Black Rebirth – Asta’s Journey in Soul Society

The forest was quiet.

The chaotic energy from the battle had faded, leaving only the whisper of the wind rustling through the trees. Asta exhaled, his breath visible in the cool night air. His body still ached from the brutal fight, but the pain felt distant, overshadowed by the weight of the sword in his hands.

This wasn't just an Asauchi anymore.

It was his Zanpakutō.

He didn't know its name yet, but he could feel it—something deep within the blade, within himself, had changed.

Asta sheathed the sword at his side, adjusting the strap on his shoulder before turning toward the path leading out of the forest. His legs were sore, his body exhausted, but he forced himself forward.

Each step felt heavier than the last, but he didn't stop.

Because ahead of him, Kaien and Daichi were waiting.

—

As Asta emerged from the dense treeline, the open sky of the Seireitei stretched before him. The stars overhead twinkled brightly, casting their glow over the dirt path winding toward the training grounds.

He caught sight of two familiar figures standing near the entrance—Kaien and Daichi.

The moment they spotted him, Kaien's expression shifted from calm patience to relief, while Daichi crossed his arms, eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Asta's battered state.

Asta grinned, rubbing the back of his head as he approached. "Yo! Miss me?"

Kaien sighed. "You look like you barely made it out of there."

"Eh, I've had worse." Asta stretched his arms, ignoring the way his muscles protested. "Besides, I got what I came for!"

Daichi's gaze flickered to Asta's side, where the Zanpakutō now rested. His usual stern demeanor remained, but there was something else in his eyes—acknowledgment.

"So," Daichi said, "you passed."

Asta smirked. "Of course I did!" He tapped the hilt of his sword. "Took a bit of a beating, but hey, I figured it out."

Kaien chuckled. "I'd expect nothing less from you." His expression grew more curious as he eyed the blade. "And? Did you hear its name?"

Asta's grin faltered for a second.

"Hmm… not yet." He frowned slightly, glancing down at his sword. "But I felt something. It's different now. I know it's not just an Asauchi anymore, but… I guess it's still waiting for me to figure out the rest."

Daichi nodded. "That's normal. A Zanpakutō isn't just a weapon. It's a part of your soul. You don't command it—it chooses to reveal itself when it deems you worthy." He glanced at Asta's injuries. "And judging by your condition, you went through quite the test."

Asta chuckled. "You could say that. The Hollow I fought wasn't playing around."

Kaien's expression darkened slightly. "A Hollow?"

"Yeah," Asta nodded. "But it wasn't like the usual ones. It was… weird. When I defeated it, instead of disappearing, it merged with my sword." He tapped his Zanpakutō again. "That's how I knew the trial was over."

Both Kaien and Daichi exchanged looks.

"That's… unusual," Kaien muttered, rubbing his chin.

Daichi studied Asta carefully. "You don't feel any corruption from it?"

Asta shook his head. "Nope! If anything, it feels more like me now."

Kaien exhaled. "Well, whatever the case, you survived and came out stronger." He placed a hand on Asta's shoulder. "Congratulations, Asta. You've officially taken the first step to becoming a true Soul Reaper."

Asta grinned. "Heh, thanks!"

Daichi sighed, crossing his arms. "Don't let this victory get to your head. The real challenges haven't even started yet."

Asta's grin widened. "Oh, I hope so!"

Kaien and Daichi both chuckled at that.

As tired as he was, Asta couldn't deny the excitement bubbling in his chest.

He had his sword. His journey as a Soul Reaper was truly beginning.

And whatever came next—he was ready.