Chapter Five: The Tragedy of Nagajiro
Although he was harshly scolded by Yamamoto Shigekuni, through persistent pleading and sheer shamelessness, he finally managed to earn Yamamoto’s approval, who personally agreed to teach him the basics.
“Listen carefully! Tell me, what is the foundation of a Soul Reaper?” The two stood on a clearing, Yamamoto’s voice booming with authority.
“The foundation? Um… Hakuda, Shunpo…” Though surprised by Yamamoto’s sudden question, Chojirō hesitated for a moment before answering.
“Fool!!”
Clearly, Chojirō’s answer did not match Yamamoto’s expectations, so another round of scolding was inevitable.
Sigh, when under another’s roof, one must bow their head—best to endure when possible. Chojirō sighed inwardly.
“It’s the body! Without a strong body, no amount of skill can defeat your enemy!”
The body? What kind of answer is that… Even if one's physical strength is lacking, mastering Shunpo could theoretically allow someone to exhaust their opponent to death, couldn’t it?
“…You seem doubtful.” Who was Yamamoto? With a single glance, he could easily discern what Chojirō was thinking.
“Ah…no, I just…”
“Then come at me.”
“Huh?”
Before Chojirō could explain, Yamamoto interrupted him.
“Use your Shunpo, try to attack me.”
Not relying on theory, but on facts to shatter unrealistic notions—was that it? Chojirō lowered his head slightly, then drew the Zanpakutō from his waist. “Forgive me, Master Yamamoto.”
Though his basics were lacking, he knew enough not to embarrass himself. Since Yamamoto insisted, he would try—
What was this so-called gap, and what did it truly mean?
Swoosh!
Chojirō appeared behind Yamamoto, slashing at his back with the Zanpakutō.
Thunk!
!!
Yamamoto didn’t move. He didn’t even turn his head, letting Chojirō’s blade strike him, for he already knew—
“How…is this possible…”
Chojirō’s sword could not harm him in the slightest.
“What’s wrong, is this all you’ve got? You’re so stunned you can’t even speak?”
Raising a hand, Yamamoto easily grabbed Chojirō’s blade and flung him aside.
“Waaah!”
Chojirō crashed to the ground, his sword flying out of reach.
This old man’s strength—how could it be so overwhelming?
“This is the power of the ‘body’ you so easily dismiss.” Yamamoto fixed his gaze on Chojirō, his eyes sending chills down Chojirō’s spine. “Do you still harbor those childish thoughts?”
“Ugh…my deepest apologies…Master Yamamoto.”
Terrifying. His blade couldn’t even tear Yamamoto’s clothes, but even more frightening was this brutal method of teaching. Simple, profound, utterly unlike anything in the academy.
Is this the true Yamamoto Shigekuni?
How terrifying.
He could hardly believe that, despite possessing spiritual pressure at captain-level, he was utterly powerless before Yamamoto’s strength.
Just how immense was his power?
“As long as you understand, next comes physical training.”
“What? Right now?” Chojirō was startled; the previous throw had left him sore all over. Couldn’t he at least catch his breath?
“Of course! While your body still remembers the pain, now is the best time to train!”
No…can it be…? Was this Spartan training? Wasn’t this too much?
“This is only the beginning; the real hardship lies ahead.”
“Nooooooo!”
Ahem, in short, the arduous journey of the traveler known as Chojirō had begun.
Scene One:
“Wait, wait, Master Yamamoto…”
Chojirō trembled incessantly, facing a Yamamoto Shigekuni who inspired unbearable dread.
“This is the reliable path to your success; grit your teeth and endure.”
“But this situation is obviously wrong!”
“Enough talk! Bear with it obediently!”
“Help!!!”
Chojirō struggled desperately, but alas, he was bound to a massive boulder by Yamamoto, the rope so thick it was absurd. No matter how much he squirmed, he couldn’t escape, and Yamamoto, holding a rock several times larger than Chojirō himself in his right hand, looked ready to smash it down onto him.
“This is the best way to strengthen your body.”
“You’re trying to kill me, Master Yamamoto!!”
“It’s for your own good.”
“Don’t say that with such murderous intent!!!”
“Here it comes!!”
“Waahhhhhh!!”
This time, Chojirō needed three months to recover.
Scene Two:
“Excuse me, what is this for, Master Yamamoto…”
“Hm…just another excellent way to train your body.”
“Then, may I ask what the iron mace is for?”
“Hm…an essential tool for strengthening your body.”
“Oh…and what about the boiling chili water?”
“Hm…a tool to make your body stronger.”
“Master Yamamoto…”
“What is it?”
“Are you sure you’re not just torturing me?”
“…Of course not.”
“Wait! Please wait! Why the hesitation? Are you really planning to kill me??”
“Enough talk, here it comes!!”
“You’re not even denying it anymore???”
This time, Chojirō suffered severe burns all over his body and needed half a year to recover.
Scene Three:
“…Is this also a necessary item for my physical training, Master Yamamoto?”
“Of course, what else would it be?”
“Well, I thought it was just a tool for torturing me…”
“…Hm, that’s not entirely unreasonable.”
“…Master Yamamoto, did you just admit it?”
“These are all meant to make your body stronger.”
“And you completely contradict yourself the next sentence?”
“Now, let’s continue.”
“Please wait! Please explain yourself, Master Yamamoto!”
“That thing is useless for your training. Discard it!”
“Don’t say that so righteously!”
This time, Chojirō managed to escape.
Scene Four:
“Master Yamamoto…”
“What is it?”
“Well, about the training, is it possible to give up?”
“We’re far from finished.”
“But I feel like if this continues, I’ll die.”
“That’s just an illusion.”
“Is it really?”
“Of course.”
“Master Yamamoto…”
“What now?”
“Farewell.”
“Get back here!!”
“Waaahhh! Help me!!”
If this keeps up, I’m really going to die!!!