Chisai was talking to King as if the bug would respond. The most he got was feelers to his face for greeting as King tended to his plants. Most which looked very perky. That minor nature affinity was already paying dividends.

I made a few Purity Stones which Chisai was amazed by.

“Creation Kido is almost unheard of! Creating physical stable matter is very advanced!” he said as his bloody robe and rather dirty features were cleared up. He didn’t seem to notice which I guessed was okay.

“It’s a small talent. You can have that one, it won’t last long but it makes you feel better,” I promised. I eyed his arm but the apple was something else. The deep gash and several puncture wounds he had were closed and looking scabby and raw. Painful but not deadly.

Cider’s apples were being made into pies for the homeless and sick. I swear it.

“I can do a push spell, a binding spell, a new one I learn which shoots lightning. Mine only goes about a few meters. I know a barrier spell and one healing aid spell,” he said, not exactly bragging but trying to assure me he was strong enough to keep me safe.

I wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and never let him leave.

“That’s really impressive. You’re a well-rounded caster. How's your sword? I know about Reapers so I know your sword is special,” I said soothingly. Chisai slumped.

“No good. I always panic in close combat and I always fail to find peace to meditate,” he admitted.

“But lots of reapers don’t get their sword’s name. I shouldn’t be too disappointed right?” he tried to laugh nervously. I met his eyes.

“You will get Shikai. You are a Soul Reaper and someone who fought Hollows when they slept in bushes and ate trash. Your soul is strong even if you don’t believe it,” I stated. Chisai blinked.

“But nobles and geniuses get Zanpakutos. Savages from the districts are lucky to just get a blade!” he argued. I frowned.

I had forgotten about the Soul Society elitism. The really annoying part is I couldn’t point to Renji or Rukia without looked really suspicious. Knowing a Captain who never changed her spot in 2000 years? Easily explained. Some random lieutenants from less than a 100? Yeah, that be weird.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. You’re doing your best and I respect that,” I offered and Chisai smiled despite himself.

“Your kind words are wasted on me but it makes me happy to hear them,” he smiled and sat down as he eyed my campfire stone with interest.

I felt like I was arguing with a brick wall that was collapsing on itself.

Okay... I was a clever man. What did Chisai enjoy? Uncovering dangerous secrets. I’ll pass on that for now. He also enjoyed tearing himself down.

Pass.

He liked... magic or Kido.

I could do that but not the tail. I wanted to not seem like a scary monster so fast. Acid? No... uh, charge was out. Fire I showed... Purity he’s seen. King was out... Frostfire? Why were all my skills so destructive or scary?! I remembered one and turned on my Holy Glint aura.

“Magic!” I grinned and Chisai was indeed impressed. He poked and wandered around me, asking this or that. I forgot about this skill honestly and I forgot it lit up the area around me.

Oops...

I gave off a soft pulsing light that seemed to put Chisai in a better mood.

“I wonder if I could convert them into Kido form? I had no idea how to go about it but the project seems fun!” he mused.

“Everything seems impossible until you try,” I agreed and began to experiment on my own. I made a Purity Rock and used Cryo-Infuse on it.

The stone turned bluish and began to give off a mist.

Pure Ice Stone: Active. Combo. Lv.1: Create a stone of chilling aura that cools down those nearby. The fresh cold air it produces kills germs that need the body’s heat to thrive. Cost 10 Energy.

“Did you... just combine spells to make a new one on the spot?!” Chisai said, voice faint. I nodded calmly.

“My power is flexible. It’s normal,” I promised. I let him hold my new stone and he looked fascinated. I used acid cloak but focused it mostly around my hand and into the stone as best I could. It took some effort since the Acid and the Stone didn’t seem to want to work at first but it finally clicked.

This stone was a pale yellow colour.

Disinfectant Stone. Active. Combo. Lv.1: This aggressive stone targets impurities in the body and removes defective mutant cells. It is also highly effective in pipes. Cost 10 Energy.

Interesting outcome. How aggressive was... aggressive? I eyed the stone and put it near Chisai and he instantly burped. He looked horrified. We then blinked and we watched as a thin layer of cloudy oil seeped out his skin and vanished.

“Your burger was a bit greasy I think,” I pointed out. Chisai suddenly looked uncomfortable and was shifting.

“Do you have a bathroom?” he requested. I was eyeing the rock wanting to know what was going on. As soon as I pointed to the far corner that was walled off thanks to King and the Purity stone he held... the stone focused on me.

Ah, single tar-

I burped. I put it in my inventory before I too had needs.

Okay, super body scrubber stone. What was next? I focused my holy glint aura and that was even harder than my acid because of the almost ethereal nature of the aura. I had to really stretch myself here and I ignored the pop ups that came up until the aura was a glowing ball around my hand.

It was... so damn... hard to keep it on the stone.

They touched and my aura was gone.

Sucked away.

The stone was pulsing. It looked a little odd. Unlike purity, this light was blazing and demanding. It began to pulse faster. I panicked and threw it down the sewer hole and a second later there was a rumble and a wave of horrid water exploded up. I stared as the water was forcibly cleaned as it rose.

Chisai was back and looking a little afraid now.

“What’s going on?” he asked in worry. Maybe he thought the hollow was back?

“Just got a bit to spiritual for my own good,” I said, waving off his worry.

Wild Holy Stone. Active. Combo: A stone filled to the brim of two normally peaceful energies. Their confined space has caused an energy reaction that makes the stone explode in a kinetic blast with a piney fresh after taste. Do not swallow. 25 Energy.

I looked at my other pop-ups.

Holy Glint has reached level 5 due to extreme manipulation! Increased every aspect. Skill is ready to evolve!

You have learned the skill ‘Holy Affinity’!

Holy Affinity. Passive. Energy. Lv.1: increased control over all holy related skills.

Purity Stone has reached level 9! Increased strength. Skill will evolve in 1 level.

Chisai was staring and leaned in as if to whisper.

“Testing unknown spells can be dangerous. You need a test area!” he said before wincing as his bare feet stood on something. He picked it up and my eyes glued on the perfect pebble he held.

“Thank goodness it wasn’t pointy!” Chisai hummed. I carefully took it from him and smiled.

“Thank goodness indeed!” I agreed.

I had run out of elements I knew and I had a feeling trying to get an explosive spell going for my affinity wasn’t wise in a tunnel. I decided FrostFlame can't hurt and cast it on a Purity Stone. The stone turned a deep swirling red and blue. I was wary of it but the stone didn’t do anything.

Environmental Stone. Active. Combo. Lv.1: This stone is always at the exact right temperature you need it at within skill level. Cannot go above or below temperatures that would harm you. Cost 5 Energy.

Why did one of my strongest spells give a nice stone and nice holy element exploded? It felt... ominous.

Then I thought of Maria and it all made sense. Chisai went to stand guard and I asked King to wake me up if he wasn’t back in a few hours. I wasn’t awoken and found Chisai curled around my new Environmental Stone under a spare blanket I had. His sword leaned against a nearby pillar.

“Morning,” I told the sword. Never hurt to be polite. If the Zanpakuto filler arc came around, I wanted Chisai’s to like me. Having a clear head I evolved Holy Glint.

Holy Glint is evolving! Please choose a path to develop along.

Beacon of light: The aura is brighter and gives you a minor defence as well as drawing attention.

Herald of Justice: Those that see you as a friend get a minor boost to their faith and willpower. Those who see you as an enemy suffer a minor decrease in focus and willpower.

I decided to get Herald because it meant I could boost allies and decrease enemies. It would also mean I would have to grind my actual taunt skill.

Holy Glint has become Empowering Bulwark!

Empowering Bulwark. Rank F. Active. Energy. Lv.1: Improves holy abilities within range and weakens darkness or unholy within range. All who see the light are empowered or suffer depending if friend or foe. Cost 15 Energy. Last 10 minutes.

I looked to another pop up that I hadn’t seen the night before. The message it contained made me gape.

System has combined all Purity+element combos into a new skill! You have gained Purity Stone Empowerment!

Purity Stone Empowerment. D-rank. Fusion. Lv.1: Enfuse a purity stone with an element or concept to get a new purifying stone. All stone creation causes a 12 Energy flat cost but can be double charge to create 24 hours version. List of known elements.

Fire: Campfire: increased rest and heat.

Ice: Cooling and germ killing

Acid: ‘Helpful’ body purging and defect killer.

Holy: Explosion stone of scent.

Frostflame: Temperature controlled stone.

Potential Stone: King

Potential Stone: Spiritual

Potential Stone: Frog Skin

Potential Stone: Missile Defence.

The D-rank made sense, I thought faintly... I was so... calm. It was almost numb in likeness.

It was a revealing skill that updated itself to reveal potential new outcomes. That was the D part. I sat there for a long moment before deciding to make a King Stone. I was... just... too shocked to really think clearly.

In my hand, I focused on King and the stone. The process was simple as King himself eased the burden by helping to enter the stone. The rock took on the shape of King and began glowing. All around me...

Flowers, grass, and the smell of fresh earth rose up. The ground cracked a little and a dozen tiny greenish ants poured out, climbing all over me and I felt no biting or pain but instead, I began to smell faintly of floral lotion, my skin was slightly massaged by dozens of tiny legs. I nearly screeched but I felt King’s soothing presence. I also knew if someone tried to fuck with me in the stone’s radius... These ants would not be so nice to them.

“So who are who these guys?” I asked. King’s tilted head gave of amusement. I blinked as an image came over a large cavern. I saw King. I guess this must be where he goes when not summoned.

I saw King greet much smaller ants before he went to a lone chamber. He seemed to rest and gather himself before he went still and-

THOSE ARE EGGS! KING IS LAYING EGGS!

“King! You’re a she! A She-king!” I whispered to the rock as King’s kids cleaned out my ears. I nearly shivered and cried.

The stone broke and I finally read the message.

King Stone: Convert small area into nature and summon ant swarm for help. Makes you smell nice. Cool down of 3 hours.

Purity Stone has reached level 10! Increased control. Skill is ready to evo-

“Morning,” Chisai yawned. I ignored the prompt just now. Awesome new reaper friend first then twitching on the ground as my first E-rank upgrade. Unlike fusion... this was going to hurt and I didn’t want to freak Chisai out just yet.

“That was the best sleep I had in weeks!” Chisai announced and reached for his sword. He eyed the thing.

“It looks all cleaned and smells nice,” he blinked. I guessed I was too close and the ants decided to clean it.

“You deserve it after working so hard,” I said quickly Chisai went pink.

“Touching another’s Zanpakuto is consider very personal!” he said firmly. My smile was tight.

Don’t mention the ants. Don’t mention the ants...

“I didn’t touch it! It’s special to you and I would never touch it without your permission. I’m just happy you don’t mind showing me it. I used my stones at a distance,” I expanded upon.

Chisai cheeks went pink.

“I can show you my sword. It’s nothing special and a lot of Reapers’ have much stronger swords and even with names. I can’t measure up,” he tried to make it sound casual.

“Oh my God,” we both turned to see Maria in a school uniform holding some bags of food. I began to smile before she stalked in, head down and handed me the bags.

“I... still want to be your friend and I don’t care. J-man wants love, not hatred. Mix fabrics is a sin so we’re all screwed and you’re a good person I’ll vouch for you or blow the fucking gates open with a heaven nuke. I’m just really awkward and I’m going to run away! Reaper! I know your face! I will find you if you convert him or hurt him!” Maria said this so fast I was stunned.

Then she was gone.

Chisai’s face was crimson.

“That was Maria. She’s my support ranged DPS,” I said calmly.

“Y-yes, supportive! I saw!” he repeated and I eyed the food with an amused snort.

“Don’t worry. I’m not looking to date until I hit level 10,” I said seriously before whistling as I headed to the fresh new day. Maria was so nice to hand me food before school. I might have to reward her somehow.

I wondered what her gem turned into? By the time Chisai had joined me. I had his sandwich plate already prepared on a small blanket that Maria had packed. It was jelly, another peanut, and one with both. I didn’t want to assume after all.

“I need to find that Hollow,” Chisai finally said as he eyed the bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. I shook my head.

“No, Sai, you need to get buff,” I said and he eyed his rather thin arms with a frown.

“I didn’t tell you the entire truth about my powers. Sorry for tricking you slightly but I have to be careful because of how they can be used,” I began. I had his attention now.

“I can rapidly raise the strength of allies in the Negative Zones, well they’re called ‘Malice Zones’ but the one we were in was far too strong. I learned all my tricks in a few days so I want you to come with me and protect me while I grow stronger to defend myself,” completely lying about that last part.

If I said I wanted him to grow strong, he just deflated. Others? Me? He was already looking stubborn about any worries I had. Him? No point. Someone who was nice to him for a day? His sword was set to full power and he was ready for a fight.

I was getting a handle on Chisai.

He was a good guy and I knew that if I wanted the reaper to live... I’d have to be a bit shady and like Urahara. A little deceit for the betterment of Chisai.

I hated it. I hated lying to people. The System sent me a private message.

Sometimes we must ignore our own heart so others can prosper. Chisai needs to see that he has the power and courage to grow. Fighting things much weaker than Hollows would give that courage a chance to shine.

It was true but I want to at least avoid the path of best intentions.

“Chisai, I want to fight along with you because I think you are strong. So will you come with me?” I held out a hand and smiled brightly.

Chisai looked at his half-eaten sandwiches, quiet and unblinking.

“What if I let you get hurt? What if you die because I was too slow or too nervous?” he asked as if he already knew the answer.

“I’ll save myself thank you very much,” I mock sniffed which got me a weak smile.

“Trust me. A G-1 or 2 is like paradise compared to the one we were in. I’ll explain them to you and how they intersect reality themselves,” I said mysteriously.

The puppy tilt was back along with the gleaming eyes.

“Reality?” he echoed.

“Magic learning stones, treasure... knowledge,” I whispered like a snake on a tree. My Eve nodded excitedly.

Maria, forgive me for I have sinned and lead the lamb astray.

Obvious astray to a much better pasture but corrupting was corrupting!