The library of the Shin'o Academy was always exceptionally peaceful in the afternoon.
Sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, casting dappled patterns across the floor.
The air was thick with the scent of old paper. Occasionally, the faint rustle of turning pages or the hushed whispers of students drifted through the room.
In his usual spot by the window, Hasumi Ren lay lazily across the table, a copy of the latest Seireitei Communication spread out before him.
This was the official magazine of the Seireitei, published by Squad 9. Aside from official bulletins, it featured various serialized novels.
The content was so dry that it made his eyes heavy. It was obvious that the editor-in-chief wasn't putting much effort into it.
If it wasn't an official publication, it probably would have been cancelled long ago.
He didn't perk up until he reached a new piece titled 'The Rose-Colored Path.'
It was a romance story, which was actually somewhat interesting.
As Ren flipped through it, yawning with boredom, Nanao glanced over at him.
"So," Nanao suddenly spoke, her voice soft. "Who was that blonde man last night?"
"Urahara Kisuke, the Third Seat of Squad 2," Ren replied casually. "He just wanted to chat about a few things."
"Squad 2... what did he want with you?" Nanao finally looked up, her gaze curious behind her glasses. "You shouldn't have had any contact with him before."
"Well, remember those sweets you bought? The ones that were actually pretty good?"
Ren gestured with his hands.
"I followed the old man who sold them to see those trees once. I heard later they were burned down in a fire."
"Turns out Third Seat Urahara planted those trees. He wanted to ask if I knew anything about it."
Nanao's eyes widened slightly.
She hadn't expected there to be such a connection.
"Then, based on the special cultivation of those trees, we chatted about ingredient supplies and discussed some business cooperation."
Ren sat up and stretched.
"That shrewd fellow is quite sharp. Fortunately, the talk went well. I'm not sure if it'll ultimately meet my expectations, though."
Nanao stared at him for a few seconds, seemingly judging the truth of his words.
Finally, she gave a soft hum and lowered her head to continue organizing her notes.
"Next time something like this happens, you don't have to go out of your way to send me away," Nanao suddenly muttered under her breath. "If anything happens, I could at least back you up."
Ren laughed at that.
"What, are you worried about me?"
"...I am not."
Nanao turned her face away slightly.
Ren looked at her delicate profile. In the sunlight, the fine hairs on the edge of her slightly blushing cheek caught a soft glow.
He suddenly felt that an afternoon like this was quite nice.
At the very least, it was much more relaxing than dealing with the schemes of those difficult characters.
After finishing her notes, Nanao pulled a class schedule from her bag, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Starting next week, we'll be moving into the practical Jinzen lessons for our Zanpakuto."
She spoke softly, her tone carrying a rare hint of dejection.
"If it's Jinzen, I'll probably just sit there staring blankly for half the day."
Ren heard this and understood her feelings perfectly.
The awakening of a Zanpakuto requires a deep resonance between a Soul Reaper and their Asauchi.
The foundation of that resonance is the infusion of the Soul Reaper's own spiritual essence into the blade.
Normally, after a student lived and breathed with their Asauchi for three or four years at the academy, the blade would begin to transform into a Zanpakuto reflecting their personal traits.
Although Nanao's talent in Kido was high, she couldn't establish any connection with the Asauchi in her hands.
It was as if something was blocking her.
This left her without a clue. She had asked the instructors, but they claimed they had never seen such a situation before.
"If you don't want to go, just skip it."
Ren suggested casually.
"I'll take you out to have some fun. There's a festival in the Rukongai soon. I heard it's quite lively."
"No."
Nanao immediately refused, her voice becoming extremely serious.
"You can't skip class. And..."
She paused, her voice dropping lower.
"This is a practical Jinzen class—a very important one. If you don't go, what if your Shikai progress falls behind?"
"Alright, alright, whatever you say."
Seeing Nanao's stern expression, Ren raised his hands in surrender.
Nanao remained silent for a moment, recalling the days she had spent with her Asauchi.
By the time she graduated, this Asauchi would likely be taken back by the academy.
After all, keeping it for herself served no purpose.
"It's fine even without a Zanpakuto. I've accepted it. Maybe the Kido Corps would suit me better anyway," Nanao said softly, her tone calm.
"It's okay. Let nature take its course."
"Maybe your Zanpakuto doesn't rely on an Asauchi. It might exist in some special form instead."
Hearing Ren's words, Nanao was stunned for a moment before she chuckled.
"There's no such thing as a Zanpakuto like that."
"Who knows?"
Ren shrugged.
"There are plenty of strange Zanpakuto in the Gotei 13."
At that moment, Nanao thought of something and suddenly asked curiously.
"Speaking of which, how is your resonance with the Asauchi going? With your strength, you should be close to Shikai, shouldn't you?"
As she spoke, a hint of suspicion appeared on Nanao's face.
"You haven't already... have you?"
"Not yet," Ren waved his hand. "But... it should be soon."
This question stirred something in Ren's heart.
He called up the system panel. After this period of training, his resonance with the Asauchi was nearly complete.
[SYSTEM: Zanpakuto: Asauchi Resonance 99%]
Only a tiny bit left.
"But things like Zanpakuto can't be rushed. Sometimes the more anxious you are, the less likely anything will happen."
Ren spoke dismissively.
Nanao looked at him, a certain expectation in her eyes.
"But if it's you..."
"Maybe you'll achieve Shikai during your very first Jinzen session. You are that strong, after all."
Ren smiled.
"Let's hope so."
They stayed a while longer until the library bell rang, signaling dinner time.
Nanao put on her bag, and the two walked out of the library side by side.
Outside in the corridor, the sunset was perfect.
"If you really do achieve Shikai, I'll be happy for you," Nanao suddenly said softly.
"Even though you hide your strength and keep everyone guessing..."
"I know you haven't slacked off when it comes to getting stronger. I'm very sure of that."
Nanao looked at Ren. She paused, her voice even softer.
"So, you don't need to worry about me. Just do what you have to do."
Ren stopped in his tracks.
Nanao stopped as well, looking up at him with clear, earnest eyes.
"Nanao," Ren suddenly laughed. "Did you know that sometimes you're much more mature than a young girl should be?"
Nanao's face turned red, and she gave him a shove.
"Mind your own business. Just keep moving."
She walked ahead quickly, and Ren followed with a laugh.
As they crossed the sun-drenched corridor, their shadows overlapped and then separated on the floor.
---
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