After defeating the monstrous monkey, Makoto Ito recalled Rimi Oi's previous technique. Following the same method, he opened the gate to the World of the Living and stepped through, beginning his journey back to the Soul Society.
Makoto Ito was pleased with how his first true battle had gone. Although he had sensed the call of his Zanpakutō from the moment he first grasped its power, this was the first time he had fully utilized it. His technique remained at a rudimentary level, but one thing was certain—his Zanpakutō held immense potential. That realization filled him with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, deep beneath the Seireitei, in the Great Spirit Book Hall hidden beneath the Central 46 Chambers, three figures watched the battle unfold in real-time. Aizen Sōsuke, Tōsen Kaname, and Ichimaru Gin, all clad in their captain haori, observed the fight through the Imaging Hall's projection system.
"Makoto Ito? Now that's an interesting Zanpakutō," Aizen mused with a smile, adjusting his glasses.
Tōsen nodded. "Lord Aizen, this Hollowfication process... It surpasses even our previous experiments."
In the Seireitei's arsenal, where all unclaimed Asauchi were stored, Yusuke Sanada stood before a vast collection of blades. He smiled patiently as he addressed Makoto Ito.
"Every unawakened Zanpakutō in the Seireitei is stored here—over 900 in total. Take your time and choose carefully. Remember, listen to your soul."
Nearby, Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika stood in silence, watching.
Ito scanned the twelve large cabinets, each filled with dozens of identical blades. Most Asauchi looked the same, though a few had unique characteristics—slightly different lengths, tilted blades, or ornate engravings near the guard.
After circling the room a few times, Ito closed his eyes, reaching deep into himself to communicate with the force known as the God of Annihilation.
The true nature of a Zanpakutō's release—whether Shikai or Bankai—was merely an extension of a Shinigami's soul. It was through the Asauchi that this latent power was drawn forth.
By focusing inward, Ito sought to let his inner power select its own vessel.
A strange dizziness overcame him, and when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a vast, dark forest. A towering figure stood before him.
"The Great Hollow Forest?" Ito wondered aloud. But no—this was not Hueco Mundo.
"No... This is my inner world."
His gaze locked onto the figure before him—a massive, imposing entity shrouded in dark golden lightning patterns that extended across its entire body, even to the bone-white mask on its face. The mask stretched back, merging into a monstrous centipede-like armor.
"The manifestation of my soul power... It's my true form!"
The sight stunned Makoto Ito for a moment before clarity struck. He was, after all, a clone of his original self. Their consciousness was shared, their origins identical. It made sense that his inner world would reflect that.
The figure spoke at last, its voice deep and resonant. "You have finally arrived."
It was the true embodiment of his soul's power—the very essence of the God of Annihilation.
Back in the arsenal, Makoto Ito's eyes snapped open. Guided by instinct, he stepped toward a cabinet on the left and reached for a single Asauchi. At first glance, it looked identical to every other standard-issue Zanpakutō of the Gotei 13, but a closer look revealed delicate red lines spiraling along the hilt and guard.
"This is your choice, God of Annihilation?" Ito murmured.
The blade seemed unremarkable, yet it had been chosen as the vessel for his power. There had to be a reason.
Before he could dwell on it further, Ikkaku groaned impatiently. "Finally made up your mind? Good. Let's go—the captain is waiting."
Madarame Ikkaku yawned, his boredom evident as he lazily held his Zanpakutō in one hand. "Hurry up, already," he grumbled, his tone dripping with impatience.
"Sorry, sorry, don't rush me. I'm almost done, Senior Yusuke," Makoto Ito replied with an awkward smile, acknowledging the elder's complaint. He had indeed taken his time choosing a blade.
Once Sanada Yusuke led the three of them out of the arsenal, he carefully shut the door behind them.
"Seal!" Yusuke bellowed, forming a complex hand seal. A special incantation of Kido flowed from his fingertips, reinforcing the gate made of rare spiritual materials. After ensuring the seal was secure, he turned toward Makoto Ito.
"If your Zanpakutō sustains irreparable damage in battle, you may return here to choose another," Yusuke explained. "However, under normal circumstances, as long as you share a deep connection with your blade, it will naturally mend itself through your spiritual power."
He paused for a moment before continuing, his gaze sharpening. "Once the initial damage is stabilized, your Zanpakutō can further heal by absorbing your reiatsu. But…" Yusuke's voice trailed off briefly as he looked at Makoto with a meaningful expression.
"When you attain Bankai, be especially careful," he warned. "A Shinigami's Bankai is the ultimate manifestation of their soul's power. If damaged, it becomes permanently broken—beyond repair."
Makoto Ito bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Senior Sanada. I understand."
Though he was a time traveler and already knew the nature of Zanpakutō, he still appreciated Yusuke's guidance.
Yusuke, too, had heard of Makoto's extraordinary feats. He had proven his worth during the Soul Burial Exam, where he saved both students and examiners by single-handedly defeating a terrifying Menos Grande. His reputation had spread throughout the Seireitei, and even Ichimaru Gin, the current captain of the Third Division, had remarked that Makoto was destined to become a captain.
"Tch. Old Man Sanada, when did you become so polite?" Madara scoffed, shooting Yusuke a displeased glance. "You sure as hell didn't treat me like this when I chose my Zanpakutō!"
Yusuke snorted. "That's because back then, I didn't think you had the potential to achieve Bankai. And even if you did, I knew a reckless brute like you wouldn't appreciate its true worth."
Before Madarame could protest, Yusuke turned his sharp gaze to Ayasegawa Yumichika, who had been silently enjoying the exchange.
"And you," Yusuke sneered, "calling your Zanpakutō by the wrong name on purpose—disgusting!"
His disapproval didn't stop there. "You two are no better than your brainless captain, who only knows how to swing his sword but can't even hear the voice of his Zanpakutō!" With that parting remark, Yusuke shook his head and strode away without looking back.
Madarame twitched with irritation. "Oi, old man! Don't just walk away! If you've got the guts, fight us!"
"I'll kill you!" Yumichika snapped.
Before either of them could lunge forward, Makoto firmly grabbed their collars, holding them back. He then turned his gaze toward the fading figure of Yusuke Sanada.
"This old man… he's not as simple as he seems."
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