"You want me to guide you in taijutsu training?"
Shinku Yūhi, who was preparing dinner, paused, slightly surprised by Ren's request. The kid really was driven… After a moment's consideration, Shinku felt the timing was appropriate anyway. He didn't refuse. "By the academy's schedule, it's about time for it. Starting a little early is fine. You can train with Kurenai starting tonight."
Following the standard, step-by-step curriculum was for ordinary students. When a family had a veteran shinobi, starting specialized training early was a natural advantage. Being a step ahead mattered.
Ren's talent… well, he was a monster. He couldn't be measured by ordinary standards. Moreover, Shinku had witnessed Ren's dedication firsthand. If the boy wanted to learn taijutsu, he wouldn't say no. In fact, he felt heartened. This motivated, proactive Ren was a world apart from the listless, resistant boy he'd first taken in. The child has truly grown.
After dinner, in the backyard.
"Taijutsu, in its simplest terms, is the art of using the body as a weapon. The most fundamental forms usually consist of only a handful of core movements." Shinku began his instruction for the two children. He paused, then added, "Once you've internalized these basics, you refine your taijutsu through practical application, which usually means live combat."
The foundational stances and strikes were limited. Only after achieving a certain level of proficiency would actual sparring begin. It was in the heat of combat that techniques were honed and personalized, eventually evolving into a unique fighting style suited to the individual.
Shinku continued his explanation. "Different people develop different styles. For example, the Hyūga clan's hereditary Gentle Fist, the Uchiha clan's fluid, aesthetically-driven style that blends with ninjutsu, or the relentless, overwhelming power of the chakra-enhanced strength…"
"Generally, most shinobi don't specialize in taijutsu. Ninjutsu and genjutsu are considered the primary focuses. The reason is simple: cultivating high-level taijutsu to mastery takes significantly more time and grueling physical conditioning than mastering an equivalent number of ninjutsu or genjutsu. Very few dedicate themselves to it."
Taijutsu was an indispensable tool for any shinobi, but making it one's core discipline was rare. The return on investment was perceived as low. With the same time and effort, one could learn a wider array of more immediately devastating ninjutsu or insidious genjutsu. This was the prevailing wisdom.
'If it weren't so damn hard, if Konoha had a few more taijutsu masters who could open the Eight Gates… Forget Six Paths level, they could probably clear out the entire Kekkei Genkai network…' Ren understood the logic perfectly. The basics weren't complex, but true mastery was a marathon of pain and repetition, requiring immense perseverance—a barrier few could cross.
Shinku offered a reassuring smile. "It's far too early for you to worry about developing your own combat style. For now, just build the most solid foundation possible. You'll slowly discover the path that fits you. There's no need to rush."
"Now, I'll demonstrate the basic taijutsu forms for you…"
With that, Shinku moved through the foundational sequence. It was analogous to basic military combatives: a series of about a dozen movements—straight punches, elbow strikes, low sweeps, retreating steps, and so on. Though simple, they were far from crude. Mastery of these forms would provide a formidable close-quarters foundation.
As Ren watched Shinku's fluid demonstration, a familiar chime resonated in his mind.
[Ding. Zankjutsu (Slashing), Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand), Hohō (Movement), and Kidō (Demon Arts) are the four foundational combat arts of a Soul Reaper. As the future sovereign destined to rule the Three Realms, the Host must achieve perfect mastery of these basic Soul Reaper arts. Your journey begins as a Shinigami, stepping steadily towards the honored throne of the Spirit King!]
[Mission Issued: Master the Four Foundational Techniques of Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō.]
[Mission Reward: Foundational Talent Enhancement—Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat)!]
The sudden system prompt made Ren freeze for a split second. A single phrase of pure, past-life astonishment slipped out. "Holy crap!"
Two missions in one day? The system was on a roll! This confirmed that mission triggers had specific, actionable conditions. If only he could pinpoint the exact formula…
Shinku, not understanding the modern Earth expletive, blinked. "Hmm?"
Kurenai also turned her head, curiosity brimming in her eyes. "Crap what?"
"Uh…" Ren snapped back to the present. He waved a dismissive hand at their questioning looks. "It's nothing. My brain just… hiccuped. You know how I get sometimes…"
The two Yūhis stared at him: "…"
So he was aware that he occasionally did and said inexplicable things? But if he was aware… why did he keep doing them? Father and daughter exchanged a silent, knowing glance. The unspoken question hung in the air: Could there actually be something… neurologically atypical going on?
'Perhaps… when Lady Tsunade returns, I should seek a consultation. Just to be sure…' Shinku thought, the concern now taking root. This was not a minor matter.
Oblivious to being mentally categorized as a potential patient, Ren's focus was laser-locked on the new system mission.
'Zanjutsu (Slash), Hakuda (Fist), Hohō (Step), Kidō (Arts)… So Hakuda corresponds to Taijutsu. Then Zankyoku should be Kenjutsu (sword techniques), Kidō is Ninjutsu/Genjutsu, and Hohō is Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker) and movement arts. The parallels are definitely there, so mission completion should be feasible…'
Thinking it through, Ren found the structural similarities between the two worlds' power systems striking. Was everything under the sun just a variation on a theme? Pfft. Call it 'cross-cultural inspiration.' A person of culture doesn't call it copying.
'But another talent enhancement… "Helping me achieve the honored status of Spirit King." Does "help" just mean stacking these talent buffs? Giving me the innate capacity to ascend?'
Reviewing the mission reward, Ren noted a crucial pattern. The system's rewards thus far had not been direct power injections. The Spiritual Pressure Aptitude enhancement and now the promised Hakuda Talent enhancement were both upgrades to his inherent potential. The only technique granted, Bakudō #1: Sai, had provided the knowledge and principles, but actual proficiency still required his own practice and chakra molding. Compared to systems that bestowed instant, overwhelming power, his was… refreshingly hands-on.
'Starting as a Shinigami… If I recall correctly, to become the Spirit King and serve as the new linchpin requires fulfilling several conditions. Being a Shinigami is just one of them…'
A sly grin touched his lips. 'Heh. That's intriguing. Will it eventually require Quincy, Hollow, and Fullbringer components as well? If so, I wonder how those will manifest in this world…'
He remembered the lore. In the original Bleach, only a rare few hybrids like Kurosaki Ichigo were suitable candidates to replace the Spirit King, as they embodied a fusion of multiple, distinct power sources.
If this glitched system was genuinely programmed to cultivate him into a new Spirit King, it might need to replicate those conditions. The thought sparked his curiosity. If it was possible, what forms would those alien powers take here?
It circled back to the core irony: the Achievement: Spirit King System was arguably the ultimate trap in its native setting—a one-way ticket to becoming a mutilated, eternal battery. But here, in the world of chakra and tailed beasts? His concerns were minimal.
Could he possibly end up sealed inside a Diamond-like Crystal in a non-existent Spirit King Palace in this world?
The idea was laughable.