Shinigami Chapter 247: Shun Shun Rikka and the Disappearance of Quincy Power (Patreon)

A Zanpakutō is not an ordinary weapon; it is neither fixed nor unchanging. Its form, abilities, and even the release itself can change due to external factors.

However...

Ordinary Shinigami rarely possess the will, ability, or opportunity for such transformations.

In the 12th Division's underground training ground, Mayuri Kurotsuchi leaned on both hands, staring at the black-clad figure training in the distance. He snorted, remaining silent, though his face clearly revealed the sarcastic thoughts brewing within, ready to burst out.

Kurama tilted his head, curious. He wondered what this face-painted man was holding back, likely something unpleasant. Naruto paid him no mind, focusing instead on Soi Fon’s training.

After a while, Mayuri, never one to hold his tongue, finally spoke: “Wouldn't it be easier if I directly modified her Zanpakutō? So much trouble…”

Soi Fon possessed a natural talent for Kidō. She had independently developed the technique 'Shunko,' although it had originally been invented by Yoruichi Shihōin. At the very least, Soi Fon had mastered it without relying on anyone else's help.

The 'Flying Thunder God' technique required highly sensitive perception and extraordinarily fast reflexes, both of which Soi Fon possessed. In less than a month, she had grasped the basics.

But...

Grasping it was one thing. Becoming proficient was another, and incorporating the technique into her Zanpakutō was an entirely different challenge. That was not something that could be achieved overnight.

Mayuri lacked the patience for such things.

“External power is still external,” Naruto shook his head. “Power you master yourself is the only power truly yours.”

“And besides—” He turned, staring at Mayuri with a blank expression. “She doesn’t trust you.”

Mayuri let out a long, drawn-out "oh." He was well aware of that. Over a hundred years ago, when he had been a prisoner in the Nest of Maggots, Soi Fon had been one of his jailers.

“Did you prepare what I asked for?” Naruto asked, his gaze steady.

Mayuri pulled out a scroll from his sleeve. “It’s all here.”

“That girl’s power is indeed interesting,” he mused. “But she’s developed it poorly. Such a good ability, used in such a…”

The more he talked, the more excited and sharp his tone became. Before he could make any dangerous suggestions, Naruto coughed softly.

Mayuri froze, as if someone had doused him with cold water, stopping his excitement dead in its tracks.

“Don’t even think about trying anything underhanded,” Naruto warned. “She’s close to Ichigo, and Isshin holds her in high regard.”

His sharp gaze cut like a blade.

Mayuri reluctantly replied, “Fine. I promise I won’t lay a hand on her. Satisfied?”

Naruto smiled slightly. “Let Soi Fon continue her training.”

Turning to leave, he added, “Once she’s finished, let me know. I have other matters to attend to.”

Mayuri nodded. As Naruto walked away, Mayuri’s gaze lingered on his left hand. It looked familiar. But it was no spiritual entity—it was a construct made by Kurama's power. When Naruto had fought Aizen and Ryūjin Jakka, he hadn’t sustained such a severe injury. How had that left hand been damaged?

But...

Mayuri shifted his attention, lazily observing Soi Fon. He mused over how he might modify her 'Suzumebachi' Zanpakutō. The 'Bankai' needed to be discarded. Though it appeared powerful, it was too unwieldy. It was useless against captains and unnecessary for anyone below that level.

As for Naruto’s injury...

Unless a new war broke out, it had nothing to do with him.

Naruto left the 12th Division, carrying the bag of items Mayuri had prepared, and crossed through the 'Senkaimon' to the human world.

“The human world…” Kurama stretched lazily, perching on Naruto’s head with his nine tails raised high. “Karakura Town is really lucky—Aizen and Muramasa... two consecutive battles, yet the town is still intact.”

“But why are we in the human world? To learn something for the Ninja World?”

Naruto raised his left hand. “No, I’m here for healing.”

Kurama blinked in surprise. It remembered clearly that this hand had been injured while protecting it. But if Naruto couldn’t heal the limb himself, who in the human world could?

At the Kurosaki household, Ichigo Kurosaki was baffled by Naruto’s request but obediently called Orihime Inoue over.

Kurama scrutinized her. It didn’t have a strong impression of this human woman, only vaguely remembering that she had something in common with Rangiku—particularly large... chest muscles. Beyond that, she seemed rather unremarkable.

“Can she really heal your injury?” Kurama leaned forward, staring curiously at Naruto. The woman seemed timid, and just from Kurama’s gaze, she shrank, lowering her head. Her spiritual pressure wasn’t particularly notable... Among Fullbringers, she was decent—at the level of a capable lieutenant. But against Naruto, she seemed insignificant.

“Of course,” Naruto nodded. “Her Fullbring ability is quite remarkable.”

Orihime blinked in surprise, pointing at herself. “Me?” She didn’t think her abilities were extraordinary. Sure, she was versatile—able to defend, heal, and attack... But compared to a captain, she felt there was a significant gap.

Isshin felt fortunate. Receiving such praise from Naruto, even using the word "remarkable," was a high compliment.

“Do you know much about Fullbring?” Naruto asked her.

Orihime nodded. Since returning from the Soul Society, she had interacted with Kūgo Ginjō and his group and had joined them alongside Chad.

“Fullbring is unlike any other power; it manipulates objects,” Naruto continued. “Orihime, have you ever thought about what law your Fullbring represents?”

Orihime hesitated, reaching up to remove her hairpins. “A law?”

She stared at the medium through which her Fullbring manifested, unsure. “A law that desires protection from others?” That was the only explanation she could think of. Before, she had been protected by Tatsuki, and now by Ichigo...

“It’s the law of rejection,” Naruto said calmly.

Orihime was taken aback.

Naruto raised his left hand, retrieving a scroll, and tossed it to Ichigo. “A month ago, I asked Mayuri to investigate your abilities.”

“Our conclusion was that your Fullbring operates under the law of rejection.”

“Your ‘defense’ rejects harm.”

“Your ‘healing’ rejects the existence of injury.”

“And your ‘attack’ rejects the existence of others…”

“That’s why, despite your lack of significant spiritual pressure or combat experience, you’re able to surpass seated officers and even high-ranking ones.”

Orihime pondered this. Ichigo Kurosaki and Isshin began examining the scroll.

Naruto placed his left hand on the table. “That’s why I’m hoping you can use your power to heal my injury.”

With a wave of his hand, Kurama's conjured left hand dissipated, revealing the empty wrist beneath.

Orihime gasped.

“What happened to your hand?” Isshin frowned, equally shocked. “Who could have hurt you like this?”

“You fought the old man, didn’t you?”

Naruto shook his head with a soft laugh. “It’s nothing serious—just a trivial matter that doesn’t affect the Soul Society or the human world.”

“I’m not sure if my ability will work,” Orihime frowned, stepping forward to place her hands over the wrist. “I’ve never tried to heal such a severe injury before.”

Naruto smiled. “No need to worry. Just do what you normally would.”

Orihime took a deep breath.

“Sōten Kisshun, I reject!”

Two small fairies emerged—one with black hair tied in pigtails, wearing a pink outfit, and the other with blonde hair in a ponytail, dressed in red. They stretched a barrier across Naruto’s severed wrist.

The orange-yellow shield enveloped the wound. The power of rejection went to work. The damage caused by Kaguya began to reverse, and Naruto’s hand reappeared, being restored bit by bit, as though it were being printed.

Within moments, it was fully healed.

Kurama’s eyes widened in disbelief. This seemingly fragile girl possessed an incredibly powerful ability.

“It really worked,” Orihime whispered in astonishment. After fully restoring Naruto’s hand, she withdrew her 'Sōten Kisshun' barrier and, unable to resist, reached out to touch the newly-formed hand. Her fingertips pressed into the soft flesh.

It was a living, breathing hand.

Naruto, satisfied, raised his hand. Although Kurama’s creation had functioned perfectly and didn’t hinder his abilities, it still felt foreign, slightly awkward. There was nothing like having his original hand.

“Is Fullbring really that strong?” Isshin leaned in. Unlike Orihime, he wasn’t gentle, grabbing Naruto’s hand to examine it closely. “A fully restored limb, and it doesn’t seem to affect you at all.”

Naruto, annoyed, pulled his hand away. “Has your spiritual energy fully recovered? How can you tell anything by just looking?”

“What’s the status?”

Isshin scratched his head with a grin. “Almost there. That guy helped break my connection with the Gigai. My spiritual energy is slowly coming back. At least now I can see spirits again.”

Naruto rolled his eyes. “How about Masaki-san?”

“What do you want with her?” Isshin blinked.

“I’m curious why the Quincy suddenly lost their powers,” Naruto said softly. “Although from the Soul Society’s perspective, it’s beneficial for a potentially destabilizing group to lose their abilities, it feels like there’s something important we’re missing.”

Isshin nodded, sighing as if remembering something. “In that case, you might want to talk to Ryūken.”

Ryūken Ishida. The last surviving member of the Quincy bloodline who hadn’t lost his powers.

“What about him? We didn’t get much out of him last time,” Naruto shook his head.

Isshin pounded his fist into his palm. “He came looking for me recently, specifically asking about your strength. That’s strange, don’t you think? Ryūken’s always disliked me. To make him visit in person... even Masaki couldn’t get him to do that!”

Naruto nodded. “So, how did you answer? What did he say next?”

“I didn’t answer him.” Isshin put his hands on his hips, proud of himself. “That guy was so rude—why should I?”

He paused for a moment.

“Besides, your growth is too fast. A hundred years ago, you had the strength of a regular captain. Before the battle of Karakura Town, you were already on par with me. As for your current strength, I’m not sure. You might even surpass the old man Yamamoto.”

Naruto smiled but didn’t respond to this.

“So, what did Ryūken say after that?” he asked.

Isshin shrugged, continuing to pester Naruto. “Nothing. He didn’t say anything.”

“Come on, tell me—who’s stronger now, you or the old man?”

Naruto remained silent.

Isshin sighed, turning to playfully wrestle with Kurama, the two of them scuffling energetically. Ichigo Kurosaki covered his face, wishing he had eight hands to hide his own embarrassment, along with Orihime’s and Naruto’s. This was humiliating.

How could his father, a grown man, behave so childishly and wrestle a fox? And lose!

Naruto chuckled, quietly watching their antics for a while. After informing Kurama, he left the Kurosaki household and made his way to the Ishida family clinic.

Inside the office, Naruto was alone, wandering around and examining the furnishings. He was particularly fascinated by the computer and cell phone. The basic principles were similar to those in the Ninja World, but the content differed significantly. In the Ninja World, computers were primarily research tools. In this world, they served as communication and entertainment devices, even allowing access to news from any country.

This gave him pause for thought.

Click—the door unlocked, and Ishida Ryūken entered.

Naruto made no attempt to hide. He sat boldly in Ryūken’s desk chair, swiveling slightly.

“Captain Uzumaki,” Ryūken said, showing little surprise as he closed the door behind him. “What brings you here?”

“Isshin said you were looking for me,” Naruto said, leaning back in the plush chair. “So, I came to see what you needed.”

Ryūken remained silent.

Naruto spread his hands, speaking casually. “As a gesture of goodwill, I’ll answer the question you’re undoubtedly interested in.”

“My current strength?”

“If Captain-Commander Yamamoto were to hand me his position today, I would be fully qualified to take over, and no one would object.”

His voice was calm, even indifferent, as though he were casually discussing what to have for dinner.

Ryūken’s expression barely changed. Confidence radiated from Naruto’s tone… Power comparable to Yamamoto.

“So, can you answer my question now?” Naruto smiled, locking eyes with Ryūken.