BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

[Congratulations, Host, on obtaining the exceptional "Zanpakutō Talent"!]

Seeing this reward, Akira felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Though it was categorized as a talent-like ability, the Hikari Mirror had already given him a significant surprise. Now, he was just half a step away from fully manifesting his Shikai. If he could take it even further, he eagerly anticipated what new abilities might emerge.

"First things first, let's test this Zanpakutō talent," he murmured.

Closing his eyes, Akira sat cross-legged and placed the Hikari Mirror in front of him. The moment he activated his spiritual perception, his eyes shot open in shock.

"The difference is incredible..."

The enhancement brought by this Zanpakutō talent was staggering—so much so that he could feel the change within mere seconds.

"Unbelievable… The speed of my communication with my Zanpakutō has advanced by leaps and bounds!"

Akira quickly grasped the significance of this newfound power.

If an elite-level Zanpakutō talent made one stand out among vice-captains, then achieving Bankai was merely a matter of diligent training. After all, several Shinigami who once held only the rank of vice-captain—or even lower—had successfully mastered Bankai.

But this was a level beyond that.

If elite talent meant one could reach Bankai, then this exceptional talent practically guaranteed it.

At this level, comprehending Shikai was nothing short of pure talent overwhelming all obstacles.

"At this rate, I might completely master my Shikai before tomorrow," Akira mused, his excitement growing.

Without wasting a moment, he delved into training.

As expected, in just half a day, he had taken the final step.

"So that's it..."

Akira exhaled slowly, gripping the hilt of the Hikari Mirror. A knowing glint flashed in his eyes.

"I was mistaken before. The Hikari Mirror wasn't incomplete, nor was it only half of a Shikai..."

The true name of the Hikari Mirror had never been in question. What he needed to change was its release command!

"By altering the release phrase, the Hikari Mirror reveals its fourth and final ability—an ability that truly embodies the essence of a mirror."

Just as instinct guides breathing, Akira instinctively knew the power his Zanpakutō now possessed.

Still, theory was one thing—practical combat was another. To master his Shikai more quickly, he needed to test it in battle.

Fortunately, a suitable opponent was right there.

"…Gin," Akira called out.

"Hm?" Ichimaru Gin looked up from his seat across the room. "Sir, do you need something?"

Akira smiled. "Not a request—just a little sparring match."

Ichimaru Gin's shoulders tensed, and he let out a dry chuckle. "Akira sama, you must be joking. With your strength—punching Aizen and kicking Yamamoto—wouldn't I just be lunch on the battlefield?"

The implication was clear: Do we really need to fight when we already know how this ends?

He had no interest in getting beaten down.

"My strength isn't as exaggerated as you make it sound," Akira laughed. "Don't worry—I'll only use my Shikai. No other abilities."

Seeing no way out, Ichimaru Gin sighed, forcing a wry smile.

"…Alright then."

The match began.

After a fierce exchange, Ichimaru Gin collapsed onto a nearby table, panting heavily.

Akira's eyes gleamed as he approached.

"Gin, according to Yamamoto Shigekuni's orders, you and three other captains will be searching for me tomorrow, won't you?"

Ichimaru Gin nodded and said, "Yes… I will try my best not to let them disturb you."

"No," Ichimaru was taken aback as Akira shook his head. "Tell me where you will be tomorrow, and I will meet them myself."

Gin was momentarily stunned, but recalling Akira's immense Shikai strength, he quickly relaxed.

"That's right… With his power, there's no need to hide from them at all."

The Next Day

Ichimaru Gin, alongside Kyoraku Shunsui, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Komamura Sajin, formed a search unit composed solely of captains. Such a team structure, unheard of before, made it clear just how formidable they expected their enemy to be.

"But we failed to find Akira yesterday. Will we have any luck today?" Kyoraku Shunsui sighed as the four captains searched tirelessly without results.

Jūshirō Ukitake shook his head. "Who knows? But most likely, we'll return empty-handed. After all, Akira just fought the Head Captain—he's bound to be lying low to recover."

"It makes sense," Kyoraku agreed. "Anyone with common sense would know that after displaying such power, Gotei 13 would be waiting in full force. Showing up now would be reckless—it'd mean facing overwhelming opposition. If I were him, I'd avoid the limelight."

Komamura Sajin, however, snorted coldly. "That's not necessarily true! With Akira's arrogance, he just might—"

Kyoraku and Ukitake were about to dismiss the thought but fell silent, recalling what had happened the previous day. Indeed, the fact that Akira had shown up at the first squad meeting despite knowing the risks was proof that he wasn't someone who acted rationally.

"What do you think, Ichimaru?" Jūshirō asked.

"…"

Ichimaru Gin squinted his eyes as memories from yesterday resurfaced.

"My lord, if we become enemies tomorrow, what should I do?"

Akira had smiled faintly. "Just fight as you normally would. Otherwise, the elites with you will grow suspicious."

Ichimaru hesitated. "Is that really okay? Won't you be under a lot of pressure?"

Akira scoffed. "Pressure? Do you even know who you're talking to? Do you really think I need anything more than Shikai to handle your Bankai?"

The memory ended abruptly.

Ichimaru Gin smirked. "I don't have any objections. If I meet Akira, I'll do my best to bring him down."

"That's good," Ukitake nodded. "Against Akira, we must work together to—"

He stopped mid-sentence.

Kyoraku and Komamura froze as well.

Standing atop a white pagoda, overlooking them with an air of dominance, was none other than Akira himself.

"Hello," he said indifferently. "Are you the sacrificial pawns Yamamoto sent for me to hunt?"

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