LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 5: The Seed of the Forest
As the saying goes: A single tree cannot form a forest!
Senju Makoto's soul body, which had crossed over into this world, could hardly be called a top-tier talent. In fact, it was quite ordinary, barely managing to pass the entrance exam for the Shin'o Academy.
If nothing unexpected had occurred, Senju Makoto would have likely led a mundane life, becoming the most ordinary member of the Thirteenth Division of the Gotei 13, and then, one day, his ordinary life as a Soul Reaper would have come to an end due to some unfortunate accident.
After all, Senju Makoto knew well that for a Soul Reaper, while the ability of their Zanpakuto might determine the floor of their potential, it was the spiritual energy and spiritual pressure within them that truly decided their ceiling.
Even though the Zanpakuto Senju Makoto had awakened, Shinro Mansou (森羅万象), was extraordinarily unique, with abilities that allowed for control over wood, similar to the Mokuton techniques from his past life, his soul’s spiritual energy was far too low to ever reach the level of a Captain-class Soul Reaper. He couldn't even fully unleash the potential of Shinro Mansou.
Thus, Senju Makoto, in his desire to grow stronger, had devised a method using his awakened Zanpakuto: he created the Seed of the Forest—a concept that allowed him to integrate with other soul bodies.
The Seed of the Forest, in some ways, was like a seed planted in the earth. It could subtly absorb spiritual energy from a soul body, then, using Shinro Mansou as a conduit, send it back into Senju Makoto’s own soul.
Of course, the Seed of the Forest didn’t pose any harm to the soul it resided in. At its core, it was a speck of spiritual energy, small enough that it couldn’t forcefully take energy from its host. Instead, it passively absorbed the energy the host’s soul body naturally released into the surrounding air.
Moreover, because each soul body had its own unique spiritual energy and strength, the amount of spiritual energy the Seed of the Forest could absorb varied.
Once the Seed of the Forest had fully merged with the soul body of Kenpanchi, Senju Makoto immediately felt a noticeable difference!
If the spiritual energy he had drawn from the many students of the Shin'o Academy before was like collecting drops of water, then now, it was as if he had turned on a faucet to full force.
The amount of energy he was receiving had increased by a factor of ten!
So this is the difference… Senju Makoto thought to himself. Even the accumulated natural energy leaking from hundreds of students of the Shin'o Academy can't compare to that of a Captain-class Soul Reaper!
His eyes subtly gleamed with excitement, and his gaze involuntarily fell upon Kusaka Hachikuro, who was sitting on Kenpachi's shoulder, sucking on her little finger as she stared at Yamamoto’s abdominal wound.
Kenpachi is indeed a monster, but this little pink-haired loli, Kusajika Yachiru, is no slouch either. Looks like I’ll need to find a way to plant the seed in her sometime...
Senju Makoto thought quietly to himself.
However, there was a catch. The Seed of the Forest was a special spiritual particle with many restrictions. To truly merge it with a soul body, it had to be implanted through a wound. Otherwise, the soul body would easily expel it.
Furthermore, the creation of the Seed of the Forest was no easy task. Senju Makoto could only produce one per day at most.
As for Kenpachi Zaraki, he remained unaware that, within just a brief moment, Senju Makoto had successfully begun his plan.
The seemingly gentle and sunny boy in front of them had already had a thousand thoughts flashing through his mind, yet he boldly opened his Shihakusho (death god uniform) to reveal the wound beneath.
However, in just a few breaths, the wound had completely healed!
At that moment, not only did Zaraki Kenpachi’s eyes brighten, but even the seated officers of the various squads who were watching in astonishment were taken aback.
Though it was just a simple wound, one that hadn’t even reached the internal organs, the speed of its recovery was nothing short of extraordinary—comparable to the intense healing of a death god proficient in the Kido healing arts.
More importantly, this healing ability was a product of the Zanpakuto, meaning it had the potential for mass healing, allowing it to be sustained in large-scale battles.
‘An exceptionally rare ability…’
‘If this kid can maintain his spiritual pressure long enough to wield his Zanpakuto, he could become a strategic asset in healing, possibly changing the course of battle.’
‘I wonder how effective his healing would be for more severe injuries?’
For a moment, some of the seated officers’ eyes flickered, clearly recognizing the potential of the Zanpakuto "Senro Banshou" that the boy, Makoto Senju, wielded.
Meanwhile, after a heavy slap to his now-healed abdomen, Kenpachi’s previously vicious and savage expression gradually shifted into an oddly out-of-place grin as he declared:
“Very well, kid. I accept your request to join the squad.”
Beside them, the ever-excited Ikkaku Madarame slapped Makoto on the back with a hearty laugh.
“Hahaha, that’s awesome, Makoto! You’re now part of the Eleventh Division! From now on, I’ll make sure to look after you.”
The strikingly handsome Ayasegawa Yumichika, with a smile that balanced charm and grace, added, “Makoto, what a splendid outcome. I look forward to the chance to converse with you more deeply in the future.”
However, Makoto slowly raised a hand, a hint of apology and regret on his face as he replied, “Actually… I wanted to join the Fourth Division.”
“Hmm?! What did you say, kid?”
Kenpachi’s eyes narrowed as he focused on Makoto, a dense, oppressive spiritual pressure washing over him.
Makoto felt his body momentarily sink under the weight of the pressure, as if the spirit energy emanating from Kenpachi had transformed into a wild beast, roaring at him.
In comparison, Makoto felt like a delicate, tiny blade of grass—fragile, on the verge of being crushed underfoot.
Yet, throughout it all, Makoto's expression remained unchanged. He simply repeated, “I’m sorry, Kenpachi-sama. My dream is to join the Fourth Division and become a healer.”
Several breaths passed. The spiritual pressure from Kenpachi was so intense that a number of the graduates around them had collapsed to their knees, gasping for breath, the whole arena descending into chaos. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the pressure dissipated.
Kenpachi patted his vacant shoulder and, with a grin that could only be described as menacing, invited Makoto.
“Kid, I underestimated you. Come join the Eleventh Division. I’ll give you a position equivalent to that of Yachiru. If you’re worried about getting injured in battle, just ride on my shoulder during missions. I’ll protect you.”
???
Senju Makoto.
At that moment, hearing Kenpachi’s words, Senju's mind went blank for a second, and the image Kenpachi had described slowly began to form in his mind…
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