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Chapter 26: Social Animal III
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Akashi's stories were more than mere entertainment; they were a window into the darker corners of the soul.
He intended to observe the reactions of Shinigami versus ordinary souls, analyzing the darkness that lingered in their spiritual essence.
It was specifically an experiment comparing the darkness he can extract from ordinary souls in Soul Society versus Shinigami.
A day or two passed, and Akashi stood at the gates of the Eleventh Division barracks, also known as the Zaraki Corps.
His tall frame cast a shadow over the worn, battle-scarred path that led inside.
Even from this distance, the sounds of clashing swords, boisterous laughter, and the occasional brawl echoed outward, painting a vivid picture of the chaos that awaited him.
This division, unlike any other in the Gotei 13, thrived on pure combat. It was a haven for warriors who lived and breathed the thrill of battle.
Here, Zanjutsu wasn't just a technique; it was a way of life.
The members of the Eleventh Division were renowned for their relentless pursuit of strength, forgoing Kido and other Shinigami arts in favor of mastering the sword.
Akashi wasn't naturally gifted in combat, nor did he possess overwhelming spiritual power.
He feels like he's more talented than the average Shinigami, but he doesn't compare himself to the average Shinigami.
No, he compares himself to Aizen. Hell, even Gin is way more talented than him, and comparison is the thief of joy.
What he lacked in raw talent, however, he made up for with sheer effort and an unyielding desire to excel.
As he stepped inside, the air seemed to thrum with raw energy. Shinigami sparred in open courtyards, their Zanpakutō gleaming under the midday sun.
Others rested on the sidelines, cheering on their comrades or nursing fresh bruises.
The camaraderie here was palpable, though it was forged in the crucible of battle rather than polite conversation.
Akashi knew better than to stroll in unannounced. The Eleventh Division valued strength and respect, but above all, they valued their captain: Kenpachi Zaraki.
To them, admiring Kenpachi was the ultimate seal of approval, a gesture that signified one's understanding of their way of life.
The first Shinigami to notice Akashi was a burly man with a scar running diagonally across his face.
He leaned against a wooden post, his Zanpakutō resting lazily on his shoulder.
"Oi, you lost or somethin', rookie?" He called out, his voice gruff but not entirely unfriendly.
Akashi offered a slight bow, his long inky hair falling forward, "Not lost, just looking to learn. I heard of Captain Zaraki's great strength and philosophy, and it seems I haven't come to the wrong place."
The scarred Shinigami squinted at him for a moment, as if weighing his words.
Then, with a booming laugh, he clapped Akashi on the back; hard enough to nearly knock him forward.
"Anyone who admires the boss is a friend of ours! Welcome to the Zaraki Corps, rookie. Name's Gozo."
Akashi straightened, a faint smile playing at his lips, "Thank you, Gozo. My name is Akashi."
"Akashi, huh? Well, you've got guts, I'll give you that. But If you wanna stick around, you'd better prove you can hold your own. Sweat us some blood!"
"That's why I am here," Akashi replied, shrugging off the man's ominous words. If learning requires blood, then so be it.
Gozo grinned, his scar stretching across his cheek, "Let's see if you're worth keeping around!"
"Huh?" Akashi expressed an inquisitive glance, realizing that the man had misunderstood, "I'm not planning on joining the Eleventh division. I'm a member in the fifth division."
"..." Gozo seemed to be stunned for a second, his expression scrunching up into a frown, "So why are you here?"
"Captain Aizen spoke highly of Captain Zaraki and the Eleventh division, so as someone seeking improvement in Zanjutsu, I naturally came to the best in the field," Akashi let out a gentle smile and explained.
He wasn't deterred by the man's heavy aura nor did he hesitate to lie. He has a goal and he will achieve it one way or another. I'm sure Aizen won't mind a little white lie.
Gozo crossed his arms together, raising a brow as a grin slowly emerged on his face, "Hehe."
It didn't take long for Akashi to find himself in the middle of a sparring circle, with Gozo standing across from him.
The other members of the Eleventh Division had gathered around, their jeers and cheers blending into a chaotic cacophony.
"Don't hold back, rookie!" Someone shouted.
"Let the rookie feel the glory of Zaraki corps!!" Another yelled.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!" "Blood! Blood! Blood!"
They were a very passionate bunch, and they seemed to have a knack for scaring newcomers.
It's a very unorthodox division, largely due to its eccentric captain, Zaraki Kenpachi.
Akashi had heard that Kenpachi sometimes brings in people from the farthest districts, gangsters, and troublemakers; to his division.
That's what the division is known for: troublemaking. It is basically a band of outlaws unified under Kenpachi.
Akashi unsheathed his Zanpakutō, its dark blade glinting faintly. He assumed a defensive stance, his inky eyes locked on Gozo's movements.
Around him, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Gozo lunged first, vanishing only to appear before him, his attack swift and powerful.
Akashi parried what seemed to be a probing attack, the impact reverberating up his arms.
Gozo's strength was felt in that single strike, forcing Akashi to take a few steps back, his Zanpakuto ringing due to the impact.
"You're not bad," Gozo admitted, his grin widening, "But not good enough!"
He swung again, his strikes coming faster and harder. Akashi's mind raced as he blocked and dodged, focusing on observing the man's movement, searching for a pattern.
He knew he couldn't match Gozo in raw strength, nor could he come even close to rivaling the opponent's reiatsu.
It was a very familiar situation, except that the last time it happened, it was a life and death situation. Now, he only seeks to learn.
It emerged on Akashi's face; slowly but surely; a smile. It surfaced on his face as the battle heated, feeling the ruthlessness of Gozo's attacks.
Gozo's expression slowly morphed into annoyance, cursing aloud, "Fight, you bastard!"
Akashi wasn't attacking. No, he was just defending, and that irked Gozo to no end, leading his strikes to become more and more ruthless.
The clash of their blades was resounding, Akashi being pushed back again and again, his blade trembling after its clash, and his hands tingling with the increasing pressure and pain.
'It feels easier,' Akashi noted, narrowing his eyes. He felt like he could keep up against stronger opponents easier.
Is it because I got more comfortable with having a second brain? He wondered.
The first was far far away, yet Akashi could still use its brain to help him think and react.
He could keenly capture the flow of Gozo's reiatsu, his footwork, and the pressure of his sword.
Akashi realized there and then... Gozo's zanjutsu was mediocre at best, the man seemingly preferring using pure brute force to kill.
Therefore, Akashi sought an opportunity to end the battle, looking for any trace of a misstep.
When the moment came, it was fleeting. Gozo's footwork faltered for a split second, and Akashi seized the opportunity.
He pivoted on his heel, sidestepping Gozo's attack and landing a clean strike on his side; not deep, but enough to draw blood.
Akashi leaped back instantly after, a frown emerging on his face as he looked down to see a cut down his thigh.
Despite faltering for a split second, Gozo managed to react quickly enough to leave a wound of his own, although insignificant.
The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, some clapping Akashi on the back while others mocked Gozo for letting a 'rookie' get the better of him.
Gozo laughed as well, clutching his side but clearly unbothered, his previous annoyance seemingly dissipating into the wind.
"You've got some fire in you, Akashi. I like that. Done or want more?" Gozo licked his lips, tightening his grip around the hilt of his blade as he looked into Akashi's bright eyes.
Indeed, he could see the flame in Akashi's eyes as the latter took an inside left stance, stating with resonating eagerness, "More... Till you collapse."
"Huh??" Gozo was stunned, left perplexed, "Me? Collapse? Bwhahahahahahah, let me show you reality, rookie!!"
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