Chapter 39 ⥤ Talent Attracts Talent
He had been outmaneuvered by Aizen, yet there was nothing he could say about it. If anyone else had made such claims, he could have simply scoffed. But this was coming from the genius himself.
Aizen ignored his outburst and began explaining the details of the Kidō patterns.
His masterful calligraphy showed through even in casual strokes, revealing a unique artistic charm. Electric arcs danced through the air with crackling sounds. The chaotic buzzing and flowing curves of the patterns interplayed, revealing Byakurai's true nature.
As it was only Hadō #4, its Kidō patterns weren't too complex, and with Akira's talent, he could master it quickly.
After a moment, Aizen asked, "Have you memorized it?"
Akira nodded.
"Write it out using Byakurai." To be safe, Aizen wanted him to demonstrate it first.
He had been caught off guard by this priest too many times — better to be cautious.
Without hesitation, Akira's fingertips sparkled with electricity, instantly drawing out the Kidō patterns. Though slightly different from the original, there were no major errors in structure or detail — was just a little uglier, really.
Seeing this, Aizen relaxed and prepared to move on to the third step.
"The next step is crucial. Though Byakurai's power is limited, when the Reiatsu output reaches a threshold, it can unleash tremendous destructive power. Be careful." After these warnings, he began teaching Akira his recent research findings.
Since discovering the abnormal changes in the other part's Spiritual Body, he had begun conducting in-depth analysis, occasionally drawing blood and taking hair samples.
What surprised him was that whenever he made such requests, Akira didn't question them — he simply extended his arm and complied.
When asked why, he just grinned and said frankly, "We're friends! We might not be life-and-death companions, but we're still close friends."
Aizen had looked intently at the young man before him then, searching for any trace of pretense in his eyes. He found none.
Akira was a pure soul, pure to an unbelievable degree.
"Inscribing Kidō patterns isn't as simple as drawing marks on the body." Aizen's voice deepened, his tone serious, "Others have attempted similar research, but all failed. Ordinary Shinigami's Spiritual Bodies have limits. Without Reiatsu defense, even normal sword strikes can cause damage, let alone Kidō. The first requirement is that the Spiritual Body must withstand its destructive power..."
{T/N: For those who may need clarification: They are attempting to use magic (Kidō, or in this case the Hadō #4) to build resistance and affinity. This requires becoming closer to magic itself by inscribing patterns directly on the body. While most Spiritual Bodies are too weak to handle this, the MC's body is growing increasingly stronger. This unique trait makes these tests possible, as he can forcefully contain all the power within himself.}
He tried explaining this strengthening method in the simplest terms possible.
However, Aizen had overestimated Akira's patience — or rather, underestimated the other's trust in him.
"None of that matters." He waved his hand, clearly meaning, 'Just tell me what to do.'
Aizen sighed helplessly, knowing this was exactly how things would turn out. Was this guy deliberately avoiding using his brain? Why was he so resistant to thinking things through?
"The method is simple. Just inscribe the Kidō patterns into your flesh. Let the Reishi in your Spiritual Body flow and circulate along the pattern's trajectory." He began explaining the specifics, "During this process, you must be very careful, because—"
Before he could finish speaking, Akira had already begun trying.
Electric arcs flashed across his body's surface as sharp pain spread throughout his flesh, causing him to curl and twist reflexively.
Yet he soon overcame the pain through sheer willpower. Though he didn't have many strengths, his early struggles for survival in the Sakahone District had forged a will as strong as fine steel.
Within moments, Akira's face lit up with joy, "Ha, I did it!"
As his words faded, the shining electric light condensed, gradually merging into his body, leaving a lightning-like mark on his left pinky finger — the Byakurai Kidō pattern.
"Any changes?" Aizen asked, a barely detectable tension in his voice.
Akira moved his body, conducting a detailed assessment. Soon, he smoothly demonstrated a new Hakuda move.
⤫ Tenrin Raijin ⥤ Celestial Thunder God Palm! ⤬
"Overall abilities improved a bit. And then, there's this!"
He spread his five fingers wide, and white electric arcs instantly flickered to life, crossing and arranging themselves into various patterns. Under his mental control, these electric lights would sometimes form the shape of a youth in overalls, other times a proudly strutting chick.
As he attempted to combine the two images, Aizen interrupted him.
"Perfect control over Byakurai, even becoming instinctive?"
Akira was stunned, then nodded.
"What about consumption?"
"Same as usual."
Hearing this response, Aizen fell into contemplation.
Akira's success was within expectations — Byakurai's power was limited, and with his current Spiritual Body quality, he could easily withstand it. Even a direct hit from someone else's Byakurai wouldn't cause serious injuries.
Still, the results were surprising. This was merely the Hadō #4, and in terms of pure power, it wasn't even comparable to double-digit Kidō, let alone higher-level ones.
If inscribing Byakurai alone could achieve such excellent results, what about inscribing Shakkahō (Hadō #31)? And beyond that, Raikōhō (Hadō #63), Sōren Sōkatsui (Hadō #73), Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō (Hadō #88), Kurohitsugi (Hadō #90)...
Soon, Aizen regained his usual calm. He watched Akira trying to incorporate Byakurai's properties into Zanjutsu, perfect the Hakuda move, and even Hohō, then said with a slight smile:
"This Hadō is just the beginning. Now comes today's main event. You should have mastered Shakkahō that Tsukabishi-sensei taught recently, right?"
Akira nodded in response, then gave a skilled demonstration.
"This is Shakkahō's Kidō pattern." Aizen traced out a new pattern with his finger.
"When did you—" Akira started to speak but seemed to suddenly remember something and quickly shut his mouth, "Never mind, forget I asked."
He chose not to give him another chance to show off.
After mastering Hadō #31's Kidō pattern, Akira attempted the inscription.
However, both he and Aizen had underestimated the difficulty of inscribing Shakkahō.
Immediately, Akira's expression twisted as blood rushed to his head, his face turning crimson.
Aizen's eyes widened in alarm, and just as he moved to intervene—
A surge of heat erupted from Akira's body. Red flames blazed across the training ground, drawing countless eyes to the spectacle.
Tessai, who had just returned to the training ground, stood transfixed, staring at the source of the intense heat. He muttered in amazement:
"What talent..."
⤫⤬⤫
T/N: Notes about the Kidō described.
Shakkahō — Hadō #31, Red Fire Cannon
Raikōhō — Hadō #63, Thunder Roar Sear
Sōren Sōkatsui — Hadō #73, Twin Lotus Blue Fire, Crash Down
Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō — Hadō #88, Flying Dragon-Striking Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannon
Kurohitsugi — Hadō #90, Black Coffin
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