Yoriichi Tsugikuni reborn in the soul society

It was three days later that Yoriichi received his asauchi.

From the Shinigami responsible for distributing the Asauchi, he learned that the Asauchi was a blank Zanpakuto—a prototype without any inherent abilities.

It could only be awakened by imbuing it with one's spirit and beliefs over time.

This awakening process is known as Shikai.

Upon successful awakening.

The Zanpakuto would gain unique powers, such as manipulation of wind, fire, lightning, or ice… amplifying the wielder's strength by a significant degree.

Within the Gotei 13, only those who had achieved Shikai were considered truly powerful.

They often held officer positions within their respective divisions, their status considerably higher than that of ordinary Shinigami.

For Yoriichi, if he wished to locate his wife through the influence of the Gotei 13, he would first need to attain the rank of Captain.

And the requirements for becoming a captain…

"The requirements for captaincy are stringent. Among the many candidates, only one is chosen, and they must have mastered Bankai, a level beyond Shikai."

"Bankai is the ultimate release of a Zanpakuto's power. Among the countless Shinigami in Soul Society, only a handful can achieve it."

Upon hearing this explanation, Yoriichi's brow furrowed slightly.

One in a hundred?

Very well.

It was not a probability that inspired despair.

At least he possessed third-grade spiritual power.

The likelihood of achieving Bankai was still relatively high.

Gently running his fingers along the blade of the Asauchi, Yoriichi turned and headed towards the classroom.

Soon after, his formal academy life began.

It was unlike what he had anticipated.

He had assumed that studying would be a tedious affair, having often witnessed children complaining about attending school.

It wasn't until he experienced it himself that he realized it wasn't tiresome at all.

According to the academy instructors, his swordsmanship and Hakuda skills were already at a Captain-level standard upon enrollment.

Though they were unsure of the origin of his abilities, they nonetheless offered their sincere congratulations.

After all, having a prodigy among their students was a source of great pride.

As for the other two fundamental Shinigami skills, Hoho and Kidō.

The former, due to his mastery of Thunder Breathing, proved easy to grasp.

It was simply a matter of releasing Reiryoku, instantly applying force to the ground, and using the resulting momentum for rapid movement.

This was exceptionally challenging for beginners, as it required precise control over one's Reiryoku output. Too little, and one would fail to move; too much, and one would be propelled uncontrollably.

But for him…

Even the Second Division Lieutenant, Ōmaeda Marechiyo, expressed his admiration.

After less than a week of practice, Yoriichi's speed was already comparable to his own.

It was worth noting that Ōmaeda was renowned as one of the fastest Shinigami in Soul Society. In terms of sheer speed, only twenty to thirty Shinigami could surpass him.

Result…

If he were not such an open-minded individual, he might have succumbed to despair upon witnessing Yoriichi's pursuit of Hoho, which seemed divinely ordained.

Ōmaeda had dedicated a century to mastering Hoho, yet his proficiency was almost surpassed by others after a mere week of practice.

As for Kidō…

In Yoriichi's estimation, it was a similar discipline to Blood Demon Arts, with the key difference being that Blood Demon Arts utilized the blood of demons, whereas Kidō manipulated one's own Reishi.

He received personal instruction from a man towering at two meters and five centimeters, with short, pink hair.

Hachigen Ushōda.

This was his name.

Despite his imposing stature, he exuded a gentle demeanor towards Yoriichi.

Even when he made mistakes, Hachigen corrected him patiently.

He displayed no impatience until Yoriichi had fully grasped the technique.

At one point, Yoriichi considered him the most benevolent Shinigami he had encountered.

A stark contrast to Yamamoto Shigekuni.

Of course.

He did not dedicate an extensive period to studying Kidō.

Within approximately two months, Yoriichi had progressed from novice to master.

"You have already graduated."

In a spacious and pristine room, Ushōda Hachigen, clad in a purple haori, observed as Yoriichi chanted and executed a Kidō spell that shattered a section of the wall and exclaimed in genuine admiration.

"You are the most gifted student I have instructed in the past two centuries."

"I wonder if you would be interested in joining the Kidō Corps?"

"With your talent, I believe you could succeed me within a decade."

"Please consider the offer carefully."

Excluding Yoroichi Shihouin, the fastest student he had ever taught, had required five months to progress from beginner to proficiency.

Yoriichi's progress was more than twice as rapid, a speed that transcended mere genius.

Those far surpassing even geniuses were considered monsters.

The Kidō Corps was in dire need of such exceptional individuals.

Whoosh.

Yoriichi retracted his fingers, and a wisp of white Reishi dissipated from his fingertips.

Hearing Ushōda Hachigen's words, Yoriichi considered for a moment and then shook his head slightly: "I apologize, Master Hachigen; the Kidō Corps is not the path I wish to pursue."

"I appreciate your high regard for me, but... I have my reasons."

"Only by joining the Gotei 13 and achieving the rank of Captain can I hope to find my wife."

"She passed away seventy years ago, and her current whereabouts are unknown. I trust you understand my resolve. This is my sole motivation for becoming a Shinigami."

Ushōda Hachigen sighed: "Is that so?"

"If that is your decision, then I cannot dissuade you."

"It is a pity that the Kidō Corps is facing a decline."

Though he was reluctant to see Tsugikuni Yoriichi depart, he could not stand in his way after hearing his explanation.

He was not a heartless Shinigami.

He, too, had once had a wife, though she had passed away a century prior.

Lowering his gaze, Ushōda Hachigen said slowly, "Come with me to see Captain-Commander Yamamoto. You have mastered all four fundamental Shinigami disciplines."

"Ordinarily, proficiency in two is sufficient for graduation."

"Given your circumstances…"

"I believe only the Captain-Commander can determine your placement."

"If you were willing to join the Kidōshū, it would be a simple matter, but given your desire to join the Gotei 13… with the exception of the Sixth Division, every other Division will be vying for your recruitment."

The Sixth Division was known as the noble division, its ranks filled with lower-ranking nobles and retainers of noble houses.

However, Yoriichi Tsugikuni was not of noble birth, and as a resident of the Rukongai, regardless of his strength, the Sixth Division would not accept him.

Unless he were to marry into a noble family.

However, Yoriichi Tsugikuni harbored no such intentions; thus, joining the Sixth Division was never a possibility.

Yoriichi nodded and followed Ushōda Hachigen, quickly arriving outside the First Division barracks.

After announcing their arrival, they were soon greeted by Yamamoto Shigekuni, whom Yoriichi had not seen in several days.

The old man maintained his usual stern expression.

"You have arrived…"

Yamamoto Shigekuni nodded, glanced at Tsugikuni Yoriichi's composed countenance, and proceeded directly to the point.

"I presume you are familiar with the structure of Soul Society. What are your thoughts?"

"Which Division of the Gotei 13 do you wish to join?"

"What is the primary function of each division?" Yoriichi inquired.

Yamamoto Shigekuni responded, "The First Division serves as the command center, responsible for disseminating directives from the Central 46 and conducting regular meetings."

"The Second Division is a covert operations unit, specializing in assassination and intelligence gathering."

"The Third Division is…"

"With the exception of the Sixth Division, you may choose any Division within the Gotei 13, including my own First Division. This is the utmost concession I can offer."

"If you find it difficult to decide, I can grant you time for deliberation."

"Given your early graduation, you have ample time before the official graduation ceremony later this year…"

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