Help! I am bound to Aizen!

Hearing Yamamoto's words, Kaelith Yurei's expression changed.

He raised a hand to his forehead. "Captain Unohana, I feel so dizzy... I think my injuries haven't healed yet... Please, take me back to Squad Four..."

Unohana Retsu approached him and gave him a thorough once-over. Then, she smiled—a smile that was both gentle and unnerving.

She glanced at Yamamoto, shook her head lightly, and turned to leave.

Under Kyōraku Shunsui's sympathetic gaze, Kaelith was taken away by Yamamoto.

Upon entering the dojo, Yamamoto waved his hand, and the door automatically shut behind them.

Looking at Kaelith, who seemed somewhat nervous, Yamamoto got straight to the point:

"Kid, have you mastered *that*?"

"*That*?"

Kaelith blinked, confused at first. Then, suddenly, he understood what Yamamoto meant.

Scratching his head, he said, "Speaking of that, Captain-Commander, I happen to have a question for you."

Yamamoto didn't respond, waiting silently for Kaelith to continue.

Under Yamamoto's sharp gaze, Kaelith removed the sword hanging from his waist. Raising a hand, he drew a circle above his head with his finger. 

As he moved, a soundproof barrier formed, enveloping the entire dojo.

Once everything was set, Kaelith began:

"That night, when I was fighting Takada Yasushi, I think I awakened my Zanpakutō's ability."

Yamamoto's eyes lit up.

Kaelith's daily sword meditation had seemed utterly useless. Over time, even Yamamoto had started to doubt his own methods, wondering if his training regimen had delayed Kaelith's progress toward Shikai.

Now, hearing that Kaelith had finally succeeded, Yamamoto was relieved.

"Once released, it has three effects."

"The first is that I can project my shadow outward, transforming it into an invisible swordsman that silently ambushes opponents."

"I used this ability to scare Shinchira Renzosuke enough to forget to properly coordinate with Takada against me."

"The second ability is merging my shadow with my body."

"That's how I managed to unleash a supercharged *Ikkotsu*. My shadow joined with my body to execute the attack. Although it appeared fully synchronized, due to the speed of light not being infinite, the shadow's strike actually hit the enemy fractions of a second behind my physical attack."

Kaelith paused to rattle off an exaggerated string of zeroes, causing Yamamoto's brow to twitch in irritation.

"...just a fraction of a second. This imperceptible delay creates a gap between the two attacks, turning one blow into two, with the interval so small they seem simultaneous."

"This unique dual strike can deal unimaginable damage!"

"I've been thinking that this combat style, combining with my shadow, could lead to other abilities. Maybe you could help brainstorm some ideas when there's time?"

Yamamoto nodded. "And the third ability?"

"The third is simple: I can control my shadow to perform external actions, like extending to bind someone, fetching me a drink, or turning off a light."

Hearing this, Yamamoto's expression turned puzzled. "Aren't these all excellent abilities? What's the problem?"

Kaelith spread his hands. "The problem is, it doesn't have a name."

Yamamoto's eyes widened in shock.

Kaelith didn't notice and continued. "Even though I've figured out its abilities, I still haven't received its name."

"In the end, I've never heard any voice from this sword."

"All my abilities come from the shadow of this sword. The blade itself hasn't changed at all... It still feels like an Asauchi and hasn't become a true Zanpakutō."

"Is there... some kind of bug happening here?" Kaelith Yurei muttered, trailing off as he noticed something strange about Yamamoto's demeanor.(t/n I don't think he knows the term "bug" like that Kaelith..)

Under Kaelith's surprised gaze, Yamamoto suddenly unleashed his Spirit Pressure, scanning the surroundings.

After confirming there was no one nearby, the old man relaxed slightly. Then, with a thud, he struck his cane against the ground.

Multiple layers of barriers enveloped the entire dojo, one after another. At this point, not only was sound incapable of escaping, but even an explosion from a Reishi bomb inside would go unnoticed outside.

"...Commander?" Kaelith asked hesitantly, his nerves tightening.

What was Yamamoto up to? Was he about to be punished for some transgression? Could the old man be planning to eliminate him here and now?

Yamamoto rested both hands on his cane, his brow furrowed. After a long silence, he suddenly asked, "Kaelith Yurei, do you know where a Zanpakutō's name comes from?"

He didn't expect Kaelith to answer and continued speaking without pause: 

"Every Zanpakutō has its name and abilities determined the moment its wielder, a Shinigami, forms a connection with it."

"These names and abilities are known to someone who has existed since ancient times."

"Under the rules established by that individual, Shinigami can only gain access to their Zanpakutō's power by learning its name."

"The inverse is also true. If a Shinigami possesses the power of a Zanpakutō, they must know its name."

"Kaelith Yurei, do you truly not know the name of your blade?"

Yamamoto's stern gaze bore into Kaelith, making it clear how critical his next answer would be.

If he admitted ignorance, what would Yamamoto do? 

Though Kaelith was technically his disciple, he had no idea how much weight that status carried. If his ignorance implied a threat to the Seireitei or the Soul Society itself, would Yamamoto decide to eliminate him right here?

Conversely, if he claimed to know the blade's name, and Yamamoto had a way to verify it, wouldn't he be digging his own grave?

Countless thoughts raced through Kaelith's mind in an instant. 

In the end, Kaelith realized any self-preservation strategies he could think of were meaningless in the face of Yamamoto. Even if he used a high-level spatial Kidō to escape, there was no chance of succeeding under Yamamoto's watch.

After five tense seconds, Kaelith finally made up his mind.

"Yes, Commander Yamamoto, I truly do not know my Zanpakutō's name."

The words left Kaelith feeling tense, ready to act if Yamamoto made a move. If the old man attacked, his only option would be to gamble on trading the scant intelligence he had about the Wandenreich for a chance at survival.

As long as he could stay alive, he believed he'd eventually synchronize with Aizen's power and regain his freedom.

Yamamoto closed his eyes, his face expressionless as silence filled the room.

Kaelith stared at the old man, not daring to blink. 

After what felt like an eternity, Yamamoto slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Kaelith's wary expression, the old man let out a short chuckle.

"Not bad."

"Though I don't know what contingency you had in mind, in the end, you chose to speak the truth to me."

"Not bad at all."

A hint of satisfaction appeared on Yamamoto's deeply lined face. 

This boy hadn't betrayed his trust after all.

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t/n a wholesome chapter nice. Also 4/6!