Shinigami in the Ninja World

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Kurotsuchi Mayuri made no attempt to conceal the greed in his eyes.

In truth, he had no clear idea of what made Naruto so special.

However, Urahara Kisuke had repeatedly refused his requests to participate in "research on Naruto," guarding it with utmost vigilance. Even during the chaotic time of his escape, Urahara did not forget to delete all research data related to Naruto.

Only a few results that had already been reported and could not be erased remained.

For instance, "Gigai" and "Gigai Type-2."

These were things that astonished him.

He could understand the former—no matter how impressive it was, it was still based on traditional Shinigami technology, serving as a vessel to contain weakened souls, created in response to the "disappearance of souls" incident, to accommodate those souls that might have vanished due to extreme weakness.

But the latter...

"Gigai Type-2" was almost like a device that broke the boundaries between the physical body and the spiritual body. A Shinigami entering it would not be completely cut off from reishi like with a normal Gigai, and they could even use spiritual power within it.

However, this technology was not mature enough and could not sustain a soul that was too powerful.

Kurotsuchi Mayuri had personally tested it—upon entering "Gigai Type-2," it immediately exploded with a "bang."

Even a lieutenant's spiritual pressure would easily destroy it.

Only the lowest-ranking officers, and ordinary soldiers below them, could use it. Moreover, while using it, they could not activate Shikai or perform Kido above level 20, or the Gigai would be overwhelmed.

Over the years, Kurotsuchi Mayuri had been attempting to improve "Gigai Type-2," but the technology involved was entirely different from the Shinigami techniques he had studied and researched, resulting in little progress.

It was during this time that he thought of Uzumaki Naruto.

Perhaps this technology was related to this young captain, who could defeat Bankai users with just his Shikai.

Naruto maintained a polite smile as he saw Kurotsuchi Mayuri off.

After handling his affairs, he returned to his office and began studying the "Reaper Death Seal" and "Four Symbols Seal."

He had already studied the "Summoning Jutsu."

It was indeed a clever technique.

But it only involved "the same space," meaning it allowed the transportation of objects within the same space.

It was even inferior to the technology of the "Senkaimon."

At least the "Senkaimon" involved the transportation between two spaces.

Giving this technique to Kurotsuchi Mayuri was to see what a "scientist" more specialized than himself could discover.

A few days later, in a bar in the Seireitei.

"Naruto, you want to learn Bankai?" Kyoraku Shunsui put down his sake cup and sized up Naruto. "So soon?"

Shiba Isshin, sitting at the same table, took a sip of his drink: "Naruto is a captain now, isn't it natural for him to learn Bankai? There's nothing surprising about that."

Kyoraku Shunsui shook his head but said nothing.

Shiba Isshin didn't understand.

Naruto's situation was entirely different from an ordinary Shinigami's.

Typically, a Shinigami fully masters Shikai after learning the name of their Zanpakuto.

But in Naruto's case, what he likely learned was a "false name."

Even though it was a "false name," he still hadn't fully mastered its power.

Learning Bankai at this time...

"I've been getting along with it quite well recently, and I've fully mastered Shikai," Naruto said as he drank juice—he wasn't fond of the taste of alcohol. "Although it still hasn't told me its name, it's probably just being a little stubborn."

"Bankai is just a deeper understanding of one's Zanpakuto, isn't it?"

"The process of learning it might just help me completely reconcile with it."

Kyoraku Shunsui nodded: "I see."

"So, Uncle Shunsui, please teach me how to learn Bankai," Naruto asked respectfully.

Kyoraku Shunsui slumped over the table: "Why come to me for something like this? Jushiro would be a great choice too."

"Captain Ukitake is not feeling well," Naruto grinned. "And Uncle Shunsui looks very healthy."

Kyoraku Shunsui tilted his head: "I'm sick too!"

"Ever since Lisa left, I've had a condition where my body aches whenever I get busy."

Naruto saw an opening: "My healing abilities are pretty good. While you teach me Bankai, I can treat your illness, Uncle Shunsui."

Kyoraku Shunsui buried his head on the table.

"Speaking of which, that boy from the Kuchiki family seems to have already started training for Bankai." Shiba Isshin stared at Kyoraku Shunsui. "And it seems the little lieutenant from the 5th Division is also preparing for Bankai training."

Kyoraku Shunsui raised an eyebrow: "So many people recently?"

"The young people are growing up."

"Who is Kuchiki's teacher?"

Shiba Isshin answered: "Of course, it's Captain Kuchiki Ginrei."

Kyoraku Shunsui immediately straightened up and looked at Naruto, speaking solemnly, "So, Naruto, you should seek out Captain Kuchiki Ginrei. Whether he teaches one person or two, it's all the same to him."

"The training for dual-blade Bankai isn't much different from that of a single blade."

"If I recall correctly, your relationship with Kuchiki's 3rd Seat isn't too bad, right?"

"Captain Kuchiki Ginrei is a very reliable captain. He'll definitely be up to the task."

Naruto sighed, "Uncle Shunsui, no wonder the Captain-Commander always emphasizes not to learn from you whenever he sees me."

Kyoraku Shunsui laughed heartily.

There was nothing wrong with seeking guidance from Kuchiki Ginrei.

Naruto had a fairly positive impression of the Kuchiki family. Although they bore the title of 'nobility' and conducted themselves with strict formality, they didn't possess the arrogant air of superiority seen in the Tsunayashiro Clan.

The next day, he paid a visit to Captain Kuchiki Ginrei and arranged the training schedule with him. When the day arrived, outside the 6th Division's quarters, Naruto encountered two unexpected individuals.

Dressed like captains, just like himself, they wore the black Shihakushō with a captain's haori draped over it.

"Sōsuke, Sajin?" Naruto greeted them, glancing at the two people they had brought along, "What's this?"

Aizen replied with a smile, beckoning the Shinigami behind him to step forward, "Gin is also about to begin his Bankai training. I was originally planning to teach him myself."

"But I'm the captain of the 5th Division, and Gin is my lieutenant. If both of us go off for training, there will be no one to handle the division's affairs."

"Fortunately, I heard that Captain Kuchiki is teaching 3rd Seat Kuchiki Byakuya his Bankai, and you'll be training together with him as well."

"So, I shamelessly requested Captain Kuchiki to take Gin under his wing as well."

Ichimaru Gin respectfully greeted him, "Captain Naruto."

Naruto nodded.

Mind's Eye of the Kagura activated the moment he saw them, confirming that what Aizen said was true.

Komamura Sajin nodded with a serious tone, "I share the same thoughts as Captain Aizen."

"My friend, the 9th Division's lieutenant, Tōsen Kaname, is also preparing to train for his Bankai."

"It wouldn't be right for both the captain and lieutenant to be away from their duties, neglecting the division's affairs. That would be highly irresponsible."

"So, I've entrusted him to Captain Kuchiki."

With a gesture, the Shinigami beside him stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

Naruto's gaze lingered on his face.

He wore a peculiar pair of glasses, different from those normally used. They weren't transparent and seemed to completely obstruct his vision.

Noticing Naruto's gaze, Komamura Sajin introduced him with a touch of pride, "Kaname is different from other Shinigami; he was born with impaired vision."

"Yet despite this physical limitation, he has worked tirelessly."

"He has reached a level that most Shinigami find difficult to attain."

A blind man!

Naruto initially wanted to observe whether something was swaying behind Komamura Sajin, but upon hearing the words "impaired vision," he couldn't tear his eyes away from Tōsen Kaname's visor.

He restrained himself from showing any expression on his face, smiling as he inquired of Tōsen Kaname, "Your eyes can't see, and healing Kido can't cure it?"

Tōsen Kaname replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Captain Uzumaki. I have visited the 4th Division before, but congenital defects cannot be healed by Kido."

"Is that so?" Naruto praised him, "That's truly remarkable perseverance."

Mind's Eye of the Kagura confirmed that this person was not lying; being blind was indeed a fact.

As they conversed, Kuchiki Byakuya stepped out of the division quarters, politely saying, "Captains, lieutenants, Captain Kuchiki is ready. Please follow me inside."

Aizen smiled and declined, speaking softly, "I won't be going in."

"Please convey my greetings to Captain Kuchiki on my behalf, 3rd Seat Kuchiki."

Byakuya returned the gesture.

Komamura Sajin made the same choice; there were still many affairs to be handled within his division.

Byakuya led those who were going to train in Bankai into the 6th Division quarters.

Aizen watched their backs, especially that of the blonde youth, his glasses reflecting the light, concealing his expression.

What was that power flowing within Naruto just now?

It wasn't probing for spiritual pressure.

It seemed more like… something that was peering deeper into the mind.

And his reaction when he heard that Tōsen Kaname was blind.

As expected, Naruto-kun has noticed something, just like Hirako Shinji?

Arranging for Tōsen and Gin to come along seems to have been a wise decision.

"Captain Aizen, is something wrong?" Komamura Sajin asked.

Aizen shook his head with a slight smile, "I was just feeling a bit sentimental."

"I met Naruto-kun twenty years ago when he was just a student at the Shin'o Academy."

"Now, he's become such an outstanding captain. Once he masters Bankai, he'll likely surpass us completely."

Mentioning Naruto opened the floodgates for Komamura Sajin, "Indeed, Captain Naruto is truly exceptional."

"If not for him, I might still be trapped in the tangible form for a long time."

Aizen gently echoed his words, chatting and laughing as they headed back to their respective divisions.

The bond between the captains of the 5th and 9th Divisions deepened at this moment.

In the 6th Division's training ground, facing the four individuals of varying heights before him, Captain Kuchiki Ginrei stroked his beard, smiling contentedly, "I never expected that one day, I'd be teaching so many students at once."

"Bankai training is indeed difficult."

"But in another sense, it's also simple."

"Since your spiritual pressure is sufficient, it means you've already reached the threshold."