Chapter 102: Spiritual Pressure Measurement Units

Until Makoto returned to his room, his mind was still occupied with Unohana's parting words.

Undoubtedly, her remark had been a playful tease, but it also pointed to an awkward reality he couldn't ignore.

Makoto, a naïve and inexperienced youth, felt utterly unprepared to tackle such a profound and complex subject. Yet he had his own reasons for exploring this unfamiliar territory. Filling the gaps in the Soul Society's understanding of kaidō and medical practices was one thing, but mastering such an ability held even greater significance. It could secure his standing in the Seireitei—not through reliance on Unohana's influence, but on his own merit. No longer would he live in fear of being treated as a disposable pawn or an insignificant bug crushed underfoot.

After all, the Central 46, the nominal governing body of the Soul Society, were essentially nothing more than mouthpieces for the noble clans.

If Makoto could solve the problem of difficult soul pregnancies, he would hold the key to the noble clans' survival. They wouldn't want their precious bloodlines to face extinction, after all.

But how was he supposed to conduct such research? It wasn't as though he could just randomly observe a pair of young couples every day, studying their reproductive process like some kind of voyeur.

"Wait a moment!"

A thought struck him—Kuchiki Byakuya!

Since he needed to research how Hisana's soul could withstand high concentrations of spiritual pressure, why not extend the effort to consider Byakuya's needs? It was a kind gesture of friendship, after all.

Surely, even someone as stoic and reserved as Byakuya would eventually want to secure the Kuchiki clan's future. He couldn't possibly marry someone purely for appearances and neglect the practicalities of maintaining his lineage.

Speaking of which, the process of creating new life in the Soul Society essentially boiled down to the harmonious resonance of two souls...

Could this also apply to same-gendered souls? Or even across different races?

Wait—had Makoto just stumbled upon a bug in the Soul Society's system?

"Hold on! What kind of ridiculous assumptions am I making?"

Shaking his head to dismiss such nonsensical ideas, Makoto calmly brewed a pot of strong tea. He poured three cups—one for himself and two for Urozakuro and Shinro Bansho.

Even though their physical forms appeared as mere projections, Makoto valued their constant companionship and expressed his respect through these small gestures.

Soon enough, the two materialized in their ethereal forms and resumed their usual petty squabbles, a cacophony only Makoto could hear. Amidst the lively chaos, he twirled his tea cup thoughtfully, organizing his plans.

Makoto's cautious and solitary nature had always influenced his choices. Joining the Fourth Division was initially a calculated decision. Its lower mortality rate suited his pragmatic survival instincts, and his genuine interest in kaidō and medical techniques offered opportunities to connect with others.

Additionally, the Fourth Division provided access to a wide range of patients, enabling him to spread the influence of his "Seeds of the Forest" This method accelerated the accumulation of spiritual pressure and brought him closer to mastering his Bankai, which he considered a critical means of self-preservation.

As for grander ambitions, Makoto hadn't thought too far ahead. The Soul Society's seemingly tranquil facade concealed countless hidden dangers, and he preferred not to dwell on uncertainties.

But events had taken an unexpected turn. Unohana's mentorship and the deeper powers of his Zanpakutō, Shinro Bansho, had disrupted his plans.

The simplistic idea of accumulating spiritual pressure to achieve Bankai now seemed inadequate. Every soul had an invisible barrier—the upper limit of spiritual pressure they could contain. Bankai was one way to break through this barrier, transforming one's soul and enabling it to carry greater spiritual energy.

Makoto's current objective was to use the "Seeds of the Forest" to refine himself into achieving the "Perfect Spirit Body"

He had begun measuring the efficiency of spiritual pressure accumulation through these seeds. After successfully implanting one in Muguruma Kensei earlier that day, he estimated:

"If Captain Muguruma represents the standard captain-level unit of spiritual pressure, then the seed within him should generate one unit per year. In six years, that's a full captain-level unit."

"As for Kenpachi Zaraki and Yoruichi Shihōin, Kenpachi generates about two units per year, while Yoruichi produces 1.5. The difference is quite significant!"

"Vice-Captains average accumulation is around 0.2 units per year, while seated officers fluctuate around 0.1. Ordinary Shinigami contribute so little they're practically negligible."

"Currently, my annual total is... not even six units."

Makoto couldn't help but sigh.

Even among captains, differences in power were staggering. Yet Muguruma remained a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, the "Seeds of the Forest" absorbed unconscious spiritual leakage. Variables like natural talent and soul composition influenced the efficiency of this process, making it an indirect measure of strength rather than a direct one.

Recalling today's events, Makoto's fingers paused on his teacup as he thought back to Yoruichi. Despite remaining hidden during Kenpachi's fight with Muguruma, the seed he'd implanted in her left no room for deception.

Adding Unohana's timely appearance into the mix...

"So, was today a test of Kenpachi Zaraki's true strength? Using someone as strong as Muguruma as a benchmark to gauge him?"

"But... he's too strong!"

"This version of Kenpachi, still without his eyepatch to suppress spiritual pressure, is absurdly powerful. Muguruma didn't even make him break a sweat."

"For the sake of stability, the Central 46 might eventually take measures to restrain him. Perhaps they'll give him an eyepatch to absorb his spiritual energy..."

======================

Consider joining me on P@treon For 50+ Advance Chapters:

P@treon: p@treon.com/JustaPasserby