Chapter 76 – 76 ⥤ Imprinting Sōkatsui Patterns!

Behind the Shin’ō Academy.

Before a blackboard propped on wooden poles, two figures where in deep concentration — one seated, one standing.

Aizen delivered precise instruction, methodically analyzing the newly developed Kidō patterns down to their finest details.

“When it comes to learning difficulty, Bakudō is far more complex than Hadō. Hadō simply focuses on destructive power — its sole purpose is to inflict damage on enemies. Bakudō, however, must achieve various functions: binding enemies, luring them, defense, escape, disguise, confusion, and more.”

“Though Bakudō inflicts less damage than Hadō, combining multiple Bakudō can produce unexpected effects in specific situations. The Kidō patterns themselves are also more intricate.”

Akira listened intently, nodding occasionally in understanding.

While he seldom attended theoretical classes, he approached combat-related subjects with utmost seriousness — Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō. This allowed him not only to quickly grasp Aizen’s teachings but also to offer creative insights that inspired him in return.

His innovative ideas often revealed possibilities that even Aizen hadn’t considered.

“Given the unique nature of your Spiritual Body and your previous combat developments—”

Akira raised his hand, cutting in, “I have an idea.”

“…Speak…”

“The Raienken’s success proves that Kidō fusion works. We could fully merge different Kidō, analyze their patterns, and imprint them onto the Spiritual Body.” As his friend listened intently, Akira suddenly switched topics, “Want to learn it?”

“No.” Aizen’s refusal was immediate.

Merely spending time with this priest had already made his thinking peculiar. Learning more strange techniques might push him past his limits of self-control.

“It’s still a good concept.” He acknowledged, “But implementation needs substantial time and effort. Kidō fusion isn’t simple theory. Though, I hear Tsukabishi-sensei has begun experiments based on your ideas. You can benefit from the results later.”

Akira’s brow furrowed at this.

It wasn’t that he doubted Tessai’s capabilities — anyone who reached the position of Grand Kidō Chief clearly possessed remarkable skill.

While the Kidō Corps technically held equal standing with the Gotei 13, their vast difference in overall strength still highlighted the prestige of the Grand Kidō Chief position.

Yet even Tessai’s mastery paled in comparison to Aizen’s abilities. Working directly with this evil genius would yield better results than waiting for his ex-teacher’s experiments.

This approach would surely accelerate their progress.

“Notice the Sōkatsui (Hadō #33) patterns has distinct small branches at the third, sixth, and twelfth paths.” Aizen returned to the lesson’s focus.

Before them materialized a pattern resembling Shakkahō’s markings, releasing a subtle wave of heat.

Akira absorbed every detail meticulously, committing each aspect to memory.

Learning from past mistakes, he practiced repeatedly until the movements became second nature, only then attempting to imprint the new Kidō pattern.

Progress comes step by step, like building strength one pound at a time.

He placed his faith in Aizen’s guidance.

Hadō #33: Sōkatsui (Blue Fire, Crash Down), begin imprinting!

Akira’s eyes flashed with azure flame before the blue fire consumed his pupils entirely!

Scorching Reiatsu surged through his body, making every limb and organ feel as if they were being forged in an inferno. His body became like raw iron, the Kidō patterns hammering into him with violent force. The searing pain spread until even the gentlest breeze felt like torture.

Though only two numbers higher than before, the pain had increased manifold. Yet Akira’s iron will, bolstered by his happy memories, helped him endure this torment.

As the patterns took hold, fierce blue flames engulfed him, radiating intense heat.

Aizen observed the transformation intently when something caught his eye.

Amidst the azure flames, dark patterns began to emerge, snaking across Akira’s skin in an unsettling display.

‘What is this?’ His eyes widened as he studied these mysterious black markings.

As the final Kidō pattern was completed, the black patterns vanished beneath his skin without a trace.

Akira’s eyes flew open, azure flames flickering briefly within them before receding, leaving a new mark on the middle section of his left ring finger.

“Excellent, powerful, strong!”

He moved through a complete set of modern calisthenics to assess the improvements in his Spiritual Body’s quality.

{T/N: If he had some weights, the Euro Training is the right path to go.}

Each Kidō pattern imprint enhanced and strengthened him, and his Reiatsu had increased from level 59 to 60.

Small accumulations could lead to terrifying results.

Perhaps one day, he could rely on pure Spiritual Body strength to destroy a Hollow with a single punch — no Reiatsu needed.

The thought filled Akira with anticipation.

While he dreamed of the future, Aizen explained his earlier discovery.

“I suspect there are two possibilities. First, your long-term ritual offerings may have exposed you to Mimihagi’s power.”

The handsome, pure-hearted priest nodded, considering this highly likely.

Aizen glanced at him without acknowledgment and continued, “Second, the black patterns might originate from your Zanpakutō.”

Akira’s eyes widened at these words.

“Regardless of which it is, based on current observations, it appears beneficial rather than harmful.” Aizen sighed softly, studying his companion with a complex expression.

He had thought his own secrets were numerous and complicated enough, but the person before him was in an entirely different league.

Spiritual Body, rituals, talent, Zanpakutō…

“In that case…” Akira held his Asauchi, grinning, “I’ll soon learn my Zanpakutō’s true name, achieve Shikai, complete Bankai, and reach the peak of life. Finally, there’s something I’m ahead of you in, Sōsuke.”

Looking at his confident friend, Aizen replied calmly, “I’ve already mastered Shikai…”

Before he could finish speaking, someone’s expression froze, as if turned to stone.

⤫⤬⤫

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep