Chapter 126: Ichibei Hyosube and Senjumaru Shutara
Harry and Ichigo stood before Ichibē Hyōsube, the towering and enigmatic leader of the Royal Guard. His presence was both overwhelming and jovial, his every word carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. With a mischievous grin, Ichibē began their training.
"Now, you two, let's see how much power you can truly handle!" he bellowed, summoning enormous spectral limbs that mimicked his own. "These are Spirit Appendages. Watch carefully."
Ichibē demonstrated their potential, his gigantic hands and feet smashing and shifting the very fabric of the realm. Harry watched with interest, while Ichigo struggled to keep his jaw from dropping.
Ichibē then moved into advanced Kidō spells, including the devastating Senri Tsutensho and the secretive Ura Hadō: Sannodō – Teppūsatsu. Harry absorbed the lessons with ease, his understanding of magic allowing him to adapt the techniques to his own style. Ichigo, however, grunted and groaned, clearly overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of it all.
"Keep up, Ichigo!" Harry teased, effortlessly manifesting a giant hand and flicking Ichigo's head with it.
"Cut it out!" Ichigo growled, rubbing his forehead as Ichibē laughed heartily.
Their next challenge was the Forest of Visions, a mystical trial designed to test their resolve. The dense, otherworldly forest seemed alive, the air heavy with ancient spiritual energy.
Harry strolled through it with ease, his connection to death rendering the haunting visions ineffective. Every shadow and ghostly image parted before him as if acknowledging a greater presence.
Ichigo, however, found himself overwhelmed. The forest bombarded him with visions of wars, atrocities, and unspeakable horrors. He saw himself as a destroyer, as a savior, and as a failure. Each vision tore at his soul, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and doubts.
By the time Ichigo stumbled out, drenched in sweat and trembling, Harry was already waiting, leaning casually against a tree.
"Took you long enough," Harry said with a smirk.
Ichigo glared at him. "You didn't see what I saw."
Harry patted his shoulder. "Maybe not, but you're here now. Let's keep moving."
The duo reached the next trial, only to be greeted by Senjumaru Shutara herself. The master weaver of the Royal Guard stood with her ever-present sewing kit in hand, her golden needles gleaming. She greeted Harry with a playful smile.
"Harry Potter," she purred, her voice like silk. "It's time for some measurements."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Measurements? For what?"
She winked. "Clothes, of course. Now, strip."
Harry hesitated, but seeing the sewing kit in her hands, he complied. Removing his clothing, he stood tall and composed, though his curiosity was piqued as Senjumaru's gaze lingered on his physique.
She moved closer, her needles floating around him like fireflies. "My, my," she murmured, her tone laced with innuendo. "Such… impressive proportions."
Harry chuckled, "Is that a professional opinion, or should I be concerned?"
Senjumaru smirked and waved her hand dismissively. "Hush. Let me work."
What followed could only be described as unorthodox measuring. Harry couldn't quite tell if it was her technique or her flirtation that left him so bewildered, but by the time she was done, she was a flushed and satisfied mess, her usual composure thoroughly shattered.
"Consider me… inspired," she said breathlessly as she handed him his new attire.
Harry's new outfit was a masterpiece of elegance and menace.
Cloak of Death: A long, flowing black cloak shimmered with iridescent threads, catching the light with an almost ethereal glow. The edges were embroidered with silver and gold runes, enhancing his spiritual energy and offering unparalleled protection.
Shihakushō of Lethal Grace: A sleek, black shihakushō accented with deep crimson along the sleeves and hem. The fabric was lightweight yet durable, designed for both agility and durability in battle.
Armor of the Void: Matte black armor adorned his shoulders, chest, and shins, each piece inscribed with intricate designs of skulls and serpents.
Boots of Silent Death: His combat boots were both functional and stylish, reinforced for durability while maintaining his stealth.
Belt of Infinite Arsenal: A wide leather belt with a skull-shaped buckle held various pouches and compartments for weapons and tools.
Accessory of Power: A silver necklace with a scythe-shaped pendant, a gift from Senjumaru, symbolizing his role as a harbinger of death.
Ichigo emerged soon after, his outfit exuding power and nobility.
A black cloak with intricate, white Japanese patterns flowed behind him.A fitted, white shihakushō beneath the cloak, accented with golden embroidery.Sturdy black boots completed the ensemble, blending tradition with resilience.
Ichigo glanced at Harry's outfit and sighed. "Why does yours look so much more... intimidating?"
"Because I'm cooler than you," Harry quipped.
Later that evening, Harry sought out Senjumaru to thank her for her efforts. She welcomed him into her private chambers, still visibly flustered from their earlier interaction.
"You didn't have to come here," she said, a slight tremor in her voice.
Harry smiled. "I wanted to. You outdid yourself with these outfits."
Their conversation quickly turned playful, and Harry's charm left Senjumaru a blushing, breathless mess once more. By the end of the night, she was a passed-out, thoroughly satisfied Shinigami, her mind completely blown by Harry's presence—not just his power, but his charisma and warmth.
With their new attire and spirits bolstered, Harry and Ichigo prepared to face the next challenge. The road ahead was perilous, but they were ready to meet it head-on, each step bringing them closer to the ultimate confrontation.
As they departed, Ichigo looked at Harry. "How do you always manage to leave people in awe?"
Harry grinned. "It's a gift."