You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

It's not that Iori has a vivid imagination; it's just that there are too many examples!

From the Land of Iron in Naruto, to Itogami Island in Japan set in Strike the Blood, to Academy City in A Certain Magical Index, and even Orb in Gundam...

Even in various Western fantasy light novels, there are always samurai and ninjas from the East!

21st-century Japanese creators really like to create a place in their works that corresponds to real-world Japan, and they like to add settings like "a seemingly remote and isolated little place that possesses military/technology that surpasses the outside world."

For example, of the five major magics of Type-Moon, three can be found to have their lineage in Japan, a "magic desert"!

Well, it might sound a bit narcissistic, but it's understandable. After all, there was a time when traditional Chinese martial arts and ancient martial arts were essential elements of online novels...

Najeta was only guessing that the Eastern Island had Orichalcos forging technology, but Iori was almost certain.

No other reason than that I've seen it all before!

Look at the technological prowess of Wano Country next door, don't you understand?

Upon closer examination, the Imperial Arms in "Akatsuki no Akatsuki" also bear many traces of Japanese or Chinese culture, such as those of Yatsufusa, Murasame, and Susanoo, as well as the Space Imperial Arms that uses the Bagua Taiji formation diagram.

Referring to One Piece, even if it is eventually discovered that the technology for manufacturing Imperial Arms originated from an eastern island nation, Iori would not be surprised at all!

Alright, I've decided to go to the East China Sea. Although I've heard it might be a bit troublesome, the Grim Reaper has no shortage of time.

If all goes well, Iori might be able to forge a suitable sword blank by hand...

Before that, let's go back to Soul Society to "recharge"!

"As agreed, you have the right to choose one Imperial Arm first."

Chelsea walked over with [Dimensional Array: Shangri-La] in her hand: "But to be honest, this Imperial Arms is more useful to the Revolutionary Army. If you can give it up, I can give you the other Imperial Arms as well."

If you're worried about the limitation of not being able to use multiple Imperial Arms at the same time, the Revolutionary Army can also let you choose one from their existing collection.

Personally, our collection includes even more valuable and practical Imperial Arms!

"Thank you for your kindness."

Iori took it without hesitation: "But a promise is a promise."

“…Just like the report said, he’s a difficult guy to get along with.” Chelsea was a little disappointed, but Iori was still a friendly force of the Revolutionary Army, and the higher-ups were still trying to win him over, so the girl did not show any hostility. Instead, she gave a soft hum as if she was being coquettish.

"Then, as agreed, we will take all the remaining spoils with us."

Akame suddenly spoke up: "This Kousetsu is not an Imperial Arms. The enemy was killed by me and Iori, so I think I have the right to take this sword."

The teenage assassin rarely took the initiative to make a request, which surprised Najenda, who knew her personality well, but she nodded without thinking too much about it.

While the famous sword Jiang Xue is good, it is still inferior to the Imperial Arms. The higher-ups probably wouldn't care even if they knew, and it wouldn't matter if Akame took it.

Iori replied casually, "Then give it to me—"

"Give it to you."

Unexpectedly, Akame immediately passed the message to Iori: "I have Murasame, that's enough."

“Hey~” Najeta raised an eyebrow and chuckled mischievously.

Iori paused slightly, "For me?"

"I sense that you are very interested in it."

The perceptive Akame seemed to have sensed something: "It could also be about its origin... But whatever the case, take it with you, it might be of some help."

"……Thanks."

It might not be of much help, but it warmed Iori's heart.

As expected... it wasn't for nothing that we spoiled this foodie girl!

Chapter 34: Aizen Yuuki Wants to Punish

"Please help me ask for leave."

"How dare you! What do you take the Twelfth Division for? This is wartime, we're already short-handed, and you're trying to slack off?!"

Inside the barracks, Mayuri Kurotsuchi glared fiercely at Iori, who had a completely calm expression on his face. His clenched teeth made it seem as if he were truly loyal to the Seireitei.

"You have to pay more!"

"You should have said so earlier!"

"Hmm... I see that you are usually quite diligent. Since the war hasn't officially started yet, I'll transfer you to the Great Library to organize the archives."

You seem to be in a pretty good mood?

Mayuri Kurotsuchi was unusually easy to talk to today. Iori had thought she would have to bargain with him, but she didn't expect to achieve her goal so easily, so she couldn't help but glance at him in surprise.

"Hey, of course! Because once the war starts, my 'research materials' will be endless." Mayuri Kurotsuchi said with a satisfied expression. "I'm really looking forward to it!"

“…Well, congratulations then.” Iori suppressed her smile and replied indifferently.

Putting aside the Shinigami, the Quincy are living people in the mortal world. After they are killed, their souls will naturally be transferred to the Soul Society. And unlike ordinary souls, the Seireitei will definitely use some method to capture these souls.

If Iori remembers correctly, in the original work, Mayuri Kurotsuchi dissected countless Quincy alive, and even the corpses of Shinigami were not spared. Later, even the Chamber of 46 couldn't stand it anymore and decisively imprisoned him in the "Nest of Maggots".

Although this hasn't happened yet, it serves as another reminder to Iori:

No matter how pleasant it is to cooperate with Mayuri Kurotsuchi, never forget his true nature!

They can be partners in exchanging benefits, but let's forget about friendship!

"By the way, the handover documents from the Spirit Arts Academy say that you should have been granted permission to receive an Asaka before leaving the school, but the logistics manager said you haven't been there. Does that mean you haven't started nurturing your Zanpakuto yet?"

"I haven't decided yet," Iori said bluntly. "I have concerns about Asauchi, or rather, about Zanpakuto."

"Is that so? I understand." Mayuri Kurotsuchi casually made up a reason on the document and stopped asking questions.

Iori's logic is utterly incomprehensible to any Shinigami. In their view, Zanpakuto is a part of themselves, their closest battle partner, and Asauchi is an essential tool for nurturing Zanpakuto, both convenient and practical.

Asking them to question Asauchi and Zanpakuto is tantamount to asking cultivators to question their natal flying sword.

But Mayuri Kurotsuchi was different. In Soul Society, where most people were "sword cultivators," he was a maverick "demonic cultivator."

This guy is in a constant state of undergoing a tribulation, distrusting everything external and even questioning the authenticity of his "self." As a result, he has modified his Zanpakuto, physical body, and brain to prevent problems from occurring one day.

A guy who can equip Bankai with self-destruct bombs and back up his brain's memories—even if you tell him the whole world is just a dream of a magnificent existence, he'll seriously consider it…

It's just questioning whether there's a problem with "shallow striking," right? It's nothing special.

In fact, Mayuri Kurotsuchi himself had vaguely sensed some problems, so he always left himself a backup plan no matter what he did. Now, hearing Iori say such sensational things, he actually felt a strong sense of resonance.

"The Academy of Spiritual Arts actually got involved in this matter..."

Iori pondered for a moment: "It seems I also need to make some preparations... Lieutenant-sir, our Twelfth Division is not usually responsible for combat, but rather assists other divisions by providing technical support, right?"

"Why are you suddenly asking this? Didn't you want to slack off? Are you interested in going to another squad for duty?"

“It’s not the Gotei 13,” Iori said, looking directly into Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s eyes. “It’s the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force. I want to know when the next supply shipment will depart. If possible, I would like to go as a member of the 12th Division.”

"..."

Even someone with Mayuri Kurotsuchi's erratic thought process was momentarily stunned by Iori's leaps in thinking.

"The Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force? Why go to such a desolate place as Hueco Mundo... Moreover, that force is not part of the Thirteenth Division. Even if I am the vice-captain, I cannot send anyone there without the commander's approval."

“No problem, you just need to get a transfer order. The expeditionary force commander should give me that favor,” Iori said confidently with a smile. “She seems to like me quite a bit.”

"...Is Saito immortal? You actually know that old woman..."

Mayuri Kurotsuchi couldn't help but look at Iori with new respect. It was one thing for him to have a relationship with Shunsui Kyoraku, but Saito of the Expeditionary Force was not an easy person to get along with. As a temporary Grim Reaper who didn't even have an Asauchi, Iori actually had connections with two captains... He was indeed not simple.

"The transfer order is simple, but the term of office in the expeditionary force is very long. Even if you are arranged to go there under the name of 'secondment', you will have to stay for at least a year before you can apply to return. Whether you will be allowed to return is another matter."

"Isn't it you, Vice-Captain, who's here?" Iori laughed heartily. "If I don't return, who will raise research funds for you?"

"...I don't understand. That place is only filled with sand and Hollows."

"Because 'death' is the best reason."

Iori smiled and said something that Mayuri Kurotsuchi only half understood: "If there's no good reason to increase a character's combat power, then let him 'die' once."

-

What are the common problems with shonen manga?

Fatalism? Bloodline theory? Overreaching military power?

It has all of these, but it isn't all of them.

In fact, as long as the plot is exciting enough, the characters are well-developed enough, and the logic is sound, then even if the power system has some issues, it usually won't be a reason to attack.

In terms of power scaling, nothing is more outrageous than Goku's power level soaring from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions during the Namek Saga. Yet, when he defeated the Great King, no one found it unreasonable.

On the contrary, Luffy's Devil Fruit awakening and Naruto and Sasuke's ancestral inheritance, although only breaking through a thin layer of paper, always inexplicably make people want to complain.

However, regardless of the circumstances, there exists this law within the worldview of shonen manga:

It's normal for combat power to surge after experiencing a life-or-death battle or "coming back from the dead."

Iori currently faces two problems:

Firstly, his spiritual pressure is gradually approaching that of a vice-captain, and he will inevitably have to show his strength in front of others sooner or later, but his growth curve is too abrupt.

Secondly, if he doesn't want to be a swordsman like Kenpachi Zaraki, it's time for him to get a Zanpakuto.

These two problems can actually be solved together:

If he masters the Shikai, according to the Zanpakuto's design, no one would doubt that his strength will increase by leaps and bounds. Therefore, it is now imperative to put the nurturing of the Zanpakuto on the agenda.

However, he didn't want to use the mass-produced Asahi, nor did he want to awaken in Soul Society (under the great monk's nose), lest something unexpected happen.

Although he can complete the entire process in another world, he will have to explain to others when he acquired an unregistered Zanpakuto.

What? You picked it up in Rukongai? Why not use the brand-new Asauchi issued by the Spirit Arts Academy?

Could it be that you also lost a close friend?

So Iori's choice is simple—join the army to fight the Quincy or Hueco Mundo!

In complex battlefield situations, both shallow fighting and spiritual pressure issues will be perfectly resolved.

Back then, Luffy learned the Haki and awakened his powers in one battle. Now, I, Iori, have been on a year-long expedition to Hueco Mundo. Becoming a vice-captain is no problem for me!

Iori thought about it more and more and felt that it made sense. After all, he knew Saito and with Mayuri Kurotsuchi secretly helping him, it would be natural for him to be transferred to the expeditionary force. After spending some time in Hueco Mundo and experiencing a few brutal battles, he could come back and say that he had awakened his Shikai in the face of life and death. Who could say that it was wrong?

Absolutely a genius!

"Hueco Mundo? That won't do. I've already decided to transfer you to the 13th Division."

—Who would have thought that before he could even get off to a successful start, Iori's joy was short-lived, as someone gave him a rude awakening.

"Now a large number of elite troops have been transferred to the real world to organize the encirclement and suppression of the Quincy. All the original work has fallen on the shoulders of the personnel left behind. Captain Ukitake was already in poor health, and he collapsed from exhaustion a few days ago. As a result, the burden fell on the vice-captain and me."

That day, the vice-captain suddenly told me that he was getting old and that he was counting on me to help Captain Ukitake hold the fort. He added that the decision had been made, and I would be the third seat.

In Suzaku-tei, a high-class restaurant in Seireitei, Aizen Yuuki, wearing the insignia of a seated official, sighed.

"I'm not being modest, but how did I, a student at the Spirit Arts Academy, suddenly become the third seat of the 13th Division?"

Iori: "..."

"I'm really short of help right now. I was thinking of transferring you to my side, but I didn't expect you to be so ambitious. You even want to go to Hueco Mundo to make a name for yourself... Could it be that you got wind of this beforehand and came up with this plan to avoid me?"

"You really don't want to be my follower? My dear Iori-kun~ Heh!"

For some reason, even though Yuuki was smiling, Iori couldn't sense a trace of laughter... Perhaps it was because the reflection of those non-prescription glasses was too cold.

"I thought you were the only one in this world who would unconditionally support me... It really hurts my feelings, sister~"

"...Heaven and earth bear witness, it's a misunderstanding!"

Iori was on the verge of tears: "I really didn't mean to avoid you. I only just found out about your promotion... I swear to the Spirit King!"

If I have hidden even the slightest thing from my older sister, then I will—"

Suddenly, a strange sensation swept over Iori's entire body, making him feel as if he had fallen into cold water. He immediately stopped talking and instinctively refused to say anything more.

"Hmm... Oh, what's wrong with you?" Yuuki looked at Iori strangely.

She was half teasing and half joking, but she didn't actually think that Iori was deliberately avoiding her. She knew that it was probably just a coincidence, but she had some questions about Iori joining the expeditionary force.

Judging from Iori's reaction... could she really be scared by her?

Hey, it seems that "the elder sister's majesty" is still quite intimidating!

Unlike Yuuki, whose mood improved, Iori's mind was in turmoil, with various thoughts churning within her.

He glanced discreetly at the ceiling, his eyes filled with apprehension and awe—not at the exquisite patterns and decorations, but at something far, high in the sky.