Chapter 584: Zanpakuto's Initial Melody: Endless Cycle of Reincarnation
Chapter 584: Zanpakuto's Initial Melody: Endless Cycle of Reincarnation
An immense spiritual pressure soared into the sky, released by Feng Ye as he unleashed his Zanpakuto's true form. It effortlessly surpassed the level of a typical captain, reaching the realm of a super captain!
The intensity of a captain-level spiritual pressure varies. If Soifon's spiritual pressure is rated at 10 points, then the bottom line for a captain is 30 points, and the upper limit is 50.
30, 40, and 50 points respectively correspond to the differences between a weak captain, an average captain, and a strong captain. The gap doesn't seem significant, but many captains remain at the 30-point level throughout their lives, unable to attain the higher levels.
Hitsugaya Toshiro's Zanpakuto's true form only reaches 30 points.
On the other hand, Kyoraku Shunsui's Zanpakuto's true form, Urahara Kisuke's Zanpakuto's true form a hundred years later, and a Night's instant stealth form... These can all attain a spiritual pressure level of 50. While they may not completely overwhelm an average captain, they hold a significant advantage in a confrontation.
Transcending these levels is the super-captain tier, whose spiritual pressure fluctuates between 60 and 90 points. Unohana Retsu's spiritual pressure is at 70 points, while Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni can surpass 80 points!
It doesn't seem like a huge difference, but in reality, it's a completely different concept.
The disparity between weaker and stronger spiritual pressures may not be apparent, but if the gap exceeds half or even doubles, it becomes a whole new ball game.
Even without moving from his spot, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni, after releasing his Zanpakuto's true form, could withstand attacks from those ordinary captains due to the vast difference in spiritual pressure intensity!
Furthermore, what distinguishes a captain-level from a super-captain-level is that even someone as powerful as Night couldn't make the spiritual particles of the entire Soul Society tremble. In contrast, a super-captain-level Zanpakuto's true form can be sensed throughout the Soul Society!
At the moment Feng Ye released his Zanpakuto's true form, within the Seireitei, the 1st Division and 4th Division barracks, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni and Unohana Retsu almost simultaneously looked up sharply.
"Who is it?"
A slight tremor ran through Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni's expression.
He was well aware of the intensity of this spiritual pressure, which had already far surpassed that of a typical captain. In terms of spiritual pressure levels, this person had earned the qualification to battle him.
"The feeling is unmistakable," Vice-Captain Jiro Chobe of the 1st Division remarked with a hint of shock in his eyes. "This spiritual pressure belongs to—Kakashi Hatake's Zanpakuto's true form!"
Feng Ye had astonished the entire Seireitei by attaining his Zanpakuto's true form the same day he obtained his Zanpakuto. That day, he had also taken note of Feng Ye's spiritual pressure. Although the intensity of this spiritual pressure was far more powerful than it had been back then, it was undoubtedly Feng Ye's Zanpakuto's true form!
"Has he reached this level in just half a year?" Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni lowered his head slightly and closed his eyes, deep in thought.
There had been people who attained this level of spiritual pressure over the millennia, and there were many of them, especially a millennium ago. More than half of the original Gotei 13 captains had spiritual pressures at this level, far surpassing the current generation.
That was why they were able to defeat Yhwach and the Quincies back then.
However, these beings, whether Unohana Retsu or Yoruichi Shihouin, who had recently been promoted to the zero division, were not his match in terms of strength!
The creators of the Zanpakuto, Nimaiya Oetsu and Koetsu, and the oldest members of the Zero Squad, were ancient figures who had existed over two millennia ago, far older than him. Aside from these individuals, no Shinigami had surpassed him in a thousand years.
But...
Feng Ye's existence had far exceeded his expectations.
Obtaining the Zanpakuto's true form on the same day he received his Zanpakuto and reaching a spiritual pressure level beyond that of an ordinary captain in just half a year—this was not something that could be achieved solely through talent.
Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni had already investigated Feng Ye's background several times. A long time ago, he had deduced that Feng Ye had first appeared in the 78th district of the Rukongai!
Now, combined with Feng Ye's current performance, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni was almost certain that the person who had forced Unohana Retsu to use her Zanpakuto's true form, shocking the entire Soul Society, was most likely Feng Ye!
"Retsu..."
Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni inhaled deeply.
Unohana Retsu couldn't have mistaken Feng Ye's identity, but she had never revealed it, implying that she was deliberately concealing the fact that Feng Ye had once fought her.
There was no point in questioning Unohana Retsu at this moment because, regardless of her silence or frank admission, he could only accept this fact.
What truly puzzled him was...
According to Unohana Retsu's report, Feng Ye was a stranger, and indeed, no one had sensed Feng Ye's spiritual pressure when Unohana Retsu used her Zanpakuto's true form before. But how had Feng Ye transformed into a regular soul and so effortlessly mastered his Zanpakuto's true form?!
Claiming that Feng Ye was a stranger at this point would be almost unbelievable because Feng Ye possessed all the characteristics of a typical Shinigami and showed no signs of being a stranger.
"No, not quite," Aizen replied calmly. "While he has broken through the boundaries between Hollow and Shinigami and entered a state of Hollowfication, he's completely lost consciousness. This indicates that his Hollowfication is incomplete and of a rather low level."
"I see..." Gin narrowed his eyes, observing the now-unconscious Kensei, who was howling involuntarily. "But with a captain turned Hollow, the Gotei 13 will surely take action soon."
Aizen sheathed his Zanpakuto with an air of nonchalance. "Indeed, I require more experimental subjects... Hm?"
As he spoke, a fleeting glint of surprise flashed in his eyes. Ichimaru and Tosen, standing behind him, also seemed to sense something, their bodies stiffening as they looked northward, toward the North Ruins.
"This spiritual pressure..." Ichimaru's eyes, usually narrowed to slits, opened slightly, revealing a hint of shock.
"No mistake! It's Feng Ye's Bankai!" There was no doubt that the spiritual pressure they were sensing belonged to Feng Ye, and it had reached an extraordinary level.
Feng Ye and Yoruichi Shihoin had supposedly gone to the desolate region beyond the North Ruins to deal with the Werepanther clan, yet the intensity of Feng Ye's Bankai was such that they could clearly sense it from their distant location. This was far beyond the capability of an ordinary captain.
Aizen, who had initially displayed only a hint of surprise, now revealed a change in his usually gentle countenance. Half of his face was shrouded in shadow, and his mouth was slightly agape, revealing a smile that sent shivers down the spine.
"As expected, he's not to be underestimated." Aizen's gaze turned northward, and he continued, "If I'm not mistaken, the one who forced Captain Kuchiki to use her Bankai many years ago was likely him."
Raising his left hand, Aizen adjusted his glasses and said, "To break through the boundaries between an Arrancar and a Shinigami, to perfectly transform into a Shinigami, and to possess Bankai as well... Your secrets intrigue me more and more."
Had Aizen not been making steady progress in his research on Shinigami Hollowfication, with a major breakthrough just around the corner, he might have been more interested in Feng Ye's ability to transcend the boundaries between Arrancars and Shinigami.
But for now...
His focus remained on Hollowfied Shinigami and the transformation of Hollows into Shinigami.
...
Beyond the North Ruins, in the Crimson Highlands.
Feng Ye's Bankai, which had reached the level of a super-captain, manifested differently from his first Bankai demonstration at the Mao Spiritual Arts Academy. His immense spiritual pressure had condensed into visible beams of light, and in addition to the golden clock behind him, faint images of clocks seemed to appear all around him, as if they were reflections of the original.
"This spiritual pressure..." King Olg, the leader of the Werepanthers, eyed Feng Ye warily, sensing the immense threat he posed.
Though he couldn't pinpoint what ability Feng Ye had used, he knew they couldn't afford to wait any longer. He glanced at the Werepanther with the Rin'negan ability and then let out a roar that reverberated through the canyon, charging directly at Feng Ye.
At the same time, the Werepanther with the Rin'negan opened his eyes, and a powerful genjutsu was unleashed, the same one that had previously immobilized Yoruichi.
"Reincarnation Eye Technique: Border Jail!"
Four white tombs appeared and rushed toward Feng Ye, seizing his limbs and pinning him in place.
He must not give Feng Ye any opportunity to use his abilities!
Feng Ye's abilities might be troublesome, so Olg intended to use his own powers to finish off Feng Ye in one blow!
"It's over!"
A vicious light shone in Olg's huge beastly eyes.
Regardless of what abilities Feng Ye possessed, it would be meaningless if he couldn't release them in time. As long as Olg's attack landed and inflicted a fatal wound like the one Yoruichi had suffered, it would all be over!
"...'
Yoruichi, her face pale, watched Feng Ye's direction. She saw Olg's attack and sensed that Feng Ye seemed to be restrained by the same strange technique she had experienced before.
She wanted to warn Feng Ye to be careful, but her life force was quickly ebbing away, and her consciousness was becoming hazy, preventing her from uttering a sound.
Soifon witnessed this as well.
However, amidst the surging spiritual pressure exchanged between Feng Ye and Olg, she could only kneel on the ground while cradling Yoruichi, exerting all her strength to do so. She was powerless to warn Feng Ye or do anything else but watch the events unfold.
At this moment, in her eyes, Feng Ye was the last and only hope—the final glimmer of light remaining in the depths of hell!
Facing Olg's attack and the binding of the Wheel of Reincarnation, Feng Ye remained calm and composed, showing no signs of distress. He didn't struggle forcefully but spoke softly.
"Eternal Moment, First Melody—Endless Cycle of Reincarnation."
Silently and invisibly.
Olg's massive beast claw descended upon him, but at the moment it made contact with his body, the enormous creature vanished from where it stood.
Even the shadows of the Wheel of Reincarnation that bound his body disappeared without a trace.
Olg hadn't ceased to exist; he had mysteriously reverted to his initial position, as if time had leaped forward momentarily, returning to a few seconds ago.
"What's going on?!"
Olg's pupils constricted slightly as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
It was as if he had dreamed that he and the Rinnegan-wielding Werepanther had attacked Feng Ye, their beast claws making contact with his body. But in the next moment, he awoke from the dream, finding himself back in his original position, still standing in the same spot.
"Is... this a subconscious simulation of the future?"
Indeed, in battles between powerful opponents, it was not uncommon for combatants to anticipate the next move during the fight, their minds unconsciously simulating the unfolding battle.
Olg took a deep breath and glanced at the Werepanther with the Rinnegan, exchanging a glance before letting out a tiger's roar and lunging at Feng Ye once more.
Although the Werepanther also sensed something amiss, upon meeting Olg's gaze, he immediately cooperated, turning his gaze toward Feng Ye as power surged in his eyes.
"Wheel of Reincarnation: Border Jail!"
Whoosh!
Four white tombs of the Wheel of Reincarnation instantly formed and rushed toward Feng Ye, seizing his limbs and pinning him in place.
Olg's attack, infused with ferocious spiritual pressure, condensed on his massive beast claws as he struck viciously at Feng Ye, intending to tear his body to shreds.
"It's over!"
A vicious gleam shone in his enormous beastly eyes.
But.
The bizarre scene unfolded again.
As his huge beast claw landed on Feng Ye, it vanished once more, and his perspective abruptly shifted, finding himself still standing in his original position.
The first time could be attributed to an illusion during the battle or an unconscious simulation of the future in his mind, but for it to happen twice in succession meant that something else was at play!
"What... have you done to me?!"
Olg's huge beastly eyes widened with shock as he stared intently at Feng Ye.
Feng Ye, holding his Zanpakuto, stood calmly and replied, "I haven't done anything to you. I've merely brought infinite cyclical time to this place."
"The second after 11:23:45 is 11:23:46, and the second after that is 11:23:47. But the second after that, time reverts to 11:23:45."
Feng Ye gently caressed the blade of his Zanpakuto with his left hand and explained, "History marches forward like a rolling wheel, but here, it has become a fixed windmill. Isn't that intriguing?"
This was the ability of the First Melody of the Eternal Moment—to draw everything into this place.
A place of—
Endless cycles, the center of reincarnation, the grave of time!
(End of Chapter)
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