Energy like battle aura, inner strength, chakra—all of it stems from the force of life itself. Even though Shinigami exist as spiritual beings, and their reiatsu is fundamentally different from life energy, the techniques for wielding energy often overlap.
Take, for instance, the Navy's Rokushiki techniques from that other world of pirates. The move known as "Shigan" (Finger Gun) isn't so different from the martial world's Six Meridian Divine Sword. The principle is the same: master the technique, and you can replicate it using different kinds of energy. The only difference is the scale of power, depending on the type of energy fueling it.
Hunters, though weaker than shinobi or Shinigami in raw strength, surpassed even ninjas when it came to refining technique. So what happens when you combine a Shinigami's reiatsu with a Hunter's mastery of Nen abilities?
The result was explosive. The blade, wrapped in dense reiatsu, gained a sudden, geometric surge in sharpness. Just looking at the edge made onlookers feel as though their eyes were being pierced.
And so, the pink-haired loli Yachiru Kusajishi seemed to wake up for the sole purpose of witnessing Kenpachi Zaraki get hurt.
The next instant—
The blade slipped through Zaraki's reiatsu defense as if nothing was there, plunging directly into his flesh. For a moment, Aoyama froze, stunned by the surge of exhilaration.
Because the strike had landed squarely at Zaraki's waist. The sword had driven in deep, right through the side of his kidney. The clean white blade pierced through, leaving a gaping hole. It had to hurt like hell.
"Captain… he actually…"
"That rookie… how is it even possible? Even Gillian's firing of Ceros couldn't break the captain's defense!"
"Oi, oi, oi! This has to be fake! I've been in the Eleventh long enough to see with my own eyes how the previous Kenpachi was hacked to death by our captain! And now some greenhorn dares pierce his defense?!"
"That strike… that rookie's blade really injured the captain!"
The Eleventh Division members were dumbstruck. To them, this was the most unbelievable scene of their lives. A Captain-class monster, the one who bore the title of Kenpachi, was injured by a newbie who hadn't even officially joined a division yet.
Yes, Aoyama had already proved his potential by awakening his Zanpakutō and releasing it on his own, but without achieving Bankai, no one believed it was possible to wound a Captain-class Shinigami. The power gap was supposed to be a chasm as vast as the heavens themselves.
And yet—this greenhorn had just stabbed Captain Zaraki.
In all of Soul Society, even nine out of ten Shinigami couldn't so much as scratch a Captain's reiatsu defense. Even when Zaraki wasn't actively reinforcing it, the natural weight of a Captain's reiatsu was a wall no ordinary blade could break.
But now—Aoyama had pierced it.
Kenpachi only grinned wider, his tone filled with savage approval.
"Not bad! Your strike carried a conviction that pierced straight through! No wonder you managed to break my defense. Brat… I'm starting to like you more and more. But next… I'm going to fight seriously. Don't you dare die on me now!"
Aoyama's stomach dropped. A chill ran through him—he realized he had made a grave mistake. He had awakened the beast.
But in the middle of battle, there was no time to regret.
In a flash, a strike of pure speed cleaved through the air, faster than lightning itself. It slammed into Aoyama's shoulder, sending him flying like a ragdoll.
Though Zaraki claimed he was "getting serious," it was clear he still wasn't fighting with his full strength. That single strike was only a taste.
Still, it sent Aoyama crashing through a wall before his flight was suddenly halted—by a man who caught him with casual ease.
A tall figure in flamboyant robes, a gourd of sake in hand: Kyōraku Shunsui, Captain of the Eighth Division.
He sipped his drink, shaking his head with a lazy smile.
"Too young. A little taste of victory, and you lost yourself. That's why you left an opening."
Aoyama understood immediately. Shunsui was right. Landing that stab to Zaraki's waist had made him falter with overconfidence. He had let his guard slip, and in battle, that was a mistake he should never have made. Not when he had already been through so many fights.
Shunsui continued cheerfully, "Still, don't get too down. Even if Zaraki knocked you around, you still managed to wound him. That alone means you're strong enough to catch the attention of the Captains. How about it? Want to come join my division? Life here's very pleasant, you know."
"I…"
Aoyama opened his mouth to reply—
—but an angry voice suddenly rang out.
"You're drinking and slacking off again!"
Shunsui's smug grin evaporated instantly. He turned, helplessly scratching his head as he looked at the young woman holding a stack of documents. His tone shifted into pitiful pleading.
"Now, now, little Nanao-chan, don't be so strict. I was just relaxing a little to work better later, that's all. Just a tiny break, I swear!"
"Ah, right. Let me introduce you two. This one here is remarkable! Fresh out of Shin'ō Academy, yet already strong enough to injure a Captain. By the way, young man, what was your name again?"
"…I'm Aoyama. And thank you, Captain Kyōraku. If not for your help, I probably would've gone flying clean out of the Eleventh's barracks."
"Ma, ma, no need to be so stiff. Come on, Nanao-chan, let's all relax together, hmm?"
Shaking off the Captain's irresponsibility, Aoyama steadied his Zanpakutō once more. His eyes locked onto Zaraki's ferocious, beastlike figure, each swing of the blade radiating sheer brutality.
Aoyama muttered under his breath, "Kongō can only clash with Zaraki through brute force. If we compare energy and raw strength, together we're barely at the Vice-Captain level. Against Zaraki, the difference is astronomical. If I want any chance of victory… my only option is to keep stabbing his waist."
Shunsui nearly spat out his sake when he overheard. He did, in fact, spit—straight into Nanao's face. His eyes went wide.
"Good lord, kid! To shamelessly say something like that out loud—you're definitely a talent! You absolutely have to join my division. I'll make you Nanao-chan's assistant. You can be our Third Seat!"
And then, realizing what he had just done, Shunsui turned pale and looked at his fuming lieutenant. Sure enough, Nanao's face was dripping with sake.
Nanao-chan! Please, let me explain
Shine!