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Chapter 6: Blades and Blushes
Kazana stood in a secluded courtyard near the Fourth Squad's barracks, his Asauchi gripped tightly in both hands. The metal blade gleamed faintly under the morning sun, a far cry from the wooden practice sword he'd been lugging around during his early days in the Seireitei. After his meditation session with Ukitake, he'd been handed this Asauchi by a stern Academy instructor who'd muttered something about "stop breaking things and start training properly." Kazana wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult, but he was too intimidated to ask.
"No more wooden sticks," he said, giving the Asauchi an experimental swing. It felt heavier than he expected, like it was sizing him up. "You're supposed to be my soul's buddy, right? So, like, talk to me or something." The blade stayed silent, and Kazana sighed. "Figures. Even my sword thinks I'm a slacker."
The System's blue screen flickered to life, catching him off guard:
Mission: Perform a Successful Zanpakuto Meditation Session and Hear Your Asauchi's Voice. Reward: Zanpakuto Spirit Connection (Mid-Tier).
Bonus Mission: Impress a Captain During a Training Demonstration. Reward: Random Combat Technique (Mid-Tier, e.g., Haki from One Piece).
Kazana's eyes widened. "Hear my Asauchi's voice? That's a big step! But… impress a captain?" His mind flashed to Unohana, and his stomach did a flip. "If she's watching, I'm either gonna shine or faint. Probably faint." He shook his head, trying to focus. His lazy side wanted to nap under a tree, but the promise of a stronger connection to his blade—and maybe some Haki—lit a spark of determination. Plus, Unohana's cryptic comments were starting to mess with his head. Did she like him, or was she just toying with him like a cat with a mouse?
He settled into a cross-legged position, resting the Asauchi across his lap as Ukitake had taught him. "Okay, sword, let's chat," he muttered, closing his eyes. He tried to feel his reiatsu, picturing it as a wobbly stream flowing into the blade. Minutes passed, and nothing happened. His mind wandered to the rice dumplings from the teahouse, then to Unohana's smile, and—nope, focus, Kazana! He gritted his teeth, pouring more effort into it.
A faint hum vibrated through the Asauchi, like a distant whisper. Kazana's heart leapt. "Whoa, was that you?" he whispered. The hum faded, but it was progress. He was about to try again when a shadow fell over him.
"Training diligently, I see," came a soft, familiar voice.
Kazana's eyes snapped open, and he nearly dropped his Asauchi. Captain Unohana stood before him, her black braid swaying gently, her smile as serene and terrifying as ever. "C-Captain Unohana!" he squeaked, scrambling to his feet and bowing so fast he almost headbutted the ground. "I-I was just, uh, meditating! Not slacking, I swear!"
Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "I believe you, Kazana. Your dedication is… endearing." She tilted her head, studying him. "The Fourth Squad is hosting a training demonstration this afternoon. I'd like you to participate. It would be a good opportunity to show your progress."
Kazana's heart sank. A demonstration? In front of her? That must be the System's "impress a captain" mission. "Uh, sure, Captain! I'd love to! I mean, I'll try not to die!" He cringed at his own words, but Unohana's smile only widened.
"I look forward to it," she said, gliding away with a grace that made Kazana's knees weak. Endearing? Did she just call him endearing? His brain short-circuited, torn between flattery and fear.
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The demonstration was held in a wide training field, with Fourth Squad members and a few curious onlookers from other squads gathered. Kazana stood among a group of rookie Soul Reapers, his Asauchi feeling heavier by the second. Unohana watched from a shaded pavilion, her presence making Kazana sweat more than the summer heat. Isane Kotetsu was overseeing the event, explaining that each rookie would showcase a kido or combat skill.
Kazana's turn came too soon. "Don't mess this up," he muttered, stepping forward. He decided to combine his skills: a quick Soru dash, a stretchy Gomu Gomu no Mi punch, and a Hado #4 Byakurai for flair. The crowd murmured as he zipped forward with Soru, his speed surprising even himself. He stretched his arm to grab a training dummy, yanking it toward him, then fired a crackling Byakurai that singed the dummy's head.
The rookies clapped, and Isane nodded approvingly. "Well done, Kazana!" she called. Kazana glanced at Unohana, hoping for a reaction. She clapped politely, but her eyes locked onto his, and he swore he saw a flicker of… pride? Interest? He couldn't tell, and it made his face burn.
Before he could bask in the moment, a loud voice interrupted. "Not bad, kid, but let's see how you handle a real fight!" It was Ikkaku Madarame from the Eleventh Squad, striding onto the field with his zanpakuto drawn. "Captain Unohana, mind if I test this newbie?"
Unohana's smile didn't waver. "By all means, Lieutenant Madarame. Be gentle."
Kazana gulped. Gentle? From an Eleventh Squad guy? The System's bonus mission flashed in his mind—impress a captain. This was his chance, but also a potential disaster. Ikkaku lunged, his blade a blur, and Kazana reacted on instinct, using Soru to dodge and Seki to deflect a follow-up strike. The crowd gasped as the repulsion shield sent Ikkaku's blade skidding sideways.
"Not bad!" Ikkaku grinned, clearly enjoying himself. Kazana, panicking, stretched his arm to grab a nearby pole, slingshotting himself into the air with Geppo. He fired another Byakurai, aiming for Ikkaku's feet to throw him off balance. Ikkaku dodged but laughed. "You're a slippery one!"
The spar ended in a draw when Isane called time, and Kazana collapsed, panting but alive. The System dinged:
Bonus Mission Completed: Impress a Captain During a Training Demonstration. Reward: Armament Haki (Basic Level).
Kazana felt a new strength in his limbs, like his skin could harden slightly. Haki? Awesome! he thought, but his joy was cut short when Unohana approached, her presence silencing the crowd.
"An impressive display, Kazana," she said, her voice soft but carrying weight. "Your creativity is… unique. Perhaps you'd like to join me for tea later to discuss your training?" Her eyes held his, and Kazana's charisma boost failed him completely.
"T-Tea? With you?" he stammered, his face redder than a Quincy arrow. "I-I'd love to, Captain! I mean, if it's not too much trouble!"
She chuckled, a sound that was both soothing and terrifying. "No trouble at all. I find you quite… fascinating." She turned away, leaving Kazana frozen, his mind a whirlwind of panic and hope. Fascinating? Is that good? Is she gonna heal me or kill me?
As the crowd dispersed, Kazana sat back down with his Asauchi, determined to finish the meditation mission. He closed his eyes, focusing harder than ever. The hum returned, stronger this time, and a faint voice whispered, "You're… not as hopeless as you look." Kazana's eyes snapped open, his jaw dropping. His Asauchi had spoken!
The System chimed: Mission Completed: Perform a Successful Zanpakuto Meditation Session. Reward: Zanpakuto Spirit Connection (Mid-Tier).
Kazana grinned, clutching his Asauchi. "You think I'm not hopeless? That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me here!" He felt closer to his blade, like it was starting to trust him. But as he headed back to his quarters, Unohana's invitation loomed in his mind. Tea with the First Kenpachi? He'd need all his new skills—and that lucky charm—just to survive the conversation.
"Maybe I'm getting stronger," he muttered, a spark of confidence flickering. "But if Unohana's into me, I'm gonna need a lot more than Haki to keep up."
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End of Chapter 6
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