When Brave Warriors Meet on a Narrow Road

When Brave Warriors Meet on a Narrow Road

Arima Shizuya crouched halfway to the ground, silently looking toward the spot behind him.

A fist-sized stone was buried in the dirt there. It was the very thing Tōsen Kaname had thrown earlier when he tried to "ambush" him.

There had been no killing intent, nor had it contained any Spiritual Pressure.

He had merely clenched it tightly and thrown it, allowing Arima Shizuya to hear the distinct whistle of the wind...

Yet something of that level was enough to shatter the established "everything."

That was Arima Shizuya's weakness.

"Shizuya-kun, your ability is a little too focused."

That was indeed true.

When Arima Shizuya activated his Zanpakuto's ability, the Mobius Ring and labyrinth it constructed were, in essence, based on the current state of both sides, then used to make various predictions and deductions.

In other words.

It was a very "fragile" experimental environment.

A slight disturbance would not necessarily alter its course, but when an outside force clearly intervened, Arima Shizuya's predictions became exceedingly useless.

The Parties understood this perfectly well.

But in the final analysis, this could only be considered Arima Shizuya's own problem...

Because it was simply a matter of his own "stats" being insufficient.

If he possessed enough Spiritual Pressure, Arima Shizuya could adjust the parameters from the two opposing sides to a greater number, even including the environment itself.

In other words.

Theoretically speaking, as long as he had sufficient Spiritual Pressure, Arima Shizuya could even simulate a scenario with the entire world as its backdrop.

Of course, that was merely a concept. At present, using only the two opposing sides as references and predicting as far as three seconds was already his limit...

Using the world as a backdrop and outlining the trajectory of its operation?

He might as well wash up and go to sleep... In his dreams, he could have anything.

Watching Arima Shizuya cough and sheath his Zanpakuto, Aizen slowly stepped forward, his tone filled with emotion.

"Yes, and there is another very obvious flaw."

"This Zanpakuto requires an absurd amount of Spiritual Power."

"Shizuya-kun, you can already exert the level of Fifth Level Spiritual Pressure. Even among seated officers, that would make you outstanding."

"And yet, after using your ability twice, you end up in a state close to exhaustion."

"That level of consumption is excessive. If it is not a personal deficiency, then it means this is simply the nature of the Zanpakuto..."

Following that line of thought.

"Shizuya-kun, you should change your strategy as well."

Aizen rubbed his chin with his right hand. A clear look of contemplation appeared in his eyes as he slowly continued.

"This ability is not suited for the opening stages of a battle. It should be used during a deadlock, or at a critical moment when neither side can land a decisive blow."

"At present, unless Shizuya-kun can resolve the issue of excessive Spiritual Pressure consumption."

"Otherwise, it would be better for you to get used to taking a more conservative approach."

It had to be said.

Aizen truly was quite responsible.

The experience he offered now was not only something Arima Shizuya already knew, but also a summary that came with further evaluation and judgment.

As if he had gotten started, Aizen continued at length.

"There are restrictions, and it requires a massive infusion of Spiritual Pressure."

"That means Shizuya-kun's ability is not suited for chaotic battles. It is more appropriate for one-on-one situations."

"And only when the environment can be kept safe and all information on both sides can be ensured will Shizuya-kun's ability be able to perform to its fullest extent."

Tōsen Kaname, standing nearby, could not help but murmur.

"An ability specialized for one-on-one combat... It truly is quite rare."

The blind man spoke little, but he always delivered sharp observations at crucial moments.

Aizen chuckled and nodded, but then changed the subject.

"Although it has quite a few flaws, I must admit that Shizuya-kun's ability has tremendous potential..."

"Gather enough intelligence for reference, remain in perfect condition, and ensure an environment where no one can interfere."

"As long as those three elements are in place, Shizuya-kun, you will be naturally invincible."

An indescribable light flickered in Aizen's eyes. Looking at the boy before him, he could not help but smile.

"Shizuya-kun, you are the brave warrior who meets his equal on a narrow road, and the lone wolf naturally suited to one-on-one slaughter."

"Wonderful... It is practically perfect. Without exaggeration, an ability of this level has far exceeded my expectations."

"You possess a one-of-a-kind ability. As expected of my student."

There were, quite literally, both good points and bad.

As for this result, Arima Shizuya was not surprised in the slightest.

He merely marveled at Aizen's overwhelmingly powerful way of analyzing things...

It was clearly Aizen's first time seeing his Zanpakuto and personally experiencing its ability. Yet he could already clearly distinguish its strengths from its weaknesses.

And after a round of analysis, he had given Arima Shizuya an incomparably precise assessment.

That was right. Before Arima Shizuya's Spiritual Power broke past a certain limit, the most suitable situation for him to perform was undoubtedly a one-on-one fight with every unfavorable factor eliminated.

What an incredibly powerful analytical ability.

So could he really catch up to someone so powerful and composed?

The chances feel slim.

Feeling somewhat uneasy, Arima Shizuya saw the other man extend his right hand toward him.

Aizen's smile was as peaceful as ever.

"All right, let us end today's guidance here. Shizuya-kun, rest well after you return. Do not let these matters affect your mood tomorrow."

Arima Shizuya sighed, nodded, thanked him, and used the offered hand to stand.

Today's trip had indeed brought him great gains, just as he had expected before setting out.

As always, he returned and settled himself.

Until three days later.

When the group met again, they began acting according to their previous plans. Yet Aizen's brow was tightly furrowed today, and he appeared to be under considerable pressure.

Arima Shizuya took the initiative to ask, and Aizen frankly revealed the predicament he currently faced.

Even after devouring the souls of so many people, the Hōgyoku still showed no intention of advancing further.

"To date, it has devoured three hundred and seventy-nine Soul Bodies. Among them are ninety-eight registered Shinigami, as well as more than one hundred and thirty Slum Street residents with potential..."

In other words.

Aizen had not pursued quantity by feeding the Hōgyoku low-quality scraps.

"Even if a Hollow devoured this many Soul Bodies, it should have shown some reaction by now."

Arima Shizuya offered no opinion in response to this doubt.

After all, if he remembered correctly, what the Hōgyoku lacked at this stage was no longer merely Soul Bodies.

It needed something extremely unique...

So when would he run into those two ill-fated lovebirds?

Though he pondered it, he did not investigate further. Arima Shizuya now seemed to be growing accustomed to the Shinigami way of doing things...

There was plenty of time. Everything simply progressed naturally, and all one had to do was wait for it to slowly take shape.

Then, one month later.

As usual, Arima Shizuya was acting alongside Aizen when, in a certain Slum Street, he saw that familiar face...