Chapter 51: Complete Bankai

Rukia’s favorability had been fluctuating for several days before finally settling at 80.

[Spiritual Pressure Level: Lv33]

[Zanpakutō Unlock Progress: 29%]

During this time, the improvement gained solely from Shin’s own training was negligible, forcing him once again to sigh at the hardships of cultivation.

However, compared to the increase in spiritual pressure, the progress with his Zanpakutō was somewhat better.

At Lv33, his spiritual pressure still fell within the fourth-class spiritual authority range.

Both Rukia and Hinamori’s favorability had reached considerable levels, making further large increases unlikely in the future.

It would be great if he could meet a new system girl at this point.

Yet, barely two days after this thought, the lieutenant of the Fourth Division, Yūon Kuchiki, arrived once again!

Shin naturally welcomed her warmly. This time, Yūon came purely of her own will, and Shin immediately displayed a thirst for knowledge regarding the spiritual path. That day, the two engaged in a deep discussion.

Throughout the process, Shin was very proactive, which delighted Yūon and made her feel that guiding a junior like him was truly meaningful.

Yūon’s favorability rose to 50 as she wished.

After Yūon left, Shin hurriedly departed from the Student Council office.

In the Kendo classroom, Shin casually tossed aside the light practice sword he had brought. He sat cross-legged, a faint spiritual particle barrier enveloping his body.

With the rise of his spiritual pressure, this barrier rapidly expanded outward, enveloping the entire Kendo classroom.

Once the spiritual particle barrier appeared, Shin’s spiritual pressure began to steadily climb.

Before him, two swords slowly materialized—one long, one short.

The longer sword was named Higan, a traditional samurai katana with a black sheath wrapped in red bindings.

The shorter one was named Shigan, a wakizashi with a pale white sheath, more delicate in appearance compared to Higan.

Both sword guards were shaped like red spider lilies.

[Shigan and Higan (Complete Shikai)]

[Rule Type]

Previously, when the Zanpakutō could only achieve half-Shikai, Shin could only wield part of Higan’s power. Now, with full Shikai, he had just begun to glimpse the true potential of his Zanpakutō.

He had long concealed the true form of his Zanpakutō because it was dual-bladed.

Within the Soul Society, only two known Zanpakutō were dual swords: the Eighth Division Captain Kyouraku Shunsui’s Katen Kyōkotsu, and the Thirteenth Division Captain Ukitake Jūshirō’s Sōgyo no Kotowari.

In reality, however, the Soul Society might not have true paired Zanpakutō.

What made Shin’s swords unique compared to those two was that each represented entirely different powers.

From the outside, paired Zanpakutō were far rarer than a single spiritual path-type Zanpakutō. If exposed, it could bring many troubles, with others seeking to thoroughly uncover and study its abilities.

At least until his strength reached a certain level, the guise of a spiritual path-type Zanpakutō spared him much unwanted attention.

Shin spent the entire night in the Kendo classroom, familiarizing himself with and studying the powers of his Zanpakutō.

Only when dawn broke outside did Shin slowly disperse the spiritual energy around him, shrinking the barrier to just around his body.

As he returned to the dormitory, he happened to meet Shūhei about to leave.

“Where were you all night?” Shūhei asked, surprised not to have seen Shin the previous night.

“Training,” Shin replied briefly before burying his head into his bed.

Shūhei was speechless and, seeing Shin wanted to catch up on sleep, left the dorm.

After sleeping until the afternoon, Shin leisurely emerged from his room.

The school was very quiet, being class time. The path from the dormitory to the teaching building was deserted, giving Shin the sensation that the whole world belonged only to him.

Fortunately, the distant sound of explosive blasts came from somewhere nearby—likely a class practicing Kido techniques—which somewhat reassured him.

“You really are something. Now I know why you don’t want to graduate early.”

As Shin headed toward the Student Council office, a voice suddenly called out to him.

It was Tsubaki Hiyori, the Thirteenth Division Vice-Captain, who had appeared behind him in the middle of the path without Shin noticing.

“Vice-Captain Tsubaki?”

Shin was momentarily stunned, then wondered if she had come to see him again. If she were substituting classes at the Spiritual Arts Academy, she should be teaching now.

Tsubaki’s tone was envious. “You live like a carefree immortal—sleep whenever you want.”

Shin responded righteously, “I’m not that undisciplined. Last night I stayed up all night handling work, so I just slept in a bit today.”

Tsubaki gave him a ‘who’d believe that?’ expression and approached him.

“I have something I need you for.”

Shin chuckled, “I’m beginning to think you’re the real idle one, Vice-Captain. Why do you keep coming to the Spiritual Arts Academy for no reason?”

Tsubaki warmly slung an arm over his shoulder. “In this year’s first-year A class, Momoka Hinamori and Itsuru Kira are both members of the Student Council, right?”

Shin realized he had misunderstood; although she came for him, it wasn’t really about him.

He smiled and asked, “What do you want, Vice-Captain Tsubaki?”

She grinned mischievously. “They’re both promising talents. Our Thirteenth Division is currently in great need of such outstanding individuals. Help me out, heh heh…”

She had noticed Hinamori and Kira’s excellence the last time she substituted at the Spiritual Arts Academy, and realized that in a few years, every division would likely be after them. She wanted to make a move early.

“They’re only first-years! Vice-Captain Tsubaki, isn’t this a bit premature?” Shin said.

“Five years will fly by before you know it.”

“That’s true,” Shin mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “But I’m only their Student Council President. If they have their own ideas, I can’t just force my will on them.”

Tsubaki immediately glared. “What do you mean by that? Planning to play me for a fool? Have you forgotten how I helped you before?!”

Recalling this made her annoyed. She had wanted to recruit Shin under her uncle’s Tenth Division, but he had gone and developed a spiritual path-type Zanpakutō!

Shin then said earnestly, “Vice-Captain Tsubaki, you misunderstand. I remember your kindness well. Even if you didn’t say it, I’d find a way to help you!”

Only then did Tsubaki smile. “That’s better. But business is business—you helped me this time, so I’ll remember your kindness too.”

Shin scrutinized her carefully, his smile broadening until his eyes curved into crescents.

Tsubaki shivered and instinctively loosened her grip, stepping back.

Shin said, “I can’t let you owe me a favor like that. Just treat me to a meal.”

Tsubaki was momentarily stunned. Was it really that easy?

Well, at least this kid had some conscience.

She waved her hand decisively. “No problem. I brought money this time. You pick the place!”

“Then let’s go to your place.”

“Where?”

“Your place.”