The Sudden Field Training

Although Cilian had yet to arrive, Hu still tried to enter a state of Zanjutsu meditation on his own. With only one day left before the "Zanjutsu" assessment, he had decided to put in some effort.

In the Inner World, after venting his frustration all night, the Zanpakutō spirit was in a much better temper this time. At least he showed no intention of throwing Hu out the moment he arrived.

The Zanpakutō spirit was still seated on the Throne formed by the demonic tree. Hu walked over to its side.

"In two nights, I've learned quite a few of the corresponding combat techniques. You said I needed to get used to fighting, and I've been working on it. Why are you still unwilling to tell me your name?"

The Zanpakutō spirit sat upright.

"Because it still isn't enough..."

"What isn't enough?" Hu asked at once, without waiting for the Zanpakutō spirit to finish.

"Your resolve isn't strong enough!" The Zanpakutō spirit stood and looked at Hu. "So far, I haven't seen in you the will to fight even at the cost of your life! You've only just come here from a peaceful world. It takes time to develop that kind of will and resolve!

"If all you want is to become a Soul Reaper, you can do that by following the training I gave you. With Judgment Cut, once your Reiatsu is high enough, cutting through the space of this world is no great feat. Even mindless things like Gillians can do it.

"Is that pure power all that remains of that being's memories in your heart? Did his life give you even the slightest bit of inspiration?

"Ultimately, I'm a weapon. My power is meant for killing. If I let you wield my power as you are now, what would you use it for?

"That man's lonely, broken first half of his life would be your fate, or yours might be even more miserable! At least he believed that power was supreme...

"Even if it were for Fon Shaoling—don't you like her? Why haven't you thought of fighting for her? Even if you had the will to make her fall for you, I would offer you this power and my name with both hands..."

Hu's face flushed red when he heard this. "I... I... I do... I really do."

"The hell you do! Wouldn't I know whether you did or not? Look at that friend of yours, that Shimizu fellow. Even he has more resolve than you! Think about it carefully. If you lack the resolve to wield power, my name will never echo in your heart. Give it some serious thought!"

With that, the Zanpakutō spirit expelled Hu from the Inner World.

Back in reality...

Hu opened his eyes and saw Cilian watching him.

"Awake? I'm taking you out today."

"Where to?"

"Field training!"

Hu followed Cilian out of the room and came to the gate of the Fon Residence, where he saw a squad of six Onmitsukidō members waiting in formation.

"A large number of Hollows have appeared in Sizhuzhai and begun devouring one another. There's a strong chance a Gillian will be born. Our mission is to prevent that and kill every Hollow!" Cilian explained the mission to the six Onmitsukidō members, then said to Hu, "In theory, your Zanjutsu is already enough to handle an ordinary Hollow. This time, before the Onmitsukidō finish dealing with all the Hollows, you need to hunt down at least one and show us what you can do!

"Also, at the meeting this afternoon, Sakiro said your Shunpo habits weren't very good. On the way to Sizhuzhai, you'll travel in the middle of our group, and we'll help you correct them."

Hu's eyelids twitched as he listened. "Um, what do you mean by correct?"

Although half their faces were covered, the slightly curved brows and relaxed foreheads of the Onmitsukidō members showed that they were smiling.

Cilian gave Hu a kick in the backside. "Don't just stand there. We're leaving. Hurry up and use Shunpo to follow this road. I'll tell you when it's time to turn. Move!"

Urged on, Hu used Shunpo and rushed forward.

But before long, an Onmitsukidō member behind him suddenly kicked him, nearly sending him sprawling face-first in the dirt:

"Your stride's too short!"

The Onmitsukidō member said.

Hu could only rub his backside and give him a resentful look. Then another kick came from behind, this time from Cilian. "What are you looking at? Keep moving! If we're late and a Gillian shows up, you'll get kicked even harder!"

Hu could only continue forward with Shunpo...

Before long, a series of smacking sounds rang out through the bamboo grove, along with Hu's occasional screams.