Zanpakutō can actually change into this form?
Jogo, standing off to the side, was completely stunned.
The enormous one-eyed manta ray that appeared after Minazuki's Shikai gave Jogo a strange sense of familiarity. Even though it had clearly manifested from a Zanpakutō, he could feel that its power was akin to that of a cursed spirit.
So… was the Zanpakutō forged by Satoshi also a cursed spirit?
Jogo's single eye widened.
Cursed Tool. Cursed Object. Cursed Spirit...
Something clicked inside him. His gaze locked onto Satoshi, and his emotions became complicated.
As a cursed spirit, he had always held contempt for humans.
The only reason he submitted this time was because of Satoshi and the overwhelming might of Ryūjin Jakka.
But now, he finally realized just who he had submitted to.
He had pledged loyalty to someone who not only wielded cursed spirits… but created them.
…
Being stared at so intently by Jogo made Satoshi feel a chill down his spine.
He had no idea what was going through Jogo's mind.
Even if he did, he would've thought Jogo was overthinking.
There was no way a Zanpakutō could be a cursed spirit.
Jogo was probably just hallucinating because Minazuki was a biological-type Zanpakutō.
Maybe it was because both Minazuki and Jogo were single-eyed creatures, so there was some strange resonance between them.
"Satoshi, can people outside even see that?"
Yuto asked, wide-eyed.
"No, ordinary people can't. That's part of Minazuki's nature. Just like how jujutsu sorcery is invisible to non-sorcerers, don't worry about it."
Jogo — As I thought! This manta ray really is a cursed spirit. Normal humans can't even perceive her.
Yuki — A Zanpakutō that transforms into a living being? That's surprising. And it even floats?
…
"Minazuki is a very convenient partner. Not only can she heal us, but she can also serve as aerial transport. From now on, no matter where we go, we'll have a ride."
Satoshi's expression was full of satisfaction.
Biological-type Zanpakutō were incredibly rare, even in Soul Society. Besides Minazuki, wielded by the First Kenpachi Unohana Retsu, there was only Gagaku Kairō, the Zanpakutō of Kuryashiki Kenpachi, a largely unknown figure.
These kinds of Zanpakutō were both powerful and highly versatile.
Minazuki, in particular, was so dangerous that its Bankai was once banned from use within Soul Society by Central 46.
Thinking about this, Satoshi felt this type of Zanpakutō was absolutely worth crafting.
…
"What is that? What's that thing in the sky?"
"Is it a cursed spirit? How dare it intrude upon the Gojo estate? That's an insult!"
Within the Gojo family estate, many clansmen were alarmed after spotting the massive manta ray hovering above.
Unaware of the situation, they instinctively assumed it was a hostile cursed spirit.
Gojo Kumaen, as the family's acting leader, wore a grave expression when he received the report.
However, the moment he saw the creature floating above the forge, his expression calmed.
He knew Satoshi was forging Zanpakutō today. That giant flying ray was likely the result of his work.
Besides, if that thing were truly a hostile cursed spirit, it had picked the worst possible location to appear.
Inside that small forge were Satoshi—who could rival Domain-level curse users, Satoru—who had mastered Six Eyes and the Limitless Technique, Toji, the Star Plasma Vessel Yuki from the Tombs of the Star, and a Special Grade cursed spirit.
If that lineup couldn't handle it, then there was no hope for the Gojo family at all.
So, while the others panicked, Kumaen calmly ordered everyone to stay away from the forge.
After all, if the sky were falling, there were taller people to catch it.
…
"This thing is actually flying?"
Satoru was stunned. This went far beyond what he expected, and it deeply impressed him.
According to Satoshi, this one-eyed manta ray born from a Zanpakutō could even be ridden.
"Alright, now that it's forged, let's return to the Yorozuya. With Minazuki, things will be much easier."
"Shoko, can you try bringing it down?"
Satoshi turned to Shoko with interest. He was curious to see how well she could control Minazuki.
"Bring it down?"
Shoko blinked, uncertain. She wasn't very familiar with Minazuki's form yet. Still, she could definitely feel its consciousness.
"Minazuki, can you come down?"
Shoko tried calling out to the manta ray in the sky.
Suddenly, Minazuki paused mid-air, as if searching for a landing spot. Then it gently descended to the open area in front of the forge.
"Perfect."
Satoshi nodded in satisfaction. He stepped out of the forge and jumped onto Minazuki's back.
"Come on, Shoko."
At Satoshi's invitation, Shoko was pulled up onto Minazuki with him.
Then, the manta ray gently lifted off again, floating into the air.
Satoshi was slightly surprised at the takeoff. But when he saw Shoko's playful smile, he realized this was her doing.
"Hey! Satoshi! We haven't gone up yet!"
Satoru was yelling from below, but Minazuki had no intention of descending.
"Satoru, wait a bit! Shoko and I are going for a ride. We'll come back and pick you up later."
With that, Minazuki flapped its massive fins like wings and soared away under Shoko's command.
Satoshi laid on its back, enjoying the cool breeze.
Shoko sat quietly beside him. Her expression was more complicated than the cheerful look she usually wore.
She wasn't oblivious.
At first, she thought Yuki was just a temporary presence in their lives, someone who would disappear with time. After all, the gap between her and Satoshi seemed wide.
But after seeing how warmly Yuki looked at him…
A subtle sourness welled up in her chest.
That's why she had Minazuki take off. Just for a little while, she wanted time alone with Satoshi.
(To be continued.)
***
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