Especially since it was so utterly silent.
There was no wind, no insects, just complete and utter dead silence, as if everything here had been drained of life by the mushroom-shaped creations. Even so, those creations had no vitality to speak of; they were clearly withered, dead things.
Shimiya Takeru slowly remembered.
He had been cultivating, but then he suddenly appeared here.
Appeared in…
His own inner world.
"You don't seem very happy… And rightly so, the scenery here isn't that beautiful."
The clear voice was momentarily indistinguishable between male and female, instead, it instantly brought to mind a proud eagle crying out in the sky.
And the voice did indeed come from above.
Shimiya Takeru slightly raised his eyelids. A figure slowly drifted down from the sky, which had previously been so murky it made one dizzy.
Flowing long hair, a white and colorful cloak, and an unusually large mushroom cap on her head—it was hard to tell if it was a hat or grew from her head.
High-density spirit particles glowed blue inside the cap and the inner side of the cloak.
The inner part of her black hair was streaked with blue, and a sapphire-like core hub was embedded in her chest.
A pair of azure eyes shone brightly, even more striking than her delicate feminine appearance.
Her legs beneath the cloak were clad in black boots, contrasting with her snow-white skin.
A section of her calf was exposed in the middle, faintly revealing blue patterns.
This strangely dressed yet beautiful woman floated in mid-air, looking down at Shimiya Takeru with a dignified smile.
Her posture was more like the master of this world.
…No, to be precise, it was "God."
"I never thought I was beautiful, nor am I unhappy. I don't care what my inner world looks like. Given my situation, no matter how bizarre it is, it wouldn't be surprising."
Shimiya Takeru showed no trace of surprise, speaking as if to an acquaintance, stating the obvious.
"But I am very unhappy, trapped in a world like this, unable to get out."
The Mushroom Woman tilted her head, her smile showing no sign of anger.
"Do you really want to get out?"
"Of course, who would want to be trapped in a world like this?"
"I heard that powerful Zanpakuto consider their masters a restraint. Are you that type?"
"What do you think?"
"I say you are not."
"Not?"
"Not."
Shimiya Takeru's firm answer made the Mushroom Woman smile exceptionally brightly. She twirled and danced in mid-air, finally descending before her master like falling cherry blossoms.
The distance between them was less than a meter. Their gazes met, with only each other's figures in their eyes, making even the world itself seem superfluous.
"A Zanpakuto is its master's power. Only fools consumed by desire, not masters abandoned by their Zanpakuto. I once wavered between these, but now you have made the choice for me."
The Mushroom Woman said softly.
Shimiya Takeru frowned in displeasure.
"I don't like hearing that. It makes it sound like I was a fool who could be consumed by desire at any moment before this."
"Weren't you?"
"No."
"Hahaha~ Indeed not. To describe it merely as 'desire' is an understatement. It's the ordinary mindset of a superior being even more exaggerated than a god."
"Is there anything wrong with an ordinary mindset?"
"No, even if there was, as long as I am here, it will be gone."
The Mushroom Woman leaned in, pressing her forehead against Shimiya Takeru's, enveloping his figure beneath her massive cap. The two seemed to merge into one.
"Conversely, to use me, you need this ordinary mindset."
"So, when you call me, speak softly, just like now, whispering to your other self in your heart."
"Then I will become you, and you will become me. Together, we will… eliminate everything unpleasant outside, completely, leaving nothing behind…!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Shimiya Takeru's vision blurred, and he was abruptly back in reality.
Inside the Spiritual Power Restoration Chamber, everything was as usual, only the Mushroom Woman's clear, violent voice still echoed in his ears.
"…"
Shimiya Takeru looked down at the Asauchi at his waist.
It had changed slightly compared to when he first received it.
The hilt had turned blue, and the tsuba was neither perfectly round nor square, inheriting the shape of the Mushroom Woman's cap.
He slowly drew the sword from its sheath, gazing at the gleaming blade. His lips moved, feeling an urge to speak his mind.
But Shimiya Takeru suppressed this urge.
If he were to shout the release command here, this Spiritual Power Restoration Chamber and even the surrounding buildings would very likely turn to dust in an instant—he had this clear premonition.
"Shigong-kun, is your training finished? It's time to eat."
At this moment, a clear-eyed young girl appeared before Shimiya Takeru.
From the Lieutenant's armband on her shoulder, it was not difficult to identify her.
It was Hinamori Momo, Lieutenant of the Fifth Division.
Due to frequently using the Spiritual Power Restoration Chamber, and even Aizen himself, Shimiya Takeru and Ichigo inevitably came into contact with this Lieutenant.
And as time went on, their relationship slowly improved.
Shimiya Takeru could feel that the smile on her face was much more genuine than it had been initially.
She would even come to notify him when it was mealtime, just like now.
"Captain Aizen's method puts a great strain on the body, so please don't push yourself too hard. With Shigong-kun's perseverance, you'll definitely catch up to me in a few more years."
Hinamori Momo's words were hard to tell if they were encouragement or showing off, but they sounded quite heartwarming. Even if she was boasting about her current Kido mastery, it wouldn't make people feel annoyed; it was more like a little girl's small bit of pride.
"Although it's tough, I can only say it lives up to the teacher's reputation."
Shimiya Takeru didn't care, picking up his Zanpakuto and gesturing with it.
"They said studying calligraphy would help with Kido and sword meditation, but I didn't expect to see results so quickly."
"…"
Hinamori Momo was slightly stunned. Her memory was excellent, and although it was just a quick glance, she remembered clearly that Shimiya Takeru's sword didn't look like this originally.
This change could only prove one thing.
"Shigong-kun… have you mastered Shikai?"
"Yes, it was a bit faster than I expected. I thought I'd have to grind for a few more months."
"…"
Even if it took a few more months, it would still be incredibly fast.
Since the Spirit Arts Academy was founded, how many first-year students have mastered their Zanpakuto's release?
At this rate and Spirit Power level, he would probably be able to reach the ultimate secret of Zanpakuto combat tactics—Bankai—before graduation!
"I understand Captain Aizen's feelings now. Such a genius really can't be left alone…"
Hinamori Momo looked at the imposing young man, feeling both envious and frustrated.
Chapter 11: Not Aizen's doing? That's even worse.
Spirit Arts Academy, Special Class, also known as Class One.
Hachihara poked Shimiya Takeru's back and whispered:
"Ichigo looks terrible? Did he have a nightmare about a Hollow last night?"
"Maybe, but given his courage, to scare him, he'd at least have to have his girlfriend stolen by a Hollow, then get beaten up twice, and have a punctured heart."
"Hey! I heard that!"
Ichigo, in the next seat, had a vein throbbing on his forehead.
"So what if you heard it? Want to fight?"
"…"
Normally, facing such blatant provocation from Shimiya Takeru, there would be no reason to back down, and certainly no possibility of being afraid just because the opponent was strong, even stronger than himself.
But Ichigo still held back.
This situation made Hachihara widen his eyes in surprise.
"Ichigo, did you… really have a nightmare about a Hollow stealing your girlfriend?"
[?]
Even Rindo Yu slowly typed out a question mark, expressing concern for his housemate.
"Don't listen to that bastard's nonsense!"
Ichigo went frantic, then glared at Shimiya Takeru in annoyance.
"Don't think I don't know you're trying to show off your Shikai by picking a fight. I won't give you the chance."
"Who said I wanted to show off? I saw that you were envious of me mastering Shikai faster than you, and I didn't give you a chance to surpass me, so I wanted to broaden your horizons and help you improve. Brother Kurosaki misunderstands me so deeply, it's truly disheartening."
Shimiya Takeru shook his head and sighed.
"I'm too lazy to argue with you. Anyway, my Kaido has already reached the entry level. From a technical difficulty standpoint, my Kido is on par with yours, hehe."
"That's truly amazing."
"…"
Watching Shimiya Takeru give a thumbs-up, his admiration seemed genuine, and Ichigo's expression froze. Whether it was sarcasm or sincerity, it was quite frustrating.
To be honest, Shimiya Takeru was telling the truth.
Under Aizen's careful guidance, Ichigo not only entered the entry level of Kaido but also solidified his foundation. His rapidly increasing spiritual pressure showed no signs of losing control.
Clearly,
His Quincy ability to manipulate spirit particles was beginning to shine.
Swordsmanship, Hand-to-Hand Combat, and Shunpo were not neglected either.
In a normal spar, even a Third Seat of the Fifth Division was no match.
Early graduation was a foregone conclusion.
To say "amazing" would be an understatement.
Of course, Shimiya Takeru was no less impressive.
Swordsmanship, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Shunpo, and Kido—he was only stronger, not weaker, than Ichigo. For example, a Hado of the Shakkahō level could still retain half its power without incantation, which even the ordinary genius Hachihara found unbelievable.
After the last class ended, Uryunahara Gengo suddenly came to the classroom. As the homeroom teacher of Class One, he had many responsibilities, but none was more important than personal safety.
Now, that bottom line had been broken.
"I'll take a moment of your time. On behalf of the Spirit Arts Academy, I am issuing an urgent notice."
Uryunahara Gengo's expression was grave.
Everyone at this moment had an ominous premonition.
"Just recently, it has been confirmed that one student each from Class One and Class Two have gone missing without a trace in the Outer District of Runlin'an. If anyone has any information, please report it to me immediately. Furthermore, until the investigation is complete, it is not recommended for anyone to leave the Seireitei."
With that, Uryunahara Gengo left in a hurry.