Shinigami in the Ninja World (Re-upload)

Ōetsu Nimaiya, when serious, exuded an aura completely unlike his usual self—one that carried a profound sense of compassion, as though he embodied the essence of countless souls. His gaze seemed to hold the weight of innumerable spirits, sinking deeply into both Naruto and Kurama.

"This won't be easy."

"Good luck, Naruto-chan, and Little Fox."

As soon as he released his grip, the drape fell, extinguishing the last bit of light and leaving the entire space in complete darkness.

In this environment, only perception was available for use.

They couldn't see, hear, or smell anything. The only indication of life from the Asauchi around them was their active and uniform spiritual pressure.

"This is unsettling," Kurama said warily. The dense, identical spiritual pressure gave it a sense of unease, like pulling back a carpet only to discover a swarm of cockroaches hidden underneath.

"How are we supposed to make them accept us?" Naruto felt the same as Kurama, if not worse, due to his heightened perception, which allowed him to sense even more details.

It was like seeing each cockroach's varying lengths, the way their antennae twitched, and the fine hairs on their pincers. It was deeply uncomfortable.

"Maybe it's like achieving Shikai?" Kurama tilted his head.

One of the Asauchi lunged forward silently, its twin mouths wide open and menacing.

Kurama wasn't intimidated, swatting it away with a flick of his tail.

These beings weren't strong, possessing only the spiritual pressure of a regular officer.

The Asauchi was sent flying, crashing into the crowd behind it, toppling others over like dominoes.

"So, we need to win them over with spiritual pressure?" Naruto extended his hand, unleashing his spiritual energy in a wave, letting it sweep over the Asauchi like a gentle breeze.

But it didn't work.

The Asauchi remained unchanged, still silently snarling as they attacked, filled with endless fury toward Naruto and Kurama.

There was no pressure.

While the Asauchi were born from spiritual energy, they couldn't harm Naruto and Kurama.

But…

They had a unique quality.

Perhaps because the essence of the Asauchi is to merge with a Shinigami's spiritual pressure and eventually become a Zanpakutō, the usual methods that work on Shinigami were ineffective on them.

Spiritual energy couldn't subdue them.

No matter how many were sent flying or defeated, more and more Asauchi continued to surge forward.

"That guy's name was Ōetsu Nimaiya, right?" Kurama, unbothered by the situation, jumped off Naruto's shoulder, returning to his original gigantic form. With a casual sweep of his tail, countless Asauchi were sent flying into the distance.

Naruto nodded. "Yeah."

"How many Asauchi has he made?" Kurama grumbled.

"The history of the Zanpakutō is older than the Gotei 13," Naruto replied quietly.

Kurama scratched his head and sat down heavily. "How long are we going to have to keep this up?"

Naruto remained silent, deep in thought.

He had a feeling that endlessly fighting these Asauchi wasn't the right way to earn their recognition, or at least not the best method.

Perhaps this was how a typical Shinigami would handle it.

But neither Naruto...

Nor Kurama...

Were "typical Shinigami."

In the pitch-black environment, with the repetitive, monotonous action of fighting, time became difficult to measure.

How long had it been?

Back in the Seireitei, it had already been a full day since Naruto, his vice-captain, and the injured Shinigami ascended to the Soul King Palace.

It was...

An exceptionally long day.

Kenpachi Zaraki woke up in the 4th Division barracks, glancing over to see his broken sword placed beside his bed.

At the foot of the bed, Yachiru Kusajishi was curled up, fast asleep.

Across from him, seated on a small stool, Unohana Retsu raised her head from the book she was reading, offering a gentle smile. "You're awake, Captain Zaraki."

"Is it over?" Zaraki asked, dazed.

Unohana's voice was soft. "If you mean the battle, yes, it's over."

"Naruto saved you and the Captain-Commander. Yhwach is still alive, but he and the Wandenreich have retreated."

"If you're asking about the war..."

"This is only the beginning."

Zaraki nodded, seemingly unbothered by the situation. "And Naruto? What about that fox?"

"And Yhwach..."

For some reason, he couldn't help but mutter Yhwach's name.

"They've gone to the Soul King Palace," Unohana continued in her usual serene tone. "Along with Captain Kuchiki, Lieutenant Kuchiki, and Lieutenant Abarai."

Zaraki paused in surprise.

"It was the Soul King's decree. He believes they still have the potential to grow stronger," Unohana explained with a smile. "They're being treated and will undergo a special ritual."

Zaraki's reaction was immediate. He jumped out of bed, his eyes wide, glaring at the long-haired, gentle woman before him.

The sudden movement startled Yachiru awake, and she rubbed her eyes sleepily, looking up. "Ken-chan, you're up."

"Why them? Why not me?" Zaraki clenched his fists, his gaze filled with determination, though there was no anger.

In the past...

He had believed he was too strong, that he couldn't enjoy the thrill of battle.

That was why he wore his eyepatch and the bells in his hair—to limit his abilities and prolong his fights.

But thinking back now...

That self-imposed restraint felt so naïve.

Strong?

If he were truly strong, how could he have been defeated by Yhwach in a single move?

"Do you want to become stronger?" Unohana didn't answer his question, instead offering a new one.

Zaraki didn't hesitate. "Of course."

"I want to!"

His killing intent was fierce, his desire for battle palpable.

Unohana instinctively raised her hand, gripping the hilt of her sword. She had long been prepared for this moment and felt an urge to respond to this powerful, overwhelming desire.

But at the same time, the promise she had made to Naruto surfaced in her mind.

That boy...

She shook her head, smiling wryly as she turned away. "I see."

"The reason they didn't take you to the Soul King Palace is that it's not the right place for you."

"There..."

"You won't become stronger."

Zaraki didn't understand.

Unohana stood up, heading for the door. "Come with me. I will make you stronger."

At the foot of the bed, Yachiru watched with worry.

She understood what was happening...

She had been with Zaraki long before he joined the 11th Division, ever since he had picked up his Asauchi from a dead Shinigami, long before Zaraki himself knew who he was.

"Yachiru, you can come too," Unohana smiled warmly, turning back. "After all, you've witnessed many of Captain Zaraki's journeys."

"You shouldn't miss this one."

Yachiru hesitated, pointing to herself. "I can come too?"

"But..."

There were some words she couldn't bring herself to say.

Afraid that once spoken, they would be met with confirmation.

"Don't worry. I made a promise to Naruto." Unohana shook her head, sighing softly. "You know, he's a very kind person."

"If I break that promise and do what I'm thinking of..."

"Even if I have to go to Hell, he'll come after me."

Yachiru nodded firmly. "Okay." But her expression still carried a trace of worry.

…

Central Underground Great Prison

The lowest level, 'Muken'—a place reserved only for the most vile and dangerous criminals, those deemed "extremely wicked" or "extremely dangerous." It was typically a place of eerie stillness, cold and lifeless. But today, it was unusually lively.

Unohana Retsu and Kenpachi Zaraki were the stars of the stage, stepping into the scene. Accompanying them were Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Shunsui Kyōraku, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Yachiru Kusajishi.

"To think we'd come here," Zaraki remarked, glancing around.

But there wasn't much to appreciate. The space was vast, a desolate emptiness shrouded in infinite darkness—a fitting representation of the coldest, most desolate "hell" for the condemned.

"The Captain-Commander believes there are many areas in the Seireitei where we could fight," Unohana said, raising her hand to undo the tie in her hair. "But I think this place suits us best."

"This is a stage where we can truly wield our swords."

"I've longed to fight you for a very long time."

Her hair tie fell to the ground, and her long hair cascaded down. Unohana's hand moved from her hair to her collar, pulling it down to reveal her throat. Between her collarbones was a gruesome, terrifying scar, a deep, gaping wound.

"Every time I hear your voice…"

"The only scar I have on my body aches."

Zaraki growled in response, "Don't think you're the only one who feels the pain!"

"Yachiru Unohana!"

Without hesitation, his desire for battle, which had been simmering since the moment he awoke, surged into a boiling fury. Her few words ignited his fighting spirit even more, pushing him to the point where he was willing to risk his life.

With a mighty slash, he struck with fierce, ruthless power. The resentment he had felt from losing so easily to Yhwach poured out with that single blow.

...

At the gates of Muken:

"The Captain-Commander's decision is quite reckless, isn't it?" Shunsui Kyōraku remarked, squinting his eyes with his usual playful tone. "Allowing them to use a place like this."

"Naruto wanted them to be somewhere safer," Yamamoto said softly, his face stern, as if he hadn't noticed the underlying implications in his disciple's words.

"Is that really okay?" Kyōraku inquired, leaning forward.

Yamamoto remained silent, shaking his head.

He knew what his disciple was referring to.

It wasn't the fierce battle between Unohana Retsu and Kenpachi Zaraki.

He was talking about 'Central 46', about the order that had governed and controlled the Seireitei and the Gotei 13 for over a millennium.

"Naruto wants reform." After a long pause, Yamamoto finally spoke. "As for me…"

"I'm not sure whether this change is good or bad. You all always say I'm old-fashioned."

"But stability is far more important than change."

Kyōraku didn't say anything. Being a captain for so long and experiencing so much, there had been times when he, too, had thought from the perspective of the Captain-Commander. He understood how deeply these words came from his master's heart.

"I am old," Yamamoto continued. "But I haven't been wrong about many things. Naruto is a good person—a remarkable young man."

"The path he's chosen…"

"I don't think it will lead to anything bad."

"I may not be able to support him wholeheartedly, but at the very least, I won't become an obstacle in his way."

Kyōraku watched his teacher's back closely.

That towering figure, though slightly hunched with age, still stood firm and imposing, his long back framed within the small diamond-shaped opening of the doorway.

'Old.'

He had watched his teacher's appearance gradually change over the years, from a middle-aged man to his current elderly form.

But never had Kyōraku thought of his teacher as truly "old."

Yamamoto was still powerful, an existence whose full might Kyōraku felt he could never completely comprehend, no matter how long he trained.

Appearance did not equate to weakness.

But now...

The hero had grown weary.

The deepening shadows under his eyes, the increasing frequency of his sighs, and the growing weight of his movements—Kyōraku had finally seen his master yield to time.

Yamamoto paused for a long time before continuing. "I want to try clearing away some of the obstacles in Naruto's path, to see if this road is one that can be walked. I also want to see what effects clearing those obstacles will bring."

Kyōraku nodded, opening his mouth to say something.

But Yamamoto didn't give him the chance. He turned to Mayuri Kurotsuchi. "Are you recording the data?"

"Of course," Mayuri nodded, patting the equipment he had brought. "It's truly astonishing."

"The strength of the first Kenpachi…"

"And Kenpachi Zaraki's growth."

On one of the devices that was collecting and analyzing the data, two lines were visible on a graph.

One red line, starting at a high point, was climbing steadily upwards.

A black line, starting much lower, was shooting up at an exaggerated, almost 45-degree angle, quickly approaching the red line.

The red line represented Unohana Retsu, her long-suppressed spiritual pressure now exploding forth like a towering mountain.

The black line…

Belonged to Kenpachi Zaraki, whose deep and bottomless spiritual pressure was rapidly increasing.

"Captain Zaraki isn't growing," Yamamoto corrected, his tone firm. "He's 'recovering'."

"His strength has always been great."

"It's just that he's been holding himself back all these years."

"And…"

"Unohana's decision is the right one."

His eyes were deep and knowing.

Kenpachi Zaraki's potential was undeniable. In the minds of many, the most gifted person in the entire Gotei 13 wasn't Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Byakuya Kuchiki, or even Naruto Uzumaki.

It was Kenpachi Zaraki.

He was the only Shinigami who had become a captain without even 'releasing' his Zanpakutō. Byakuya Kuchiki had speculated that Zaraki's sword wasn't actually broken, but that its form was a unique, constantly released state—similar to Naruto's Kurama or Ichigo Kurosaki's Zangetsu.

Strong Shinigami tended to have powerful Zanpakutō.

So, if Kenpachi Zaraki were to release his Zanpakutō, how strong would he become?

Of course, at Yamamoto's level, his evaluation of potential wasn't limited to spiritual pressure or Zanpakutō. What impressed him most about Kenpachi Zaraki was his instinctive, beast-like talent for combat.

Without any formal techniques, relying only on his raw instincts and physical strength, Zaraki had become one of the finest swordsmen in the Gotei 13, representing the pinnacle of 'combat skill'.

What kind of heights could Kenpachi Zaraki's swordsmanship reach if he were to learn some formal techniques?

Yamamoto had often thought about this.

He had even tried to teach Zaraki some swordsmanship himself, hoping he would pick up some skills.

The idea was good, but it didn't work.

People can't communicate with beasts.

When a stubborn man and a stubborn beast clash, either one must die, or both must give up the conflict.

Yamamoto had chosen the latter.

And now...

It seemed that only a beast could teach another beast.

They continued their battle.

Every now and then, Mayuri would issue a warning, informing Yamamoto that their spiritual pressure was becoming unstable.

The Captain-Commander would immediately step in, cooling their enthusiasm for a moment before allowing them to resume once the intensity had subsided.

For Zaraki, this was frustrating.

But…

After so many years of being stopped by Naruto, he had grudgingly learned to accept it.

"Captain Mayuri, have you found the Wandenreich's location?" Kyōraku asked after observing for a while, tilting his head toward the black-and-white-faced man operating the instruments.

Mayuri looked up. "Are you interested, Captain Kyōraku?"

"Of course!" Kyōraku replied.

"This isn't the right time to launch an attack," Yamamoto interrupted, shaking his head.

With Naruto having left the Seireitei for the Soul King Palace, the captains...

Were all using this final bit of time to train in their own ways, preparing to strengthen themselves.

"As Captain of the 8th Division, I should do something," Kyōraku said, shaking his head. His sense of responsibility wasn't as lazy as his outward demeanor suggested.

Mayuri waved his hand, activating a technique to summon a scroll. "In that case, Captain Kyōraku, take this to the 11th Division."

"You'll find some information you're looking for."

Kyōraku accepted the scroll, his gaze thoughtful.

"Don't look at me like that…" Mayuri shook his head. "I wouldn't dare cause too much trouble."

"Those guys are far too sensitive."

Kyōraku nodded and left Muken.

…

Beneath the Shadows

The Wandenreich.

Within the Ice Palace, Yhwach sat on his throne.

"Haschwalth underestimated Naruto Uzumaki," he mused, resting his head on his hand. Despite the loss of a trusted subordinate, his tone remained calm. "Even with my power, I cannot foresee a future involving him."

"And as for him…"

"What a pity."

"There aren't many like him—so capable and clever."

His voice was lazy, devoid of any sense of mourning for the fallen.

"Well then..."

"Barro."

At his words, ripples stirred within the shadows. A man with dark skin and markings over his right eye emerged.

"Your Majesty, I am here."

"I brought him," Yhwach said with a light smile. "The gathering is complete."

He paused, his words filled with meaning.

"And welcome to you as well."

"My son."

"Will you fight by my side?"

The man, affectionately addressed as "son," raised his head and knelt on one knee. "Of course, my father."

"Good," Yhwach grinned, his smile broadening. "Barro."

Once again, he called out the man's name.

Barro immediately responded, "Your Majesty, I am at your service."

"Gather the others."

"My son's power…"

"It requires a ceremony."

Barro obeyed, disappearing back into the shadows.

…

Not long after…

Outside the Ice Palace, the entire Wandenreich assembled. From those possessing "Schrift" to the ordinary Quincy, they all gathered.

"I have unfortunate news to share with you," Yhwach began softly. "The captain of the Sternritter, your beloved Haschwalth, was killed during the last assault on the Seireitei."

"He was slain by the 7th Division Captain, Naruto Uzumaki."

The Quincies erupted in anger, shouting and roaring with fury.

Haschwalth, who had been so gentle and kind…

And someone dared to kill him.

Yet, the Sternritter officers, those with the Schrift, were much more somber. Whether it was Valkyrie or Haschwalth, their abilities were among the most special and powerful within the Sternritter.

The fact that Naruto Uzumaki had managed to kill both of them was staggering.

Especially Haschwalth.

His power to avoid injury and reflect all damage—those familiar with it knew there was only one conclusion: 'it was unbeatable'.

In their minds, the only way Haschwalth could be killed was if Yhwach himself reclaimed that power.

How had this Naruto accomplished it?

"We have lost a great comrade," Yhwach continued, raising his hand. Silence fell immediately. "But we are fortunate. At this very moment, we welcome someone who can more than fill the gap Haschwalth left behind."

"Come forth, my son."

At Yhwach's gesture, a young man wearing a Quincy robe emerged from behind the curtains, walking calmly to Yhwach's side.

The gathered Quincies stared, eyes wide.

The Emperor…

He had always stood far above everyone else. No one had ever had the right to stand beside him.

Not even Haschwalth.

Who was this man?

"Allow me to formally introduce him," Yhwach said with a smile. "This is my son."

"The last surviving Quincy in the world."

"Uryū Ishida."

The crowd was silent.

But Yhwach wasn't finished. "And I am appointing him as…"

"My successor."

For the ordinary Quincies, this news didn't elicit much of a reaction. The idea of a successor was far too distant for them to care.

But for the Sternritter, the response was intense. Some gasped in disbelief, unable to comprehend what they had just heard. Others wanted to speak out and stop this.

Some doubted the decision.

However, aside from a few who lacked clear thinking, most remained silent.

After all, it was 'Yhwach's' decision.

And Yhwach was the 'absolute truth' within the Wandenreich.

"There will be no dissent, nor any doubt," Yhwach said, stretching out his hand. The loudest voices were immediately silenced. "In the coming battles, you will witness his strength."

"Then you will understand why he is worthy."

"That's all for now."

With a gesture, shadows enveloped Yhwach and Uryu, carrying them away.

The Emperor had departed.

Once the forced silence lifted, a new wave of murmurs broke out.

"I can't believe it," a man with a purple mohawk exclaimed in anger. "How could the Emperor do this?"

"Haschwalth just died, and he's already found a replacement."

"And not even Haschwalth was given such an honor in his lifetime."

"A man of unknown origins!"

This man was Bazz-B, a member of the Sternritter with the Schrift "H." He had been Haschwalth's closest friend since childhood, practically inseparable from him.

"That was the Emperor's decision," someone whispered beside him.

Bazz-B grimaced in frustration, turning away.

…

Meanwhile, back inside the palace…

Yhwach looked at Uryu, who knelt before him, his tone steady. "My son…"

"You've made the right choice."

"I'm glad you weren't too influenced by those Shinigami."

"Now that the succession ceremony is complete, your power will soon awaken."

"I will now bestow upon you a new Schrift."

Uryu remained silent, his expression calm, betraying no emotion, as if he were a solemn and sacred statue.

"We've lost some manpower," Yhwach continued. "Several Schriften are now vacant."

"B, M, Q, R, Y…"

"But my expectations for you go beyond such simple letters."

"Therefore, I will give you the same Schrift as mine."

"A."

Uryu humbly nodded in acknowledgment.

Yhwach placed his hand on Uryu's head, his voice even. "Don't disappoint me, my son."

Uryu looked up. "Father, may I ask one question?"

Yhwach nodded.

"Why me?" Uryu asked quietly. "And why in such a public way, in front of all your followers?"

He was certain he was not Yhwach's biological son.

And equally certain that his real father was Ryūken Ishida.

"I'm glad you're not just blindly accepting your title," Yhwach grinned. "A mere puppet wouldn't be able to control something as vast as the Wandenreich."

"But you're not clever enough."

"This is something you could figure out with just a little thought."

Uryu's confusion deepened.

"Then think about this question," Yhwach said, fixing his gaze on him. "Ryūken Ishida is a pure-blooded Quincy."

"But you are not."

"So why is it that, up until now, you've been able to use Quincy powers?"

Uryu's eyes widened in shock.

"That's right, just as you're thinking," Yhwach chuckled softly. "I have the ability to bestow power onto others, but I also have the ability to take it back."

"It's called 'Auswählen'."

"Nine years ago, I used 'Auswählen'."

"At that time, all mixed-blood Quincies lost their powers."

"You were the only exception."

Uryu struggled to maintain his composure as the realization hit him.

He thought of Aunt Masaki…

So, nine years ago, she had lost her powers because of 'Auswählen'?