Sealed state
"Don't want to go? If you don't, then forget it."
Seeing that Saikyō didn't respond immediately, Hiyori snorted haughtily and quickly turned her head away.
She looked exactly like a jealous little girl!
"No... that's not what I meant. Since Ms. Hiyori took the initiative to invite me, why wouldn't I be willing to join?" Saikyō was amused by Hiyori's sudden change in demeanor.
For someone usually so tough and rough around the edges, to see her act shy for the first time was an interesting contrast.
"Good. Then it's settled. I'll let you know when it's time," Hiyori said, raising her chin and regaining her usual arrogant tone, clearly trying to cover up her earlier awkwardness.
But that behavior only revealed her guilty conscience more.
Saikyō found Hiyori to be increasingly endearing.
---
"By the way, Ms. Hiyori!" Saikyō shifted gears, getting straight to the point. His curiosity about the "dinner party" was piqued. "The friends you mentioned... they must be Gotei 13 captains, right?"
"What, are you trying to cozy up to them?" Hiyori gave Saikyō a long, hard look before finally replying in a boastful tone, "But you're right. My friends are indeed captain-level Shinigami, and you'll find out who they are soon enough."
Knew it!
Saikyō's eyes lit up instantly.
From Hiyori's answer, he immediately thought of the peculiar group of Shinigami—the Visoreds!
Hirako Shinji, Muguruma Kensei, Aikawa Love, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō, and others...
These familiar names all resonated with Saikyō. At this point in time, they were still prominent captains in the Gotei 13, highly respected across the Seireitei.
For a first-year academy student, meeting such influential figures would usually be an impossible feat.
But thanks to Hiyori's connections, Saikyō would have the chance to cross paths with these powerful individuals.
What a twist of fate!
---
"So they're all captain-level Shinigami, huh? No wonder you're all friends. Birds of a feather, as they say." Saikyō praised her with a clever compliment.
"Hey, what's with the sweet talk?" Hiyori actually smiled, and for a moment, she seemed to soften. "Alright, it's getting late. Let's call it a night and head back."
"Starting tomorrow... you'll finally receive your own Sealed State!"
---
The Next Day
At the Shin'ō Academy, in the special training classroom:
"Attention, students!" Hiyori stood at the podium, a variety of Sealed State blades laid out on the table in front of her—fifty in total.
She picked up one of the Sealed States, scanning the classroom before addressing the eager students. "These are Sealed States provided by the academy. Over the coming days, you'll be able to pour your Reiatsu into them. With enough time and practice, they will eventually transform into Zanpakutō."
"The Sealed State is finally here!"
The moment the students laid eyes on the blades, the entire classroom erupted in excitement.
Saikyō, along with the other students, couldn't wait to get their hands on the Sealed States.
Hiyori raised her voice again, emphasizing the gravity of what she was about to say. "Remember, a Zanpakutō is an extension of your soul. A Shinigami gains true strength by learning the name of their Zanpakutō and engaging in a spiritual dialogue with it."
"A Zanpakutō is born with the Shinigami and dies with the Shinigami. This is the essence of Zanpakutō!"
Her words ignited the atmosphere in the room even further.
Then, following the order of the class roster, each student received their Sealed State.
---
"The Sealed State... it's finally mine."
As Saikyō looked at the slender, white blade placed before him, he felt a complex wave of emotions wash over him.
The Sealed State was sleek and elegantly designed, its pristine white gleam almost too perfect.
"I wonder what kind of power my Zanpakutō will have once it's awakened," Saikyō thought to himself, gently running his fingers along the blade as a deep sense of anticipation began to stir within him.
Since a Zanpakutō is forged from a Shinigami's soul, it also reflects the wielder's inner world to some extent.
And as a time traveler, Saikyō's inner world was undoubtedly different from those of other Shinigami.
This uniqueness hinted at the possibility that his Zanpakutō might awaken with rare and unusual attributes.
Time and space? Darkness? Light?
Whatever the outcome, Saikyō was certain of one thing.
His Zanpakutō would be nothing short of extraordinary.
---
Later That Evening
Saikyō arrived at Runlin'an as scheduled.
"It's just as I remember. Runlin'an is as lively as ever. No wonder it's considered the best neighborhood in town," Saikyō muttered to himself as he looked around.
The night market streets were bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of vendors and lively chatter.
Besides the local residents, even the Shinigami living in Seireitei often visited in groups during the evening.
But unlike his previous visits, Saikyō had a clear destination this time—Drunken Immortal, an izakaya he had been to before.
It didn't take long for Saikyō to reach the establishment.
---
"Saikyō, right on time."
Hiyori, who was already waiting, greeted him as he approached.
"Ms. Hiyori, I hope I'm not late?" Saikyō asked, glancing at the clock on the wall.
"Nope, you're right on time. The others just arrived too. Try not to get too nervous when we meet them, and don't embarrass me," Hiyori said with a tone that carried the air of a strict boss.
She seemed to have already accepted Saikyō as part of her circle.
"Let's go."
With Hiyori leading the way, the two of them walked into the izakaya together.
---
"Hey, Vice-Captain Hiyori, isn't that the academy's top prodigy, Saikyō?" Niu Baichuan, the izakaya owner, came up to them with an enthusiastic greeting.
"Get the food ready!" Hiyori nodded politely.
"Right away! This way, please!" The owner gestured for them to follow, then led Saikyō and Hiyori up to the second floor.
As soon as they arrived on the second floor, Saikyō's eyes lit up in appreciation.
"Wow... the decor here is even more luxurious than downstairs. This place is amazing!" Saikyō remarked as he observed the surroundings.
The floor was covered in smooth, polished marble, giving the entire place a sense of opulence.
"You see? The second floor is reserved for important people. Not just anyone gets to dine here." Hiyori raised her chin triumphantly.
Soon, they reached the door of a private room.
"Baldies, I'm here!"
Without hesitation, Hiyori barged into the room.
Saikyō followed her inside, and the moment he stepped through the door, familiar faces came into view.
---
"Hiyori, what took you so long? You're making us wait! You'll have to drink ten cups as punishment!" a voice called out, sounding somewhat lazy.
"Shut up, you bald-headed idiot! Do you want me to beat you again?" Hiyori snapped, wasting no time as she lunged at the speaker, delivering a flying kick.
Bang!
Her flip-flop smacked the person squarely in the forehead.
The owner of the voice immediately crumpled to the floor, looking utterly defeated.
---
"Hirako Shinji is too pitiful. How has he managed to survive a hundred years of this?" Saikyō's eyelids twitched as he witnessed the scene.
That's right.
The person who had just been ruthlessly kicked by Hiyori was none other than Hirako Shinji, the future leader of the Visoreds!
And around the room, seated comfortably, were the other members of the future Visoreds—Shinji's closest comrades.
Saikyō was in the presence of legends.