(T/N: Second Chapter!)
Plans rarely keep up with change.
Nanatsuki had originally intended to spend a year or two cultivating a spirit shell for Saitō Rei, so he could eventually replace her damaged Spiritual Pressure Core.
That way, he could use her case as an observable experiment—testing for side effects—before attempting the same treatment on Katori Batsu'unsai.
But now Rei's unexpected injury had severely worsened the damage.
Given her current state, she likely wouldn't survive another month.
"Her condition is that bad?!" Saitō Akane looked like the strength had drained from her body.
She never imagined that a simple mission—to deliver supplies to stationed Shinigami in the World of the Living—would result in such a tragedy.
"Her core is already on the verge of collapse. Saying she has a month is optimistic." Nanatsuki sighed, then added, "But... there may still be one way."
"Another way?" Akane pleaded. "Please save her!"
"I can accelerate the cultivation of her spirit shell and replace the core sooner... But that comes with much higher risks. I can't say what the outcome might be." Nanatsuki's tone grew heavy.
By increasing the dosage of Reishi Growth Agent, the shell would grow faster.
But that also meant rapid accumulation of Hollow Reishi, and a high chance of Hollowization mutations.
Transplanting such a core into Rei came with significant unknowns.
Still, for Nanatsuki, Rei's case was ideal: if she survived even with such a compromised core, it would prove the procedure safe.
"I'll take full responsibility... no matter the outcome..."
Nanatsuki turned toward the voice and saw that Rei had awoken.
"The worst-case scenario is death, right?" she said, trying to lift herself from bed—but her body had no strength.
"You should stay lying down. Save your strength," Nanatsuki pressed her back gently.
"If I don't replace the core, I won't survive anyway," Rei said firmly. "Might as well take the gamble and try your treatment."
Meanwhile, inside the Dangai, a group of Shinigami were scanning for traces of Reishi.
Azashiro Kana was leading the team.
Since Rei had fallen unconscious shortly after returning, they had no precise location—so they had to track the residual Reishi signature she left behind.
"Stay alert. The Hollow that attacked Saitō Rei might still be inside the Dangai!" Kana barked, using her own spiritual sense to monitor the surroundings.
Moments later, a commotion broke out up ahead.
"We found a Hollow!"
"Follow me!" Kana sensed its presence and led the charge.
Three Hollows were attacking two Shinigami.
Just as one wolf-shaped Hollow lunged, a flash of light struck its head—piercing its mask in an instant.
The remaining two Hollows were quickly taken down by the advancing Shinigami.
"These Hollows were pretty average..." Kana sheathed her blade. "They're not strong enough to have broken the Reishi barrier."
Unless they had some kind of special ability, these three shouldn't have been capable of damaging the barrier at all.
"Any sign of the breach?" Kana asked one of the Shinigami with a scanner.
"Yes, we found it. The lingering Reishi at the damaged site matches one of the three Hollows we just killed."
"Huh... so one of them had a special trait?" Kana frowned.
Some Hollows did have rare innate abilities.
Unfortunately, with all three dead, there was no way to confirm anything.
"Keep searching. We can't afford to miss anything," Kana ordered. The Dangai was a critical corridor used regularly by the Gotei—no mistakes allowed.
The Shinigami swept the entire passage.
Eventually, they confirmed that there was only one breach in the barrier.
But since repairing it required complex Kidō, it would have to be handled by the Kidō Corps.
Kana took out her Denreishinki and reported:
"Vice-Captain Iba, we've neutralized the Hollows and identified the damaged section of the Reishi barrier."
Iba's voice came through:
"Saitō Rei is awake now. She said there were three Hollows. Are you sure you didn't miss any?"
Kana replied, "We found three as well. All dealt with."
"Good. Hold the area and don't let more Hollows slip through. I'll contact the Kidō Corps to send repair squads."
"Understood!"
The next day, Nanatsuki received word that Kakyō's graduation evaluation had been approved.
Though he was busy cultivating and adjusting Rei's spirit shell, he still made time to review the details of her mission.
Since Kakyō had applied to join the Kidō Corps, her evaluation would involve a related task.
She was to assist them in repairing the Dangai Reishi barrier.
Nanatsuki reached out to Ushada Hakugen, the former head of the Shin'ō Academy's Kidō Department—now a member of the Kidō Corps. The two had a good relationship.
"This task mostly tests the examinee's ability to understand and apply Kidō theory. While the Corps works on repairing the barrier, they'll be observing and evaluating her," Nanatsuki explained to Kakyō. "It'll likely focus on Reishi barriers and sealing techniques, which are a bit advanced for current students. You should visit Yoruichi's place and study up."
Since it involved the Dangai barrier, it wouldn't be an easy task.
"Thank you, Sensei! I'll pass for sure!" Kakyō bowed deeply.
"Don't let your guard down. A few days ago, a Hollow ambushed Rei inside the Dangai," Nanatsuki added.
Though he wasn't her official examiner or class advisor, he felt responsible for her safety.
"I'll be careful!" Kakyō nodded earnestly.
"Kana's also stationed in the Dangai right now. If anything goes wrong, find her."