Kazuma scratched his head and sighed.
'Well, that attempt at persuasion failed. Looks like I really do have to find the Elder and extract the Humanization Technique myself.'
Seeing Kazuma's frustration, Komamura lowered his head, his voice heavy with guilt.
"My sincerest apologies, Captain. I still don't have the courage to shed my armor. I've disappointed you."
Kazuma patted Komamura's massive shoulder.
"It's alright, Komamura. Don't blame yourself, everyone has psychological barriers. But we can't let things continue like this. A sword locked in its scabbard is useless. We need to find a solution for you."
Komamura looked up, his golden eyes searching Kazuma's face.
"Captain, what should I do?"
Kazuma smiled faintly.
"I've heard your Werewolf Clan possesses a secret art called the Humanization Technique. It allows a werewolf to temporarily cast aside their beast form and take on a human body. Master that technique, and you'll be able to control your appearance freely. You'll never have to worry about the prejudice of weak men again."
Komamura's eyes widened.
"Captain, how do you know about that? It's a closely guarded clan secret."
Kazuma shrugged, ignoring the question.
"You don't need to worry about my intelligence network. I'm just asking you one thing: do you want to learn it or not?"
Komamura nodded, his eyes shining with desperate longing.
"Of course I want to learn it! If I can master the Humanization Technique, it will not only solve my problem, but the surge in power will allow me to better repay Lord Genryūsai. It's just… as an exile, I can't possibly learn such a sacred art."
The corners of Kazuma's mouth lifted.
"Leave the politics to me. All you need to do is prepare yourself for the training."
Komamura looked at Kazuma with genuine gratitude and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Captain! I will train until my bones break, I will not let you down!"
"Good," Kazuma said with a nod. "The most important thing now is to return to your ancestral cave and ask for the secret art."
Komamura frowned in confusion.
"Captain, didn't you just say you would handle this?"
Kazuma stumbled, nearly falling flat on his face. He sighed in exasperation.
"Komamura! I only know the name of the secret art and what it does. I have absolutely no idea where your clan's hidden base is!"
Komamura nodded in sudden realization.
"I understand, Captain, Please follow me."
...
To resolve the matter quickly, Kazuma and Komamura set off for the Beast Realm settlement without delay.
Along the way, Kazuma instructed Komamura on finer spiritual pressure control, helping the giant refine his raw, chaotic aura.
When they finally reached their destination, Komamura pointed toward a dense, foreboding primeval forest.
"Captain, this valley is the ancestral home of the Werewolf Clan."
Kazuma looked around, studying the thick canopy and ancient stone formations.
"Just as the rumors say. Your clan despises interaction with Shinigami, so you chose to live in complete seclusion."
Komamura nodded sadly.
"That's right, Captain. My clansmen prefer to live freely in nature, far from the bustle and bloodshed of the Seireitei."
Kazuma chuckled teasingly.
"Then it seems you're the stubborn exception, choosing to wear a uniform and wield a Zanpakutō."
Komamura stared straight ahead at the forest path, his voice low and solemn.
"Captain, Lord Genryūsai must have told you. I am indebted to him. I must repay his kindness, no matter the cost. My way of doing so is to pledge my absolute loyalty to him and the Gotei 13, even if I must give my life for it."
Kazuma fell silent for a moment before replying.
"Alright. Since your clan dislikes Shinigami, I'll wait out here. You go in and ask the Elder for the Humanization Technique. If you run into trouble, I'll step in personally."
Komamura hesitated.
"Aren't you coming with me, Captain? I'm not fully confident that I can obtain this secret art with words alone."
Kazuma smiled and gestured toward the path.
"Go and try. How will you know whether it's possible if you don't even ask?"
Komamura nodded gratefully.
"You're right, you've already helped me so much. Let me face the rest on my own."
With that, he turned and walked into the settlement.
Komamura entered the tribal caverns.
The few clansmen present were shocked to see the armored exile return after so many decades.
Komamura ignored their stares and went straight to the massive central cave where his grandfather, the Great Elder, resided.
He knelt before the colossal wolf and explained his purpose.
The Elder refused him without even opening his eyes.
"The Humanization Technique is a sacred art. It is meant to be passed down only to the next Patriarch. I will not pass it on to a Shinigami dog."
Komamura pressed his forehead to the stone floor.
"Grandfather, I know it is a sacred art, but I desperately need its power to protect Soul Society. I beg you to teach it to me."
The Elder finally opened one massive, glowing eye.
He looked at Komamura's determined posture and suddenly burst into laughter, the sound shaking the cavern walls.
"Komamura, do you truly desire this power?"
"Yes. I hope you will teach it to me, Grandfather."
"No matter the price?"
"Please state your price, Grandfather. I am willing to pay it, no matter how steep."
The Elder leaned forward, a vicious, hungry glint in his eye.
"Then what if I said I wanted your heart? Pluck out your heart and offer it to me, and I will teach you the secret art."
Komamura's face turned grim.
The Humanization Technique required the user to temporarily sever their ties to the beast realm by sacrificing their physical heart.
He knew it was a curse.
"Grandfather… do you really want me to die for this?"
Before Komamura could answer the ultimatum, a cold voice echoed through the cavern, interrupting him.
"Old dog, don't push your luck. You only want Komamura's heart so you can consume it and extend your own pathetic life, don't you?"
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