Captain-Commander's Handmade Wooden Tag

After the Captain-Commander said those words, even Captain Ukitake, who was always calm, found it hard to maintain his composure. He looked at Asano Kiyoshi, his eyes filled with shock.

Isshin Shiba, who was usually far more boisterous, walked straight up to Asano Kiyoshi, squeezed his arm, and clicked his tongue in amazement. "Seriously? You made your Zanpakuto change shape without even achieving Shikai? And honestly, if you told me that form just now was Bankai, I'd believe you. You're a real monster! If that wasn't Shikai, then what exactly was the ability you showed us?"

The Captain-Commander lightly tapped Isshin Shiba's arm with his cane, nudging the unreliable fellow aside. At the same time, he quietly watched Asano Kiyoshi, seemingly waiting for his explanation.

Seeing their expressions, Asano Kiyoshi calmed himself before explaining to the Captain-Commander and the others, "I'm not entirely sure what my ability is. Perhaps it's another form of an Asauchi. I can transform my Zanpakuto into the form of an Asauchi, and I can also transform it from an Asauchi into that Scroll form. But I don't know my Zanpakuto's name."

In truth, Asano Kiyoshi did know his Zanpakuto's name. However, whenever he tried to say those four words, his mouth seemed to be sealed shut, and he could not utter them no matter what. Therefore, he could only tell the Captain-Commander and the others that he did not know his Zanpakuto's name. Still, that truly was not his Shikai.

After hearing Asano Kiyoshi's explanation, the Captain-Commander and the others fell into thought. A moment later, Jushiro Ukitake tentatively offered an explanation to the Captain-Commander. "Teacher, I once read in a book that some Shinigami are born with exceptionally powerful Reiatsu. After such Shinigami obtain Asauchi, even if they do not know their Zanpakuto's abilities, their Asauchi may change shape to accommodate their own immense Reiatsu. Usually, those forcibly altered Asauchi become extraordinarily large to adapt to the excessive spiritual power output. Do you think Asano Kiyoshi might be in the same situation?"

After hearing Ukitake's words, the Captain-Commander nodded lightly, then asked Asano Kiyoshi another question. "If it is convenient, can you tell this old man what special abilities your Zanpakuto currently possesses?"

Asano Kiyoshi nodded. He could tell the Captain-Commander, but there was no need to tell him everything. Thus, he said, "After I transform my Zanpakuto into its Scroll state, a red pavilion bearing the words Gate of the Underworld appears. At the same time, the surroundings around me undergo slight changes. Within the altered area around me, I can use Reiatsu to directly erase certain attacks. Also, wherever that area exists, my control over Reishi is strengthened."

The ability Asano Kiyoshi had told the Captain-Commander about was essentially a weakened version of the Gate of the Underworld's true ability. Although he knew that the captains present were trustworthy, Asano Kiyoshi, having seen the original work, understood even better that Soul Society was not as simple as he had imagined. The institutions tied to the noble families in particular were dark to the extreme. It was better to keep a few trump cards when facing those people.

After hearing Asano Kiyoshi's words, the Captain-Commander fell silent for a moment. Then he slowly walked toward the door of the Principal's Office and said to Asano Kiyoshi, "Come on Saturday afternoon as well..."

With that, the Captain-Commander pushed open the door and walked out.

As the door slowly closed, Ukitake came to Asano Kiyoshi's side and gently patted him on the shoulder. "Don't let your guard down. The Captain-Commander's training is very harsh, so prepare yourself mentally and work hard. Perhaps in the future, we may end up under the same master."

Isshin Shiba, meanwhile, came over with a foolish grin and gave Asano Kiyoshi's shoulder a hard slap. "Kid! After you graduate, remember to join my Tenth Squad! Hahaha, I'm reserving you in advance. Otherwise, there'll definitely be a lot of people fighting me for you when the time comes!"

Then, without waiting for Asano Kiyoshi to refuse, Isshin Shiba went over to Ukitake and started boasting about how unique and excellent his eye for talent was. At the same time, he asked Ukitake to request a vacation from the Old Man on his behalf, on the grounds that he had found Seireitei a top-tier genius and expended a great deal of effort, so he needed two months of leave to rest.

Looking at the helpless Ukitake, then at Isshin Shiba acting like a fawning dog, a smile flashed through Asano Kiyoshi's eyes. Days when he did not have to worry about survival... were truly wonderful.

After leaving the Principal's Office, Asano Kiyoshi looked at the wooden tag in his hand. The Scroll in his mind suddenly unfolded on its own, and a line of rolling text appeared before his eyes:

Item Name: Captain-Commander's Handmade Wooden Tag

Item Effect: Holding this wooden tag allows direct entry into the First Squad barracks without being attacked by the Squad Protection Reiatsu present within the First Squad. Furthermore, because this item has been kept close to the Captain-Commander's body for a long time, it contains extremely high-quality residual Reiatsu. Absorbing it can increase Reiatsu level, and after absorption is complete, the wooden tag's original functions will not be affected.

Choice: Absorb?

Looking at the prompt displayed in the Scroll, Asano Kiyoshi chose to absorb it without any hesitation.

After making his choice, Asano Kiyoshi could clearly feel a warm energy slowly emerge from the wooden tag in his hand before entering his body. The text on the Scroll also began to change gradually:

Reiatsu absorption selected. Current absorption progress: 0.3%. Estimated absorption time: five days. Upon complete absorption, Reiatsu growth will increase by 30%.

Looking at the words appearing on the Scroll, Asano Kiyoshi felt warm all over, as though he were lying on a balcony in the afternoon sun of a winter day, squinting his eyes.

After putting away the wooden tag, Asano Kiyoshi headed toward the dormitory. Seeing that it was nearly five o'clock, he went to the cafeteria and picked up three meals. Ikkaku did not have any particular favorites; his philosophy toward food was that as long as it filled his stomach, it was fine. Yumichika liked wagyu, milk, and honey. After buying some daily necessities according to their tastes, Asano Kiyoshi finally returned to the dormitory.

When he returned, Asano Kiyoshi discovered an extra meal on his desk, along with a note that read:

"Make sure you eat properly, beautiful Yumichika and Ikkaku~"

The graceful handwriting looked just like a girl's. Asano Kiyoshi could not help smiling. This was the real Soul Society, not a collection of flat anime characters, but people with distinct loves, hates, grudges, and emotions.

After eating two meals, the mentally exhausted Asano Kiyoshi returned to his bed. He had released too much Reiatsu throughout the day, placing a great burden on his mind, and he soon fell asleep.

The wooden tag against his chest radiated warmth, and Asano Kiyoshi slept very, very sweetly.