'I've been a captain for nearly a hundred years. I learned Shikai in less than a year, but I still have no clue about my Bankai training. Besides Kenpachi Zaraki from a thousand years later, I'm probably the only captain who can't use Bankai.' Kazuma lay in Batsu'unsai's captain's office, having completely given up on Bankai.
"Get up. Don't you know I've been handling your Seventh Division's paperwork for the past hundred years? At first, you said you were unfamiliar with handling squad duties, but it's been almost a hundred years now. Are you still going to dump your work on me? Look at you now, you don't look like a captain at all," Batsu'unsai said, grabbing Kazuma's ear and questioning him.
"Ow, ow, ow, let go! You're going to pull my ear off." Tears welled up in Kazuma's eyes from the pain.
"Batsu'unsai, do you think I'm trash since i'm unable to achieve Bankai? It's not that I don't want to learn how to handle squad duties, I'm just worried. I can't keep fighting others' Bankai with just my Shikai."
Batsu'unsai stopped her work. "So you do feel shame. Then hurry up and learn Bankai. Lying here, not doing your duties, you're making me angry just looking at you. I really want to rip your ear off."
Seeing the angry Batsu'unsai, Kazuma knew he couldn't stay any longer, so he bolted away like a startled rabbit.
He sat alone on the roof, gazing at the bright moon and twinkling stars in the sky, his thoughts gradually drifting away.
The words Raitei had said to him echoed in his mind: "To achieve Bankai, you must understand the meaning of Bankai."
Kazuma frowned, mulling over this sentence.
Bankai was the second Release after learning the true name of one's Zanpakutō and achieving Shikai.
He recalled the first time he had met Raitei when he was learning Shikai.
Back then, he was just a rookie who had just been introduced to Shikai, but now, he had grown a lot.
He looked up at the starry sky as a strong impulse welling up in his heart.
He suddenly understood something and called out Raitei's name.
"Raitei!"
With this shout, Kazuma once again entered the world of his Zanpakutō.
"Seeing you so excited as soon as you came in this time, you must have understood why you couldn't achieve Bankai, right? It's been hundreds of years, you're quite the slow one," Raitei said, teasing Kazuma as he sat on his throne, drinking wine, just like always.
Looking at the lightning that filled the hall, and then up at the stars above the palace, Kazuma said what he should have realized long ago.
"Raitei, your real name isn't 'Raitei,' is it? I thought back to the first time we met. When I asked for your true name, you told me to just call you Raitei. I was puzzled for a moment, what do you mean 'just call you Raitei'? Now I understand. That's not your real name at all, is it?"
"You were the one who made the assumption, okay? I never admitted my name was Raitei. You keep calling me that, so I reluctantly accepted it," the man named Raitei said, looking at the exasperated Kazuma with a smile.
"Holy crap! So you're saying the reason I can't use Bankai is because I never even knew your real name? For hundreds of years, even my Shikai has been wrong and incomplete. Hold on, let me process this. This is too big of a blow!"
"It's because you're an idiot. You can't blame me for that, But.... after all these years, I've come to grudgingly acknowledge your strength. Listen up, my true name is 'Hokushin Raitei'." Hokushin Raitei finally told Kazuma his true name.
"Hokushin Raitei, huh? Wielder of thunder, stars, and the power to command atmospheric Reishi. The North Star Thunder Emperor, Hokushin Raitei."
You might say this isn't scientific, but what the hell is science? Ever since he was transported to the Soul Society, the concept of science had been shattered to pieces.
Forget the North Star Thunder Emperor Hokushin Raitei, even if someone told him he was the Soul King right now, Kazuma would believe it.
Tears streamed down Kazuma's face.
"It's been almost five hundred years, and I've finally learned Bankai."
"Bankai my ass. What you've learned is Shikai."
"Just stop talking, it's too depressing!"
Seeing Kazuma's incessant wailing, Hokushin Raitei waved a hand and sent him back to the real world.
"You disgraceful thing. Get out of my sight!"
...
Kazuma opened his eyes, his face a mixture of joy and sorrow.
He was happy that he had finally figured out why he couldn't use Bankai, but sad that he hadn't even fully mastered his Shikai.
'Alright, time to try my release again. But before that, I should apply to Yamamoto. After all, you need permission to release Bankai in the Seireitei, and it'll prevent any major commotion.' Kazuma used Tenteikūra to contact Yamamoto.
When Yamamoto learned that Kazuma was applying for a release, he subconsciously assumed he had learned Bankai.
A Shikai didn't require an application, only a Bankai did, unless there was an emergency.
Kazuma placed his hand on his Zanpakutō and recited the correct Shikai incantation.
"Pierce the veil of night and rain down the heavenly wrath. Strike, Hokushin Raitei."
Upon its release, the Zanpakutō created a massive, localized Reishi construct—a Domain that projected a starry night sky over the battlefield.
Within this domain, the starlight brightened by eight magnitudes.
This highly condensed Spiritual Pressure was continuously drawn down, significantly enriching the surrounding spiritual power.
The projected night sky was also accompanied by the impossible appearance of atmospheric lightning. The sheer scale of this display would make anyone think it could only be caused by a Bankai.
At the same time, the Zanpakutō in Kazuma's hand transformed. The pattern on the blade was no longer dominated by simple lightning but was now a combination of stars and lightning, with a line running through the entire blade.
On the two sides of the sword guard, one was inscribed with runes of atmospheric Reishi, the other with runes of the storm.
After successfully releasing his true Shikai, Kazuma's Spiritual Pressure level broke through to the first rank!
In his Shikai state, his Spiritual Pressure was comparable to that of a captain's Bankai, reaching an astonishing five to ten times the normal level.
This meant that after releasing his Shikai, Kazuma was fully capable of facing a captain in Bankai head-on and easily suppressing them.
Even in his normal state, he could challenge a captain-level opponent on his own.
In the current Soul Society, perhaps only Captain-Commander Yamamoto could be compared to Kazuma.
However, if Kazuma were to learn Bankai, the outcome of a one-on-one duel between him and the Captain-Commander would become unpredictable.
Who would emerge victorious would depend on the specific circumstances.
"It's been hundreds of years, Kazuma. You've finally learned Bankai....," Batsu'unsai said.
Watching Kazuma, who was surrounded by the projected night sky and atmospheric lightning, she felt he was like a deity in control of the stars and thunder.
The clueless Shinigami onlookers, seeing the localized Reishi domain and feeling the dense Spiritual Pressure, were all on high alert.
Looking closer, they saw that the one causing the anomaly was a man wearing a Captain's Haori.
The sharp-eyed ones noticed the character for "seven" on the back of the haori and, recalling the rumor that Captain Satou Kazuma of the Seventh Division was the only one in the entire Gotei 13 who couldn't use Bankai, most Shinigami guessed that this commotion was Captain Kazuma's finally achieving his Bankai.
The members of the Seventh Division, in particular, were cheering.
Although Kazuma's strength was already among the top tier of captains before his Bankai, the fact that a captain couldn't use Bankai was still a source of shame for his squad members.
Kenpachi Zaraki was an exception, he was just a barbarian who only knew how to swing his Zanpakutō and cut people down!
Yamamoto and the other captains who had rushed over all showed expressions of relief.
"That kid has finally learned Bankai. With the impending war against the Quincy, our chances of victory have increased significantly." Yamamoto felt Kazuma's current Spiritual Pressure and didn't say much more.
"Satou Kazuma, come with me to the First Division. The rest of you captains, dismiss."
...
After deactivating his release, Kazuma followed Yamamoto back to the First Division.
"It's just the two of us here. I've already had Chōjirō secure the area. I need to know what your Zanpakutō's ability truly is. I was mistaken before, your Zanpakutō is not a lightning-type."
"How should I put it, Captain-Commander? My Zanpakutō creates a localized Reishi domain. You saw its released form just now. My sword can mobilize the power of stars and lightning, project a starry night sky over the battlefield, and command atmospheric Reishi to manifest elemental attacks. Right now, all I can do is project the domain and mobilize the power of stars and lightning. I can't fully command the atmospheric Reishi to weave Kidō-like lightning constructs yet," Kazuma explained his Zanpakutō to Yamamoto.
"To what extent can you project this domain and mobilize the power of stars and lightning? I need you to be straight with me. Also, what are the effects of this stellar power?"
A rare, serious expression appeared on Yamamoto's face.
Kazuma thought for a moment. "If I go all out, my Domain can cover the entire Soul Society. Within this starry domain, the 'starlight' is actually highly condensed Spiritual Pressure. It acts as a massive buff and debuff area. It constantly feeds ambient Reishi to targets I designate, restoring stamina, while exerting a crushing gravitational Spiritual Pressure on enemies, which is the sealing effect."
"From what you're saying, I might be the only one in the entire Soul Society who can suppress you right now. Develop your Zanpakutō well. When I'm old, the position of Captain-Commander will be yours. It's strange, though. Your Zanpakutō's Shikai was lightning-based, but its Bankai is Domain-based. Your sword is the second Domain-type one I've ever seen of this scale. As for the first, I'll tell you when you take over as Captain-Commander."
Actually, even without Yamamoto telling him, Kazuma knew that the first conceptual Zanpakutō of this scale was Ichimonji, possessed by Hyōsube Ichibē of the Royal Guard, the man known as the "Monk Who Calls the True Name."
Since Yamamoto chose not to tell him for now, he would just pretend not to know.
There was one other thing.
This was actually just his Shikai, he hadn't learned Bankai yet.
But since Yamamoto and the other captains had mistaken it for his Bankai, he was happy to play along.
After all, taking almost five hundred years to learn Shikai was just too embarrassing!
It was a disgrace of epic proportions, and he didn't want anyone to know the truth.
So, he preferred to let the misunderstanding continue; at least he could save some face that way.
"Captain-Commander, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back to the 8th Division."
"Kazuma, you need to remember that you are the captain of the Seventh Division. What kind of example are you setting by hanging around the 8th Division all day? Although everyone knows about your relationship with Batsu'unsai, you must learn to handle your own affairs. If you really can't, find a reliable Lieutenant to handle squad duties. It's not good to always have Batsu'unsai handle your squad's affairs for you." Yamamoto lectured Kazuma like a mother hen.
"Also, it's been so many years since you and Batsu'unsai have a relationship. It's about time you gave her some closure."
"Huh? Closure? What kind of closure? Is there something between me and Batsu'unsai that needs closure?" Kazuma was completely baffled.
"I'm talking about marriage! Marriage! What are you two waiting for if you don't plan on getting married now?" Yamamoto said.
He was so angry and anxious he felt like beating up the idiot in front of him.
"Eh? Marriage? Isn't that a bit rushed? Batsu'unsai and I are still young. I think we should spend some more time together before considering marriage," Kazuma replied, scratching his head and smiling.
Hearing the word "marriage," he felt an inexplicable sense of resistance deep inside.
"You're telling me you're still young? The two of you are over 1000 years old combined. Are you kidding me? Do you not like Batsu'unsai?" Yamamoto's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Kazuma.
"No, that's not it. Of course I like Batsu'unsai... It's just, I'm really not mentally prepared for marriage," Kazuma stammered, a blush creeping up his face until it was as red as a monkey's ass.
He had lived with Batsu'unsai for hundreds of years, yet he had never seriously thought about the issue of marriage.
After all, he had never even formally confessed his feelings to her.
Kazuma hesitated for a moment, then decided to go talk to Batsu'unsai.
He returned to the 8th Division and found Batsu'unsai busy with work.
"Batsu'unsai, I have something to tell you," Kazuma said, walking up to her.
Batsu'unsai looked up at Kazuma with a hint of surprise in her eyes.
She put down her work and smiled. "Are you done talking with the Captain-Commander? Is there something else you need to tell me?"
Kazuma took a deep breath and mustered his courage.
"I've been thinking a lot about our future. The Captain-Commander also mentioned marriage..."
A faint blush appeared on Batsu'unsai's face, but she quickly regained her composure.
She gently took Kazuma's hand and said, "I've been waiting for this day too Kazuma, I'm willing to walk this path with you."
Kazuma looked at Batsu'unsai, his heart filled with warmth and joy.
He held her hand tightly, as if he held the entire world!
"But I haven't even officially confessed to you yet. I don't even know how to start," Kazuma said, becoming shy.
"You silly goose. You actually confessed to me a long time ago, didn't you know?" Batsu'unsai let out a giggle.
'Eh! When did I confess to you? How come I don't know? Was it when I was drunk? I don't have any memory of it at all.' Kazuma thought for a long time but couldn't recall ever confessing.
"You! You really are a blockhead when it comes to romance. Have you forgotten you told me, 'I will protect you'?" Seeing Kazuma's foolish look, Batsu'unsai decided to stop teasing him.
'Does that count as a confession? Alright,' Kazuma admitted he was a blockhead when it came to romance.
It dawned on him that he had inadvertently expressed his feelings to Batsu'unsai long ago.
He broke into a silly grin.
"Satou Kazuma, would you be willing to say it again, officially?" Batsu'unsai's voice trembled slightly.
She held his hand tightly, her eyes filled with anticipation and unease.
Kazuma looked at the beautiful and captivating woman before him, a strong sense of responsibility and love welling up in his heart.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but the excitement within was hard to suppress.
Finally, Kazuma took Batsu'unsai's hand and said earnestly, "I will protect you. I'll protect you for a lifetime."
The words were like a vow, firm and powerful.
After speaking, Kazuma gently pressed his lips to Batsu'unsai's forehead, leaving a tender kiss.
This kiss represented his promise and love for her, and it symbolized the deep emotional bond between them.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still, and everything around them became quiet and beautiful.
Batsu'unsai felt Kazuma's sincerity and deep affection, and tears welled up in her eyes.
She knew that from this day forward, she would no longer be alone in her life.
She had a man now! She was no longer a single pringle!
----
The Sternritter of a Thousand Years Ago
A: Yhwach (The Almighty) - The Yhwach of a thousand years ago also possessed the ability to see the future and supreme power.
B: Jugram Haschwalth (The Balance) - Haschwalth could manipulate fortune and misfortune, creating balance in battle.
C: Isolde (The Chronomancer) - Isolde could manipulate time, including pausing, accelerating, or slowing its flow.
D: Akniel (The Deathbringer) - Akniel possessed the ability to reap souls to enhance his own power.
E: As Nodt (The Elementalist) - As Nodt could control natural elements like wind, fire, water, and earth.
F: Ferryn (The Fearmonger) - Ferryn weakened enemies' will by creating and spreading fear.
G: Gaspard (The Gluttonous) - Gaspard had an endless appetite and could devour vast amounts of matter.
H: Xylo (The Hellfire) - Xylo could manipulate fire, causing intense combustion and explosions.
I: Edith (The Ironclad) - Edith's body was as hard as steel, possessing extremely high defense.
J: Jester (The Jailer) - Jester could create powerful cages to imprison enemies.
K: Caitlin (The Kinetic) - Caitlin could change the form and structure of objects.
L: Lila (The LoveHealer) - Lila healed wounds and diseases through the power of love and light.
M: Michael (The MiracleWorker) - Michael could create miracles, such as resurrecting the dead, restoring broken objects, etc.
N: Ness (The NetworkWeaver) - Ness could weave complex networks for communication and tracking.
O: Oscar (The Overkill) - Oscar eliminated enemies in extremely cruel ways, specializing in close combat.
P: Prometheus (The Powerhouse) - Prometheus possessed superhuman strength, able to lift and throw heavy objects.
Q: Quincy (The Questioner) - Quincy excelled at questioning and reasoning, uncovering the truth through logical analysis.
R: Ragna (The RoaringKing) - Ragna's roar could intimidate enemies and even cause earthquakes.
S: Silas (The Thunderbolt) - Silas could manipulate lightning, causing massive electrical damage.
T: Theseus (The Trueslayer) - Theseus was a fearless warrior, skilled in using heavy weapons.
U: Ulrich (The Undercover) - Ulrich was skilled in stealth and reconnaissance, able to complete missions without being detected.
V: Valentine (The Visionary) - Valentine had the ability to foresee the future, providing strategic guidance to the Sternritter.
W: Wendy (The Windrider) - Wendy could ride the wind, moving quickly and attacking enemies.
X: Xerxes (The X-Stabber) - Xerxes's attacks could penetrate any substance, making them unstoppable.
Y: Janus (The Yin-Yang) - Janus had a dual personality, allowing him to flexibly respond to various situations.
Z: Zai (The ZombieMaster) - Zai could control the dead, creating an army of the undead.
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Sorry guys, i change the zanpakuto name and its ability entirely, the real name is something chinese and its ability is to command celestials? and command ghost and gods like wtf