Chapter 09: Shinji Hirako

"High-Speed regeneration, with this ability, I no longer fear minor injuries," Katsuki confidently stated as he surveyed the abilities listed on the panel. His satisfaction was unmistakable, etching a pleased smile upon his face.

Yet, beneath his contentment, a nagging concern took root. High-Speed Regeneration was undoubtedly a powerful tool for swiftly mending bodily injuries. However, Katsuki's contemplative mind detected a vulnerability. This remarkable ability, though formidable, had its limitations. It faltered when confronted with damage to the brain or internal organs. This limitation meant that High-Speed Regeneration, despite its might, failed to deliver the absolute immortality he secretly yearned for.

A spark of inspiration ignited within him. Katsuki pondered the possibility of enhancing his acquired abilities. He queried the system with newfound enthusiasm, "System, can I upgrade the abilities I've picked up?"

The system, always ready with answers, offered a detailed explanation: "[Yes, each acquired ability has different mastery levels. As long as you pick up other similar abilities, you can use them to upgrade the original ability.]"

Understanding dawned on Katsuki as he likened this mechanism to the enhancement systems present in online games. In this analogy, each dropped ability orb acted as a precious enhancement stone. With a sufficient supply of these orbs, he could progressively amplify his prowess.

The excitement in his voice was palpable as he inquired further, "So, does that mean the Six-Rod Light Restraint can be upgraded too?"

[That's right, not only Kido and Bakudo, but other abilities can also be upgraded, and their power will increase to a certain extent after upgrading.] The system's prompt response fueled Katsuki's enthusiasm.

He couldn't help but commend the system's ingenuity, "This system is truly amazing." In his mind's eye, a world of endless possibilities unfurled before him. He marveled at the prospect of his future. No longer would he need to fret over his abilities; he merely needed to discover more of them. Such a straightforward path to becoming stronger was a treasure in itself.

With a sense of contentment settling in, Katsuki contemplated his future endeavors. He recognized the value of discretion in his journey. Keeping his development low-key would undoubtedly serve him well in his pursuit of greater strength.

Then, an unexpected interruption shattered the stillness of the night. A voice, unbidden and enigmatic, pierced the silence, leaving Katsuki bewildered.

"Oh, you killed a Hollow with a single punch. I didn't expect there to be such a powerful human in the Living World. But it's a bit of a shame, your appearance isn't even half as handsome as mine," the voice declared, a blend of amusement and indifference coloring its tone.

Katsuki, startled, turned swiftly to locate the source of this cryptic voice. In the dim light, a figure materialized, seemingly out of thin air. The figure, tall and slender, sported a mop of yellow hair, a dark-colored bucket hat, and a shirt with a tie, an overall appearance that exuded an air of nonchalance.

Katsuki's initial impression painted the newcomer as unreliable and carefree. Underneath the strangeness of it all, Katsuki couldn't help but assess this enigmatic figure.

Inwardly, he mused, 'You have finally shown yourself? What a pleasant surprise.' He scrutinized the figure, an unmistakable flicker of recognition in his eyes.

The identity of the visitor became evident. This was none other than Shinji Hirako, the former captain of the 5th Division and the leader of the Visored. Shinji Hirako's reputation as a formidable figure within the Gotei 13 preceded him. His strength and intellect were esteemed even within the ranks of the elite Shinigami.

Katsuki, maintaining his facade, ventured, "Who are you?!"

Though he was aware of Hirako's identity, Katsuki chose to conceal his knowledge.

Hirako, seemingly unperturbed, responded in a casual manner, "Stealing someone else's lines isn't very nice, is it? This question should be asked by me."

Katsuki, still feigning ignorance, introduced himself, "I'm Katsuki, Homura Katsuki. And you?"

Behind his facade, Katsuki harbored a tinge of exasperation. A former captain should surely project a more serious demeanor. Yet, Hirako's appearance and demeanor evoked a sense of nonchalance that didn't align with his previous position of authority.

With a relaxed air, Hirako tossed his bucket hat into the air, catching it on his fingertip. "Hmm, Homura Katsuki. I'll remember that name. You have quite a bit of strength, but your Reiryoku density is still lacking."

Playing along, Katsuki maintained his guise of misunderstanding, "I don't quite understand what you're saying."

Hirako, noting Katsuki's apparent confusion, sought a simpler explanation, "Oh, forgot that you're just a regular human, it's not easy to explain in a short time. Let me simplify it for you. This world isn't as simple as you imagine. Besides humans, there are also spiritual beings. And what you just killed was a Hollow, a malevolent spirit that roams in the living world."

In this exchange, Hirako's misconceptions became apparent. He viewed Katsuki

as a naturally strong but uninformed human.

Katsuki, masterfully deceiving Hirako, nodded as if grasping the situation. He maintained his act of apparent understanding, successfully concealing his true nature.

With practiced finesse, Katsuki continued to feign comprehension, preserving the facade of a clueless but receptive individual.

Hirako's peculiar arrival and mannerisms remained intact. He took out a bottle of water and began drinking it while suspended upside down, further emphasizing his eccentricity.

Amused by the display, Katsuki seized a fleeting opportunity, "Oh, Mr. Bucket Hat," he hesitated for a moment before pointing to the upper half of Hirako's shirt, "Your clothes seem to be a bit wet. Maybe you should dry them first?"

Hirako, briefly caught off guard, expressed his annoyance, "Darn it, it's leaking again. I've been tricked by Hiyori again."

In an adept shift of conversation, Katsuki subtly redirected their dialogue, "By the way, after all this talk, I still don't know your name."

Hirako, resuming his nonchalant demeanor, revealed his identity, "Shinji Hirako!"

Their conversation, laced with pretense and subtext, continued. Katsuki, while acting the part of an uninformed human, couldn't help but mentally express his frustration at Hirako's seemingly unserious demeanor, especially considering his prior role as a Gotei 13 captain.

Katsuki inquired further, continuing his charade, "Mr. Hirako, are you also a Hollow?"

Hirako, momentarily irritated by Katsuki's praise, responded with a touch of pride, "Hollow my foot, I'm..."

However, he halted mid-sentence, swallowing his words. He chose not to divulge further information, opting for a more cryptic reply, "I have nothing to do with Hollows. I'm just on the opposite side of them."

Playing along with Hirako's casual demeanor, Katsuki offered flattery, "I see, then you must be very powerful, right?"

Hirako, basking in the praise, responded with self-assuredness, "Isn't that obvious? Have you ever seen anyone drink water while standing upside down in the middle of the night?"

With his true intention concealed behind layers of pretense, Katsuki finally revealed his underlying purpose, "So, can you make me stronger?"

His initial act of feigned cluelessness had successfully garnered Hirako's trust. Now, Katsuki aimed to explore the subject of the Visored's whereabouts, hidden behind a façade of curiosity.