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Chapter 8: Shinigami Academy III
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The feeling of sunshine descending upon your face after a sleepless night, a cold sleepless night; feels lovely.
That's how Akashi felt as he looked out of the window into the courtyard. He took a deep breath of fresh air, "Ah... Life."
Still, he soon had to recline back to his bed and bring out a notebook.
"Kido talent: Good. Reiatsu manipulation: Mediocre. Memory: Great. Mind: Great. Spiritual sensitivity: Horrible." Akashi started making notes of his talent, noticing a peculiarity.
"My spiritual sensitivity and mediocre Reiatsu control seem to interfere with my Kido talent while my memory and mind elevate it... Why?" Akashi was confused yet again.
Akashi sometimes feels as if the World rejects him, could that be it? Either way, the conclusion he could have was to work harder.
The bell soon ran, so he dressed up and walked up to the dining area, having breakfast before the second bell.
Akashi was very much looking forward to the class today. The classes today are basically all about Zanpakutos.
The classroom was different from the others Akashi had attended at the Academy so far.
This one was minimalist, almost austere, with smooth wooden floors and walls lined with scrolls inscribed with elegant calligraphy.
No training dummies, no targets, no focal points; just a serene space, with an air of tranquility.
At the head of the room stood Instructor Yorinaga, a wiry man with graying hair and a serene expression.
His Zanpakuto rested at his side, its polished hilt glinting faintly in the light filtering through the open shoji doors.
Akashi took his seat among the other students, curiosity piqued, and suspense building up. The Voices were calling.
"Welcome to your introduction to Sword Zen," Yorinaga began, his voice measured but resonant, "You may think of this as just another lesson. It is not. This is a turning point in your journey as Shinigami."
He gestured toward the scrolls lining the walls, "The Zanpakuto is not just a weapon. It is a reflection of your very soul, a bond forged between your essence and the spiritual energy you command."
"It grows as you grow. It changes as you change. To master your Zanpakuto is to master yourself."
Yorinaga paced slowly, his hands clasped behind his back, "Before you can wield a Zanpakuto, you must first understand its beginnings."
"At its core is the Asauchi, the blank-slate sword given to every student of the Academy. The Asauchi will respond to your soul, gradually taking on the form, abilities, and personality unique to you."
"But before you receive your Asauchi, you must lay the groundwork; discipline your spirit, deepen your awareness, and prepare to face the truth of your inner self."
He paused, letting his words sink in. Akashi's eyes lit up. He's usually very calm, but the Voices simply can not allow him to stay composed... He wants his Asauchi now.
The idea of wielding a weapon shaped by his very soul was fascinating... Akashi couldn't help but wonder, what is his soul like.
"To connect with your Zanpakuto, you must learn Jinzen; Sword Zen," Yorinaga continued.
"This is the practice of entering a meditative state to commune with the spirit of your sword. Some of you may not yet understand what this means, but in time, it will become as natural as breathing. Jinzen requires focus, patience, and an open mind."
He unsheathed his Zanpakuto, revealing a blade so finely honed it seemed to hum with quiet power. Resting it across his lap, he sank to his knees in one fluid motion.
"Observe," He said, closing his eyes.
The students watched in silence as Yorinaga's breathing slowed, his presence becoming almost imperceptible.
The air around him seemed to shift, as if he had stepped into another realm entirely while remaining physically present. After a long moment, he opened his eyes and looked at the class.
"This is Jinzen," He said. "It is not merely meditation. It is a dialogue. You and your Zanpakuto are partners, and like any partnership, communication is key."
"When the time comes, you will meet the spirit of your sword. It will test you, challenge you, and perhaps even defy you. But first, you must prepare your spirit to listen."
Yorinaga rose and gestured for the students to stand, "Before you can connect with your Zanpakuto, you must learn to quiet your mind and focus your energy."
"Sit in a meditative posture. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Feel your spiritual energy flowing through you; don't try to control it, just observe."
Akashi settled into position, closing his eyes as instructed. The world around him faded into the background as he focused inward.
He felt the familiar hum of his spiritual energy, but instead of molding it into attacks or shapes, he simply let it flow. It was an odd sensation, like watching a river from its banks.
"Good," Yorinaga said after a few minutes, "Now, visualize your energy as a thread, weaving through the fabric of your soul. Follow it. Where does it lead? What does it show you about yourself?"
Akashi's brows furrowed. His energy was vivid, wine-red, and intense, but beneath its surface, he sensed something darker... The Voices, sounded a bit clearer?
The clear and methodical guidance seemingly allowed him to hear more because it's not like this was his first meditation.
Akashi tried meditation many times, trying to reach out to the Voices, but nothing ever happened.
Now, however, he felt ever so slightly closer, sinking deeper deeper into a serene dark ocean, but with no end.
It was as if he had taken the first step, but there was no second to be taken.
"What's your name?" Akashi's meditation was interrupted by a very familiar voice, the teacher, Yorinaga.
"Akashi," Akashi was confused but still responded and reflexively asked, "When can I get an Asauchi?"
Yorinaga raised a brow, seizing Akashi up and down, "Seeing as how you were able to achieve sword zen right away, a week at most." He then moved on.
Soon, Yorinaga spoke again. "Your energy is your essence. To wield a Zanpakuto, you must understand this essence and allow it to shape the bond between you and your sword. This is why no two Zanpakutos are alike; because no two souls are alike."
He walked among the students, and continued, "Some of you will find this process easy. Others will struggle. But know this; The Zanpakuto does not lie."
"If you lack discipline, it will reveal your chaos. If you lack resolve, it will expose your doubts. And if you lack harmony within yourself, it will refuse to manifest."
Akashi listened intently, his mind turning over the implications, reflecting on his own mind, soul, and personality, 'I do have some issues, I guess?'
"For now," Yorinaga continued, "we will practice focusing your energy in preparation for your Asauchi. This exercise will train your awareness and discipline."
"Extend your hand and visualize your spiritual energy forming a blade. Not an attack, not a burst; just a simple, stable shape."
The students obeyed, some struggling to conjure even a faint outline of energy.
Akashi's energy flared readily, taking the shape of a crude, flickering sword. It was imperfect, uneven at the edges, but stable enough.
"Good," Yorinaga said as he passed Akashi again, "But remember, a blade is more than its edge. It must have balance, weight, and intent. Refine it."
Akashi focused harder, smoothing the edges of his energy blade and imagining its weight in his hand. Gradually, it became more defined, its wine-red hue glowing steadily.
Yorinaga didn't wait for those who had yet to succeed as he continued, "Now for the vital step, enter the Sword Zen while maintaining the blade."
That was a problem because very few even perfected their illusionary blade, and even fewer managed to achieve sword zen.
"There is only so much advice I can give you in relation to sword zen. The reality is you'll just have to try again and again til you find that feeling that's special to you."
"Most enter Zen through peace. However, I heard of some who enter it through battle and violence. I do not understand you better than you understand yourself, thus it's up to you to discover what Zen entails."
As the session drew to a close, Yorinaga addressed the class once more, "Before you receive your Asauchi, remember this; the sword is not just an extension of your power. It is an extension of your spirit."
"Treat it with respect, and it will reward you with strength beyond measure. Treat it carelessly, and it will abandon you."
The students filed out, although only one individual lingered, someone unaware of his surroundings... Akashi.
He seemed to miraculously be able to enter sword zen at will, yet he simply could not maintain his energy blade.
He lost himself trying again and again, and he would've seemingly continued til he succeeds.
Fortunately, Yorinaga stayed. He was standing by the side, seemingly supervising him, "When you succeed, come to me. Then you'll get your own Asauchi. For now, go have a meal and head to class."