Chapter 2: DEATH IS (NOT) THE END - 2
Reviews:
ivan0061509: I'm glad you enjoyed it and Jaune's problems will slowly be addressed
GeneralSparda: Glad you like the chapter and I hope you enjoy this chapter! Also I feel like Volume 8 Jaune falling into the void is the perfect way to put Jaune into any universe you want for a fancition!
Misfit Fox: Glad the story caught your interest and Here's more for ya!
A/N: Ok so I'm going to let you guys know that for now, the first arc of this story is Jaune adjusting to the life of a shinigami, however, after that, I don't want to just dive right into the TYBW Arc, instead I want Jaune to face some other type of enemy before the Quincys/Sternritter.
Now, I have two options on who I want Jaune to face but I want to get your guys opinion. Jaune can either:
A) Fight some Arrancar which involves a storyline of trying to negotiate peace with Las Nochas and Soul Society
Or
B) Jaune and few other characters discover The Bounts who wish to wage war on Soul Society (And I know a lot of people don't like the Bount Arc, but I'm willing to sit through it and figure something out)
You guys tell me what you think is best and what you'd want to see and I'll make it the 2nd Arc of the story before the TYBW war.
Anyway! I hope you Enjoy today's chapter and are eager to see what happens next!
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As Jaune walked alongside Unohana toward the 1st Division barracks, the serene atmosphere was suddenly interrupted. Without warning, Captain Soi-Fon, leader of the 2nd Division and commander of the stealth squad, appeared silently before them, her entrance so swift and stealthy it seemed she materialized out of thin air.
Now, despite what some might have heard, Jaune most certainly did not jump back with a startled yelp when Soi-Fon made her dramatic appearance. He merely took a quick step backward—purely out of caution—and may have let out a very manly sound.
Totally not a yelp.
Unohana, with her ever-gentle demeanor, chuckled softly at Jaune's startled reaction, her eyes glinting with amusement before turning to greet her fellow captain. "Hello, Captain Soi-Fon," she said, inclining her head in a polite gesture.
"Greetings, Captain Unohana," Soi-Fon replied with a curt nod, her tone as sharp and precise as ever.
Jaune, now fully composed, stepped forward with wide eyes. "Whoa! How'd you do that?" he asked, clearly impressed by her silent approach, though still slightly flustered.
Soi-Fon turned her gaze toward him, her expression as stern and unreadable as always. "You must be the Ryoka who survived passing through the Shakonmaku," she said, completely disregarding his question.
"Uh, yeah, that's me," Jaune replied, still trying to wrap his head around her sudden appearance. He then noticed that, like Unohana, Soi-Fon wore a long, white haori, the unmistakable mark of a captain. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks—another captain.
Before he could voice his next question, Soi-Fon cut him off with a cold, questioning look directed at Unohana. "Why is he not in cuffs?" she asked, her voice edged with disapproval.
Unohana's smile never wavered as she answered. "Jaune poses no threat, Captain Soi-Fon, I have seen no reason to place him in restraints."
"Despite that, I believe it would be better if we-" Soi-Fon began, her voice firm and authoritative.
"Soi-Fon," Unohana interrupted her softly.
The mere utterance of her name caused the captain of the 2nd Division to pause. Soi-Fon glanced toward the 4th Division captain, her sharp eyes meeting Unohana's calm, ever-smiling face. Yet, behind that serene smile, Soi-Fon sensed something else—something unyielding, like an unspoken command that would not be ignored. A strange tension hung in the air, and despite the lack of any outward threat, Soi-Fon could feel an icy chill crawling up her spine. A bead of sweat formed and slowly trickled down the side of her face as she swallowed nervously.
Even Jaune, standing beside them, could sense the shift in the atmosphere. It reminded him of the silent, terrifying anger his mother used to radiate when he was in deep trouble—an anger that required no shouting, just a look.
"Jaune doesn't need cuffs, understand?" Unohana asked, her voice gentle but carrying a weight that left no room for debate.
Soi-Fon, who prided herself on her strength and authority, found herself nodding almost involuntarily. "Y-Yes," she stammered, barely able to maintain her usual composure.
Unohana's smile remained unchanged as she gave a soft hum of approval, followed by a brief nod. "Good," she said, her tone light and almost cheerful again, as though the tension of a moment ago had never existed. "Now then, let's continue to the Captain-Commander, we wouldn't want to keep him waiting, now would we?"
With that, Unohana turned and gracefully resumed walking toward their destination, her steps unhurried, her aura serene.
Jaune and Soi-Fon stood frozen for a moment, watching the captain walk ahead. Neither spoke, but both shared the same unspoken thought as they glanced at each other briefly, then back at Unohana.
'Scary,' they thought in unison.
After that brief exchange, the three continued their steady walk toward the Captain-Commander's quarters. The halls of the 1st Division barracks stretched out before them, quiet and imposing. As they approached the massive doors leading to the Captain-Commander's office, a weight seemed to settle over Jaune, a foreboding feeling that gnawed at his gut. He glanced at the captains beside him, trying to mirror their composed expressions, but he couldn't shake the growing unease creeping up his spine.
When they finally entered the Captain-Commander's office, the tension in the air thickened. The room itself was vast yet simple, with an air of gravitas that mirrored the man seated at the large wooden desk in the center. Jaune's breath caught in his throat the moment his eyes fell on the much older man sitting there. He looked ancient, his long, white beard flowing down his chest, yet the sense of power emanating from him was beyond anything Jaune had ever experienced. Standing beside him was another older man, dressed with regal elegance, but Jaune's attention was wholly fixated on the Captain-Commander.
The instant Jaune stepped inside, his body instinctively tensed. There was a crushing presence in the room, an invisible force that weighed heavily on him. It wasn't just power—it was raw, unrelenting strength, far beyond anything he had ever encountered.
Not even Salem—who had once filled Jaune with bone-deep dread—had given him this feeling. The realization sent a shiver through him. If the Captain-Commander was capable of this level of power while simply sitting at his desk, what would happen if he unleashed it?
Jaune's mind raced with worry. 'This man...' he thought, heart pounding. 'He's stronger than anyone I've ever met... Stronger than Unohana, stronger than Salem... even stronger than Ozpin!'
His thoughts flashed back to the day he had seen Ozpin and Oscar had blown apart that massive Grimm whale—he had thought that was the peak of destructive power, the most terrifying force he'd ever witnessed. But now, standing in front of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, he was sure the Captain-Commander could make that explosion look like a mere firecracker in comparison.
Jaune's unease must have been evident, because Unohana glanced at him, taking note of the expression on his face. She was slightly surprised; after all, Yamamoto hadn't even let out a fraction of his reiatsu, and yet Jaune, a complete outsider to their world, could already sense the immense power Yamamoto held. The boy had a keen instinct, she noted, but it also meant he could feel the overwhelming gap between him and the Captain-Commander.
Stepping forward with her usual grace, Unohana broke the silence, her voice calm and reassuring. "Jaune," she began, her tone formal but kind, "this is the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, and Captain of the 1st Division, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto,"
Yamamoto didn't move or speak, but his eyes, sharp and commanding, fell on Jaune, silently appraising him. Jaune could feel his legs stiffen, his mouth suddenly dry. This wasn't just any leader—this was the pillar of strength that held the entire Gotei 13 together. A single misstep, and Jaune felt like this man could incinerate him where he stood without so much as lifting a finger.
Swallowing hard, Jaune forced himself to bow slightly, his voice barely steady. "It's an honor to meet you, sir..." he managed to say, though the unease still clawed at him.
Yamamoto's stern gaze settled on Jaune, taking in the boy's tense posture and uneasy expression. He could sense Jaune's apprehension, and for a brief moment, he wondered if Unohana had explained anything about him to the young outsider. Still, it wasn't worth dwelling on—at least, not yet. He shifted his focus back to the two captains standing beside Jaune, their disciplined composure never faltering.
"Captain Unohana, Captain Soi-Fon," Yamamoto began, his voice deep and commanding, yet even-toned, "thank you for bringing our guest here promptly, you are dismissed,"
"Yes, sir," the two women responded in unison, their words sharp and respectful. Without hesitation, they turned and began to leave the room.
As their footsteps faded, Jaune felt his unease deepen, morphing into a rising sense of fear. His mind raced with anxious thoughts. 'What's going to happen?' He knew Unohana had assured him this was just a meeting, a simple questioning, but Yamamoto's overwhelming presence made Jaune wonder if there was more to it. 'What if he doesn't like my answers?' he thought, his heart beginning to race. The mere idea of displeasing this man filled him with dread. What could someone like Yamamoto do to him?
It was as if the Captain-Commander could read his thoughts. Yamamoto's ancient eyes, still sharp with wisdom and power, softened slightly as he addressed Jaune directly. "There is nothing to fear, young man," he said, his voice calm but firm, carrying the weight of countless years of leadership. "I will not harm you unless you give me a reason to,"
The words hung in the air for a moment, and Jaune felt a rush of relief wash over him, though his body remained rigid. He managed to exhale, feeling the tension in his shoulders loosen slightly. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep his fear from spiraling out of control.
Jaune gulped and nodded slowly, trying to steady his voice as he replied. "R-Right... thank you," he said, though the slight tremble in his voice betrayed his lingering nerves.
With Jaune feeling somewhat more at ease, Yamamoto wasted no time beginning his line of questioning. His voice remained calm but carried an underlying authority that demanded honesty. "Tell me, Jaune Arc, do you know where you are?" he asked, his sharp gaze never leaving Jaune.
Jaune exhaled slowly, trying to keep his nerves in check. "I'm in some kind of afterlife, right?" he responded, though his voice still carried traces of uncertainty.
Yamamoto gave a slow nod. "Yes, you are in the Soul Society," he confirmed. "This is where souls arrive to spend the rest of their afterlife before they are eventually reborn in the human world." His eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned forward. "However, you are not from this world, nor from either of the other two realms, correct?"
Jaune nodded, his unease returning but only slightly. "Yeah," he admitted. "In my world, I've never even heard of a place like this—or what a... shinigami is," he added, the unfamiliar term feeling strange on his tongue.
Yamamoto regarded him for a moment, taking in this information with a subtle hum. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "Then tell me, Jaune Arc, what is the name of this world you come from?"
"It's called Remnant," Jaune began, his voice growing steadier. "It's a planet with four major kingdoms—each with its own culture, government, and way of life,"
Yamamoto's brow furrowed slightly in contemplation. "Tell me more about your world," he asked, his tone now more curious than interrogative. "What is it like?"
Jaune nodded, gathering his thoughts before diving into an explanation of his home world. He could feel the weight of Yamamoto's gaze on him, as if the Captain-Commander was scrutinizing not just his words but the truth behind them.
"Remnant is divided into four major kingdoms," Jaune began, his voice steady but carrying the gravity of everything his world had endured. "There's Vale, Mistral, Vacuo, and Atlas—each one different in culture and government, but they're all united by one thing: the constant threat of the Grimm,"
He took a deep breath, remembering the lessons from Beacon, the battles, and the scars that had come with them. "The Grimm are monsters—creatures that feed on fear and negative emotions, they've existed for as long as anyone can remember, and they're relentless, their only goal is to wipe out humanity," His eyes darkened as he recalled the horrors he had seen. "They attack settlements, small villages, even the kingdoms if they have a chance, and it's up to us Huntsmen and Huntresses who are trained to fight them, to protect the people, that's our job,"
Yamamoto listened intently, his expression unchanged, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that told Jaune he was absorbing every detail. Jaune continued, his voice growing more somber as he approached the more personal aspects of his story.
"But it's not just the Grimm we're fighting, at least not anymore," Jaune added, his fists clenching slightly at his sides. "There's someone... something worse... Her name is Salem, she's the one behind everything, the Grimm, the destruction, all of it! She's immortal, and she's been waging a war against humanity for centuries... No one's been able to stop her," He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "My friends and I... we've been fighting her, trying to stop her before it's too late... But before I ended up here, she had already destroyed Atlas,"
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed slightly, the first visible reaction he had shown. Jaune took this as a sign to elaborate.
"Atlas was supposed to be the strongest of the four kingdoms, Its military was unmatched, it had technology that no other kingdom could rival, but even that wasn't enough," Jaune's voice wavered for a moment as he thought of the people lost in that battle—his friends, his comrades, the civilians who hadn't made it. "Salem wiped it out, The entire kingdom, gone, We fought, we gave it everything we had, but in the end... it wasn't enough, we may ahve saved the people, but now everything we could have used to push her back is gone..."
The room was silent for a moment, the weight of Jaune's words hanging heavily between them. Yamamoto sat back slightly, his gaze contemplative, but still intense. Jaune could tell that the old man was drawing parallels between their worlds. The endless war against dark forces, the delicate balance that had to be maintained—it wasn't so different from what the Soul Society faced.
Yamamoto, ever the seasoned leader, remained calm as he processed everything. While many might have dismissed Jaune's tale as too far-fetched, Yamamoto was not easily swayed by disbelief. His long years of experience had taught him to recognize truth in the details. Jaune's story was too vivid, too intricately woven to be a lie, and the boy's haunted expression told Yamamoto all he needed to know about the pain and loss he had suffered.
"You've been through much for someone so young," Yamamoto said at last, his deep, rumbling voice carrying a weight of understanding that only centuries of experience could impart. His stern expression softened just slightly, a rare gesture of empathy.
Jaune nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. "Yeah," he replied, his voice quiet, but tinged with bitterness.
Yamamoto's sharp eyes remained fixed on him. "Tell me," the Captain-Commander began, "do you remember how you came to be here?"
Jaune took a deep breath, his jaw tightening as memories resurfaced, especially those filled with frustration and anger. "I'm not entirely sure how I ended up in this world," he admitted, "but before I arrived, I was fighting against a woman named Cinder, she's not just any enemy—she possesses Magic,"
There was a pause as Jaune clenched his fists, anger rising in his chest as he recalled the confrontation.
"Cinder... she's working with Salem, and she's dangerous, we were trying to evacuate Atlas, using a magical relic called the Staff of Creation, it allowed us to transport the people of the kingdom to another one, Vacuo, by sending them through this strange void,"
Yamamoto remained quiet, listening intently as Jaune continued, his voice growing harsher as he recalled the events.
"Everything was going as planned until Cinder showed up, she tried to steal the magic of a friend of mine... but when she attacked, I got in the way, that's how I ended up with the wound in my gut," Jaune told him.
Jaune unconsciously touched his side, remembering the pain of that moment—the searing heat, the betrayal, and the overwhelming helplessness.
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed slightly, and his confusion was evident. "I was under the impression that the strange power you possess—your Aura—protected you from physical harm," Yamamoto said, his tone more curious than accusatory.
Jaune gave a small nod, realizing he hadn't fully explained it yet. "Aura does protect me," he explained, "but it's not invincible, ff it takes too much damage, it breaks... and once it's gone, I'm just as vulnerable as anyone else, plus, Grimm can bypass Aura completely because they're technically the opposite of humans," he finished.
Yamamoto raised a brow, processing this new information. "I see," he murmured thoughtfully. "And this Cinder woman—how did she become so formidable?"
Jaune's face darkened as he continued. "Cinder was already dangerous, but during a fight, a friend of mine managed to wound her badly, she lost her hand and an eye... but Salem helped her, she replaced Cinder's hand with a Grimm arm, giving her even more power,"
Yamamoto gave a slow, thoughtful nod, piecing together the situation as Jaune explained it. The moment Jaune had shielded his friend from Cinder's attack, she must have used her Grimm appendage, delivering a strike that bypassed his defenses and inflicted a grievous wound. "I see," Yamamoto murmured, his deep voice steady. "And after you took the blow for your friend, what happened then?" he asked.
Jaune sighed, recalling the chaotic moments that followed. "Well, I tried to heal myself using my Semblance—"
"A what?" Yamamoto interjected, cutting him off with a raised eyebrow, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
"Oh, uh... a Semblance is a special power that Huntsmen and Huntresses have," Jaune explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's like a reflection of our soul, and each person's is different. Mine boosts my own Aura and that of others. It can also enhance their Semblance, but healing major wounds... that takes time."
"I see," Yamamoto said, his tone thoughtful as he absorbed this new information. "So, your power allows you to protect and strengthen those around you. Quite unique."
Jaune nodded before continuing, his voice growing more somber. "Anyway, after Cinder hit me, the bridge we were on in the void—the pathway we were using to evacuate everyone—it started to collapse. Everything around us was disappearing, and I... I fell into the void. I thought that was it. I thought I was going to die... and I guess, in a way, I did." His tone faltered slightly as the weight of his situation sank in.
Yamamoto studied Jaune's face, seeing the sadness and confusion there, the realization of his fate hitting him again like a fresh wound. The Captain-Commander nodded knowingly, his expression softening for a brief moment. "Ah," he said, "I see Captain Unohana has already informed you of how you were able to survive here in the Soul Society."
Jaune nodded, his face etched with grief as he came to terms with the fact that his time in the living world had likely ended. The thought of his friends still fighting, of Salem's forces still threatening his world while he was trapped here, weighed heavily on his heart. A deep sadness settled in his chest.
Yamamoto's gaze grew sharper as he observed Jaune's inner turmoil. He could see the struggle in the young man's eyes—his uncertainty, his desperation to return home. After a long pause, Yamamoto straightened in his seat, his presence suddenly more commanding. His eyes, usually narrowed, opened fully, and he fixed Jaune with a gaze that felt like it could pierce straight through his soul.
"Tell me, Jaune Arc..." Yamamoto's voice was low but carried immense authority. "Are you an enemy of the Soul Society? And if not... how can we trust you?"
The question hung heavily in the air, and Jaune felt the weight of it in his chest. He swallowed, trying to find the right words.
Jaune felt the weight of the Captain-Commander's question settle heavily on his shoulders. His mouth went dry, and though the fear was still there, gnawing at him, he knew he couldn't let it rule him. He had faced impossible odds before, fought battles where the stakes were life and death—not just for him, but for the people he cared about. This was no different.
He inhaled deeply, calming his nerves. This man—no, this legend—was not someone he could afford to falter in front of. His voice steady, though still a little shaky, Jaune met Yamamoto's piercing gaze.
"No, I am not an enemy of the Soul Society, I have no reason to be, you've shown me nothing but hospitality, and I have no ill will toward you or anyone here, as for trust..." He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, knowing he had to choose his next words carefully. "I know I'm just a stranger—a person from another world who crash-landed here under... strange circumstances, you have every right to be cautious..."
Jaune swallowed, his mind racing as he thought of how much was at stake. He squared his shoulders, meeting Yamamoto's eyes with newfound resolve.
"But I ask for one simple thing, Captain-Commander," He said.
Yamamoto's brow lifted slightly, showing a rare flicker of curiosity. "And what is that?" he asked, his deep voice filling the room.
"A chance," Jaune said firmly, his voice clear. "A chance to prove that I'm not an enemy, but someone you can trust, someone who can help... Whatever you need from me, whatever it takes, I'll do it, all I ask is for the opportunity to show you that I'm worth that trust,"
The silence that followed felt like an eternity. Yamamoto's eyes, sharp and unreadable, studied Jaune intently. The weight of his gaze was like a physical force, and Jaune could feel his heart racing in his chest. He had no idea how his plea would be received—whether it would fall on deaf ears, or if Yamamoto would decide right then and there that Jaune wasn't worth the risk. But Jaune stood his ground, refusing to let his fear overtake him.
Yamamoto leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he considered Jaune's words. Jaune's sincerity was undeniable—there was no hint of deceit or manipulation in his voice. And though the Captain-Commander had lived through centuries of conflict, where trust had been broken more times than he could count, he couldn't help but be reminded of others who had stood in this very place, speaking with a similar fire in their hearts. Ichigo Kurosaki had been one of them. Jūshirō Ukitake had been another. Both had proven themselves to be invaluable allies, though one had come to the Soul Society under... less-than-ideal circumstances.
He could see that same determination in Jaune now—the will to fight, to protect. The boy's words weren't mere pleasantries; they came from a deep place of conviction. But Yamamoto wasn't one to be moved easily by words alone. Actions would have to speak louder.
Still, it was a bold request, and a rare one at that. Most who stood before Yamamoto, uncertain of their fate, begged for mercy.
Jaune Arc had asked for trust.
Yamamoto let the silence linger a little longer before finally speaking, his voice calm but carrying the weight of his years. "You ask for a great deal, Jaune Arc," he said, his tone as measured as ever. "To place trust in an outsider is no small thing, especially in these uncertain times,"
Jaune's breath caught in his throat as Yamamoto paused, the intensity of the moment bearing down on him once again.
Yamamoto turned his attention to his lieutenant, standing quietly by his side. "Chōjirō," Yamamoto called out, his voice resonating with authority.
Chojiro Sasakibe, the ever-loyal lieutenant and Yamamoto's most trusted right hand, stepped forward with the precision and grace that came with centuries of service under the Captain-Commander. His silver hair gleamed faintly in the dim light of the room as he inclined his head respectfully. "Yes, Captain?" he asked, his voice calm and measured, as always.
Yamamoto shifted his gaze to his lieutenant, his ancient eyes filled with the weight of countless battles and decisions made over the centuries. "Escort Jaune Arc back to Squad 4's barracks," Yamamoto commanded, his voice deep and unwavering. "Inform Captain Unohana that he is to remain there under her watch until I, along with Central 46, have reached a decision regarding his future,"
Chojiro gave a slight nod, acknowledging the order without hesitation. "Of course, Captain," he replied with the practiced calm of someone who had long served beside a living legend. With a quiet step, he turned toward Jaune, who was still standing, feeling the palpable weight of the conversation that had just transpired. "Come with me," Chojiro said simply, his tone courteous yet firm.
Jaune, still processing everything, gave a silent nod. His mind raced as he glanced back at Yamamoto one last time, feeling a strange mix of awe and fear toward the ancient leader of the Soul Society. Then, he followed Chojiro, the heavy wooden doors of Yamamoto's office creaking open as they exited into the quiet corridors outside.
As the doors closed behind them with a soft thud, Genshirō Okikiba, the 3rd seat of the 1st Division, approached Yamamoto from the shadows of the room. His face was etched with concern, his brow furrowed as he spoke. "Is that truly wise, Yamamoto-sama?" Okikiba asked cautiously. "Central 46 will not take kindly to the fact that you did not bring the boy before them for judgment, they may view this as undermining their authority,"
Yamamoto, still seated behind his grand desk, didn't look up immediately. His fingers rested gently on the ancient wood, the air around him heavy with a sense of timeless authority. "They will deal with it," he said, his voice a rumble that seemed to shake the very walls of the room. "I have seen the boy's heart, I have heard the sincerity in his words, though he is an outsider—a Ryoka—he is no threat to us, in fact, I believe the Soul Society would benefit from giving him a chance,"
Okikiba's eyes widened in surprise. "A chance? To do what, exactly?" he asked, trying to gauge just how far the Captain-Commander was willing to go for this boy from another world. "Are you suggesting you intend to bring him into our ranks?"
Yamamoto rose slowly from his chair, his towering figure casting a long shadow across the room. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice resolute. "Jaune Arc will become one of us... I have already made my decision, he will train, learn, and if his heart proves true, he will earn his place among the Shinigami,"
Okikiba's surprise deepened. For as long as he had served under the Captain-Commander, it was rare—extremely rare—to see Yamamoto extend such trust to someone, perhapes the likes of Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends and left an impression on the old shinigami. Central 46 would undoubtedly protest, and there would be questions, perhaps even challenges to Yamamoto's authority on this matter. Yet, if Yamamoto had decided, there was little anyone could do to change his mind.
The 3rd seat bowed his head respectfully. "I understand, Captain-Commander," he said, though there was still a note of caution in his voice. "I trust your judgment, but I must admit... I hope the boy proves himself worthy of the faith you have shown him, it has been a long time since I've seen you offer such a chance,"
Yamamoto began to walk toward the exit, his heavy haori swaying with each step as if it carried the weight of centuries. "He will," the old man said with absolute certainty, as if there was no other outcome but success. "And if he does not... then he will not last long here,"
As Yamamoto made his way toward the grand chamber of Central 46, Okikiba remained behind, contemplating the bold decision his captain had just made. It wasn't just about trusting Jaune; it was about preparing for a future where even outsiders might have a role to play in the defense of the Soul Society.
For now, all they could do was wait and see if this Jaune Arc, these mere Ryoka, would rise to meet the challenge that lay ahead. The boy had been given a rare opportunity, and the eyes of the Gotei 13—and Central 46—would be watching closely.
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As the next day dawned, Jaune sat nervously in the room he had woken up in the day before. The traditional design of the Soul Society still felt foreign to him—the thin walls, the tatami mats, and the shoji doors. He tried to keep his mind occupied, but anxiety weighed heavily on him. What would they do with him? Were they deciding whether to imprison him—or worse, execute him? The thought sent a chill down his spine, though he tried not to dwell on it.
Suddenly, a soft knock came from the shoji door, pulling Jaune out of his spiraling thoughts. This time, he managed not to jump in surprise, unlike yesterday. He took a steadying breath and called out, "Come in."
The door slid open with a quiet swish, revealing a tall woman with kind eyes—Captain Unohana's lieutenant, the same woman who had been present when he first awoke. Though Jaune hadn't quite caught her name in the chaos of the previous day, he immediately recognized her gentle yet professional demeanor. In her hands, she carried a neatly folded set of clothes.
The lieutenant smiled warmly as she entered. "Good morning, Arc-san," she greeted him, her voice soothing in the tense atmosphere.
Jaune smiled back, though his nerves were still apparent. "Good morning to you, too... uh... I'm really sorry, I didn't catch your name before," he admitted, feeling sheepish. It was hard to focus on introductions when you were dealing with existential dread.
The lieutenant chuckled softly, understanding the strain he must have been under. "It's alright. You had a lot on your mind," she replied kindly. "I'm Isane Kotetsu, Lieutenant of the 4th Division."
"Isane... it's nice to meet you," Jaune said, the name now lodged firmly in his memory.
"Likewise, Arc-san," Isane responded, her tone as gentle as ever.
"Ah, p-please, just Jaune. None of, uh... whatever that was," Jaune replied, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
Isane smiled warmly, nodding. "Very well, Jaune," she said, gracefully adjusting her tone to his comfort level. She then held out the neatly folded robes she had brought with her. "These are for you."
Jaune eyed the robes with a raised brow, noticing that they looked identical to the uniforms worn by the other members of the 4th Division he had seen in passing. The dark fabric and simple yet elegant design stood out to him, but he didn't quite understand why he was being given one. "What are these?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
"These are called Shihakusho," Isane explained. "It's the standard uniform we Shinigami wear, Captain Unohana instructed me to bring these for you to change into before we head out to the courtyard,"
Jaune blinked in surprise, holding the robes carefully in his hands. "A Shihakusho..." he repeated, rolling the unfamiliar word over his tongue. "Thank you, I'll get changed right away," Jaune said, giving a small nod before turning toward the uniform in his hands.
Isane nodded in return, her gentle smile still present. "Take your time," she said softly before stepping out of the room, sliding the shoji door shut behind her.
Left alone, Jaune quickly stripped out of his old clothes, his fingers moving automatically even though his mind was elsewhere, still processing everything that had happened. He unfolded the Shihakusho and slipped it on. The material was surprisingly light and easy to wear, fitting him without much trouble. As he adjusted the fabric, he couldn't help but wonder how long he'd be wearing this. Was this temporary, or would he need to get used to dressing like a Shinigami?
His thoughts wandered as he considered adding something to make the outfit feel more his own. Even in this world, the idea of going into any potential combat situation without armor left him feeling exposed. Maybe some forearm guards, or even a pauldron over his left shoulder—something that could give him the same sense of security he had when he wore his old armor in Remnant. He knew it wasn't practical, but the thought comforted him.
After securing the Shihakusho, Jaune noticed a pair of straw sandals neatly placed near the foot of the futon. Waraji were what they were called if he remembered correctly. He slipped his feet into them, leaving his socks on for some semblance of familiarity. The sandals completed the look, though Jaune still felt strangely out of place. The lightweight uniform was a far cry from the thick armor he was used to.
'Maybe I'll grow into it,' Jaune thought, looking himself over. It wasn't quite the look of a warrior he'd imagined, but this was a new world with new rules. He had to adapt.
With a deep breath, Jaune slid the door open and stepped out, closing it quietly behind him. Isane was standing to the side, waiting for him, her patient expression unchanged. As Jaune walked toward her, he realized that she was about his height, a detail that had slipped his mind in all the chaos of yesterday.
"So, how do I look?" Jaune asked, raising a brow as he offered a small, hopeful smile.
Isane chuckled softly, her eyes warm with approval. "You look nice, Jaune," she said. There was a brief pause as her gaze swept over him again, before she added, "Are you ready to head to the courtyard? Captain Unohana is waiting,"
Jaune gave a nod, though there was a faint hint of uncertainty in his posture. "Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, trying to sound confident, but the weight of the unknown still lingered in his voice.
Isane gestured for him to follow, and the two began walking through the corridors of the 4th Division barracks. As they moved, Jaune couldn't help but take in more of his surroundings—how everything here seemed calm, peaceful even. The serene atmosphere was a stark contrast to the constant tension he was used to back in Remnant.
Still, the question gnawed at him: what awaited him now? He had been given new clothes, a temporary place to stay, and they had treated him well. But what did they ultimately want from him? Would they trust him? Or were they simply waiting for Central 46 to pass judgment? Would he be given a chance to show that he could work with them?
The pair stepped outside into the open courtyard, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. It was a beautiful sight, far too peaceful for someone who had spent so much of his life fighting.
As they approached a shaded area near a garden, Jaune spotted Captain Unohana standing there, her presence as serene and composed as it had been the day before. She greeted him with her usual calm smile, though there was an undeniable depth behind her gaze that reminded Jaune that, while she was kind, she was also someone to be respected.
"Jaune," Unohana greeted, her voice soft but commanding. "It's good to see you again, I trust you slept well?" She asked.
Jaune nodded, standing a little straighter. "Yes, Captain Unohana, and thank you for... everything," He wasn't sure how else to put it. She had been nothing but kind to him, but it still felt odd accepting their hospitality, given how much uncertainty hung in the air.
Unohana's smile deepened slightly. "You're welcome," she replied. "Now, if you're ready, I believe we have much to discuss,"
Jaune nodded, trying to suppress the knot of nerves tightening in his chest. "Right," he replied, his voice steady but betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Unohana's gaze remained soft, but there was a weight behind it as she spoke again. "I have good news for you, Jaune," she began, her tone gentle yet serious. "The Captain Commander was able to convince Central 46 to let you live. You will not be imprisoned, nor will you face execution,"
Jaune's breath caught for a moment, a wave of relief washing over him. But Unohana's calm expression told him there was more to the story.
"However," she continued, "All of this comes with one condition,"
Jaune's relief flickered with curiosity and concern. "Which is?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You are to join the Gotei 13," Unohana explained, her voice unwavering. "You will become a member of one of its divisions, and while you are part of that division, you will also be closely monitored by your captain and superiors, this is non-negotiable, is that understood?"
Jaune paused for a moment, letting the weight of her words settle in. It made sense—he was an outsider from another world, a complete unknown to them. If they were going to trust him, they had to keep an eye on him. He nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Uh, yeah, actually... that sounds pretty reasonable to me," Jaune replied with a slight shrug.
Unohana nodded in acknowledgment. "Good, Now that we've established that," she said, her expression still serene, "You may be wondering what you need to do to join our ranks."
"Yeah," Jaune said, his brow furrowing slightly. "What do I have to do to become a Shinigami? I mean... I guess there's some kind of test or something?"
A hint of amusement danced in Unohana's eyes as she continued. "Under normal circumstances, we would send new recruits to the Academy, where they would train for several years before being assigned to a division, however, your arrival is... unorthodox, to say the least, so we cannot send you through the usual channels,"
Jaune nodded, understanding that his situation was far from typical. "So what's the plan, then?"
"Today," Unohana said, her voice taking on a slightly darker tone that made Jaune's spine stiffen, "Isane and I will be testing your abilities firsthand, we need to assess your skills, your combat capabilities, and how well you adapt to the spiritual pressure in our world, and once we have gathered enough information, we will deliver a report to the Captain Commander, where he will decide which division you will join based on our findings,"
Jaune swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. "Right. Sounds... straightforward enough," he said, though his nerves were creeping back in. He'd faced plenty of challenges back in Remnant, but he had no idea how his abilities would translate in a world like this. Spiritual pressure? He barely knew what that was.
Unohana giggled softly, the sound light but carrying an unmistakable undertone that made Jaune feel both reassured and wary. "Easy doesn't begin to describe what we have in store for you, Jaune Arc," she said, her voice lilting with a hint of something darker.
Jaune's eyes widened slightly, and a nervous chuckle escaped him. "That's... comforting," he said, not entirely sure if she was joking.
Isane, who had been quietly observing, smiled warmly. "Don't worry, Jaune, I and Captain Unohana will guide you through it,"
Jaune glanced between the two women, realizing that this would be far from an easy trial. He straightened his posture and nodded, determination slowly replacing his fear. "I'll do my best," he said firmly.
Unohana's smile softened. "That's all we ask," She told him. "Now, let's begin,"
With a fluid motion, Unohana withdrew a sheathed katana from her sleeve, tossing it smoothly to Jaune. Reacting on instinct, Jaune reached out and caught the weapon effortlessly, his Huntsman reflexes kicking in. As he looked down at the sword in his hand, he took in its details: the scabbard was a deep, navy blue, with a simple round guard, unadorned and straightforward. The handle wrap was a clean, unassuming black, giving the weapon an almost ordinary look.
It was, for now, a blank Zanpakutō—a basic katana with untapped potential.
"That will be your Zanpakutō," Unohana informed him, her gaze steady. "As of now, it's simply a sword. But we'll soon find out if you can unlock its true nature when we see if you're capable of accessing your Shikai."
"Shikai?" Jaune wondered to himself, briefly caught up in the unfamiliar term. He tucked the question away for later. "Alright, so... what's next?" he asked, gripping the sword's hilt a little tighter.
"Simple," Unohana replied, a faint smile touching her lips. "You'll be sparring with Isane here. I'll be observing your swordsmanship and evaluating your technique."
Jaune's eyes widened slightly, his gaze shifting to Isane. A flicker of worry crossed his face. "Are you sure? I mean... sparring with real weapons, especially since I have my Aura, could be risky. I'd rather not accidentally hurt her," he admitted, a touch of hesitation in his voice.
Unohana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "There's no need for concern, Jaune. Even with your Aura, I doubt you'll leave a scratch on Isane. Though she may seem gentle, she's far more skilled in Zanjutsu than most realize." Her eyes glinted with quiet confidence as she glanced at her lieutenant.
Isane gave Jaune a reassuring smile, sliding into a stance with a calm ease. "It's alright, Jaune. I'll be careful," she said kindly, yet Jaune could see a steely readiness in her posture.
Jaune took a steady breath and, seeing no other option and receiving Unohana's nod of approval, agreed to the sparring match.
He and Isane separated, creating a respectful distance between them. They exchanged determined glances, each drawing their Zanpakutō with calm precision. Unohana, standing at the sidelines, watched them with a soft smile, nodding as she signaled them to begin.
At once, they charged, Jaune taking the initiative as he drew his sword back, aiming for Isane's left side. In a flash, she read his movement, raising her own blade to block his strike with practiced ease. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she deflected his katana, swiftly bringing the bottom of her hilt up to strike his chest.
Despite his Aura's protection, the force of her blow reverberated through him, making Jaune wince and grunt. However, he quickly shook off the impact and adjusted his grip, angling for a downward strike. But Isane was already moving, stepping back to evade, her blade rising just in time to intercept his.
Their swords locked, and Jaune strained against her strength. Determined, he pushed hard, breaking the deadlock as he managed to force Isane a few paces back. He saw a brief opening, pulling his Zanpakutō back for a quick jab, aiming to catch her off-guard. Yet, Isane recovered in an instant, smoothly deflecting his attack and countering with a slicing motion toward his waist.
Her strike hit the invisible barrier of his Aura, halting her blade like it had struck solid armor. The force surprised her for just a second—a brief hesitation Jaune took advantage of, swinging his blade toward her chest. Isane sidestepped and leaned back, her movement so precise that his sword swished harmlessly past.
In a fluid counterattack, Isane brought her hilt upward, striking Jaune's stomach with controlled force. His Aura cushioned the blow, yet it was enough to knock the wind from him, sending him stumbling. Before he could regain his balance, Isane swept her leg out, catching his ankles. His footing slipped, and he landed hard on his back, the breath momentarily leaving him.
Jaune landed hard on his back, the impact jarring his senses. A heartbeat later, Isane's blade struck the ground inches from his head, embedding itself with a decisive force that made his eyes widen in shock. He turned his head, staring at the blade beside him in disbelief. The realization that she'd aimed so close sank in, and Jaune's instincts kicked in—he had to keep moving.
Rolling quickly to his side, he sprang back onto his feet, taking a defensive stance. Isane pulled her Zanpakutō from the ground smoothly, her gaze steady as she prepared to press him further. With a flash of movement, she charged, her stance balanced and determined, clearly ready to see how he'd handle a more aggressive approach.
She drew her Zanpakutō to her left, telegraphing an arc aimed at his right side. Jaune watched her blade with laser focus, and just as it swung toward, he surged aura into his right hand, his white aura flaring into view. With a solid block, he intercepted her attack, catching Isane off-guard. Her eyes widened slightly as his aura manifested, the unexpected defense halting her momentum.
Seeing the brief opening, Jaune capitalized on it, angling his blade quickly and pressing it lightly against Isane's left side, a gesture that would've left her defenseless if this were a true battle. A small grin tugged at his lips as he caught her by surprise. "Looks like I win," he said with a hint of confidence.
Isane, however, returned his smirk with a composed smile of her own. "I don't think so," she replied, her tone calm but with a playful edge.
Before Jaune could react, he noticed her right hand had shifted slightly, her pointer and middle fingers extending while still holding her sword. The tips of her fingers aimed at his shoulder, and in an instant, spiritual energy flared around them.
Isane's eyes sharpened with focus as she gathered spiritual energy around her fingers. "Tame the wrath of Jupiter, call it forth to be wielded by a mortal hand... Hadō #4: Byakurai," she chanted.
A fierce, concentrated bolt of lightning erupted from her fingertips, surging through the air in a blinding streak before slamming directly into Jaune's shoulder. The impact was staggering—he felt the force lift him from his feet, hurling him backward as he lost his grip on his Zanpakutō. He crashed to the ground, his aura flickering from the damage as his energy reserves dropped to nearly 70 percent.
Jaune was left breathless, both from the blow and from awe. The power she'd unleashed was intense, and he quickly recognized the gap in their spiritual strength. As he struggled to push himself up, a firm boot pinned him back to the ground. Isane's Zanpakutō hovered inches from his face, her expression calm but victorious.
"Looks like I win," she said, mirroring his earlier confident words with a slight smile.
Jaune chuckled, nodding in acknowledgment. "Alright, you've got me," he admitted, feeling both humbled and impressed.
With a light laugh, Isane withdrew her sword and extended her hand to help him up. Gratefully, he took it, feeling the lingering tingle in his shoulder from the residual energy of her spell. Once on his feet, he dusted himself off and retrieved his Zanpakutō, carefully sheathing it back into its scabbard.
As he turned to Captain Unohana, he raised an eyebrow, eager for her assessment. "So, how did I do, Captain Unohana?" he asked, still catching his breath but genuinely curious.
Unohana observed Jaune thoughtfully, a slight smile on her lips. "Your performance was... adequate," she said, her tone measured. "Not poor by any means, but there is certainly room for improvement, tell me, are you accustomed to wielding a blade with both hands?"
Jaune shook his head. "No, actually," Jaune told her. "I usually fight with a sword and shield, my weapon did have a greatsword mode, but honestly, I barely ever used it," he admitted.
Unohana nodded, filing away this piece of information. "That explains your technique, if you're to master Zanjutsu, you'll need to develop both precision and power with two hands on the blade, depending on which division you're placed in, I'll arrange for Isane to oversee your training, and I may ask for some assistance from the 11th Division, whose members are highly skilled in swordsmanship,"
At the mention of the 11th Division, Isane's face grew slightly concerned, and she quickly looked to her captain. "Are you certain that's wise, Captain?" she asked, worry evident in her voice. "I know 5th Seat Ayasegawa and 3rd Seat Madarame are skilled fighters who can teach him a lot, and they would restrain themselves... but if Captain Zaraki finds out about this, he may want to be involved,"
Jaune's curiosity was piqued. "Captain Zaraki?" he asked, glancing between the two women. "Who's he?"
Isane turned to Jaune, her expression a mix of apprehension and respect. "Captain Kenpachi Zaraki... He's the Captain of the 11th Division and the 11th Kenpachi," she explained.
"Kenpachi?" Jaune asked, unfamiliar with the term.
"The title of Kenpachi is one steeped in blood and power," Unohana explained, her voice soft but firm. "Unlike other captain positions in the Gotei 13, the captain of the 11th Division is never chosen by ceremony or promotion alone. To claim the title of Kenpachi, one must defeat—and kill—the previous Kenpachi. It is a title that passes only to the strongest warrior willing to take it by force."
Jaune's eyes widened, trying to comprehend the sheer brutality of such a tradition. A title earned only by death? It sounded unreal, even disturbing. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of person would willingly chase such a title, knowing the path to it was paved with the bodies of their predecessors. "If I can ask... just how strong is Captain Zaraki?" he asked, unable to keep the hint of unease out of his voice.
Unohana's gaze turned sharp, and there was a slight, reverent edge to her tone. "Captain Zaraki is a fighter like no other. His strength is unparalleled. He has battled the likes of Ichigo Kurosaki, the fifth Espada, Nnoitra Gilga, and the zero Espada, Yammy Riyalgo—all formidable warriors in their own right—and not only did he face them without fear... he faced them without restraint. Captain Zaraki thrives on battle. He does not fear being cut; in fact, he revels in it. He is the very embodiment of the Kenpachi name."
A chill ran through Jaune as he listened. The description made Zaraki sound less like a warrior and more like an unstoppable force, someone who was truly born to fight and conquer. Jaune had faced dangerous foes before, but Captain Zaraki was something different—someone who lived and breathed violence.
The intensity of the title—and the unyielding tradition behind it—wasn't lost on Jaune. The idea of facing such a person was daunting, yet it also sparked a strange curiosity within him. He thought of Tyrian, a maniacal assassin he had encountered back in Remnant, and couldn't help but wonder who would win in a fight between them. But there was a clear difference: Tyrian fought for destruction, whereas Captain Zaraki fought simply for the thrill of it.
"If he hears of you, an outsider with untapped potential, you can be assured he will be interested—and that could mean a 'training session' that you may not be prepared for," Unohana finished.
Jaune gulped, trying to imagine what kind of warrior this Captain Zaraki must be to garner such cautious words from Unohana and a look of dread from Isane.
"However," Unohana continued, "if your Zanjutsu improves and you show potential, learning under those from the 11th Division may serve you well, you'll find they are relentless, which is often the best motivation,"
Jaune took a deep breath, realizing he'd likely be thrown into the deep end. But if training with the most battle-hardened division could sharpen his skills and help him survive, then he would take on that challenge. "I'll take whatever training you think I need, Captain Unohana," he said firmly, determination clear in his voice.
Unohana smiled, pleased by his resolve. "Good, then onces this is over, we'll start with the fundamentals under Isane's guidance, and when you're ready..." Her smile took on a slightly mischievous edge. "We'll see about introducing you to the members of the 11th Division,"
Jaune nodded, though Unohana's unnervingly pleasant smile left him feeling uneasy. "R-Right," he stammered, doing his best to appear calm.
Isane, sensing his discomfort, shifted the conversation, her gaze curious. "If you don't mind my asking, Jaune, your ability—Aura, I believe?—what exactly does it do? I noticed during our sparring match that you never seemed to suffer any visible wounds, was that because of your Aura?"
Relieved to have a different focus, Jaune turned to her, nodding. "Yeah, in my world, Aura is a physical manifestation of the soul itself, it acts as a protective shield, blocking physical injuries, and while I might not get cut or bruised from an attack, I can still feel the impact, and each hit wears away at it little by little," he revealed.
Isane's interest was clearly piqued. "So, there's a limit to this protection, then?"
"Exactly," Jaune confirmed. "It's strong, but not infinite, if my Aura depletes completely, it leaves me vulnerable until it can recharge itself, though, if things are getting dicey, I have one more trick to keep myself going a bit longer—my Semblance,"
Isane tilted her head, clearly intrigued. "Semblance? And what does that do?"
Jaune took a moment to think how to best explain it. "A Semblance is sort of like a unique ability drawn from the individual's Aura, it's different for everyone," he told her. "Mine allows me to amplify my Aura, so if it's running low, I can give myself a quick boost back to 100 percent," he told her.
Isane's eyes lit up with genuine amazement as a smile spread across her face. "That's incredible!" she exclaimed. "An ability like that is really powerful!"
Jaune chuckled, his cheeks coloring slightly under the praise. "Uh, yeah... I guess it's pretty handy," he replied modestly, scratching the back of his neck.
Unohana, watching the exchange with a glint of amusement, let out a soft chuckle. "If you two are done flirting, we can move on to the next part of the test," she said, her tone light but teasing.
Isane's cheeks flared as she turned to her captain, horrified. "Captain!" she protested, her voice high-pitched with embarrassment.
Unohana's laughter deepened, though she quickly shifted the focus back to Jaune. "All right, the next step will be assessing your potential with Kidō," she said, her voice returning to its usual calm. "I'm curious to see if you can channel your spiritual energy in that way,"
Jaune raised an eyebrow, not quite familiar with the term. "Kidō?" he repeated. "What exactly is that?"
Isane composed herself, her expression becoming more serious as she explained. "Kidō is a type of spiritual combat that relies on the use of advanced spells, these spells, fueled by Reiryoku—our spiritual energy—are generally classified into two main categories: Hadō, which focuses on offensive spells, and Bakudō, which is used for support and defensive tactics," She paused, seeing Jaune's interest, then continued, "Most Kidō spells require an incantation to trigger, though experienced users can activate spells without one, however, the spell's power can be reduced if you skip the incantation,"
Jaune's eyes widened with fascination as he took it all in. "So, it's sort of like magic?"
Isane nodded. "You could call it that, yes," She told him. "In fact, the Gotei 13 has a branch called the Kidō Corps that specializes in the mastery and development of Kidō spells, they've spent centuries refining these techniques, and some of their members can wield Kidō with almost effortless control,"
As Isane explained, Jaune's eyes widened in realization. "Wait... is that what you used on me during our spar? The lightning shot to my shoulder?" he asked.
Isane nodded, a hint of pride in her expression. "Yes, that was Byakurai, an offensive Kidō spell. The spell I'm about to teach you now is also in the Hadō category, but it's less intense and good for beginners," she explained with a gentle smile.
Jaune nodded, steeling himself. "Alright, I'll give it a shot."
Just then, Unohana moved to the side and, with surprising strength, threw a large metal tray high into the air, sending it spinning above them as it caught the light. The tray arced gracefully, flying directly over Jaune's head and Isane's line of sight.
"Watch carefully," Isane instructed, raising her arms. She aligned her right hand behind her left, channeling spiritual energy until a soft, crimson glow began to form in her palms. Her voice then rose in a commanding chant: "Ye Lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!"
As she finished, the red glow expanded into a crimson orb of energy between her palms. "Hadō #31: Shakkahō!" Isane called, and the red ball blasted from her hands in a blur of crimson, striking the metal tray in midair. The impact was instantaneous, erupting into a controlled but forceful explosion that left nothing but a fading shimmer in the air where the tray had been.
Jaune stared, mouth slightly open in awe. Watching Isane's Kidō spell in action—the ease with which she gathered energy and the devastating precision of the blast—was both humbling and inspiring. He was impressed with how she had wielded something so powerful so effortlessly.
Isane turned back to him, smiling as she lowered her hands. "Alright, Jaune, your turn," she encouraged.
Jaune nodded and mimicked Isane's stance, planting his feet firmly on the ground and aligning his hands just as she had. "Like this?" he asked, glancing at her for reassurance.
Isane smiled, nodding in approval. "Exactly! Now, to use Kidō spells effectively, you need to gather your Spirit Energy around your arms and hands. This energy will determine the direction and power of your spell when unleashed. Once you've built up enough energy, recite the chant to activate the spell," she explained patiently.
Jaune took a deep breath and focused on gathering his Reiryoku around the specified areas. To his surprise, he found the process remarkably intuitive. It felt similar to manipulating his Aura, a skill he had honed over countless battles. He concentrated, visualizing the energy flowing around his arms and hands.
As he drew in the Reiryoku, he noted its distinct qualities. While his Aura always felt heavy yet comforting—like a weighted blanket—this Spirit Energy felt light and ethereal, almost like fragile paper. Despite its delicate sensation, Jaune could sense the raw power within it, and that realization sparked excitement in him.
Feeling a sufficient amount of Reiryoku swirling around his arms and hands, he decided it was time to move forward. Channeling the same words Isane had used, he recited the chant with conviction: "Ye Lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!"
As the final syllables left his lips, a vibrant red orb began to form in front of his hands, pulsing with energy and promise.
"Excellent!" Isane encouraged, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Noticing Unohana preparing another tray with a flick of her wrist, Jaune shifted his focus to the flying object. With determination coursing through him, he gathered every ounce of concentration. The tray soared through the air, glinting under the light.
"Hadō #31: Shakkahō!" Jaune shouted, unleashing the spell with all the intensity he could muster. The red orb shot forward like a meteor, hurtling toward the tray with blinding speed.
To the astonishment of both Isane and Unohana, Jaune's spell hit its target perfectly, striking the tray with impressive force and erupting in a fiery explosion that mirrored Isane's earlier display. The force of the blast sent shimmering red sparks flying into the air, catching the sunlight and creating a dazzling spectacle.
Isane's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and admiration washing over her. 'Incredible!' she thought, watching the aftermath unfold. 'He was able to conjure and execute a spell like that on his first attempt, despite having no prior experience with this form of combat! It's amazing how easily he controls his Reiryoku!'
The lieutenant's excitement bubbled up, and she couldn't help but grin broadly at Jaune, her previous concerns forgotten in the wake of his success. "That was amazing, Jaune! You did it!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Unohana stood silently, her expression a blend of surprise and contemplation. She too was impressed, but her mind raced with deeper thoughts. 'It seems he has an innate talent for manipulating Reiryoku,' she mused, connecting the dots between his Aura manipulation skills and this new ability. 'This may be due to the fact that controlling Aura requires a similar degree of finesse and precision... it seems that his potential in the world of the Soul Society is far greater than I initially anticipated,'
As the smoke from the explosion began to settle, Unohana stepped forward, her smile returning. "Very well done, Jaune, it appears you have a natural affinity for Kidō," She told the young man. "With practice, you could become quite proficient," she praised, her tone warm and encouraging.
Jaune, still riding the high of his successful spell, turned to the captain, his face flushed with excitement. "Thanks! I didn't know I could do that!" he said, his eyes sparkling with newfound confidence.
Isane and Unohana exchanged amused glances, chuckling softly at Jaune's sheer enthusiasm. His joy at successfully casting the spell was infectious, and it reminded them both of the excitement that accompanied new beginnings.
With that, Isane stepped forward, eager to continue the lesson. "Now, let's try another spell," she announced, her voice steady and encouraging. "This time, we'll explore the Bakudō category,"
Jaune nodded eagerly, his earlier excitement still palpable. "Alright, sounds good! I'm ready!" he replied, his determination shining through.
Isane took a step closer, positioning herself directly in front of Jaune. With a playful but focused demeanor, she poked him in the chest with her right hand's pointer and middle finger. "Bind! The wandering knave! Bakudō #1: Sai!" she chanted, swiping her fingers to the right with a flourish.
To Jaune's astonishment, an invisible force suddenly seized his wrists, drawing his hands behind his back while simultaneously straightening his posture. He felt the binding magic take hold, and his eyes widened as he struggled against the restraints. "W-Whoa!" he groaned, the sudden pressure causing a slight twinge of discomfort.
Isane observed his reaction, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. "That spell is on the weaker side of Bakudō spells," she explained, her tone reassuring. "But it's quite effective for a quick restraint, especially in a tight situation, it'll help in capturing someone without causing them serious harm,"
Jaune squirmed slightly but quickly realized that the binding wasn't as painful as it felt at first. "So it's like a temporary handcuff?" he asked, his brow furrowing in concentration as he tried to understand the spell's implications.
"Exactly!" Isane replied, her smile returning. "It's meant to hold someone still without inflicting lasting damage, and don't worry, it should wear off in a minute or two,"
As Isane finished speaking, Jaune felt the invisible bindings around his wrists dissolve, freeing him from their restraint. He flexed his fingers in front of him, giving them a quick shake to dispel any lingering sensations.
Turning to Isane, he wore a determined expression that conveyed his readiness. "Alright, I think I'll give it a try," he declared, his voice steady with newfound confidence.
Isane nodded, her demeanor shifting to one of focus as she prepared herself for the effects of the spell. "I'm ready whenever you are," she said, her eyes sparkling with encouragement.
Jaune stepped toward her, taking a deep breath to center himself. He mimicked Isane's earlier movements, poking her lightly in the chest with his pointer and middle fingers before swiping to the right. "Bind! The wandering knave! Bakudō #1: Sai!" he chanted, his voice firm and clear.
In an instant, Isane's hands were yanked behind her back, her posture straightening involuntarily as she gasped, "A-Ah!"
For a brief moment, Jaune's heart raced, a mix of concern and surprise flooding his thoughts. His first instinct was to worry that he might have hurt her. However, a quick glance at her face revealed no signs of distress—just a hint of astonishment.
But as he took in the scene, something else caught his attention. He couldn't help but notice how her chest swayed slightly as her back straightened under the spell's influence. Jaune's cheeks flushed at the unexpected distraction.
With a mental shake of his head, he tried to refocus. 'Stop it, brain!' he scolded himself. 'We're 19, not 17! We're supposed to be mature young adults, not some hormonal teenager!'
Jaune felt his face heat up, embarrassment creeping in as he fought to dispel those thoughts. He cleared his throat and focused on the task at hand, mentally chiding himself to concentrate on the lesson. "Are you alright?" he asked, trying to maintain a semblance of seriousness despite the flush in his cheeks.
Isane, adjusting to her sudden restraint, nodded and offered a light laugh, shaking off the surprise. "I'm fine! Well done, Jaune! You executed the spell perfectly,"
Jaune exhaled a sigh of relief, grateful that his attempt had been successful and that Isane was unharmed. "Thanks! I was worried for a second there," he admitted, glancing at her with a mix of admiration and curiosity.
"No worries," Isane replied, a reassuring smile spreading across her face as she felt the magical restraints dissolve.
After a minute or two, the invisible force binding her hands finally vanished. Isane rubbed her wrists lightly, relishing the freedom. She looked up to find Captain Unohana watching Jaune with a proud expression.
"Very good, Jaune," Unohana said, her tone warm and encouraging. "It seems you can perform Kidō with ease, now, for the final part of the test," She paused, gauging Jaune's readiness.
Jaune straightened his posture, a sense of determination flooding through him. "I'm ready for whatever's next, Captain Unohana," he declared, his voice resolute.
Unohana nodded appreciatively. "Good, for the last segment, you must enter your inner world and search for your Zanpakutō spirit," she explained, her gaze steady.
"My Zanpakutō spirit?" Jaune echoed, confusion mingling with curiosity. "My sword has a spirit?" He tilted his head slightly, processing this new information.
"Indeed," Unohana confirmed, her expression brightening with excitement. "What you possess now is a blank and nameless Zanpakutō... It has yet to reveal its true nature, if you concentrate and delve deep within your inner world, pushing your Reiryoku into the blade, you will awaken your Shikai,"
The term Shikai rang a bell in Jaune's mind. "What is that? Shikai?" he asked, eager to learn more.
"Shikai is the second form available to a Zanpakutō," Unohana explained to Jaune, her voice steady and filled with authority. "To activate it, the Shinigami must learn the name of their Zanpakutō, but do not think of it as simply picking a name; the living spirit of the Zanpakutō already has its own name, the Shinigami must be able to communicate and harmonize with their Zanpakutō effectively, this requires the ability to converse with the spirit within its inner world, thus gaining access to one's Shikai,"
Jaune listened intently, his brow furrowed in concentration as he absorbed the wealth of information. The depth of this connection intrigued him, yet also filled him with a sense of responsibility.
Unohana continued, her tone becoming more animated. "Once one is able to achieve and manifest their Shikai, the blade undergoes a transformation, it changes shape and gains special abilities, which are activated by chanting the release command, this command is followed by the name of the Zanpakutō, which unlocks its true potential," She paused, ensuring Jaune was following along. "It's crucial to memorize each phrase, as every Zanpakutō has a unique incantation that must be recited,"
Jaune nodded, comprehension dawning on him. "So, if I want to access this power, I need to enter my... inner world to communicate with my Zanpakutō and discover its name, right?" he asked, his voice tinged with eagerness.
"Correct," Unohana confirmed, her expression serious. "However, it's not that simple... Some spirits can be quite stubborn and may not reveal their names immediately, this could be due to a lack of trust or because the bond between the Shinigami and their Zanpakutō is not yet strong enough,"
Jaune took a moment to consider her words, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I see, so, it may take some time to establish that connection, but even so..." he continued, determination shining in his eyes, "I still want to give it a try,"
Unohana nodded, a serene expression on her face. "Very well," she replied. "Are you ready to begin?"
Jaune met her gaze with determination. "Yeah," he affirmed, his voice steady. "What do I need to do?"
"First, find a comfortable position," Unohana instructed, her tone soothing yet authoritative. "Sit down and cross your legs, then place your Zanpakutō gently on your lap, after that, clear your mind and allow yourself to sink into your inner world,"
Following her guidance, Jaune settled onto the floor, his legs folding comfortably beneath him. He laid his sheathed Zanpakutō across his lap, feeling its familiar weight. Closing his eyes, he took a series of slow, deep breaths, recalling the advice his friend Ren had shared during their meditation sessions together. Each inhale filled him with calm, while each exhale released the tension coiled within him.
Unohana observed him with a nod of approval. "Good, Jaune, very good," she encouraged. "Now, focus on clearing your mind completely, let go of all your thoughts and allow yourself to sink deeper and deeper into your soul," Her voice was soft, almost melodic, guiding him toward relaxation.
Jaune concentrated on her words, envisioning them as gentle waves washing away his thoughts. He pushed aside everything—the worries, the noise, and even the feeling of being in the training room. With each steady breath, he felt the pull of a deeper consciousness, as if he were floating in a vast, dark ocean.
As he continued to breathe, a soft, hushed whisper reached his ears. "Master...? You wish to know me... Master...?"
The voice was ethereal, stirring something within him. Jaune wanted to respond, to engage with the presence that called out to him, but his focus was solely on entering his inner world. The sensation of floating deep within this dark expanse intensified, and he felt himself being drawn downwards, deeper into the murky depths.
"Very well... We shall talk... Master..." the voice echoed softly again, reverberating through the darkness.
At that moment, as if the final barrier had been breached, Jaune's body relaxed completely. He surrendered to the pull, feeling himself finally being enveloped by the mysterious depths of his inner world. The world around him faded away, replaced by an all-consuming darkness that held both fear and promise.
Unohana watched intently, her brows slightly raised in surprise as Jaune effortlessly slipped into his inner world. It was remarkable how quickly the spirit of his Zanpakutō had pulled him in; she couldn't recall a time when a candidate had transitioned so swiftly. As she observed the scene unfold, a mixture of hope and curiosity swelled within her. She couldn't help but wonder whether the blade's spirit would accept him and reveal its name, or if it would withhold that information, sensing that Jaune was not yet ready for such immense power.
"Captain," Isane called out, her voice laced with concern. "Is he…?" She trailed off, uncertain of how to finish her question.
Unohana nodded, confirming the unspoken query. "Yes, he is within his inner world,"
"Amazing…" Isane muttered, her eyes wide with awe, mirroring the surprise her captain felt.
Indeed, Jaune Arc was proving to be extraordinary. Despite originating from another world, he had amassed spiritual energy comparable to that of a Lieutenant in a mere day. The ease with which he manipulated his Reiryoku and performed Kidō spells was nothing short of impressive. It seemed that he might soon be on the brink of awakening his Shikai, a feat many Shinigami spent years striving to achieve.
Unohana couldn't shake her curiosity as she considered the implications. What made Jaune so special that the powers of a Shinigami came to him as if they were second nature?
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I hope you guys are happy with this chapter because god damn it! Was I fucking cooking with this chapter! This thing is long! I mean like extremely long! So you better appreciate the work I put into this because I'll be honest, there might not be another chapter like this long again in this story!
Also if you're wondering why Jaune's able to easily perform Shinigami powers, that will be explained later on down the line of the story as there is a perfect explanation for why he's adjusting so fast to the Bleachverse as it's not just an asspull and me trying to make Jaune OP, because while the abilities are coming to him rather quickly he's not overpowered at all, because he can still be beaten by alot of the characters in the Bleachverse.
Anyway! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are ready to see what happens in the next chapter!