Death: Starting as the Guardian of Avici Hell

Aizen watched Naraku Sora not far away with great interest, his attention almost entirely focused on his hands.

The basic demonic patterns, the surging and abundant spiritual pressure, plus that edge that belongs exclusively to the way of the sword.

Just when he thought Naraku's potential had reached its limit, this guy always managed to pull out a really tough trick for him.

"If it's just about attaching Kido to Zanpakuto and using it as a medium to release it, then it can only be considered as developing yet another completely new Kido."

Aizen spoke eloquently, and despite having only recently graduated from the Spirit Arts Academy, few could rival his achievements in the field of Kido.

This was even when he didn't want to reveal his true strength.

"This can be seen in the example of the Seventy-Eighth Hado: Zankarin, whose form is extremely similar to swordsmanship."

At this point, Aizen pondered for a moment, then raised the corners of his mouth in a slight smile:

"Like other demonic arts, every detail of the Zhanhua Lun ritual, from the initial movement to the slashing motion, constitutes a complete demonic ritual, which can be understood as chanting incantations."

"Similarly, skilled practitioners can unleash the Blade of Destruction through other postures, which can be understood as another type of Destruction Chant."

Naraku suddenly realized.

Information about the Ghost Path subconsciously surfaced in my mind.

If I remember correctly, he had a senior brother who seemed to be very skilled in this demonic art, but unfortunately he didn't inflict any significant damage in battle.

"But you are different, empty."

Aizen hesitated for a moment, seemingly feeling that such a form of address was a bit too intimate, but for the sake of his current character, it seemed that this was the only option.

"Let's call the Ghost Sword Technique you developed for now."

"It has almost perfectly integrated the ways of the devil and the way of the sword, breaking down the boundaries between the two and giving them two completely different characteristics at the same time."

"Being able to execute such a move is enough to make a name for oneself in the history of Soul Society."

Naraku grinned: "Oh, not at all, just lucky."

Aizen pursed his lips, a hint of complexity creeping into his eyes.

He originally thought that this guy came to him today to ask for his assistance in cultivation.

But no one expected that Naraku would pull out such an astonishing move.

I originally thought the gap between the two would widen over time until it became invisible.

But not long after graduation, that distance suddenly shrank dramatically.

Aizen sometimes even wondered if he had been so engrossed in paperwork that he had neglected his training, which allowed this guy to catch up.

But upon closer reflection, how could a normal Grim Reaper be so absurd as Naraku?

Despite being only at the tenth level of spiritual power, he directly attacked upwards, leaving even the sixth-level spiritual power Death God breathless.

etc--

Aizen's pupils contracted slightly, a fleeting look of shock flashing in his eyes.

Naraku Sora's spiritual pressure...

Seventh class?!

Although Naraku Sora didn't fully reveal it, one could still sense something from the dissipating spiritual pressure when he used his self-created technique.

Aizen considered himself to have decent talent in spiritual pressure, but surely his improvement rate wasn't this exaggerated?

In just a few days, it jumped from level 10 to level 7.

If this trend continues, it seems they might really be going to replace the chief captain.

How long did it take you to go from waiting for the tenth to waiting for the seventh?

Was it one month or two months?

Although in the history of Soul Society, no Shinigami has ever been found with a greater talent than himself.

But compared to this guy in front of me, I'm actually pretty average, right?

Just as Aizen was embroiled in internal strife, Naraku grinned and suddenly said:

"By the way, Sousuke, how about I teach you this, and you can help me improve it?"

Aizen: "?"

Are you still asleep?

"Aizen, I am perfectly sober."

“If you were sober, you wouldn’t say such nonsense.” A hint of helplessness flashed across Aizen’s face as he explained, “It’s no exaggeration to say that fusing swordsmanship and demonic arts is a groundbreaking feat.”

"Even creating a new school of thought would not be excessive at all."

"For example, the reason why the captain has achieved his current status is not only because of his own outstanding strength, but also because of the Yuanliu he founded."

"Or rather, the two complement each other, and Genryu was also the foundation upon which Captain-Commander Yamamoto established himself in his early days."

"It was because of Genryu's existence that such a group of people gathered around him, and that the original Gotei 13 was formed."

"And now you're saying you want to pass on your hard work to others."

Naraku Sora smiled and said nonchalantly, "Just consider it an early investment. When you become successful, Sousuke, don't forget to give your good brother a hand."

"Besides, didn't I ask you to help me improve it?"

Aizen was stunned, completely unprepared for this guy's answer.

"Alright, stop standing there like an idiot."

"Let's start with the most basic kendo."

……

……

Because she wasn't familiar with some technical terms, Naraku would usually use phrases like "do this first, then that" to replace them during her teaching.

If that doesn't work, then demonstrate it yourself.

Clearly, his teaching method is completely unsuitable for other, more normal Grim Reapers.

Only Aizen, who had a good understanding of Naraku Sora, could quickly grasp the meaning and comprehend it, transforming the teaching content into his own.

However, this teaching process did inexplicably remind Naraku Sora of Naruto and Konohamaru from the next village.

Speaking of which, Konohamaru, who was able to learn the Rasengan taught by Naruto, is truly a genius.

Just as the two were discussing whether they could integrate a higher-ranking demonic path, a Shinigami (death god) suddenly broke into the dojo.

"Aizen's ninth seat, emergency transfer order."

The newcomer was panting heavily, his face full of anxiety, and he held up the mission token in his hand.

"The Shinigami responsible for managing Koibushiyama in the third district of West Rukongai has disappeared without a trace. He didn't even show up when I reported on the mission today."

Upon hearing this, Aizen frowned and subconsciously glanced at Naraku Sora beside him.

"I see."

"The mission is urgent, please depart immediately."

After giving Death a brief instruction, he hurriedly left. Judging from his disappearing figure, he probably had other tasks to convey.

"Please be sure to take me with you!"

Aizen was about to speak when someone choked him back down with their words.

"What I can't stand the most are those who break the law and act recklessly."

Naraku Sora looked excited and eager to try.

Aizen collected the bamboo swords scattered in the dojo and said expressionlessly:

"It is not common for a Grim Reaper responsible for a fixed area to go missing, and if it does happen, it is likely to be an extremely serious incident."

"There is a high chance that something unexpected might happen during this mission."

"so……"

He looked up and said calmly, "Be careful."

Chapter 34: Big Job's Here!

Rukongai, Koibushiyama.

Despite it being daytime, the streets were still deserted, with not a single person in sight.

Clearly, the residents here have learned of Death's disappearance, and they have tacitly decided to stay indoors to ensure their safety.

This time, it wasn't just Aizen and Naraku who went out; there was also a Shinigami squad.

As veteran team members, they may be slightly weaker in terms of skill, but they are perfect in other aspects.

For example, investigating clues, tracking down suspects, and reassuring people.

You can learn a lot by working with this group.

The group stopped in front of a wooden house, the permanent residence of the Grim Reaper.

Generally speaking, the souls of the residents of Rukongai do not possess spiritual power, so they do not need to eat and can survive on clean water resources alone.

The more prominent Rukongai districts are usually guarded by Shinigami (death gods), who are responsible for managing, allocating, and distributing these resources.

Of course, this is not the entirety of a region's water resources.

The Rukongai is inhabited not only by commoners, but also by a considerable number of nobles and their businesses.

Just like the Paradise House that Naraku Sora and Aizen visited last time, it was the Araki family's main business on the surface, bringing a continuous stream of wealth and resources to the family.

Of course, it no longer exists now.

Death himself led the way, pushing open the door and going inside, followed by the others who filed in.

The room was completely open, with few traces.

After a thorough examination, a Shinigami approached Aizen, bowing respectfully and saying:

"We've searched every nook and cranny of Aizen's nine seats. The Shinigami in charge must have left this place on their own and then disappeared."