Chapter 12 - Finally Parting

“Dīng dāng ~dīng dāng ~~”

The sound of two swords clashing reverberated in the air even though both of the swords were too fast to the naked eye.

“Well, it seems like all that time you spent training like a hopeless idiot wasn’t in vain after all.” Kazuya, who seemed out of breath, said.

“Of course. I’ve been training so hard that it shouldn’t come off as a surprise, ha ha ~” Muyang panted while wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Kazuya just smiled slightly without retorting like usual. It seemed that he was quite impressed by how well Muyang did this time.

Muyang stuck his Zanpakuto to the ground and said as he massaged his own body: “It seems maintaining the enhancement for a long time really takes a toll on my body, old man. Even just twofold enhancement is a bit overwhelming and my whole body is sore now.”

“You’re pretty tough, brat. You’ll be fine after a night of rest.” Kazuya said lightly.

“Are you even human, old man!”

Kazuya just squinted his eyes. He didn’t bother retorting since he was used to Muyang’s insult at this point.

“Now that you’ve caught your breath, go and cook for dinner!”

“You…you…you are so inhumane!” Muyang pointed to Kazuya and complained.

“Yeah, I have stopped being a human long ago, so are you and everyone in Soul Society.”

Muyang couldn’t refute Kazuya’s argument since he was technically right.

“The ability to enhance your own body…It really is a splendid ability.”

“Lightning Attribute is an extremely strong element. Too bad your Zanpakuto’s ability can only target itself. Lightning Attribute’s attack power is unique, after all. A bit unfortunate. The powerful lightning element Zanpakuto… ··”

Kazuya said as his voice grew inaudible, and he seemed to be lost in thought. Hearing Kazuya’s words, Muyang partway thought Kazuya had some suggestion for a finishing move of some sort, but it turned out he was just lost in thought.

After a while, Kazuya came back to his senses and stared at Muyang, who was still sitting there, looking puzzled: “Why are you still here? Didn’t I tell you to cook?”

“Fuck! Old man, you’re like about to say something important and then left me hanging halfway through.”

“Did I? ha ha ha ha!-Don’t mind me, just cook!”

“This damn old man!” Muyang got up grumpily and walked towards the kitchen.

··········································

Brat, I’ve been thinking, and I believe that’s not all there is to your Zanpakuto’s ability. I suspect it has other abilities, but it’s all up to you to figure it out and make it your own.”

“Other abilities?” Muyang seemed confused because that thought never crossed his mind

“Your Zanpakuto’s lightning can only be used to enhance itself by enveloping it in lightning. It’s quite formidable, but it lacks destructive power. If only the lightning can be unleashed to strike the opponent, it would definitely make a difference.”

“I’ll do what I can, but I can’t make any promises.” Muyang said after pondering for a moment.

"

"

“Hey, brat….” Kazuya called Muyang to draw his attention. However, before he could even say a word….

“No! I don’t want to be your grandson. You really are persistent, old man! How many times have we had this conversation!”

Ever since Kazuya joked about adopting Muyang as his grandson, he has been mentioning it, again and again, which made it sound no longer like a joke, making Muyang uncomfortable that he always argued vehemently. However, he eventually got used to it to the point that he didn’t even bother retorting anymore. Perhaps deep down, Muyang has already considered the old man as his family.

Upon hearing Muyang’s blunt refusal, Kazuya was instantly dejected, “I haven’t even said anything yet. You really don’t know how to respect the elderly, you know!!”

Muyang ignored Kazuya’s whining. This was not the first time he heard this kind of tantrum from Kazuya, so he wouldn’t be bothered after all this time.

··········································

The next day, after having breakfast, Muyang began his daily training as usual. As he did his training regime, Muyang felt something was off with Kazuya that day. Normally, Kazuya would be laughing at him while he was training, yet it was so quiet today.

Muyang, who believed that something must’ve happened, secretly glanced at Kazuya only to find him sitting quietly below a tree with erratic eyes.

“That old man wasn’t in love or anything right? No, that can’t be. He’s just a perverted old man!

“What’s with you, old man?” Muyang could no longer bear seeing Kazuya’s unusual behavior.

“Ah!” Kazuya was like being snapped back after a long daydream and looked at Muyang blankly, “Is your daily training over already? How time flies!”

“Uhh…Maybe it’s because you just sat there daydreaming. It’s not for me, though. As you can see, I’m exhausted.”

“Hahaha, It’s the training for you, after all, right?” Kazuya laughed.

“How time flies!” Kazuya sighed.

Seeing the change in Kazuya’s expression. Muyang stopped joking since he knew what was happening here.

“You have been learning Shikai under my guidance for several years now, more than 20 years I believe.”

“Hey, old man, what’s with you all of a sudden?” Muyang already knew what was going on. Although he already knew that this day would come sooner or later, especially after he has awakened his Shikai. Now that the day actually came, he still had a hard time making up his mind.

Although Muyang has always looked forward to going to Seireitei in order to see Gotei 13 and other characters in the anime, he still felt reluctant now when the time came. After all, he has spent quite some time with Kazuya during his time in this world. Despite the old man’s terrible personality, he could feel his kindness.

“Aren’t you a self-proclaimed genius? You can at least figure that out yourself, right?” Kazuya laughed as he saw the complicated look on Muyang’s face, “You’ve always wanted to see Gotei 13, right? Why do you even hesitate because of this old man?”

Seeing that Muyang was still in low spirits, Kazuya said: “I have nothing left to teach you, so it’s time to let you go. Unlike me, you are still young. The young are supposed to go out there and have fun. Don’t waste your youth, and more importantly, don’t waste your talent. Show it to the whole world.”

“Go! go to Seireitei, see the Gotei 13 and this world with your own eyes!”

Muyang was confused by Kazuya’s few words. The emotions that he had contained in these years burst out at once. He wished to go to Seireitei as soon as he could.

“Well, old man, I’ll be leaving then.” Muyang said as he turned around and took a step forward.

“You heartless brat! Hold your horses! At least make me lunch first before leaving!”

····························

Muyang turned and looked at Kazuya, who was standing at the door, and waved his hand, “Old man, I’ll be leaving this time for sure, take care of yourself, be sure to eat regularly.”

Muyang then turned around and left without looking back, showing only his broad back.

“You’ve really grown up into a fine young man!” Kazuya was relieved upon seeing Muyang’s back that gradually disappeared from sight.

to read chapters ahead public release and support me 😉