Part 14

Sorry for the delay

***

"Well, you three. How are you? Did you get over the last three years well? No problems or anything?"

"No Head-captain, nothing as of yet.", said Píng'ān.

Yán Yǎ said the same and Lè Yáng did as well. It seemed they had no problems. But Ichibe knew better.

"Haha, you know it's better if you tell me everything and don't try to lie to me. I won't punish you if you keep adhering to the rules I gave you."

"Head Captain, we are starting to have problems with rival gangs. The normal methods we used to settle and take over cities are not working as well anymore.

It seems that they are more and more suspicious about new citizens and are observing them longer.", Lè Yáng said.

"Hmm, that makes sense. The speed at which we could expand the Gotei 13 was bound to slow down. And that is nothing bad necessarily. But I understand that you are having more responsibilities and need to be ready for everything.

But my question was more about whether there have been attacks on one of you?"

"No, not yet Head Captain. That's probably because no one of the bigger groups is aware of us yet."

"Yes, that makes sense."

Ichibe thought for a moment. And then decided that it was time.

"Well, that will come especially when the Hand notices us. Our goals are the opposite. While they aim for immortality and sacrifice human lives like it's nothing, we aim for the betterment of humanity and peaceful life.

And unlike the Masters of the Mystic Arts that protect the earth from interdimensional threats, we look out for the people. At least those that are in our area of influence.

And also as well as possible. We are not all-powerful so there will always be problems."

Ichibe waited for a moment. The three knew that already but he wanted to make sure that they knew why they were working and helping others.

"I know that the last years were not easy, especially the first few. And I also know that you will face even more threats in the future. But we will have to make a statement.

That's why I have decided to give you something that will assure you can protect yourselves and those under you better.

Behold. The Asauchi."

Ichibe took the three cases he had brought with him out of the air. He had created a special pocked with his calligraphy. It was called 'fold'.

It literally folded space to act as a space pocked.

Ichibe gave them their cases.

When they opened the cases they were surprised. All three of them knew how to use Katanas but it was not the primary weapon the two women liked to use.

"This is what you call an Asauchi. You don't have to worry about it staying a Katana. You slowly and methodically imprint the essence of your soul into your Asauchi. This is how you guide and mould your own unique Zanpakutō.

That means that you will spend time trying to communicate with your Zanpakuto.

And your Zanpakuto is part of your soul. They are a reflection of your power and soul. That means that each one will be unique and can only be used by you."

The three captains were perplexed and then a bit sad. They had no powers, to begin with. So, this would not do anything for them would it?

"Head Captain, we of course are thankful for th…"

"Now now, I know what you think. But that's not how this works. Everyone has something that makes them special. And it's his true name. And with that, their soul is also special. That is also why your clone would not be able to use your weapon either.

So, you will get a power that reflects your soul, IF and I want to make this perfectly clear, IF you manage to imprint your essence on the Asauchi you hold in your hands."

Now the three captains were very happy. This meant that Ichibe had just given them powers essentially. It meant that they had the chance to get powers should they manage to imprint their essence on the Asauchi.

They were very grateful to Ichibe for this. No one would just give away powers as he does.

"Head Captain, we thank you from the deepest parts of our hearts."

"Hehe, again don't think that I just gave you powers like that. Your Zanpakuto will test you and will have expectations of his or her own.

You will have to gain their approval to unlock their powers."

"What do you mean exactly Head Captain?"

"You see there are multiple stages to a Zanpakuto. It's a sealed state. In that state, it takes the appearance of a Katana or another type of blade.

Then the first stage that I call Shikai. It's the first stage in which the special power of your Zanpakuto can be used.

But to use it, you must know the name of your Zanpakuto. And to know that, you will have to get your Zanpakuto spirit to tell you that.

The last stage is when you call out your Zanpakuto's true name. it's your Zanpakuto's true appearance and full power. In general, it multiplies your power by about 10 times compared to your Shikai.

But you'll understand those things as your connection and understanding of your Zanpakuto deepens."

The three captains marvelled at this. Something like that was unbelievable. They were beyond happy right now.

After they had calmed down a bit, Ichibe thought that it was time to talk about how to proceed from now on.

China was on his radar and Japan was as well. He was going to meet resistance with those plans but after the Gotei 13 will get stronger, he is confident that they'll manage to achieve it.

There was no way he would allow someone like Fury or the Chairmen to dictate everything. And there was also no way, that he would allow S.H.I.E.L.D to rule the espionage part of this world.

No, he would use his resources for the people. While it was true that progress is only possible when there is hardship, and a business only gets better if there is competition, Ichibe was not here to eliminate hardship.