Bleach: Gazing Mirage

After Instructor Rin's class, Yuichi, Niko, and Hanatarō had a brief conversation before parting ways. Curious about their plans, Yuichi asked, "So, you guys planning to work on that technique Instructor Rin showed us?"

 

Niko shook her head and replied, "Not really, Yuichi. I'm more interested in the scientific aspects of our abilities. The Twelfth Division seems like the right fit for me, so I'll focus on that."

 

Hanatarō nodded in agreement, saying, "I'm leaning towards the Fourth Division. Healing and supporting others are my strengths, so I'll work on improving my medical skills."

 

Yuichi considered their responses and then offered a friendly nod. "Sounds like a plan. Everyone has their own path to follow. Well, I'm heading to the training grounds to see if Mei and Kira are around. I'll catch you later."

 

Heading to the training ground, Yuichi found it even more deserted than usual with no Mei or Kira in sight. He then decided to head for the dorm rooms. Knocking on each of their doors he received no answers so he could only assume that they either were together doing something or both had something to take care of separately.

 

Having no other choice Yuichi returned to his dorm room. When he entered he didn’t Miel, but she appeared seconds later having shrunk down when she heard Yuichi open the door. “Welcome back, my Lord,” Miel greeted Yuichi with her signature formality.

 

Yuichi nodded and said, "Good to see you're still here. Anything noteworthy happen while I was gone, Miel?"

 

Miel hesitated for a moment, her insectoid form quivering slightly as she spoke. "N-no, my Lord. Everything has been peaceful. I would never leave, I've been waiting here as you instructed."

 

Yuichi studied Miel for a moment, her small form and nervous demeanor, then nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Keep up the good work, Miel. I'll be working on some things, but you can stay hidden and rest for now."

 

As he entered his room he placed his zanpakuto at his side and began to experiment with the method he just learned from instructor Rin. Normally he’d place his zanpakuto on the table but he didn’t trust Miel so he would keep it at his side. Setting up his usual kido barrier he was ready to begin.

 

As Yuichi delved into experimenting with the technique he had learned from Instructor Rin. He focused on manipulating the composition of reishi within his own body. The room filled with a subdued aura as he honed his skills, aiming to harness the power hidden within him, in a way similar to how Arrancars accessed their capabilities.

 

Yuichi found the process challenging but intriguing. As he concentrated his reiryoku into his arm, he felt a notable surge of strength. He pushed himself further, exploring the limits of what he could achieve using this technique. He could feel the subtle differences in the energy and how it flowed through his spiritual body. The challenge, however, lay in maintaining that state.

 

As he practiced, Yuichi realized that his control over reiryoku was still in its infancy. The moment his concentration dropped or he stopped actively channeling his spiritual energy, it would revert back to reishi, slipping through his grasp like sand. This realization frustrated him, but it only fueled his determination to master this technique.

 

Understanding that there was no direct way to extend the duration of the reiryoku state, Yuichi shifted his focus to a different aspect of his training. He devoted himself to the task of drawing reishi into his body with deliberate precision. His goal was to manually manipulate the incoming reishi, attempting to prolong the transformation into reiryoku as it entered his spiritual vessel. It was a challenging and time-consuming endeavor.

 

Meanwhile, Miel observed Yuichi's training with disbelief and shock. Her ability allowed her to sense both reishi and reiryoku effectively, and she had a keen understanding of how soul reapers operated. She realized that Yuichi was essentially emulating a temporary state that resembled a hollow's nature, converting his body into reiryoku temporarily.

 

The notion of hollow-like abilities fascinated Miel, and she pondered whether she could learn this technique herself. However, she was acutely aware that Yuichi might not be willing to teach her, as it could potentially make her uncontrollable and even more formidable. The question of whether she should approach Yuichi to learn this technique weighed heavily on her mind. It was an opportunity for power, but it came with significant risks and uncertainties. Would he kill her for asking?

 

Miel watched Yuichi closely as he picked up his zanpakuto after his intense training. Her apprehension had grown, fearing that her contemplation about learning the technique had somehow been detected by him. She shivered and quivered in her insectoid form, her wings buzzing nervously.

 

However, her anxiety turned to surprise when Yuichi didn't respond with aggression. Instead, he seemed entranced by his zanpakuto, his gaze fixed on the blade. Miel remained still, watching his every move, wondering what he was thinking and what his next actions would be.

 

To her surprise, all he did was not move as he stared at his blade but suddenly a gash appeared on his cheek and began to bleed. The suddenness of it scared her as she called out, “My Lord are you okay?”

 

She however received no response as more and more cuts and gashes slowly began appearing. She wondered out loud, “What is going on? Is someone attacking him? Will they attack me next? Should I flee?”

 

As Miel's anxiety and fear reached a peak, she contemplated her options. The barriers that kept her confined within the room had become a prison, and her instincts pushed her towards an escape or self-preservation, even if it meant breaking through the barriers or harming the one who cast them.

 

Just as she was about to make a choice, Yuichi turned and faced her. His question, "What are you doing?" startled her, leaving her momentarily stunned.

 

Her tiny, insectoid form fluttered as she stammered, "I-I thought... I thought you were being attacked. I panicked and was about to try to save you, my Lord."

 

Miel's response was filled with apprehension, her wings quivering, and she was uncertain how Yuichi would react to her apparent hesitation.