Views on the Hollow

Natsuki's Spiritual Perception was exceptionally powerful.

This formidable perception stemmed from his perfect control over his own spiritual power.

Upon transmigrating into this world, he did not possess a system, but that did not mean he was ordinary.

Whether it was the moment he first gripped his Zanpakuto and swung it to slay a Menos Grande, or his later discovery that his Zanpakuto could absorb Reishi to enhance his own spiritual power, these were the aids Natsuki relied upon to survive and grow stronger in this world, though they were far from his only trump cards.

Beyond that, after learning Ghost Way, he discovered that he could exert perfect control over his own spiritual power.

Consequently, he was able to master Ghost Way with ease.

And this was merely the internal manifestation of that ability.

Externally, it manifested as his incredibly powerful Spiritual Perception.

While the Soul Society required the use of Reiatsu Monitoring Devices to detect spiritual wave reactions, Natsuki could perceive a great deal simply through his own spiritual perception.

Even at this very moment, although the Reiatsu he sensed was extremely faint, he instantly identified who it belonged to.

Azashiro Kenpachi!

The current captain of the 11th Division, the eighth generation Kenpachi, and also Natsuki's captain.

Since taking office, Azashiro Kenpachi had remained unseen in daily life except for necessary combat. As a 3rd Seat, Natsuki rarely saw him even when going to the captain's office to assist the lieutenant, Gosu, with squad affairs.

The man lived in seclusion, his movements shrouded in mystery.

Natsuki was, of course, somewhat curious about what the man was actually doing.

At this moment, in the Rukon District, sensing the Reiatsu of Azashiro Kenpachi—who should have been within the Seireitei—inevitably piqued his curiosity.

What concerned him even more was that Azashiro Kenpachi's Reiatsu was scattered.

It was spread across trees and stones, but if one sensed it carefully, one would find it formed a straight line, extending deep into the Rukon District.

Utilizing Shunpo, Natsuki followed his spiritual perception and moved forward rapidly.

But soon, he came to a halt.

For, standing on the path ahead, a figure with a cold expression, dressed in white robes, blocked his way.

"Captain Azashiro!"

Upon seeing him, Natsuki spoke in a calm tone, offering a greeting.

"3rd Seat Natsuki, why are you here?" Azashiro Kenpachi's tone was indifferent, devoid of any intention for polite small talk. He was always this direct, just as he had been when he appeared before Kuruyashiki Kenpachi to challenge him.

"I happened to be executing a mission nearby. After slaying an invading Hollow, I was preparing to return to the Seireitei when I sensed your Reiatsu, Captain. I was surprised, so I came to take a look." Natsuki answered calmly, not asking why Azashiro Kenpachi was present here.

Of course, in his heart, he could not help but harbor some speculations.

"Is that so?" Upon learning the reason, Azashiro Kenpachi's eyes flickered. Suddenly, he took the initiative to mention something to Natsuki: "I heard that 3rd Seat Natsuki returned to the Soul Society from the Expeditionary Force?"

"That is correct." Natsuki nodded. His background was no secret within the 11th Division; some had known from the start, and as he became a 3rd Seat and rose to become a celebrity within the 11th Division, more people had become aware of it.

"The Expeditionary Force stays in Hueco Mundo for long periods to fight Hollows. 3rd Seat Natsuki must have some understanding of Hollows, then?" Azashiro Kenpachi again took the initiative to bring up the subject of Hollows.

"I suppose I know a thing or two!"

Natsuki proceeded to share his understanding of Hollows, such as how they were created and their classification levels. After he had only just begun, Azashiro Kenpachi interrupted him: "I am already aware of what you have said, 3rd Seat. What I want to ask is your opinion on Hollows."

"My opinion on Hollows?" Natsuki was slightly surprised. "Could it be that you have a different view on them, Captain?"

He did not state his own opinion directly, instead questioning Azashiro Kenpachi in return.

He had a feeling that Azashiro Kenpachi was not asking these questions at random; there seemed to be some hidden intent. If he could grasp that intent, he might be able to discern Azashiro Kenpachi's true purpose.

"Do you not think that Hollows should not exist in this world at all?" Azashiro Kenpachi's tone was cold, his opening statement utterly resolute.

Natsuki felt a chill in his heart, a bone-deep coldness.

"They are, in essence, a failed evolutionary path for souls, yet this failed evolution granted them incredibly powerful strength. To fill the void in their souls, they wantonly devour their own kind and normal souls, thereby destroying the order and balance between souls."

"What evil creatures they are; they should not exist in this world."

Hearing this, Natsuki could finally no longer hold back: "Is that not why we Shinigamis exist? It is precisely because of the evil of Hollows that we Shinigamis draw our blades to fight them and grant them purification."

Azashiro Kenpachi said: "You are correct. The meaning of our existence as Shinigamis is to fight Hollows and maintain this order and balance."

"But the number of Shinigamis is ultimately limited, while Hollows are different. As long as human desire exists, new Hollows will be born at every moment. Even Shinigamis will fall and die when facing a vast number of Hollows. If we allow the number of Hollows to continue growing without end, sooner or later, all Shinigamis will perish and cease to exist."

"What are you implying, Captain?" Natsuki narrowed his eyes slightly and asked Azashiro Kenpachi another question.

"They are souls of failed evolution, yet they possess powerful strength, while orderly, righteous souls possess no power at all. What an unfair world this is! If only the souls living in the Rukon District could also possess power comparable to Hollows." A heartfelt lament escaped Azashiro Kenpachi's lips.

Natsuki was silent for a moment before saying: "Although your vision is noble, Captain, this world is simply unfair. Among the vast number of souls, those with the aptitude to become Shinigamis are few and far between. The vast majority are ordinary souls without spiritual power, and they cannot obtain the strength to contend with Hollows."

Azashiro Kenpachi was also silent.

He had intended to say more, but in the end, he restrained himself.

Changing his tone, he said to Natsuki: "You may go."

Natsuki took a deep look at Azashiro Kenpachi, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

Azashiro Kenpachi remained standing there, watching Natsuki's departure, when suddenly, a woman's voice whispered from beside his ear.

"Oh my, you really do value him, don't you? To think you'd say so much to him. Could it be that after becoming Kenpachi, you truly intend to fulfill the duties of a captain and recruit some subordinates?"

The woman's voice carried thin, trailing wisps of mockery.

Azashiro Kenpachi's expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied.

"I simply saw him and wished to ask for his perspective."

After those words, he offered no further response, letting the woman chatter on incessantly beside his ear.