True Shinigami

Having made their way back to the Central Building, everyone was past the front gate. Waiting on the other side was Ren, who immediately looked towards Ino. The moment his eyes fell on her, he showed a strange expression. "Jeez, you finally left your study for once, and it's when an emergency occurred." Ren ignored Seiki and walked over to Rei.

He had already messaged Ren beforehand, and he was positive Ren could already tell something was wrong with Ino. "Ino, I'm having Ren run a few tests on you for safety reasons. But before that, I have a question." Hearing Rei, she turned and listened. "What is it?" Rei thought for a moment before speaking. "Where and when exactly is the Kage Summit being held?"

Hearing the question, Ino showed surprise but didn't hesitate to tell Rei. "Well, from what I heard from Tsunade, it will be held somewhere neutral. Most likely the Land of Iron. Considering how long I've been here already, it should be starting in three weeks. But the Five Kage should have already started journeying there by now."

Listening to her, Rei thought to himself. 'Three weeks? That's shorter than I thought… But manageable.' Turning his head, he looked over at Shisui. "I want Kisame to talk within two weeks time." The severity of the Hollow issue was clear to everyone there, so Shisui didn't hesitate to agree.

All other factors had to quickly be swept to the side. "Also, I want a mass summoning of every Shinigami from every Squad we have prepped and ready." This time Rei's words caused everyone, excluding Ino, to jump. "Wait, what?" Seiki looked at Rei in surprise. "Rei, are you serious?"

Due to the fact they have a constant influx of Souls, their population was ever-growing, although slow compared to the first influx. And thanks to their memories being gone, a majority of the Shinigami they recruit are easily converted. With no prior attachments or things to hold them back or down, instilling a sense of duty is focused on intensely.

As such, they are all much more loyal than you would expect, and bravery is easily bred. Even the Squads without Captains have Lieutenants and such there are Shinigami in every Squad. At this point, their ranks consisted of over two thousand if added together. And that's not even including those outside of the Squads who act as peacekeepers and others who patrol the wall.

So to call all of them all meant Rei planned on doing something big. "We've spent way too much time and resources trying to deal with these Hollows. Now that I know they're under the control of Adjuchas or possibly a Vasto Lorde, I'm not taking any chances. We know where they are, so it's time to get rid of them once and for all."

Rei wasn't playing around, and his eyes were dead set. He wasn't able to act on the Hollow Issue himself because he could never find them. They seemed to be scarce whenever he searched and barely appeared around the others. However, now that they knew they were coming from underground, Rei didn't have to worry about that.

"But even if we get rid of all the ones underground, more will appear, right?" Zabuza brought up a good point. The issue with Hollow's was that they appear based on the state of a Soul. They could appear from almost anyone at any time. "Actually, that's not an issue," Shisui spoke this time, answering Zabuza's question.

"The rate Hollow's have been converting has slowed immensely. The initial confusion and announcement from Rei is what caused so many to go overboard and convert. However, now that the rate of Souls has slowed and people are becoming accustomed to their new lives, it's decreasing."

Rei nodded as he continued. "Although it will never be zero as long as we get rid of the bulk of Hollows underground, then we will only have to deal with a few within the actual Soul Society. It'll be much more manageable than our current situation." And then, he would be able to fully focus his attention on other matters.

"What about Fuyumi?" Ren asked this question with all seriousness. Rei's eyes travelled a bit before sighing. "I'm not sure when she will wake up… But for now, she's safe, which is better than nothing." His answer caused Seiki and Ren to turn solemn as Rei waited for a moment. "Alright, let's not spend too much time moping. Ren, I'll meet you at your study in a bit."

Ren nodded as he gestured to Ino. "Follow me." Walking into the Central Building, Ren began to lead Ino through the halls. There was an awkward silence as they walked, with Ino not being able to find a chance to speak. As they neared their destination, Ren said something. "Don't feel too bad. If it was any one of us, we would have jumped in to help you either way."

"Although I do hope you will try your best to help her." His words made Ino's face brighten a bit as she replied. "Of course, I didn't plan on leaving until I did… But thank you." Ren smiled a bit before opening the doors to his study. Like before, it was neat and organized and was especially clean.

However, the things he had set up for his 'experiment' were gone. Walking over to his desk, he pulled out a chair and placed it in the middle of the room. "How many times have you been here before?" Ino sat down while looking around and answering Ren. "Only two times, including this time."

Hearing that, Ren thought to himself for a moment. 'Then why does it feel like she has Reiatsu… It shouldn't be possible for a normal human to obtain Spiritual Energy no matter how much they are exposed to it. Their bodies and souls simply can't change to suit its needs.' Rei sensed this as well.

It was slight and very well hidden, but Ino's body did give off a slight amount of Spiritual Energy. "This should only take a second." Walking up behind where Ino was sitting, Ren stretched out his hand. Touching her head, he began to probe herewith his Reiryoku. Ino felt an invasive force that caused her body to shiver for a brief second.

"Um…" Ren didn't say anything as he continued to search through Ino. However, once he reached deep enough, he sensed it. His eyes widened as he felt an instant reaction. Pulling his hand back, all the Reiryoku he pumped into Ino was pushed out. Feeling that, Ino turned and looked at Ren. "What happened? I felt something just now."

Staring at Ino with that same surprised expression, he saw her eyes. 'That's… Shes...' Regaining his composure slightly, he put his hand on his chin. "Your encounter with the Hollows. What exactly happened?" Hearing the question, Ino began to relay everything that happened to Ren. Meanwhile, outside on the training grounds, Rei had brought Zabuza, Haku and Shisui with him.

"Is there something you want us to do before we get started on our task?" Rei had caught them the moment Ren, Ino and Seiki had left. It took a lot of effort to gather Shinigami from across the Soul Society, so they were prepared to get started right away. Rei answered as he pulled Ryujin Jakka out of its sheath.

"No, it's because It's about time you three got your Zanpakutos." Rei's words caused a delayed reaction in all three of them. "What did you say?" Zabuza spoke first as Rei repeated himself. "Despite us bringing the bulk of our forces, I still need you three to be at your best. Besides, you guys hit your requirements a long time ago."

Rei had specifically told them that their souls simply weren't ready for a Zanpakuto. They needed to be stronger, and so they spent a lot of time training. But in truth, they hit that level a while ago, and Rei remained quiet about it. It was like having a jump start. If they were a certain level without their Zanpakuto's, they would be ahead when they finally got them.

"Of course, I'm not expecting you three to master your Zanpakuto's quickly. However, I do want you to spend time meditating with them whenever you can within a two week period." Rei pushing this forward could be seen as a good thing if not for the fact he was clearly worried. He was taking no risk when it came to dealing with the Hollows, it was obvious.

"And here I thought we would get them in a ceremony." Zabuza's remark caused Rei to shrug. "As much as I would love to make the occasion special, we don't have the time." Holding Ryujin Jakka out in front of him, Rei smiled a bit. "But first, let me test something." Rei looked towards Haku, who, in return, showed a confused look.

Without warning, Shen used Flash Step and disappeared in front of all three of them. They completely lost track of his movements as Rei appeared behind Haku the next second. Swinging Ryujin Jakka towards his neck, the three of them had just started to turn around. Stopping mid-swing, a sharp blast of wind flew past all of them.

"That was me moving pretty close to my top speed. Could you follow me?" Haku didn't hesitate to shake their head. "No, I only turned around due to you not hiding your intent and Reiatsu." If Rei had, there would be no way for Haku to turn in time, let alone dodge. Nodding his head, Rei took a step back. "Alright then, so which one of you wants to go first?" Haku was the first to walk forward. "If you don't mind, I would like to go first."

Rei shook his head. "No problem, don't worry, it won't hurt." Both Shisui and Zabuza's eyes were locked onto Rei and Haku. With only the two of them standing in the training field, Haku followed Rei's instructions. Grabbing Ryujin Jakka's blade, he hesitated for a moment. Running yourself through with a sword was terrifying, even if it wouldn't kill you.

However, that hesitation didn't stop Haku. Another moment passed before he plunged Ryujin Jakka through his chest. There was no blood or any sounds of pain. Instead, a violent storm of wind shot out in every direction creating a miniature hurricane. Haku's Reiatsu began to change as they enveloped the field.

Ren, Seiki and Fuyumi were naturally talented, so it explained their immense growth. However, despite not having the same amount of talent thanks to his training beforehand, Haku's initial growth was far beyond theirs. As the field cleared, Haku's figure became clear. Physically there looked like there was no change aside from the Zanpakuto now at his hip.

However, Haku's Reiatsu had become denser and a lot stronger than before. The transformation alone from being a normal Soul to a Shinigami wasn't comparable. "So, how do you feel?" Rei tilted his head as he took a step back. Haku was in a state of shock, feeling how he had changed. "Incredible…"

He had wondered how Seiki and the others were able to be so strong despite being so young. But being a true Shinigami really did make such a difference. "Alright, before you start testing yourself out, let's do you two as well," Rei repeated the steps he did with Haku to Zabuza and Shisui.

It went by a lot faster; however, their growth and reactions equalled if not surpassed Haku's. Standing next to one another, their Reiatsu was practically blooming from their bodies. "Now let's try this again…" Rei whispered under his breath as he moved exactly as he did before. This time no one had any warning.

Flash Stepping behind Haku, Rei displayed actual killing intent as he swung towards his neck. Haku's eyes widened a bit as he moved. It was close; however, he had managed to manoeuvre his entire body and dodged out of the way. Landing on the ground a few meters away, he looked towards Rei.

"Good, if you can dodge that, then I won't have to worry about you three when we're down there."