The moment the system notification sounded, Shimo's pitch-black pupils contracted sharply.
"Spatial Suspension?!"
Wasn't this supposed to be a time-type Zanpakutō?
But before the doubt could linger, the system gave its response:
[The first ability upon Shikai release is separate from the time-type. Please treasure every additional power you obtain.]
Shimo accepted the explanation without resistance.
Even just from the name alone, he could tell how extraordinary this ability was.
After all, any ability involving the manipulation of space was bound to be powerful.
Drawing his Zanpakutō from its sheath, Shimo tried to activate the new skill.
By now, he could already control the range of his time-stopping ability with ease.
"*Cease All—Akatsuki."
(TL/N - Release Command will be changed to this.)
The time-freeze enveloped only the dormitory and ended quickly.
Then, Shimo tested [Spatial Suspension] for the first time.
Pointing the blade's tip forward, a surge of spiritual pressure erupted, instantly blanketing the entire dormitory.
In an instant, within a ten-meter radius around Shimo—up, down, left, and right—the very space itself became completely immobilized.
Unlike time-stop, Spatial Suspension consumed much less spiritual energy, and its duration could be adjusted based on the user's remaining reserves.
However, its destructive potential was also slightly inferior.
Targets caught in this stasis could break free through sheer bursts of spiritual pressure—if their power surpassed Shimo's.
Otherwise, being trapped in the stilled space was like being sealed in amber—left with only the ability to think.
Disengaging the freeze, Shimo slid his blade back into its sheath, clearly pleased with the new power.
Just then, someone knocked at the door.
Without turning his head, Shimo called out:
He had already sensed her spiritual pressure the moment she approached.
The door creaked open, and a little onion-shaped head peeked inside, glancing furtively left and right.
"Looks like you're alone in the dorm."
Moving like a thief, Rukia slipped inside.
Shimo looked at her oddly, confused.
"What are you doing? Planning something shady again?"
Rukia's eyes widened in indignation, her deep violet irises flashing with embarrassment and irritation.
"When have I ever done anything shady?!"
"And why did you say 'again'?!" she snapped.
From the look on her face, she seemed like she wanted to bite him.
Shimo, seated cross-legged by the tea table, calmly poured himself a full cup.
"Last time, when I wasn't around, you redecorated my dorm with pink wallpaper and Chappy the Rabbit plushies."
"The time before that, your... experimental cooking almost sent me straight to Fourth Division."
"And the time before that—well, that was even worse, you—"
Before he could finish, Rukia's face flushed bright red and she quickly cut him off.
"S-Stop! That's enough! Those were accidents!"
"This time, I'm here to thank you!"
With her hands hidden behind her back and a mysterious smile on her face, she continued:
"It's thanks to you that my sister was able to recover."
"So, to express my gratitude, I've decided—"
She trailed off mid-sentence, intentionally building suspense.
Shimo tilted his head, clearly intrigued.
With a flourish, Rukia revealed what she had been hiding behind her back—her expression beaming with pride.
"The latest model of Chappy the Rabbit plushie!"
"It took me three days to finally get it!"
Shimo looked closer and saw her holding up a pink Chappy the Rabbit doll. Her face was flushed, and she seemed truly excited.
To her surprise, Shimo didn't mock her or turn her down.
Instead, he reached out, patted her on the head, and gently said:
"Thanks. I really like it."
Then he took the plush from her hands.
But what happened next caught him completely off guard.
Just as he accepted the doll, Rukia suddenly stood on tiptoe and leaned forward—
Before he could react, he felt something soft and cool brush against his cheek.
"Take good care of Chappy the Rabbit!"
Blushing all the way to her ears, steam practically rising from her head, Rukia turned and fled the dorm like a frightened bunny.
Watching her disappearing figure, Shimo found himself in unusually high spirits.
"What's with the goofy smile?"
As Rukia vanished, another person entered the dorm.
The distinct pink-flowered haori and old-fashioned straw hat made it clear who the visitor was.
Kyoraku Shunsui gave his nephew a suspicious glance.
"Was I smiling?" Shimo feigned innocence, pretending he didn't know what had just happened.
Shunsui suddenly threw an arm around Shimo's shoulder, grinning slyly.
"That girl who just bolted out of here—wasn't she the adopted younger sister of Captain Kuchiki?"
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