“Captain-Commander, why did you tell him about Kazuya’s death after all this time?”

Chōjirō Sasakibe asked Yamamoto Genryūsai as he found it odd: “And why did you say those words back then?”

Yamamoto Genryūsai, who stood at the balcony then answered with his eyes were still partially closed slits: “I simply believe that is the appropriate time and thing to do.”

Yamamoto Genryūsai slightly opened his eyes and added, “You should be aware that Muyang is ready to become a Captain in terms of talent and skill. However, he lacks the most important thing one must have to be a Captain.”

“He always behaves like an immature child. Although he has gradually matured this year, he still lacks a sense of responsibility.”

“I believe this is the best time to inform him about Kimura Kazuya’s death. Chōjirō, you yourself should already know that losing something and maturing go hand in hand.”

—————-

“It feels like you have matured all of a sudden.”

Shiun said in surprise when he saw Muyang was standing in front of him.

Muyang was like a completely different person compared to the last time Shiun met him, so it couldn’t be helped if he said such a thing. Even more so because a Zanpakuto was a reflection of a Shinigami’s soul, and Shiun himself was surprised by Muyang’s sudden change.

“Is that so?” Muyang indifferently said as he sat down on the floor and looked around curiously as if this was his first time coming to his own Inner World.

“How did you…” Shiun just couldn’t think of any words to describe the current state Muyang was in. Muyang, who came to his Inner World by his own will, did not only look like a completely different person but also showed curiosity to every little detail here, which completely baffled Shiun.

“Did I change that much, though?” Muyang turned his face to look at Shiun. The expression on his face was very calm, not as calm as himself.

“A simple change would be an understatement. I would’ve mistaken you for someone else hadn’t I know that no one else can enter this place.” Shiun said exaggeratedly.

“Aren’t you tired of standing like that or what? Have a seat, and let’s talk!” Muyang gestured for Shiun to sit down.

Shiun immediately sat down as he was still confused by Muyang’s change. He didn’t realize that Muyang completely took the lead here until it was too late, even though it was him who usually led Muyang by the nose. The moment he realized this fact, Shiun wondered just what brought about this drastic change in Muyang.

“Someone else?” Muyang smiled when he heard Shiun’s response. “I think this is the real me.”

Muyang sounded as if he had seen through everything.

Shiun was stunned and silent for a moment. Then there was this inexplicable expression on his face: “Sure enough, a man matures after they lost something!”

A hint of sadness and loneliness clouded Muyang’s eyes for a moment before he brushed it away. Muyang then asked with subtle eyes: “So, what are you exactly?”

Shiun couldn’t hide his astonishment when Muyang asked such a question. Only after a while did he manage to regain his composure, and once he did, a smile emerged from his face.

“You really have grown!” Even though he was surprised a second ago, Shiun sounded satisfied. “So you’ve figured it out, huh? I thought it would take a while before you figure it out. I was even considering the perfect time to give you some sort of hint.”

“Just what the hell did Kimura Kazuya leave you to cause such a drastic change?” Shiun’s tone was clearly different than usual. This time, he no longer sounded condescending.

“That old man?” Muyang suddenly recalled what he saw in Kimura Kazuya’s house and seemed devastated but only for a moment but a warm and fuzzy emotion started flowing in at the same time, healing his sadness.

“Nothing, just an elderly nagging, that’s all!”

Seeing Muyang didn’t seem to be willing to discuss it, Shiun knew that he shouldn’t delve any further as Muyang wouldn’t give him any decent answer anyway, even if he asked more questions.

“Besides, we’re talking about you here,” Muyang looked at Shiun right in the eyes. “I believe you owe me an explanation, no?”

“I’m sure you already feel it yourself, right?” Shiun also looked straight at Muyang and answered his question with another question. Shiun now returned to his condescending self as he opened his folded fan at hand, “you should’ve realized my true power by now.”

Knowing Shiun’s personality, Muyang realized that he had no intention of telling him once he got like this. He was sure that Shiun would just tease and look down on him again if he asked him. Even though Shiun sounded less annoying earlier, Muyang knew that he’d be a fool if he believed that Shiun has changed.

Muyang closed his eyes and became one with the surrounding. He realized that he’d be able to find out what Shiun’s true power was since this was his own Inner World!

Muyang still remembered the time when he asked for his Zanpakuto’s name, and the man in front of him said, “just call me Shiun for the time being.” Back then, the man also said that he wasn’t strong enough even to learn Shikai. If that was really the case, he should be able to figure out his Zanpakuto’s power at his current state.”

As Muyang concentrated, he could feel and find out everything in this world. He could feel the meadow full of flowers, the faint floral fragrance in the air, the breeze, and feel how that world was brimming with life.

Although lightning represented destruction, it also represented creation at the same time. Then again, the lightning from his Zanpakuto was more of a supporting category instead of offensive as it didn’t really pack any destructive power. With that in mind, Muyang came to the conclusion that the lightning from his Zanpakuto fell into the category of creation, but there must be more to it.

So what exactly was its true ability…

Realizing that he couldn’t come up with anything, Muyang opened his eyes and saw Shiun was sitting in front of him, still with a smug on his face.

He was torn between swallowing his pride and asking Shiun or thinking even harder, and he didn’t like either of the choices.

Muyang finally gave in and decided to ask Shiun directly, but as he saw Shiun waving his folded fan with a smug look on his face, he was so tempted to beat him up.

Is he waving that fan even in this weather?

Wait, fan!?

As Muyang saw the fan was swung and how Shiun’s clothes fluttered, the weird vibe he got from Shiun was finally cleared up. It became even clearer as Muyang recalled Shiun’s personality. He has always suspected it before, but he did believe that Shiun had that windy air about him. After all this speculation, Muyang also realized that lightning didn’t reflect Shiun’s behavior whatsoever.

“It’s wind, right?” Muyang said confidently, and he knew that he hit the mark when he saw the slight surprise in Shiun’s eyes.

“It seems that I’ve truly underestimated you.” Shiun looked at Muyang with mixed feelings. “I thought I always remind myself not to underestimate you, but it seems that I did in the end. You’ve actually made it this far in just a few years!”

“Now, listen carefully, my true name is…!”

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