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Chapter 404: The Spirit's Existence
"Kai-kun, who is this woman? She speaks so familiarly! Can you introduce her to me?"
Unohana Retsu held Kai's hand, squeezing it lightly, a smile on her face.
Kai could almost see a pound sign flashing on her forehead.
"Uh Retsu! I'm sorry, my eyes were clouded by darkness earlier, and I unintentionally overlooked you. Thank you for looking after my Mo Mo, Retsu."
Unohana Retsu's voice pulled the beautiful woman away from the joy of kissing Kai. She looked slightly confused but apologized to Unohana Retsu with gentle sincerity.
Her eyes, gazing at Unohana Retsu, sparkled like endless stars, deep and captivating, drawing people in like a black hole. Yet, despite their allure, Unohana Retsu felt uneasy. Anger simmered within her.
Retsu?!
This was their first meeting. How could this woman act so familiar? Why did her Mo Mo seem like an outsider in this exchange? And why was she still touching him?
In Unohana Retsu's view, the woman continued to take liberties, her delicate, pale fingers gliding across Kai's cheek as she spoke. Seeing Unohana Retsu's anger rising, Kai gently pinched the mischievous hand on his face, stopping the woman embracing him from behind. He offered Unohana Retsu an apologetic smile.
"Retsu, let me introduce you. This is my Zanpakutō, Lingji. You can call her Ling. You've met her before, but she hadn't materialized then."
Kai's Zanpakutō?
No wonder she felt familiar. But didn't he already have a Zanpakutō like hers? Why another? More importantly, why was this Zanpakutō's spirit a woman? That was what Unohana Retsu cared about most.
It made sense, though. When Kai crafted this Zanpakutō, he aimed for ultimate power, elevating its abilities to SS level, matching the Curse Absorption and King Engine. With greater knowledge and strength, he shaped this new Zanpakutō, even choosing its gender. Truthfully, when given the choice, Kai opted for a female spirit, one pleasing to the eye.
Ling's jade-like arms extended from behind Kai, and he felt a soft weight release from his back. Her figure floated before him, dressed in a white ancient-style outfit with a purple robe adorned with golden patterns. Her long, waterfall-like black hair added to her luxurious, mysterious, and enchanting aura.
Boom!
Ling didn't support him from behind this time but rushed forward, the impact pushing Kai back a few steps. His right hand, holding Unohana Retsu's left, slipped free.
"Hehe! That's right, I'm the black Zanpakutō. Mo Mo and I are one!" Ling's voice was gentle, like an ocean embracing all, filled with deep, unshakable affection.
She hovered slightly, arms around Kai's neck, her body pressing against him with a remarkable presence. Kai could only wrap his arms around her, lifting her like a princess. A strange fragrance enveloped him, sometimes orange, sometimes osmanthus, blending natural scents that bloomed in succession. This was Ling's unique essence, crafted for Kai, shifting to any fragrance he desired, a testament to their connection.
"But really, who tosses their Zanpakutō into another dimension? That's just too much, Mo Mo!" Ling pouted her red lips, half-teasing, half-sulking.
Kai looked at her, so close, and found her expression amusing. "Don't I visit you every day?"
"That tiny bit of time isn't enough! I think of you constantly. How can you stand it?" Ling rolled her eyes playfully, her slender fingers brushing Kai's cheek as she cooed. Her obsidian eyes rippled with charm.
"Alright, I'll spend more time with you. If that's not enough, I'll use the power of time. But now, we have business to attend to."
Kai noticed Unohana Retsu's face darkening, her aura growing menacing. Ling, receiving Kai's promise, smiled gently, her eyes holding an unreadable depth.
Da da da.
Kai returned to Unohana Retsu, setting Ling down. The spirit no longer clung to him but turned to Unohana Retsu.
"Hehe, you finally remember me! I thought I was invisible!" Unohana Retsu said, her tone sharp.
"I'm sorry, Retsu. As an apology, come to me anytime. I know lots of Mo Mo's preferences!" Ling floated beside Unohana Retsu, cupping her face with affection. Her approachable aura and mesmerizing eyes briefly dazed Unohana Retsu.
"Is that so? I won't intrude. But please, refrain from such gestures. We're not that close." Unohana Retsu's anger softened, her smile less cold. Ling was Kai's Zanpakutō, after all, no need for jealousy. Besides, Ling showed no hostility. Being petty would seem small-minded.
"Hehe! I have a feeling we'll become very close." Ling didn't mind Unohana Retsu pushing her hand away. She held no ill will. What Kai loved, she loved, people or things. She embraced all of Kai's desires with boundless tolerance.
"Let's begin," Kai said, seeing Unohana Retsu's anger subside. He led them to the center of the building, where a purple-handled sword stood embedded in a white jade platform.
Click!
Kai pulled the sword free, and Ling's form began to dissolve, merging into the blade. This was Kai's true Zanpakutō. The spirit's earlier presence was merely a phantom, not a full embodiment. As a sword spirit, she needed to reside within the Zanpakutō to unleash its full power and sustain the immense spiritual energy of this world. Thus, she could only appear as a spectral form, never fully free.
( End of this chapter )