You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

Chapter 221: [True Form Unknown] & [Hado Zero Style - Opening] (7K)

"What is this? A Japanese sword?"

Minoru Kageno drew her asauchi and tilted her head: "Sorry, teacher, I'm past the age of liking 'katana'. If you're going to give me a gift, a nodachi would be better, like the 'Masamune' used by a certain game character."

If I had the authentic stuff, I would definitely keep it for myself—Iori's eyelids twitched slightly.

"This is a 'Zanpakuto,' a weapon used by Shinigami (Grim Reapers)."

"Oh, oh, oh!"

Minoru Kageno's eyes immediately changed: "It looks really powerful... It can't be that simple. It must have a second form, right?"

“There’s even a third form~” Iori smiled slightly, “but whether you can develop it depends on your own abilities.”

"So it really is this classic setting where the user gradually gets stronger as they grow stronger? Although it's traditional, I don't dislike this classic setting!"

Minoru Kageno examined the Asahi in her hand with great interest: "How do I use it? Do I need to drip blood or give it a name, or is there a little fairy inside that will haughtily tell me 'I will never acknowledge you' or something like that?"

"Your interests seem a bit too broad."

Iori extended her hand: "The method of use is very simple. After all, it is a 'weapon of death,' so of course you have to die once."

Kageno Minoru turned her head in surprise: "Huh?"

Before he could react, the palm of death was already pressed against his head—

hum!

In an instant, Minoru Kageno experienced once again the feeling he had when he first met Iori, as if his soul had left his body... No, not "as if," this time it was a real separation of body and soul!

A translucent, luminous spirit stood on the rooftop. The boy stared blankly at the body lying on the ground in front of him, its buttocks facing the sky. He then looked up at Iori, speechless.

"Surprised?"

Iori removed the pendant seal from her hand and put it away. It contained a special Kido that could expel the soul from the body.

In the original Bleach storyline, this is a fairly common item. As a living person, Ichigo Kurosaki must first become a spirit in this way in order to become a Shinigami.

However, this thing is still quite rare nowadays, because this kind of "soul-striking" technique is aimed at the living and has no value to the Grim Reaper.

The reason this thing was developed is that the 12th Division is researching "artificial bodies," which are artificial shells that allow Shinigami to move freely in the human world.

Once inside a Grim Reaper's body, the Shinigami becomes no different from an ordinary person. Even a Captain-level powerhouse doesn't need to worry about excessive spiritual pressure affecting ordinary people, making it easier to carry out various investigation missions.

However, if they suddenly encounter an enemy, the artificial body may not be able to escape in time, and the safety of the Shinigami cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, this kind of gadget with special Kido was developed, which can instantly detach from the artificial body (or human body).

Currently, artificial bodies are a novelty in Seireitei, and few people have ever seen such a gadget. If it weren't for Mayuri Kurotsuchi's connection, Iori probably wouldn't have been able to get her hands on one.

In comparison, it's much easier to make a shallow-strike weapon.

"Have I turned into a 'ghost'?"

Minoru Kageno looked at the translucent hands and was surprised to find a black strip of cloth extending from her navel, the other end disappearing into her fallen body. The connection was unclear, as if a blurry cloud was covering it.

"What is this?"

"That's probably your 'umbilical cord'—in a spiritual sense."

Iori began to slowly pace around the corpse and the soul, explaining calmly, "Although the way it's expressed is a little different from what I've seen in my 'hometown,' the underlying principles are roughly the same."

You can think of the body as a container for the soul, both a medium through which the soul influences the material world and a tangible shackle that binds the soul.

To unlock the power deep within the soul, one must transcend the fixed perceptions of the physical body and perceive the world as a spirit… You've probably already sensed that, haven't you?”

"Yes……"

Minoru Kageno closed her eyes, immersing herself in a certain emotion: "It's different from sight and hearing, like a dream state during meditation, but much clearer, it's almost like the 'self' itself is covering those objects!"

...Magic! It's magic! Amazing...Is magic really this 'light'?

Now I'm confident I can control magic with even greater precision in battle!

Snapped!

Iori snapped her fingers, drawing Minoru's attention.

"Don't get too excited yet. Although there are many benefits, you are undoubtedly very 'vulnerable' right now."

A mere spirit can do nothing; without a way to anchor itself in the material world, it will quickly weaken and eventually dissipate.

The rules of each world are different. In Bleach, the three realms are rich in spiritual particles, and spirits live there as freely as fish in water. However, in Shadows of the Gods, the fantasy elements are mainly based on magic rather than soul power, and pure spirits are like stranded fish...

"So you'll teach me the specific methods, right?!"

Minoru Kageno wasn't worried at all. In his eyes, Iori was unfathomable and would always be confident in whatever he did.

"Actually, I'm just trying it out," Iori smiled politely.

"This Zanpakuto, Asauchi, doesn't have any special abilities; it's just a bit sharper and sturdier than ordinary swords."

But it possesses a unique characteristic that no other weapon in the world has: it can contain soul power and evolve using it!

"Really?"

Kageno Minamoto bent down and moved closer to his "corpse," trying to grasp the Asauchi in his hand. As a spirit, he shouldn't be able to touch matter, but he actually managed to firmly grasp the Zanpakuto, and couldn't help but exclaim excitedly.

"Really! It's a really strange feeling... There was nothing there when I was holding it just now!"

A reaction so quickly?

Iori looked at his cheap disciple in surprise: he might be the type whose soul is more sensitive.

Upon closer examination, remotely controlling magic requires extremely strong mental power, and the "Shadow Lord" in the original work has achieved the ultimate in this regard, so his soul itself is probably exceptionally gifted.

"I will teach you how to use your soul power and how to nurture your Zanpakuto. Once you can call out the Zanpakuto's 'true name,' you will officially become a 'Shinigami.'"

Iori thought of something and said with a playful smile, "Perhaps it should be called 'Substitute Grim Reaper'."

"Death...it's so frustrating!"

Minoru Kageno was inexplicably troubled: he felt that "Death God" was just as cool as "Shadow," and even more classic, and he didn't know which one to choose.

At this moment, Iori spoke up: "For certain reasons, although you possess a Zanpakuto, you cannot reach my level, so I did not intend for you to make 'Shinigami' your main profession."

"Huh?" Kageno Minoru was taken aback.

Iori's expression was very calm:

Not everyone can have his "art style value" and seamlessly connect with various energy systems.

The power of the Grim Reaper is very strong, and its skill system is quite comprehensive, but it is highly dependent on the "worldview". It is difficult to grow in a world where spiritual particles are not dense, and the power of its moves will also be reduced.

In comparison, "magic" is actually more versatile.

"So, what do you mean, teacher?"

"The path I have chosen for you is the unity of body and soul."

Iori said earnestly, "Greek philosophers once proposed the 'dualism of spirit and flesh,' which was later inherited and modified by Christian scholars."

This theory holds that after death, the human body returns to dust and decays; but their soul (which neither dies nor sleeps) possesses an immortal essence and exists in 'some form' forever…

Religion and philosophy, I don't understand them but they sound impressive and cool—Minoru Kageno took a deep breath.

Iori was talking eloquently, while the chuunibyou (middle school syndrome) boy was thinking that he would copy down some verses from the Bible when he had the chance in the future.

"Are you listening to me?"

"Of course!"

"...In other words, the theories of Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism hold that the body is merely a shackle, a raft that carries the soul across the sea of ​​suffering, destined to decay and turn to dust, while only the soul will live on forever, either entering the afterlife or being reincarnated."

Therefore, their doctrines often include physical punishment, asceticism, and spiritual meditation.

But I believe the opposite is true. The body and soul should not be separated; on the contrary, they should be more closely connected and complement each other.

Using magic to promote the evolution of the body, making it fertile ground to nourish the soul, while using the Zanpakuto to develop the soul's potential, and using a powerful spirit to subdue the rage of the body (magic), maintaining a balance between the two to achieve a mutually beneficial effect.

If all goes well, as your soul power increases, your control over magic will become deeper and more subtle... and one day you will reach a transcendent state!

"I see! As expected of Aizen-sensei!"

Kageno Minoru was deeply moved. Iori not only took him as a disciple but also devoted himself to him so much, which made him feel extremely flattered.

It's important to understand that Japan is a very "traditional" country, which means it has a lot of cultural dross... The relationship between seniors and juniors, masters and apprentices, superiors and subordinates, and even S/M (scratch that) relationships is always incredibly demanding. For example, in traditional crafts like sushi, eel rice, and tempura, the master chef might make the apprentice wash dishes for years before finally teaching them the real skills. You'd think it was some kind of cutting-edge technology!

Many people who watch harem anime wonder why the protagonist is always called "kind" and inexplicably attracts so many beautiful girls—because Japanese society only has cold politeness and is indeed lacking in genuine "kindness"!

A teacher like Iori, who is selfless, never imposes his values ​​on others, and never deliberately makes things difficult for his students, is truly a rare find.

In particular, Minoru Kageno had previously been exposed to some long-established kendo schools and had witnessed their long and tedious rules, so he felt deeply about it.

"You're so considerate of me, it really makes me... By the way, how should I get back after my cultivation ends?"

Minoru Kageno pointed to "himself" lying face up on the ground, then spread his hands.

Iori took a serious look at the semi-transparent Minoru, then looked at the body, and after a moment of silence, suddenly revealed a smile that said, "I have everything under control."

"Theoretically, as long as the 'connection' with the physical body is not broken, it is possible to go back."

It's easy, like putting on a jacket. You'll get the hang of it after a few tries... I can't possibly teach you everything, can I?

"Oh, I understand!" Kageno nodded firmly.

"The teacher must want me to explore the connection between the body and the soul on my own, so that I can gain some experience!"

"...Yes! That's right, that's exactly what I think!"

Iori leaned back slightly: "You must take initiative, young man!"

-

As time passed, the disaster in the Far East continued. As one of the more important economies, Japan's troubles not only caused considerable geographical problems for neighboring countries, but also triggered a massive financial tsunami...

Unlike a real tsunami, this disaster primarily affected ordinary people, while financial tycoons rejoiced: Japan's overseas assets had lost political protection, their credit had plummeted, and they were now on their dinner table.

As for the "doomsday" issue, that's another matter and shouldn't be considered now!

To put it bluntly, if a disaster were to spread to the whole world in the future, shouldn't we accumulate enough wealth and resources beforehand to ensure that we can maintain our current status even after the apocalypse?

Meanwhile, in Washington, which is in turmoil for various reasons, a young East Asian man in a suit and tie arrived in the past two days. He claimed to be a representative of Japan and wanted to purchase a batch of medical supplies, food and clothing for the disaster victims.

"Someone with a mental illness from who-knows-where"—that was the first thought of the White House staff, and they naturally emptied the magazine.

It's not that they're being paranoid, but the East Asians who uttered these crazy things actually walked right into the White House!

He ignored numerous security personnel along the way, and somehow managed to keep everyone from catching him. Then, he politely knocked on the door of the president's office, right in front of the blond president who was eating a hamburger!

Fortunately, the current president is in good health. If it were that old man from before, he might have been so frightened that he'd have a major accident on the spot, and then blame it on the famous Dongda University company, Hualaishi.

It should be said that the bodyguard's professional skills were quite outstanding. If it were a real assassin, he would most likely be riddled with bullets. However, everyone soon discovered that all the bullets hit the target but none of them could harm the other party!

To be precise, it was blocked by some unseen force field; this uninvited guest was standing there but was like a projection, untouchable.

The president was immediately transferred for protection, and emergency forces surrounded the White House... But even under the watchful eyes of everyone, this person easily walked through a hail of bullets, and also ignored the tranquilizer darts, stun guns, and any means that security personnel could think of.

He brazenly approached the president once again, this time aboard Air Force One. The blond old man would have to be moved to an underground nuclear bunker if he wanted to be transferred again…

"Alas! Is reconciliation even possible?"

Having seen many incredible things, the blond president realized that if the other party wanted to kill him, even hiding on the moon wouldn't help. So, he mustered his courage and boldly tried to communicate with the other party.

The East Asian man's friendliness exceeded his expectations: "Then let's talk, Mr. President."

The East Asian man reiterated his desire to purchase medicine and food, seemingly representing Japan in seeking assistance, but this still seems unbelievable:

Given Japan's current situation, it probably doesn't even have a provisional government, so where would it get representatives?

Even if a local government sends someone to ask for help, they should give prior notice and it should be a large delegation. How can someone suddenly appear alone in the presidential office?

And what about that magical ability? Did the Japanese finally mutate after fully absorbing nuclear radiation and otherworldly energy?!

In short, there are many problems!

If it weren't for Iori's "invincible" defensive capabilities, the president and secretary of state would absolutely not have been willing to listen to a single word.

However, their skepticism changed immediately after Iori produced tons of gold and verified its authenticity!

These gold reserves belong to Japan's national reserves. Due to economic policies, Japan has always had a habit of actively accumulating gold to cope with risks, and its reserves rank among the top ten in the world.

The gold was initially found by a large shelter, but with the economic collapse and everyone reduced to bartering, the gold was of little use to them. They simply kept it in the vault as ballast in case of emergency—clearly, someone took it without permission.

Although only a small portion was found, it still amounted to over two hundred tons, which is a very tempting fortune even for a major economic power.

After all, this is gold, not paper money printed from a money printing press!