection +1, gained 2560 experience points, current Affection: 40]
"Vice-Captain Ōmaeda!"
Kotetsu Isane's tone suddenly shifted, and she looked at Ōmaeda with displeasure: "Mr. Ishikawa accompanied our Comprehensive Relief Station Squad Members to the Human World. Before forcibly taking him away, shouldn't you have notified us first? Moreover, Mr. Ishikawa is not a member of the Gotei 13; he went to the Human World entirely to assist us this time."
"…" Looking at the displeased Kotetsu Isane, Ōmaeda's mouth twitched slightly.
Forcibly?
I spent seven million Kan plus a house, plus all the staff and equipment, to invite him, okay!
And, before he became a temporary doctor at the Comprehensive Relief Station… wasn't he our temporary Captain of the Onmitsukidō Supervisory Team?
However, these words obviously could not be said.
Ōmaeda held it in for a long time, and finally just said, "The incident happened suddenly, and we were in a hurry to pursue the traitor at the time; there was no time to notify anyone."
After saying that, he shook his head and said, "The situation this time is serious; we need to go back immediately to report. Next time, I will treat all Vice-Captains to a meal at the restaurant to express my apologies."
Hearing this, Kotetsu Isane nodded. Although it was a bit against the rules, the situation at the time truly allowed no delay.
"Also…" Ōmaeda glanced at Ishikawa Katori beside him: "Hmm, Ishikawa has been with me this entire time, so I need to take him back to report together."
Take Ishikawa Katori to report together?
Kotetsu Isane was stunned, looking at Ishikawa Katori with some confusion.
"It's just a routine situation report," Ishikawa Katori said.
Only then did Kotetsu Isane nod and not stop Ōmaeda and Ishikawa Katori from leaving.
After leaving the Thirteenth Division, Ōmaeda and Ishikawa Katori directly abandoned the Onmitsukido and used Shunpo to disappear from the sight of the more than ten Onmitsukido members.
"Uh…" Looking at the two who disappeared without a word, the Onmitsukido members couldn't help but be stunned.
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