Black Rebirth – Asta’s Journey in Soul Society

The next morning, Asta stood in the middle of an empty training ground, stretching his arms as the first light of dawn crept over the Seireitei. His energy was boundless, his excitement barely contained.

He was ready.

Daichi arrived shortly after, standing with his hands behind his back, his usual serious expression unwavering. Kaien stood beside him, yawning and rubbing his eyes.

"Remind me why we had to do this at sunrise?" Kaien muttered.

Asta grinned. "Because the earlier we start, the faster I can get my sword!"

Daichi ignored their exchange and spoke firmly. "Your first trial is a test of willpower. Strength alone will not get you through this. To wield a Zanpakutō, you must have an unshakable spirit—one that does not waver, no matter the odds."

Asta crossed his arms. "Sounds great! So what do I have to do?"

Daichi gestured toward the far side of the training ground, where several Soul Reapers were standing in a circle around a single figure. As Asta approached, he noticed the figure was an older man with long white hair, his eyes closed as he meditated in complete stillness.

"This is Master Genji," Daichi explained. "A retired Soul Reaper who once served as an elite combat instructor. Your task is simple—stand against his spiritual pressure without collapsing."

Kaien's expression darkened. "Wait… you're using him for this? Daichi, are you trying to kill Asta before he even gets a Zanpakutō?"

Daichi remained firm. "If he cannot withstand Master Genji's presence, then he is not ready to seek out a blade."

Asta tilted his head. "So all I have to do is stand there while this guy does… what? Stares at me?"

Kaien sighed. "It's not that simple. Master Genji's reiatsu is overwhelming. Most trainees can't even last a few seconds under his pressure."

Asta smirked. "Well, I'm not most trainees!"

Master Genji opened his eyes, revealing sharp, piercing irises that seemed to see straight through Asta. The moment their gazes met, an invisible force slammed into Asta's body.

His breath hitched.

It felt like a mountain had been dropped on top of him. His knees buckled slightly, his muscles tensed, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears. It wasn't just pressure—Genji's reiatsu carried the sheer weight of someone who had fought countless battles.

Asta gritted his teeth and planted his feet.

No way I'm falling over!

Genji continued to stare, his spiritual energy increasing bit by bit. The ground beneath Asta cracked, the sheer force making the air around him feel heavy. Some of the other trainees watching from a distance had to take a step back, struggling to endure the aftershocks of the overwhelming reiatsu.

Asta, however, refused to give in.

He clenched his fists, resisting the invisible force trying to crush him. His body screamed at him to move, to drop to his knees, and to relieve the pressure, but he refused.

Back in his world, he had fought against impossible odds before. He had faced opponents with overwhelming power and still found a way to win. This was nothing compared to that.

I've fought devils before! There's no way I'm letting some old man's aura knock me down!

Daichi and Kaien watched closely.

Kaien muttered, "He's lasted longer than most already…"

Daichi nodded. "His raw willpower is remarkable. But let's see how much more he can take."

Genji's eyes narrowed slightly.

Without warning, his reiatsu surged.

The air around Asta became suffocating. His vision blurred for a split second, and his legs wobbled, but he roared and forced himself to stay upright. His arms shook, and his body felt like it was being crushed from all sides, but he refused to go down.

He took a step forward.

The Soul Reapers watching gasped.

Kaien's jaw dropped. "He's… moving?"

Daichi's eyes widened slightly. "Incredible…"

Asta took another step, then another. His body screamed in protest, but he ignored it.

"I… won't… fall!" Asta bellowed, forcing himself to push forward.

Genji studied him for a long moment, then—just as suddenly as it had begun—he withdrew his reiatsu.

The crushing pressure vanished.

Asta stumbled forward but quickly regained his balance. His breathing was heavy, his body drenched in sweat, but he was still standing.

The onlookers were silent momentarily before Kaien gave a low whistle. "Well, damn."

Daichi nodded in approval. "Trial one… complete."

Asta, despite the exhaustion in his limbs, grinned. "Heh… was that all?"

Genji let out a rare chuckle. "You are an interesting one." He turned to Daichi. "This boy is stronger than he looks. I'm curious to see how far he will go."

Daichi smirked. "So am I."

Asta pumped his fist in the air. "Alright! What's next?!"

Daichi sighed. "Tomorrow, Asta. You need to recover first."

Asta pouted. "Aw, come on! I can keep going!"

Kaien slung an arm over Asta's shoulder. "Yeah, yeah, you're a monster, we get it. Now shut up and eat something before you pass out."

Asta groaned but let himself be dragged away.

His first trial was done.

And tomorrow, he'd take the next step toward finding his blade.