Chapter Summaries

Fifth-year student Wang Xun helped test applicants at Shin'ō Academy and discovered that Kaien Shiba possessed exceptionally high spiritual power. Wang Xun secretly collected attribute fragments as admissions ended and left with Nanao Ise for the cafeteria.

• Wang Xun and Nanao Ise rejected an applicant whose spiritual pressure was too low to qualify as a Soul Reaper.
• Wang Xun noticed Kaien Shiba arrive with Kūkaku and Ganju, and Kaien joined the testing line.
• Kaien released powerful spiritual pressure, scored sixth-grade spiritual power, and passed the test.
• Wang Xun secretly absorbed Kaien's spiritual power fragment, gaining 200 experience points.
• Wang Xun collected a few more fragments during the day's tests, then left the grounds with Nanao when admissions ended.

Wang Xun reflected on his Hollowfication ability and the danger posed by Aizen’s experiments while continuing to gather training fragments at Shin'ō Academy. After collecting what he could from the training grounds, he headed to meet Nanao at the library.

• Nanao worried about her unawakened Zanpakuto and uncertain future, and Wang Xun reassured her before they agreed to meet at the library on their day off.
• Wang Xun checked his system panel and considered how his Hollowfication fragment connected to Aizen’s experiments and the future Hollowfication of several captains.
• Wang Xun resolved to keep his strength hidden until he could face the threats ahead without fear.
• The next morning, Wang Xun collected spiritual power and combat-training fragments from the academy grounds, gaining experience in several skills.
• Wang Xun decided the academy could no longer provide enough fragments and went to meet Nanao at the library.

Wang Xun met Nanao Ise in the Shin'ō Academy library, where she showed him unusual fruits containing Reiryoku fragments. After discovering that the fruits could increase his Spiritual Might experience, Wang Xun decided to buy more from a stall outside the academy and investigate where they grew.

• Wang Xun joined Nanao Ise in the library, where she studied Reishi and he read a critical history of Soul Society.
• Nanao showed Wang Xun a bag of deep-purple fruits, and he recognized fragments of Reiryoku glowing inside some of them.
• Wang Xun ate a fruit and received a system notification granting him Spiritual Might experience.
• Nanao explained that she bought the fruits from a middle-aged man selling them outside the academy, and Wang Xun learned the man had about twenty jin for sale.
• Wang Xun used Shunpo to return to his dormitory for money and arranged to meet Nanao on the way to the stall.

Wang Xun bought a basket of unusual purple fruits from a stall that Kūkaku Shiba had been haggling over, then learned they grew in a remote area northwest of West District 2. The stallholder offered to take Wang Xun there, leaving him a chance to investigate the fruit’s source.

• Nanao met Wang Xun, and they hurried to the fruit seller’s stall.
• Kūkaku Shiba and Ganju Shiba argued with the stallholder over the price until two guards ordered him to pack up.
• Wang Xun paid the guards to let the stall remain and bought the fruit for sixteen thousand.
• Wang Xun gave Kūkaku some fruit, and she introduced herself and Ganju before offering him her name as help in Rukongai.
• Wang Xun asked where the fruit came from, and the stallholder said he had found a few unusually tasty trees in the mountains northwest of West District 2.
• The stallholder offered to take Wang Xun to see the trees without charging him.

Wang Xun traveled with Kūkaku Shiba and a stall owner to a secluded valley to investigate the trees that bore experience-granting fruit. Touching the trees raised Wang Xun’s Spiritual Might to ninth rank and awakened a Hōgyoku ability, leaving him stunned by the fragment within his soul.

• Wang Xun agreed to visit the stall owner’s mountain village and invited Kūkaku Shiba to accompany him while Nanao stayed behind.
• Wang Xun, Kūkaku, and the stall owner traveled to a village in West District 2, stayed overnight, and set out for the mountains the next morning.
• The group reached a misty valley where the stall owner identified the trees that had produced the fruit.
• Wang Xun touched a tree and absorbed spiritual power fragments, breaking through to ninth-rank Spiritual Might.
• Wang Xun received a tiny Hōgyoku fragment, unlocked the Hōgyoku ability, and sensed the fragment merging with his soul.

Wang Xun found a fresh Kidō fragment in the valley and realized it was connected to the Hōgyoku, then hurried Kūkaku and their older companion away. Aizen and Kaname Tōsen emerged after they left, and Aizen ordered an investigation into Wang Xun before destroying the evidence; later, Wang Xun treated Kūkaku to ramen, where she began to feel attracted to him.

• Wang Xun collected a Kidō fragment that granted him insight into Bakudō #26, Kyokkō, and suspected the valley’s strange changes were caused by the Hōgyoku.
• Wang Xun urged Kūkaku and the older man to leave the valley, and warned them not to return because he sensed other people nearby.
• After the group left, Sōsuke Aizen and Kaname Tōsen revealed themselves; Aizen identified the trees’ changes as Hōgyoku-related and ordered Kaname to investigate Wang Xun through the Shin'ō Academy.
• Aizen used Hadō #12: Fushibi to burn the trees and erase the traces of the experiment before he and Kaname vanished.
• Wang Xun told Kūkaku and the older man about his vague sense of danger, then parted from the older man and took Kūkaku to his Ichiraku Ramen shop.
• Kūkaku enjoyed the ramen and, as Wang Xun handed her a tissue, found herself feeling increasingly drawn to him.

After spending time with Kūkaku in Rukongai, Wang Xun returned to the academy and drew Aizen’s quiet attention. The next morning, Nanao showed jealousy over Kūkaku but softened as she and Wang Xun discussed the coming assessment and her worries about awakening her Zanpakuto.

• Wang Xun parted from Kūkaku after agreeing she could visit him again, then returned to the academy resolved to hide his strength.
• Aizen reviewed Wang Xun’s academy roster and noted that it showed no exceptional performance.
• Nanao questioned Wang Xun about buying sweets with Kūkaku, then accepted his treats and asked about his trip.
• Nanao told Wang Xun that the new-term assessment would take place next Wednesday and could lead to an early division entrance assessment.
• Nanao admitted she was considering applying to the Kidō Corps because her Asauchi had not changed, and Wang Xun encouraged her and offered to train with her.

As the start-of-term assessment approached, Tokinada Tsunayashiro tried to recruit Wang Xun as his retainer, but Wang Xun declined in favor of the Gotei 13. Tokinada left the offer open and warned him to look into Nanao's family background.

• Wang Xun reviewed his steadily improving abilities and expected to make several breakthroughs during the start-of-term test.
• Tokinada Tsunayashiro approached Wang Xun after training and sent Nanao ahead to the cafeteria so they could talk privately.
• Tokinada explained that he had observed Wang Xun's desire for strength and asked him again to join the Tsunayashiro Clan.
• Tokinada offered Wang Xun lieutenant-level treatment and access to the clan's resources, but Wang Xun declined because he preferred the Gotei 13.
• Tokinada told Wang Xun to take time to reconsider, offered his protection and friendship, and advised him to investigate Nanao's family background.

Wang Xun considered Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s offer and the Hōgyoku fragment fused with his soul before meeting Nanao in the cafeteria. He invited her to Ichiraku Ramen after their exam the next day and promised he would pay this time.

• Wang Xun decided not to become Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s retainer and felt relieved that his dormant Hōgyoku fragment would not draw Aizen’s attention.
• Wang Xun found Nanao still in the cafeteria and told her he had rejected Tokinada’s invitation.
• Wang Xun and Nanao discussed his possible future in the Eighth or Tenth Division and her plan to apply to the Kidō Corps.
• Wang Xun invited Nanao to Ichiraku Ramen after their exam, and Nanao reminded him that she had paid for their last meal when he forgot his wallet.
• Wang Xun recalled nearly having to wash dishes at his own restaurant and assured Nanao he would pay this time.

After his theory exams, Wang Xun ran into Kaien Shiba, whose remarks about Kūkaku made Nanao jealous. Kūkaku then arrived to see Wang Xun and asked if he had time, leaving him caught between the two women.

• Wang Xun finished the theory exams and reassured Nanao that he would pass the future squad entrance assessment.
• Kaien Shiba told Wang Xun that Kūkaku had been visiting Ichiraku Ramen because Wang Xun recommended it, then invited him to dinner with her.
• Nanao grew jealous as Kaien talked about Kūkaku's interest in Wang Xun, and Kaien hurried away after noticing the tense atmosphere.
• Kūkaku arrived looking for Wang Xun, explained that she had come with Kaien to the Academy, and asked Wang Xun if he had time later.

Wang Xun and Nanao spent the evening with Kūkaku and Kaien Shiba at a ramen shop, where Nanao’s jealousy surfaced despite her attempts to hide it. After the meal, Nanao focused on their exam the next day while privately questioning her feelings for Wang Xun.

• Wang Xun declined Kūkaku’s invitation after sensing Nanao’s displeasure, and Kūkaku left to find her big brother.
• Wang Xun took Nanao to the new Ichiraku Ramen, where Kūkaku and Kaien Shiba unexpectedly joined them.
• When Kūkaku asked to taste Wang Xun’s ramen, Nanao served her some on a dish with calm precision.
• Kūkaku teased Nanao through dinner while Nanao quietly watched her closeness with Wang Xun.
• After Kūkaku and Kaien left, Nanao remarked that Kūkaku seemed to care about Wang Xun and reminded him they had an exam tomorrow.
• As she walked back with Wang Xun, Nanao wondered whether her possessive feelings came from affection or simply being used to his company.

During a Kidō test, Wang Xun deliberately kept his Shakkahō performance ordinary, but Lieutenant Aizen singled him out and invited him to consider joining the Fifth Division. Wang Xun suspected Aizen had recognized him from their encounter in West District Two and left uneasy about the attention.

• Nanao struggled to focus during her Shakkahō test, then imagined Wang Xun as the target and blasted it apart with an accurate spell.
• Aizen arrived at the Spiritual Arts Academy’s testing ground, and Wang Xun wondered why the lieutenant was attending the assessment.
• Wang Xun passed by performing an intentionally average Shakkahō, then noticed Aizen watching him.
• Aizen praised Wang Xun’s control, suggested he had held back, and asked about his plans after graduation.
• Aizen invited Wang Xun to consider joining the Fifth Division, but Wang Xun postponed deciding and suspected Aizen had noticed him in West District Two.
• When Nanao asked what he thought of Aizen’s invitation, Wang Xun said he was scared to tears.

Aizen suspected Wang Xun was concealing his abilities and arranged to observe him during an upcoming practicum in the World of the Living. After Shinji Hirako confronted him about suspicious incidents and warned him not to threaten Soul Society, Aizen completed his covert arrangements and remained outwardly composed.

• Aizen reviewed Wang Xun's academy record and recalled their encounter, concluding that Wang Xun's hidden capabilities warranted further observation.
• Aizen found the fifth-year elite class's World of the Living practicum scheduled for three weeks later and wrote a note to arrange a test.
• Shinji Hirako entered Aizen's office, examined the practicum schedule, and raised concerns about a fire in West District 2 and delayed support during Hollow attacks.
• Aizen apologized for the support squad's failures, while Hirako warned that he would stop Aizen if he plotted against Soul Society.
• After Hirako left, Aizen finished his arrangements, sent a note through a trusted contact, and studied his unchanged gentle expression in the mirror.

Wang Xun trained until he gained Shunpo insight and reflected on his growing strength and Aizen’s unsettling interest in him. Kaien invited him to a meal at Kūkaku’s home in West Rukongai, and Wang Xun agreed to visit on Saturday.

• Wang Xun trained at Shin'ō Academy and gained five Shunpo experience, bringing all four Zankensōki skills to level three.
• Wang Xun asked Nanao about the upcoming Konsō practicum, and she told him it would begin in two weeks with group assignments announced the following week.
• Wang Xun remained wary of Aizen and suspected the practicum in the World of the Living could provide an opportunity for an accident.
• Nanao noticed Wang Xun’s worry, and he reassured her that he was focused on the responsibility of leading younger students.
• Kaien Shiba invited Wang Xun to Kūkaku’s home for a meal, and Wang Xun accepted the invitation for Saturday.

Wang Xun visited the Shiba Clan residence and saw Kaien and Kūkaku struggle to get Ganju to take family training seriously. After recognizing a possible use for Ganju’s pig-riding hobby, Wang Xun offered the family an idea.

• Wang Xun arrived at the Shiba Clan residence with Kaien and met Ganju, who nearly crashed into them while riding Bonnie.
• Kūkaku welcomed Wang Xun, and Kaien showed him the underground home, where Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko greeted him.
• During dinner, Kaien scolded Ganju for racing through the streets on Bonnie and neglecting the family’s fireworks techniques.
• Ganju protested when Kaien and Kūkaku said they might send Bonnie away, then fell quiet when Kaien told him to eat.
• Wang Xun suggested that Ganju’s hobby could be put to proper use and said he had an idea for the family.

Wang Xun proposed a partnership with Ganju to use his knowledge of Rukongai and speed to expand Ichiraku Ramen’s delivery business, and Kaien agreed. After dinner, Wang Xun and Kaien talked over tea in the moonlit courtyard, where Wang Xun suggested they spar.

• Wang Xun revealed that he owned Ichiraku Ramen and explained his plan to expand delivery by keeping soup and noodles separate and taking advance orders.
• Wang Xun proposed that Ganju use his speed and knowledge of Rukongai’s streets to deliver food as a partner, earning a share of the business’s revenue.
• Ganju called Wang Xun “Brother-in-law,” embarrassing Wang Xun, Kaien, and Kūkaku.
• Kaien agreed to let Ganju try the work and warned him to follow the rules and deliver every order safely.
• After dinner, Wang Xun and Kaien drank tea in the courtyard, and Wang Xun asked Kaien to spar.

Wang Xun sparred with Kaien Shiba on Mount Koibushi, absorbing fragments of Kaien’s Shunpo and combat experience as their fight escalated from swordsmanship to hand-to-hand combat. After the exhausted Wang Xun’s Reiatsu ran low, the dormant dark-red Hollow Reiatsu in his soul stirred and filled him with a violent desire to devour.

• Kaien Shiba led Wang Xun to Mount Koibushi, where they raced with Shunpo and Wang Xun absorbed insights from Kaien’s movements.
• Kaien and Wang Xun sparred with wooden swords, and Wang Xun absorbed Kendō experience while adapting Kaien’s techniques.
• Their Reiatsu-infused wooden swords broke, so they continued the fight with Hakuda.
• Wang Xun spotted an opening and landed a heavy punch, but pulled his blow before it could seriously hurt Kaien.
• Kaien and Wang Xun resumed fighting until Wang Xun grew exhausted and the dormant Hollow Reiatsu in his soul stirred.

Wang Xun ended his spar with Kaien after a trace of Hollowfication Reiatsu stirred, but gained substantial experience and continued training with him in secret. Nanao followed them, discovered Wang Xun’s surprising speed, and reconciled with him after he promised to return to their library visits.

• Wang Xun stopped sparring with Kaien when his blood and Reiatsu surged, then asked Kaien to keep his strength secret.
• Wang Xun checked his system and saw major experience gains in Spiritual Might, Kendō, Hakuda, and Shunpo.
• Wang Xun stayed overnight at the Shiba Clan residence and considered the risks of triggering Hollowfication.
• Wang Xun and Kaien returned to their routine of training together, while Nanao noticed Wang Xun had become more diligent and was spending less time with her.
• Nanao secretly followed Wang Xun and Kaien out of Seireitei and saw them vanish with Shunpo.
• Wang Xun caught Nanao following them, explained that he was training with Kaien, and promised to resume their library visits after the Konsō practicum.

As the Konsō field training approached, Wang Xun finished an intensive training stretch with Kaien and prepared to lead a group with Nanao Ise and Heita Harada. The students departed Shin'ō Academy for the World of the Living after Hasegawa reviewed their safety rules and mission.

• Wang Xun let the exhausted Kaien rest, checked his panel, and saw that his Spiritual Might had reached the eighth class and his Asauchi resonance had risen to 98%.
• Wang Xun met Nanao Ise and Heita Harada to plan their group's duties and agree to keep the three third-years safe during the field training.
• Wang Xun dodged Nanao's question about the girl from the Shiba Clan and left the classroom.
• Hasegawa briefed the students on completing Konsō, cooperating, and prioritizing safety before the groups prepared to depart.
• Wang Xun stood with Nanao Ise, Heita Harada, Yoshida, Kobayashi, and Satō as the Senkaimon opened and the students began moving out.

Wang Xun led Nanao, Harada, and three third-years through the Senkaimon for a Konsō practicum in the World of the Living. After the students performed Konsō on more than ten souls, an alarm reported a nearby Hollow just as a roar split the night.

• Wang Xun guided his group through the Dangai and into a city in the World of the Living.
• Wang Xun reviewed the Konsō procedure and sent the third-years to practice while he, Nanao, and Harada watched over them.
• The students successfully performed Konsō on more than ten souls, and Wang Xun had them practice Bakudō on a resistant soul.
• During a break, Wang Xun and Nanao noted that the area’s unusual lack of Hollows felt ominous.
• Nanao’s Denreishinki detected a nearby Hollow, and a savage roar rang out before she could finish her warning.