Bleach: I'm picking up attributes in Seireitei

The library of the Shinigami Academy is always exceptionally quiet in the afternoon.

Sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light on the floor.

The air was filled with the distinctive smell of old paper, and occasionally the soft sound of pages turning could be heard, or the hushed discussions of students in the distance.

In his usual spot by the window, Wang Xun was lazily sprawled on the table, with the latest issue of "Seireitei Communications" open in front of him.

This is the official Seireitei magazine published by the Ninth Division. In addition to some official announcements, it also includes a novel section.

The magazine's content was so dull that it made his eyelids droop, making it obvious to anyone that the editor-in-chief wasn't doing his job properly.

If this weren't an official publication, it probably would have been discontinued long ago.

He only perked up when he came across a new work titled "The Rose-Colored Path".

It's written about love and romance, and it's actually quite interesting to read.

Wang Xun flipped through the pages for a while, and then started yawning out of boredom. Qi Xu glanced at him.

"So," Nana suddenly spoke, her voice very soft, "who was that blond guy last night?"

"The third seat of the Second Division, Kisuke Urahara," Wang Xun replied casually. "He talked to me about something."

"Second Division...what does he want with you?" Nanao finally looked up, her gaze behind her glasses filled with curiosity. "You two shouldn't have crossed paths before, right?"

"Hmm, do you remember that fruit you bought before? It was quite delicious."

Wang Xun gestured with his hand.

"I even went with the fruit-selling uncle to see those trees, and later I heard that they were burned down in a big fire."

"Those trees were originally planted by Urahara Sansuke. He wanted to ask me if I knew anything about the inside story."

Nana's eyes widened slightly.

She hadn't expected there to be this connection.

"Then, based on the special cultivation conditions of those trees, we also talked about the issue of food supply and discussed some business cooperation."

Wang Xun sat up straight and stretched.

"That old guy is cunning. Fortunately, we had a decent chat. I wonder if he'll achieve my expectations in the end."

Qixu stared at him for a few seconds, seemingly trying to determine the truthfulness of his words.

Finally, she gave a soft "hmm" and lowered her head to continue organizing her notes.

"Next time something like this happens, don't bother sending me away," Qixu suddenly muttered softly. "If anything happens, I can help you out."

Wang Xun smiled upon hearing this.

"What, are you worried about me?"

"...No, I didn't."

Qi Xu turned her face slightly away.

Wang Xun looked at her delicate profile; in the sunlight, the fine downy hairs on her slightly flushed cheeks shimmered softly.

He suddenly realized that this kind of afternoon was quite nice.

At least, it's much easier than facing the various probing attacks of those difficult characters.

After finishing her notes, Qixu took out a class schedule from her bag, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Starting next week, we'll begin practical lessons in Zanpakuto Zen."

She spoke softly, her tone unusually dejected.

"If it were Renzen, I'd probably just sit there and stare blankly for ages."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun fully understood her feelings.

The awakening of a Zanpakuto requires a deep resonance between the Shinigami and Asauchi.

The basis of resonance is the integration of the Grim Reaper's own soul qualities into Asauchi.

After three or four years of living and eating with Asauchi, normal students at the Spirit Arts Academy will find that Asauchi begins to transform into a Zanpakuto with its own unique characteristics.

Although Nanao has a high talent in the Kido, she cannot establish any connection with the Asauchi in her hand.

It was as if something was blocking it.

This left her completely baffled. She asked the teacher, who also said they had never seen anything like it before.

"If you don't want to go, then just skip it."

Wang Xun mentioned it casually.

"I'll take you out to play. There's a festival in Rukongai recently, and I heard it's quite lively."

"no."

Nanao immediately rejected the idea, her voice becoming extremely serious.

"You can't skip class, and..."

She paused, then lowered her voice.

"This is a practical lesson on Blade Zen, a very important course. What if you fall behind in your Shikai progress if you don't go?"

"Okay, okay, I'll listen to you."

Seeing Qi Xu's serious expression, Wang Xun raised his hands in surrender.

Nanao was silent for a moment, then recalled the days when she and Asahi ate and slept together.

By the time I graduate, this light-weight weapon will probably be taken by the Spirit Arts Academy.

After all, keeping it for myself wouldn't make much sense.

"It's alright without a Zanpakuto, I've already accepted it, and the Kido sect might be more suitable for me."

Qi Xu spoke softly, her tone very calm.

"Let nature take its course, it'll be fine."

"Perhaps your Zanpakuto doesn't depend on Asauchi, but exists in some special form."

Upon hearing Wang Xun's words, Qi Xu paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Where would you find a Zanpakuto like that?"

"Who knows?"

Wang Xun shrugged.

"There are plenty of strange and unusual Zanpakuto in the Gotei 13."

At that moment, Nana thought of something and suddenly asked curiously.

"Speaking of which, how's your Asauchi fusion coming along? With your strength, you should be close to Shikai, right?"

As she spoke, a hint of suspicion appeared on Qi Xu's face.

"You wouldn't have already...?"

"No, not at all," Wang Xun waved his hand, "but... it should be soon."

This question sparked an idea in Wang Xun's mind.

He brought up the system panel, and after this period of improvement, he had almost mastered the basics of shallow striking.

[Zanpakuto: Shallow Strike Resonance 99%]

Just one last bit more.

"However, things like Zanpakuto can't be rushed. Sometimes, the more anxious you are, the less likely you are to make a move."

Wang Xun said nonchalantly.

Nana looked at him, her eyes filled with a certain expectation.

"But if it were you..."

"Perhaps you can successfully release Shikai on your first try, after all, you're so strong."

Wang Xun smiled.

"I hope so."

The two stayed a while longer until the library bell rang, signaling dinner time.

Nana picked up her bag, and the two walked out of the library side by side.

Outside the corridor, the setting sun was just right.

"If you truly achieve enlightenment, I will be happy for you."

Qi Xu suddenly said softly.

"Although you hide your strength and keep others from seeing through you."

"But I know that you haven't slacked off in getting stronger, and I'm very clear about that."

Qi Xu looked at Wang Xun, paused, and then spoke even softer.

"So you don't need to worry about me, just do what you're supposed to do."

Wang Xun stopped in his tracks.

Qixu also stopped and looked up at him, her eyes clear and earnest.

"Qixu," Wang Xun suddenly laughed, "do you know, sometimes you're so mature, it's not like you're a little girl at all?"

Qi Xu blushed and gave him a push.

"Mind your own business, just get out of here."

She walked quickly forward, and Wang Xun followed with a smile.

The two walked through the sunlit corridor, their shadows overlapping and separating on the ground.