The Weight of the Blade
Harry swung his scythe in a wide arc, the chain extending as he willed it to, aiming for the wooden training dummy in front of him. The blade sliced cleanly through—only for the chain to snap back unexpectedly, pulling the weapon out of his grip.
He cursed under his breath as the scythe clattered to the ground.
Watching from the sidelines, Captain Kyōraku let out a low whistle. “Not bad. You’ve got the power, but no control.”
Harry wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I noticed.”
It had been days since he first glimpsed his Zanpakutō’s spirit, and though he had made progress in wielding it, something still felt… off. The scythe responded to his commands, but its movements were wild, unpredictable. The chain, in particular, felt like it had a mind of its own.
Kyōraku walked over, crouching beside the weapon. “A Zanpakutō is more than just a sword—it’s an extension of your soul. If you can’t control it, that means part of you is resisting.”
Harry frowned. “What part?”
Kyōraku gave him a knowing look. “That’s for you to figure out.”
Harry exhaled sharply. It always came back to the same thing—his Zanpakutō was waiting for something. But what?
Before he could dwell on it, Kyōraku gestured to someone standing nearby.
“Since I’m apparently your supervisor, I figured you could use a sparring partner.”
A figure stepped forward, and Harry recognized him immediately—Renji Abarai, Lieutenant of the 6th Division. The red-haired Shinigami cracked his knuckles, a smirk playing on his lips. “Hope you’re ready, newbie.”
Harry straightened. He’d heard about Renji—one of the most skilled fighters in the Gotei 13. This wasn’t going to be easy.
Renji unsheathed his Zanpakutō, the segmented blade of Zabimaru gleaming in the sunlight. “Show me what you’ve got.”
Harry gripped his scythe, the chain rattling as he adjusted his stance. Then, without warning, Renji attacked.
The first strike came fast. Harry barely had time to react, raising his scythe just in time to block. The impact sent a jolt through his arms, forcing him back.
He’s fast.
Renji didn’t let up. He swung again, Zabimaru extending in a whip-like motion. Harry ducked, rolling to the side before lashing out with his own weapon. The chain extended, aiming to wrap around Renji’s blade—but at the last second, it veered off course, missing its mark.
Harry gritted his teeth. Not again.
Renji seized the opening, charging forward and slamming his blade against Harry’s. The force knocked him off balance, sending him skidding backward.
“Come on, Potter!” Renji called. “You’re holding back!”
Harry clenched his fists. He wasn’t holding back—his weapon was.
The scythe trembled in his grip, the chain shifting erratically. The words of his Zanpakutō spirit echoed in his mind.
"You are still bound."
His chest tightened. Bound by what? By the past? By the expectations placed on him? By the weight of a fate he never asked for?
He forced the thoughts aside. He needed to focus.
Renji charged again. This time, Harry didn’t retreat.
Instead of fighting the chain, he let it move on its own. He spun the scythe, allowing the chain to flow naturally. The moment Renji struck, Harry twisted his grip—and the chain reacted, wrapping around Zabimaru with precision.
Renji’s eyes widened. “What—?”
Harry yanked. The sudden pull disrupted Renji’s stance, giving Harry the opening he needed. He stepped forward, swinging his scythe in a tight arc—stopping just inches from Renji’s neck.
Silence filled the training ground.
Then, Renji grinned. “Now that’s more like it.”
Harry exhaled, his heartbeat steadying. For the first time since arriving in the Soul Society, he felt a spark of understanding. The scythe wasn’t just a weapon—it was a reflection of himself. And if he wanted to wield it properly, he needed to stop resisting what it represented.
He wasn’t just a fighter. He was someone who had always carried the weight of others, who had been bound by responsibility since the day he first heard his name whispered in hushed tones.
But that didn’t mean he had to fight alone.
Kyōraku smiled. “Looks like you’re starting to get it.”
Harry lowered his weapon, the chain coiling back into place. He wasn’t there yet, but for the first time, he felt like he was on the right path.
And soon, he would hear his Zanpakutō’s true name.