Considering the unknown side effects of this new invention called the Tenshintai, Kensei Kenzuru called Mashiro, Kensei, and Rōjūrō directly to a desolate mountain in the Rukongai. On one hand, if any accidents occurred, the damage would be minimal; on the other, it was sufficiently hidden.
Mastering Bankai had always been a monumental feat worthy of being recorded in Soul Society's history. Achieving Bankai required not only exceptional talent but also decades of continuous accumulation. In the hearts of many veteran Soul Reapers, Bankai was sacred.
Now, this "Tenshintai" Urahara had created to accelerate Bankai training—this cheat-like method—was practically a defilement of their sacred Bankai. Central 46 certainly wouldn't sit idle; they would undoubtedly resort to some underhanded tactics behind the scenes.
"Ever since I last met you all, I've been racking my brilliant brain, pondering day and night, exhausting my heart and blood," Kensei shook his head and sighed, wearing an expression that said, "I've really broken my back for you." "Finally, through my world-shaking wisdom and with the insignificant assistance of this Urahara Kisuke, I've developed the Tenshintai that can help you quickly master Bankai."
Kensei carefully placed the Tenshintai in his hand, presenting it to Kensei and the others with great fanfare.
Urahara Kisuke had no desire to argue about Kensei taking credit for his work. He only hoped this first prototype wouldn't cause any accidents and would allow these three to achieve Bankai. That would complete his task, and he probably wouldn't be bothered by Kensei for a while.
The three—Mashiro, Kensei, and Rōjūrō—gathered around the oddly-shaped Tenshintai, studying it curiously. Even ignoring Kensei's tone, which was like a street vendor peddling miracle pills, there was nothing outwardly remarkable about the device.
"Kensei-kun, can this Tenshintai really help us master Bankai quickly?"
"What kind of question is that?!" Kensei glared at their doubtful looks, furious. "You can doubt Urahara's technology, but you must never doubt my wisdom!"
"Urahara, explain to them how to use this treasure."
Kensei directly ordered Urahara to take over. He didn't want to waste his breath on this bunch who doubted his intellect and Shunpo'd away to hunt some game to fill his stomach.
"Then, you three, allow me to explain the usage of the Tenshintai."
Although Urahara was somewhat reluctant, these three were also test subjects for his invention, providing valuable data. He couldn't pass up this opportunity.
"Thank you for your trouble!"
"What Shikai requires is dialogue and synchronization with your Zanpakutō—entering the Zanpakutō's world. What Bankai requires is the materialization and subjugation of your Zanpakutō."
"By inserting your Zanpakutō into the Tenshintai, the Zanpakutō's true form is forcibly transcribed and materialized. You simply need to defeat that true form and force it to submit to master Bankai."
Kensei and the others listened, stunned. There was actually such a method for training Bankai!
"However, each person can only use the Tenshintai once, and the time limit is three days. If you cannot subdue your Zanpakutō within three days…"
As expected, such a shortcut came with limitations. Otherwise, summoning the Zanpakutō's true form every day would be a nuisance.
"I hope you all will consider carefully. Although the title of Captain is enticing, the foundation of a Soul Reaper lies in the Zanpakutō in their hand."
Urahara spoke with rare seriousness, warning the three before him. He didn't want his invention to cause unnecessary trouble for others. He then turned and began adjusting the Tenshintai on the ground.
"Hey, Urahara, have you finished explaining to them?"
Carrying a large wild ox over his shoulder, Kensei walked over, asking while bleeding and preparing the carcass.
"It has been explained clearly, Kensei-dono," Urahara Kisuke replied without looking back, his fingers swiftly checking the surface of the Tenshintai.
Kensei nodded, drew his Asauchi, and skillfully butchered the bled ox into chunks of meat. He then used his Reiatsu to ignite a fire, looking at the three standing beside him with varying expressions.
"I just remembered I never actually asked if you were willing to become Captains," Kensei said. Previously, he had simply told them to take the Captain Proficiency Test. If they refused, he'd have to find some other stand-ins first. "Honestly, with your talent, you could probably master Bankai and become Captains in another decade or so."
"Are you implying we're cowards who dare not accept a challenge? It's just a fight with our Zanpakutō! I, Rokushō Kensei, volunteer to go first!"
Kensei shouted loudly, as if embarrassed by his earlier hesitation, his signature pompadour swaying with his agitation. Having finally gotten this chance to become a Captain, he couldn't back down now.
Mashiro Kujaku and Love Aikawa seemed infected by Kensei's courage and also stepped forward, expressing their willingness to undergo the Bankai training.
"Excellent spirit!" Kensei nodded, continuing to grill the meat. "But before we start officially, let's fill our stomachs first."
Kensei handed the freshly grilled, fragrant beef skewers to them, not forgetting Urahara either. After all, he was his long-term tool; couldn't treat him poorly.
This was cuisine Kensei had infused with a large amount of spiritual particles. While it wouldn't directly raise their Reiatsu Grade by a whole level, it could still increase their Reiatsu somewhat, which would be helpful for the upcoming battle.
"Thank you for your expectations! I, Rokushō Kensei, will never forget your kindness, Kensei!"
Watching the bōsōzoku-looking Rokushō Kensei pat his chest, exuding confidence that said "come to me if you need anything," Kensei considered not dampening his spirits.
"Give it your all. But don't forget you only have three days."
"Ah, I know," Rokushō Kensei, under Urahara's guidance, inserted the Zanpakutō at his waist into the Tenshintai. He loosened his Shihakushō, revealing the number "69" on his chest, and pointed his thumb at himself. "Just watch. I won't waste too much time."
After the dazzling light emitted by the Tenshintai faded, a tall figure appeared in their vision. It was entirely wrapped in iron treads, with an iron ribbon connecting its shoulders, and wore a mask reminiscent of a bōsōzoku.
Before anyone could remark on the appearance of Kensei's Zanpakutō, Tachikaze, they saw it vanish from its spot. A pained cry echoed, and then Rokushō Kensei was sent flying backward.
"Hey, hey, Urahara, are you sure this Tenshintai of yours doesn't have a side effect that enrages the Zanpakutō, making it attack its owner the moment it appears?"
Kensei's嘴角 twitched. He glanced at the equally dumbfounded Urahara beside him, then at Mashiro and Rōjūrō shrinking their heads, and had to ask if Urahara's data was miscalibrated.
Why did it attack immediately? Dialogue with a Zanpakutō wasn't like this. The Zanpakutō should appear, chat with its master for a bit, confirm the format of the battle, and then start fighting. They say the Zanpakutō reflects its master, but Kensei wasn't that impatient!
Watching Rokushō Kensei struggling to defend against Tachikaze's onslaught, Kensei could only turn away. Sigh, a kind-hearted soul can't bear to watch such a tragedy.
Listening to the intermittent explosions and Kensei's screams behind him, Kensei decided he definitely wouldn't use a thing like the Tenshintai to learn Bankai himself.
***
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