Traits of a Deity

As Ise Nanao spoke, Chiba Makoto's eyes narrowed imperceptibly...

The Ise Clan!

Among the many noble houses passed down through the ages in the Seireitei, it was an especially unusual one.

Perhaps in terms of pure status and power, the Ise Clan could not compare to the Four Great Noble Clans.

However, after specifically investigating the Ise Clan's history today, Makoto realized that it also held an exalted position among the nobility. The clan had presided over many of the nobles' ceremonial rites for generations.

Yet Makoto merely showed a surprised expression and pressed, "What does that mean?"

Ise Nanao's expression turned completely solemn. One hand instinctively rested on the hilt of the "Divine Sword: Mirror of the Eight Realms" before she asked,

"Makoto, have you come into contact with anything strange? Or have you noticed any unusual changes in your spirit body?"

"How could that be? As a physician, if my spirit body had undergone any abnormal changes, I would certainly have noticed immediately," Makoto replied.

"If that is the case, then why would the 'Divine Sword: Mirror of the Eight Realms' react so strongly to you? It can only mean that Makoto already possesses some of a deity's traits."

Ise Nanao spoke in a grave yet puzzled tone.

"Some of a deity's traits?" Makoto asked.

Ise Nanao replied,

"That's right. The 'Divine Sword: Mirror of the Eight Realms' has no effect whatsoever on ordinary Soul Reapers. It only reacts to deities, so part of the Soul King's body may very well be residing within your spirit body."

For a moment, Makoto fell silent.

Nothing like what had happened to Ukitake Jūshirō, who had been inhabited by one of the Soul King's arms, had occurred to Makoto.

However, although the corpse of Soul King Kugo had ostensibly been handed