Chapter 20: Itachi's Shikai and Sharingan?!
"So how has the tour been thus far?" Brooke inquired, wearing a cheerful expression on her countenance, after Itachi and she had spent several hours strolling through the Seireitei on their way back to the tenth division, where they intended to resume their training.
Brooke and Itachi strolled side by side, a scarce smile adorning Itachi's face. His hands were tucked in his pockets as they walked together. 'Of course, it was the most exceptional tour I have ever experienced,' Itachi remarked, gazing into Brooke's radiant green eyes.
'That's splendid, and I must say, I am the finest tour guide,' Brooke playfully stated, evoking laughter from both of them. 'Well, I cannot envision having any other tour guide than you,' Itachi proclaimed.
Brooke blushed at his words and inquired, 'Truly?' They proceeded through the gates of the tenth squad, with Itachi following closely behind. The young man smiled and replied, 'Certainly, for you are the sole individual I spend nearly all day with.'
'Indeed, but if you ever desire some company or another tour, do not hesitate to inform me,' Brooke said, her face beaming with a grin. They proceeded to the center of the training field, where Toshiro awaited their arrival.
Itachi nodded, elated to have a friend who would accompany him whenever he sought company. He glanced ahead and greeted the tenth captain, 'Good evening, captain.'
"Did you two have fun while I was away?" Toshiro inquired, observing the two individuals who had smiles on their faces. "Yes, we did. Toshiro, while you were at the tedious captain meeting, I accompanied Itachi around Seireitei to familiarize him with the surroundings," Brooke replied cheerfully.
Itachi agreed with a nod, his facial expression returning to normal. "Indeed, she was very helpful," he stated, earning a chuckle from the young prodigy. "I'm sure she was," Toshiro replied.
"I was," Brooke interjected, her tone indicating offense at Toshiro's assumption that she was a boring tour guide.
"But anyway, I must return to the maggots nest to inspect everything there," Brooke stated, heading out and leaving the two men standing there, watching her departure.
Itachi couldn't help but chuckle. "She certainly has a lot of energy," he remarked, looking at Toshiro, who rolled his eyes. "That's because she does," Toshiro replied.
Itachi nodded and took a deep breath. "Would you like me to continue my training?" he asked the captain, who gave a slight nod.
"Yes, let's commence by acquainting ourselves with your zenpakuto and the proper method of summoning it," Toshiro expressed, observing Itachi's affirmative gesture. "I will proceed with my own training," Itachi declared.
Toshiro acknowledged Itachi's statement as he settled onto the bench, while Itachi resumed his training. The Uchiha then positioned himself in his previous location, closing his eyes to enter his inner world once again.
· In Itachi inner would*
After a brief period of waiting, Itachi found himself back in his inner world and noticed Kaze Megami standing several feet away from him. "Welcome back, Itachi," the woman greeted, turning toward him.
"Thank you, Kaze Megami," Itachi greeted warmly, a smile appearing on his countenance. "I am prepared to commence instruction on utilizing my powers and determining how to summon you," he stated.
Kaze Megami nodded, a grin adorning her face. "Very well, let us begin by determining your capability to summon me. Utter any word of your choosing, and I shall manifest," she instructed, summoning a sword to present to Itachi, who accepted it.
Itachi inspected the sword, noting its light red handle and a red and gold sheath with a round hilt. "So, this is my sword?"
"It is recommended to try calling Kaze Megami and observe its capabilities," Kaze Megami suggested calmly before disappearing.
Itachi acknowledged her advice and unsheathed Kaze Megami, uttering the command, "Rise, Kaze Megami." He observed as the sword underwent a transformation, now sporting a zigzag blade with a red tip.
Expressing enthusiasm, Itachi remarked, "This is what you look like? How fascinating." He was instructed by Kaze Megami to attempt using the sword's attack and discover its nature.
Itachi complied, slicing a nearby tree with the sword and witnessing flames of sharp intensity emanating from the blade, scorching the bark.
With astonishment, Itachi exclaimed, "Wow, I wasn't aware of this capability." Kaze Megami reappeared in front of him, and explained, "Certainly, your zanpakuto power represents your abilities, combining them with your previous expertise as a ninja." Itachi nodded in understanding.
Itachi inquired, "Do I still possess my Sharingan? Or does it not function in the soul society?" He wanted to determine if he could still employ it.
Kaze Megami responded, "I am unsure, but I believe it would not be detrimental if you attempted to use it." Itachi nodded in agreement. "Can you sense its presence, indicating any changes?" she asked.
Itachi contemplated, "I am uncertain. After having the Sharingan for an extended period, one becomes accustomed to its presence." With that, he closed his eyes in an attempt to activate the Sharingan.
After several minutes, Itachi opened his eyes to perceive a different perspective. Due to not utilizing the Sharingan for an extended period, he experienced a burning sensation.
"I suppose that answers your question," remarked Kaze Megami, closely examining Itachi's eyes. "You can still employ your Sharingan in the soul society," she stated.
Itachi grinned, briefly closing and reopening his eyes to showcase the Sharingan. "It feels unchanged," he affirmed while gazing at Kaze Megami.
"Is there any additional knowledge I should acquire before embarking on the journey to learn bankai?" inquired Itachi.
Brooke had already provided a comprehensive explanation about the necessary requirements and the connection with one's zanpakuto. It was common knowledge that most captains possessed bankai, which was considered an essential prerequisite.
Itachi was informed that the Eleventh Squad Captain, Kenpatchi, was the only exception as he did not possess a bankai. However, his exceptional strength and spiritual pressure warranted his position as captain.
"Let us commence the training tomorrow. It is advisable not to exhaust your energy excessively in a single day, as the demands tomorrow will be considerably more rigorous," advised Kaze Megami.
"Agreed, that sounds reasonable," replied Itachi.
Kaze Megami nodded and closed her eyes, allowing Itachi to return to the realm of consciousness, which occurred within a short span of time.
After some time, Itachi opened his eyes and found Toshiro looking at him. "So, how did it go?" inquired the captain with white hair.
Itachi rose from the ground and brushed off the dirt that clung to his clothes. He expressed that the task at hand had been effortless, although he anticipated that the upcoming challenges would prove to be significantly more difficult.
These words were directed towards Toshiro, who simply nodded in agreement. Toshiro acknowledged that achieving Bankai required a considerable amount of effort and anticipated that Itachi would need several days to succeed.
Nevertheless, Toshiro expressed confidence in Itachi's abilities and believed that he would require no more than two days to master Bankai. Itachi responded with gratitude, conveying his appreciation for Toshiro's faith in his capabilities. Toshiro nodded in acknowledgment.
Itachi then inquired about the next course of action, suggesting the possibility of engaging in a friendly sparring session before concluding their training session for the day.
Itachi's intention was to assess Toshiro's strength and abilities firsthand. Toshiro responded with a curious expression, indicating his agreement. He saw no harm in participating in a brief sparring session.