BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

Akira was genuinely curious about his Zanpakutō's abilities.

After all, each Zanpakutō manifests unique powers based on its wielder. How could anyone not be eager to uncover the nature of their own?

"If I can cultivate it to Bankai, my combat strength will increase significantly—perhaps even rivaling the power granted by system skills!"

A prime example was Ryūjin Jakka, the Zanpakutō of Yamamoto Genryūsai, the strongest flame-type blade in history.

Once Bankai was activated, Akira couldn't help but wonder—would he even stand a chance against Yamamoto if he used his Thunder Fruit powers at full capacity?

Still, he wasn't in a hurry. His current rate of improvement was already astonishing, and surpassing Yamamoto Genryūsai was only a matter of time. Not in the distant future, but soon.

"Whew…"

Taking a deep breath, Akira focused on his Zanpakutō's sealed form, attempting to establish a deeper connection.

Immediately, he sensed something different.

Based on his past experiences in battle, elite-level White Hits users displayed remarkable growth among Vice Captains. With his level of talent, communicating with his Zanpakutō should be a simple matter of overwhelming potential.

"This speed… I'm progressing at an incredible pace!"

Opening his eyes, Akira stared at the blade in astonishment. He had already decided—he would devote the entire night to deepening this connection.

"It won't be long before I learn my Zanpakutō's true name…"

The Next Morning

With his current strength, a sleepless night barely affected him. After freshening up and eating breakfast, Akira made his way to the First Division headquarters.

Upon arriving, he noticed Byakuya Kuchiki seated on a tatami mat, waiting.

"Akira, now that you're here, I'll get straight to the point," Yamamoto Genryūsai said.

The ancient Captain-Commander stood before them, his formidable Ryūjin Jakka resting beside him. His expression remained stern as he continued.

"Last night, the Onmitsukidō (Stealth Force) reported to Room 64 in the Central Underground Assembly Hall. They discovered that a high-level criminal, previously missing, has resurfaced."

"At the same time, the Gotei 13 has received verified intelligence—Shinigami Rukia Kuchiki has violated Soul Society law by transferring spiritual power to a human."

"As such, the Gotei 13 has officially issued an arrest warrant for Rukia Kuchiki. The Sixth Division is tasked with retrieving her from the Human World and bringing her back."

As a member of the esteemed Kuchiki family, Rukia's fate was inevitably intertwined with Byakuya Kuchiki. Seeing Byakuya summoned despite his injuries, Akira immediately understood—the Captain-Commander wanted to ensure the head of the Kuchiki clan was fully informed.

"No problem," Akira said, glancing at Byakuya.

Byakuya's face was unreadable, though his silence spoke volumes. The four noble families had undoubtedly learned of this situation beforehand.

Sensing Akira's gaze, Byakuya finally nodded. "I understand."

"When do we depart, Captain?" Akira asked.

"This matter is urgent," Yamamoto declared. "You leave immediately."

Karakura Town, Human World

At the Kurosaki household, the family sat around the dinner table, chatting with Rukia.

Ichigo, still processing everything he had learned, leaned forward.

"Rukia… I've been thinking about what you said about Soul Society. Are there really a lot of Shinigami like you?"

Not long ago, Kurosaki Ichigo had just wounded a Gillian-class Menos Grande that had invaded the human world. Despite his victory, he knew there was still much about this world that remained unknown to him.

Rukia nodded and said, "Yes, I am a member of the Gotei 13, the official military force of the Soul Society."

"The thirteen captains of the Gotei 13 are the strongest Shinigami in the Soul Society. They protect Seireitei and maintain the balance between the Soul Society and the human world."

Kurosaki Ichigo blinked and asked, "The thirteen strongest Shinigami? How do they compare to me?"

Rukia snorted. "You? Against a real captain? You wouldn't even land a hit."

Ichigo frowned, clearly unconvinced. "How is that possible? Didn't I just take down that big guy with the sharp nose earlier today?"

Rukia crossed her arms. "A Menos Grande is strong, sure, but against a captain-level Shinigami, it's nothing."

"Your time as a Shinigami has been short. Honestly, I doubt you're even as strong as my friend."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Your friend? Someone from your squad?"

Rukia shook her head. "No, he's from the Sixth Division, under my elder brother's command. His name is Akira. If I get the chance, I'll introduce you."

Ichigo smirked. "Really? Then I'll fight him and see who's stronger!"

Meanwhile, Akira and Captain Byakuya Kuchiki had arrived in Karakura Town.

Events unfolded much like the history Akira remembered—at first. Rukia sensed that Soul Society had sent someone after her, so she chose to leave without telling Ichigo, hoping to keep him out of it. However, Ichigo soon learned the truth. With the help of Urahara Kisuke, he left his body and gave chase in his Substitute Shinigami form.

But Akira was a butterfly of chaos, and his presence altered the course of history.

Before Rukia even encountered Byakuya and Renji, she ran into Uryū Ishida, who happened to be passing by—just as Ichigo arrived, chasing after her.

"Rukia! Where are you going!?" Ichigo shouted.

"One household?" Rukia turned, startled to see him.

Ichigo was equally surprised when he noticed Uryū. "Wait… what are you doing here?"

Ishida lifted a plastic bag. "As you can see, I was just out shopping."

From a rooftop nearby, Byakuya and Akira observed the scene.

"I apologize, Captain," Byakuya said after a moment. "As head of the Kuchiki family, this is my failure in discipline. I regret that I dragged you into this."

Akira responded casually, "No need to apologize. You know Rukia and I are good friends, right? Of course, her problem is my problem."

Byakuya fell silent for a moment, watching Akira's unbothered expression. A deep suspicion flickered in his heart.

Is this really the face of someone who knows his friend is about to suffer?

Visit patreon.com/shirokendama for more chapters