Black Rebirth – Asta’s Journey in Soul Society

The sun hung high over the Seireitei, casting a warm glow over the training grounds as Asta made his way through the bustling streets. His steps were light, his body still aching from his final trial, but his grin never wavered.

Today felt like a good day.

He had officially taken his first step as a Soul Reaper, his Zanpakutō resting securely at his hip. Though he had yet to learn its name, the connection was there—strong and unshakable.

As he turned a corner, the sound of familiar, boisterous laughter caught his ear.

Asta blinked. He knew that laugh.

Before he could react, a voice rang out—

"Well, well, look who it is!"

Asta turned just in time to see Renji Abarai walking toward him, arms crossed and a smirk plastered on his face.

"Renji!" Asta's grin widened as he stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Took you long enough! Thought you were too busy being a big-shot lieutenant to come say hi."

Renji scoffed. "You wish! I figured I'd see you sooner or later, but I wasn't expecting you to survive this long."

Asta laughed. "You kidding? It's gonna take more than a few Soul Reaper trials to take me down!"

Renji eyed the sword at Asta's hip, his smirk fading slightly. "So, you finally got your Zanpakutō?"

Asta nodded, resting a hand on the hilt. "Yep. Haven't learned its name yet, but I know it's mine."

Renji studied him for a moment, then grinned. "Not bad, rookie. You're officially past the first hurdle. But don't think for a second that means you're anywhere near my level yet."

Asta smirked. "Oh yeah? Wanna test that theory?"

Before Renji could answer, an overwhelming presence filled the air.

Asta felt it immediately—a crushing, wild spiritual pressure that made the hairs on his arms stand on end. It was different from anything he had felt before. It wasn't just powerful—it was chaotic like a storm barely contained.

Renji turned his head, his smirk replaced with something between amusement and caution.

"Well… Looks like you're about to meet someone interesting," he muttered.

Asta followed Renji's gaze—

And saw him.

A tall, towering figure strolled toward them, his wild, spiky hair standing out like a lion's mane. An eye patch covered one of his sharp, predatory eyes, and his massive Zanpakutō rested casually on his shoulder. His grin was borderline insane.

Beside him, a small pink-haired girl perched on his shoulder, giggling.

Asta blinked. "Uh… Who the heck is that?"

Renji sighed. "That, my friend, is Kenpachi Zaraki, Captain of Squad 11."

Asta raised an eyebrow. "Captain?"

"And the little one with him is Yachiru Kusajishi, his lieutenant," Renji added.

Asta tilted his head as Yachiru leaned forward, peering at him curiously. "Ooooh, Kenny! This one looks fun!"

Kenpachi's grin widened. "Yeah… He does."

Asta tensed slightly as Kenpachi locked eyes with him, his gaze filled with something raw and primal.

"You," Kenpachi said, his voice a low growl. "You've got some fight in you, don't you?"

Asta blinked before grinning. "Heh, you could say that."

Kenpachi's grin turned dangerous. "Good. Because I hate weaklings."

Yachiru giggled. "You should fight him, Kenny! I bet he'd last at least a little bit longer than the others!"

Asta's excitement spiked. "Oh, now we're talking!" He cracked his knuckles. "You wanna go right here?"

Renji paled. "Whoa, whoa, hold on—"

But Kenpachi laughed. A loud, booming sound filled with uncontained joy.

"I like you, kid!" He dropped his Zanpakutō off his shoulder, stabbing it into the ground. "But not here. I'd rather not break half the Seireitei today."

Asta huffed. "Tch. Fine. But don't think I'll back down when the time comes."

Kenpachi's grin never wavered. "I'd be disappointed if you did."

Yachiru beamed. "Yay! A new toy for Kenny to play with!"

Renji exhaled, shaking his head. "Asta… you really don't know what you're getting into."

Asta smirked.

He didn't care.

He was ready.