Trader In The World Of Pirates!!!

The dead of night. 

As the Kuchiki estate lay silent, its inhabitants sound asleep, Rukia quietly opened her eyes in the darkness. 

Moving cautiously, she sat up and opened the drawer where she kept her belongings. 

"Hermes! Hermes!" 

She softly called out, shaking the dormant spirit from its slumber. Slowly, Hermes stirred, blinking as he awoke. 

"Ah, we're trading again, Miss Rukia?" he murmured, stretching. 

Hermes reached into the pile of pristine white garments inside the drawer and retrieved his trademark civilized cane. Despite his usual relaxed demeanor, his attention was now focused. 

Rukia nodded, her expression firm. 

"I want to redeem something tonight," she said resolutely. 

"Oh? And what might that be, Miss Rukia?" Hermes asked, stepping gracefully out of the drawer and adjusting his attire with practiced ease. 

Rukia pursed her lips briefly before declaring, "I want to redeem the 'Heart of Enlightenment'!"

Hermes paused, an intrigued smile forming on his face. 

"Are you absolutely certain, my dear Miss Rukia? This... is not a practical choice." 

The 'Heart of Enlightenment.' 

It was an enigmatic item added to the store long ago by Leo. Its purpose and effects were shrouded in mystery, and its steep price had deterred everyone thus far. 

The product's description labeled it as a "key" forged by simulating the rules of another world—one where enlightenment sparks power. It allowed users to awaken the flames of enlightenment, granting strength through profound understanding rather than brute force. 

However, the 'Heart of Enlightenment' did not yield immediate results like skills, combat techniques, or physical enhancements, which made it unpopular. Priced at 3,000 points, it seemed an exorbitant investment. 

In comparison, with those same 3,000 points, someone in the pirate world could purchase a Pokémon with extraordinary abilities, gaining a noticeable boost in power. It was hard to justify buying something so seemingly abstract. 

And yet... 

For Rukia, things were different. She couldn't afford to purchase anything as conspicuous as a Pokémon without risking exposure of her dimensional trades. 

The 'Heart of Enlightenment' had caught her attention precisely because it was subtle and aligned with her situation. For weeks, she had wrestled with the decision to purchase it, hesitating only because of its high cost and uncertain rewards. 

But tomorrow, she would be embarking on a practical training mission in the real world. 

A vague sense of unease had been gnawing at her all day. 

Her decision wasn't made lightly. 

The true reason Rukia wanted the 'Heart of Enlightenment' was the length of time it had been taking her to forge a connection with her Zanpakutō. 

Deep down, she knew she wasn't a prodigy. She feared that, after months or even years of effort, her Zanpakutō might turn out to be nothing remarkable—an ordinary blade, incapable of living up to the expectations of those around her. 

Such a discovery would shatter the image of the "genius" that others had placed on her. 

This title, though undeserved, had brought her countless benefits. Rukia wasn't ready to lose it. 

After all, who wouldn't want to bask in the admiration and praise of others? 

Thanks to the opportunity provided by dimensional trading, Rukia saw a chance to preserve her reputation and live the life she desired!

To her, the process of awakening the power of enlightenment bore a striking resemblance to the Shinigami's method of communing with their Zanpakutō. 

Because of the kendo teacher's guidance, Rukia had learned much about the stages of a Zanpakutō's evolution—awakening, Shikai, and even the ultimate 'Bankai.' 

In her mind, the 'Heart of Enlightenment' offered a shortcut, a chance to strengthen her soul and perhaps forge her Zanpakutō connection sooner. 

For Rukia, this wasn't just an investment in power—it was an investment in her identity, her future, and the genius she had to continue being!

Although none of the kendo teachers have attained the level of Bankai, with Seireitei's vast knowledge accumulated over millions of years, there is no issue with them explaining the principles of Bankai to Rukia. 

To Seireitei, the evolution of a Zanpakutō is essentially an inner transformation of the Shinigami—a process of using one's spiritual power to communicate with and earn the trust of their Zanpakutō. 

This is why Rukia is willing to stake everything on the power of an Heart of Enlightenment.

"I'm certain!"

Under Hermes' questioning, Rukia nodded resolutely.

She believed that an Heart of Enlightenment, valued at 3,000 points, must possess exceptional potential. 

Even if it didn't help her awaken her Zanpakutō, it wouldn't matter. 

After all, as long as the transaction occurred across dimensions, she was confident she wouldn't suffer a loss. 

This was a principle Rukia had come to understand after countless dimensional transactions.

"In that case, as you wish!" 

Hermes waved the staff in his hand. 

In an instant, the trading system appeared in Rukia's mind. 

She carefully selected supplies from her resource inventory—items that were easily overlooked and wouldn't raise suspicion if they suddenly disappeared—and then confirmed the transaction. 

After a series of operations, a mysterious, radiant sphere of transparent, multicolored light appeared before her. 

"Is this… the Heart of Enlightenment?" 

Entranced by its beauty, Rukia reached out to touch the sphere. 

As soon as her fingers made contact, the glowing orb transformed into a liquid and flowed into her body, spreading throughout her form. 

"Ah!? Is… is it over already?"

Rukia blinked in surprise, looking quite endearing in her confusion. 

At that moment, she sensed a subtle change in her body, though she couldn't pinpoint what it was. 

"What else were you expecting?" 

Hermes chuckled, his tone reassuring. 

"Unfortunately, dear Miss Rukia, it seems your current state of awareness is insufficient to unlock the power of the Heart of Enlightenment."

"But don't be disheartened. The fact that you've used the Heart of Enlightenment means you already have the potential. In the future, it may become your most trusted source of power!"

"Oh," Rukia replied softly. 

Though she had anticipated this outcome, she couldn't help feeling a twinge of disappointment when faced with the reality. 

Since the Heart of Enlightenment hadn't immediately activated, she didn't bother examining the rings, weapon cases, or other items that followed. 

Instead, she wrapped herself in her quilt and went to sleep in a huff. 

What else could she do? 

Right now, Rukia couldn't think of anything that might spark her awakening. 

Since arriving in Seireitei, aside from joining the Kuchiki family and being unable to mingle freely with her friends, her journey had been remarkably smooth. 

Especially after the dimensional transactions, both the Shin'ō Academy and the Kuchiki family treated her as their cherished protégé. 

Even when she occasionally joked with Renji and the others, no one took issue with her. 

As a result, Rukia found herself lacking a clear sense of purpose or struggle. 

She simply kept moving forward out of habit, unwilling to stop.

---

The night passed in silence. 

The next morning arrived swiftly.

---

At dawn, the entrance to the Shin'ō Academy was bustling with activity. Nearly a hundred students had gathered, standing in an orderly formation. 

Interestingly, Rukia, who was typically positioned at the back of the group, was called to the front by the instructor in recognition of her talent and reputation. 

After the accompanying teachers completed roll call, they positioned themselves around the group—at the front, rear, and sides—to act as guardians. 

Though no one fully understood why the principal had suddenly decided to conduct practical training, the objective seemed straightforward. 

If it was just a trip to the human world to observe the soul burial rituals of the Shinigami, encountering one or two weak Hollows at most, the task would pose no challenge to the instructors, who were all at least of seated officer rank. 

For them, it was a trivial exercise, hardly worth concern.

At this moment…

Aizen, dressed in a captain's uniform, approached the group from a short distance away and came to stand at the front of the team. 

"Good morning, students of the Shin'ō Academy." 

He greeted them warmly, waving with a friendly smile. 

"Good morning, Captain Aizen!" 

The students responded enthusiastically. 

Aizen raised a hand slightly, gesturing for silence. These prospective Shinigami—who, in his eyes, weren't even worthy of being used as experiments—quickly quieted down. Maintaining his congenial demeanor, he continued with a smile: 

"I'm sure you all understand the purpose of our trip to the human world today. However, before we pass through the Senkaimon(World Penetration Gate), I want to remind everyone of something important." 

"Although this practical training exercise has been meticulously organized by the instructors, making accidents highly unlikely, if an emergency does occur, I ask that you seek me out immediately." 

"Until my Zanpakutō and I are no longer standing, I will not allow any harm to come to you!" 

"Wow!" 

Aizen's brief yet reassuring words ignited the hearts of the students, drawing cheers of admiration for his sense of responsibility. Even more rebellious students like Rukia and Renji couldn't help but feel a surge of respect. 

While the students knew little of the meticulous preparations made by the instructors, many were anxious about the possibility of encountering Hollows. Aizen's words instilled a strong sense of security among them. 

However, among all present, only one person—Linlin—perceived the hidden undertone in Aizen's speech. 

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked toward him. 

"'Highly unlikely to have accidents'? So, there 'will' be accidents?" 

A knowing smirk crept across her face. 

She didn't believe that someone like Aizen, who went to such lengths to orchestrate this scene, would let the event end uneventfully. 

Still… 

Linlin mused further: 

"If Aizen doesn't intend to openly sever ties with Seireitei, then any 'accidents' he's planning should remain within a controlled scope. But… does that mean he's already capable of manipulating Hollows freely?" 

A shocking thought crossed her mind, and the more she considered it, the more plausible it seemed. 

"Mamama… this is getting more and more interesting," she murmured. 

Her initial unease upon arriving in this new world had completely vanished. This shift in mindset fueled her anticipation. After all, the more chaotic the situation, the greater the opportunities for a dimensional merchant like herself to thrive!

After Aizen spoke a few more words, the time to travel to the human world finally arrived. 

With a slash of his sword, a strange gateway to the void appeared before the group. 

"Alright, students, as previously arranged, please pass through the Senkaimon in an orderly fashion." 

The instructors resumed their roles, guiding the students through the gate in a structured and disciplined manner. 

The entire process unfolded without incident. No one dared to disrupt the proceedings, their eyes filled with anticipation as they awaited their turn to cross. 

Linlin was no different. 

"Finally, I get to see what this so-called 'human world' is like!" 

"If my hunch is correct, this human world should correspond to the material world I'm familiar with, right?" 

---

As darkness enveloped them, the group traversed the expansive spiritual path Aizen created using his spiritual pressure. 

Moments later, they emerged into the human world—high above the sky of Karakura Town. 

"Whoa! This is the human world?" 

Renji exclaimed, clearly thrilled. The low concentration of spirit particles in the air didn't dampen his spirits in the slightest. 

"I never thought I'd return to the living world. How times have changed," he said, reflecting on the transformation. 

Beside him, Kira sighed deeply. 

"When I died, the world was desolate. So many people struggled just to fill their stomachs. But now…" 

He trailed off, his gaze landing on the unfamiliar sights of modern life. 

Metal boxes moving along the streets, glowing signs on buildings—these wonders left the students awestruck. 

Although Seireitei's Twelfth Division advanced technology for Shinigami use, such innovations rarely permeated daily life. The Shinigami, accustomed to relying on their spiritual arts, saw little need for technology to address life's mundane challenges. 

For this group of prospective Shinigami, the human world was an entirely novel experience. 

Suddenly, Aizen clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. 

"Alright, everyone," he said, smiling gently. "We've arrived in the world of living, and your practical training officially begins now." 

"Next, I will lead you to the training site, where you'll witness the soul burial process of a Shinigami firsthand." 

His tone was serious, but before he could continue, a sinister voice echoed from the void. 

"The soul burial process?" 

"Heh heh heh…" 

"Before that, why not consider your own burial process?" 

"Who's there!?" 

Aizen, dramatically alert, drew his Zanpakutō and pointed it toward the source of the voice. 

A ripple emerged in the air, and a monstrous figure appeared before the group, towering several meters high. 

A massive pale mask adorned its face, leaving no doubt about its identity. 

"Adjuchas!?" 

Aizen's expression darkened as he exclaimed in apparent shock: 

"How is a second-stage Menos—an Adjuchas—here!?"