A Fairy
"Saikyō..."
"In the next period, all you need to do is master the Scimitar Cutting Technique proficiently."
Unohana Retsu put away her Zanpakutō and looked at Saikyō with satisfaction.
Saikyō's resolute expression stirred something within Unohana, reminding her of her own past and giving her a fleeting vision of a future great swordsman.
The student surpasses the master.
Unohana had no doubts about this ancient saying.
Over her two thousand years in the Soul Society, she had witnessed the rise of countless geniuses, only to see many of them fall. Very few managed to stand the test of time.
Kyoraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake, century-old captains and the most talented students of their class, were exceptions. But now, among all the Shinigami in the Gotei 13 from their generation, you could scarcely find a third.
The rise of geniuses always came with the test of time.
But Unohana saw something different in Saikyō.
Not only did his Reiatsu feel familiar, but his Zanpakutō, Yan Mo, was already a miracle in its own right.
With limitless potential for growth and countless techniques to unlock, Yan Mo was unique.
Even without experiencing it firsthand, Unohana could sense the incredible potential within it.
If she knew that Saikyō also possessed the cheat-like ability of "unlimited skill points," allowing him to master any technique and surpass any limit, Unohana might have been utterly astonished!
"Captain Unohana Retsu, I will do my best." Saikyō displayed enough humility, showing his deep respect for the captain.
In front of a legendary swordsman, he had to be modest, continually seeking guidance and correcting his mindset.
Being personally guided by Unohana and becoming her disciple was a fortune beyond measure.
Thus, with Unohana stepping aside, Saikyō dove into training.
Time passed quickly.
An entire afternoon flew by in the blink of an eye.
Through the window, the setting sun bathed the sky in a crimson hue, casting a peaceful calm over the area.
Shing
Shing
Shing
Sweat poured from Saikyō as he swung his Zanpakutō, Yan Mo, over and over.
After several hours of high-intensity practice, his body ached, his arms feeling like lead.
"Haah..."
Letting out a deep breath, Saikyō set down Yan Mo, feeling thoroughly exhausted.
"Saikyō, how do you feel? Have you mastered the Scimitar Cutting Technique?" Unohana's calm voice broke the silence.
"Captain Unohana Retsu, I'm close to it," Saikyō replied, wiping sweat from his brow.
He had to admit, the gentle Unohana became far stricter when it came to training than he had imagined.
If his form wasn't perfect—Again!
If his strength wasn't enough—Again!
If his momentum faltered—Again!
Unohana's standards were extremely high, almost to the point of being nitpicky. Because of this, Saikyō had been forced into relentless, grueling practice.
And now, the results were beginning to show.
"Show me your best form one last time, then today's training will end," Unohana instructed, her eyes expectant.
"Understood..." Saikyō responded, secretly upgrading his skills.
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host, the level of Scimitar Slash has been raised to LV2!"
"Congratulations, Host, the level of Scimitar Slash has been raised to LV3!"
"Congratulations, Host, the level of Scimitar Slash has been raised to LV4!"
"Congratulations, Host, the level of Scimitar Slash has been raised to LV99!"
The system's notifications continued to ring out.
With each upgrade, the power of the Scimitar Cutting Technique increased significantly.
In mere moments, Saikyō had maxed out the skill, and the "MAX" label appeared beside it.
Unexpectedly, the system chimed in once more.
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host, you have gained the talent: Weakness Insight!"
"Wait...what?"
Saikyō was stunned.
The Scimitar Cutting Technique was just an entry-level move, something commonly used by Unohana. Yet, he had somehow awakened an additional talent!
Saikyō couldn't help but feel amazed, suspecting he had activated a stroke of good luck.
Excited, he quickly checked the talent description:
[Weakness Insight]
Talent effect: During a slashing contest, there is a chance to perceive your opponent's weakness. Striking the weak point multiplies the power of your attack.
"Power multiplication?"
"The talent is still as incredible as ever!" Saikyō thought, exhilarated.
Doubling the power of an attack could have a profound impact in battle, often providing a surprising edge.
"But why does this 'Weakness Insight' talent seem so familiar?" Saikyō pondered for a moment and soon realized the answer.
That's right!
It was like the passive talent of Fiora, the Grand Duelist, from League of Legends—a character whose strength lay in pinpointing and striking weak points.
"So, am I possessed by Fiora?" Saikyō chuckled to himself, realizing how deeply the Grand Duelist's bravery had influenced him.
He never thought he'd one day possess such swordsmanship!
With the weak point revealed, and power doubled, the maxed-out Scimitar Cutting Technique now promised some unexpected surprises!
"Saikyō?"
Unohana's voice pulled him back to reality.
Turning to her, Saikyō noticed the strange look in her eyes, as if she were silently observing: "Saikyō is talented, but he often seems lost in thought, wandering aimlessly at times."
"Ahem..."
"Sorry, I was just getting into the right mindset," Saikyō replied with an awkward laugh, lifting Yan Mo once more.
Scimitar Slash!
Without any hesitation, Saikyō swung Yan Mo, focusing his Reiatsu along the blade and unleashing a powerful slash.
Boom!
A wave of black light surged forward, creating a crescent-shaped slash that collided with the marble floor.
In that instant, the entire dojo trembled under the force of the attack. Even the Sekkiseki stones, designed to suppress spiritual pressure, couldn't withstand the sharpness of Saikyō's crescent slash.
"How is this possible?!"
The ever-calm Unohana gasped in surprise at the sight before her.
Because...
Where her gaze fell, the Crescent Slash had cut straight through the floor, carving a deep ravine in the stone.
Saikyō's full-powered Scimitar Cutting Technique could even bypass Sekkiseki!