The theory of the "temporary soul" is indeed a subject worthy of in-depth study.
As Arima said, it is incredibly challenging and difficult to implement.
Although Hikifune Kiryu had been conducting research for a long time, theory alone was not enough. Turning it into practice was a monumental task.
However, it cannot be said that Hikifune Kiryu gained nothing from her efforts.
She did make some progress.
She came up with a few ideas after observing the growth of plants in Soul Society.
The plants in Soul Society, like everything else, are composed of spiritual seeds. The essence of their growth lies in absorbing nutrients from their surroundings—such as water sources—to strengthen themselves.
Could this process be accelerated by injecting spiritual seeds into them?
Hikifune Kiryu first attempted to inject her spiritual power into naturally growing trees, but the result was that the plants died.
Later, she realized that naturally growing plants couldn't sustain her spiritual power. So, she wondered, what if she created a seed with her own spiritual power?
The study of plants was much simpler than the study of souls, so she decided to proceed with this new idea.
Eventually, Hikifune Kiryu succeeded.
She created her own seeds using her spiritual power. These seeds were able to immediately absorb her spiritual energy and grow stronger as a result. This success came from the fact that the seed and her spiritual power originated from the same source.
This breakthrough convinced her that her theory on the "temporary soul" could also work.
She could use her spiritual energy to rapidly grow the seeds into towering trees.
If the soul could be treated as a seed, then with the right nutrients, it might be possible for the soul to undergo a leap and evolve.
For Shinigami, the strength of the soul determines the strength of Reiatsu.
Since spiritual power is born from the soul, and the soul is the core of a Shinigami's being, the stronger the soul, the stronger the spiritual energy.
Arima continued flipping through Hikifune Kiryu's research materials.
Hikifune Kiryu didn't hold back and shared everything she had discovered over the years.
While Arima absorbed and processed this information, he also pondered how to help her make a breakthrough.
A breakthrough in the "temporary soul" theory wouldn't happen overnight.
For a long time, Arima continued visiting the Seireitei Research Institute whenever he had something to contribute.
The research institute was full of scientists devoted to technological research.
Although the ordinary Shinigami found Arima's relationship with Hikifune Kiryu curious, they didn't really care. They had no interest in these matters and were unaware of Arima's true identity.
However, during this period, Arima's many theoretical contributions and demonstrated abilities had left a strong impression on the researchers. When they looked at him, their eyes were filled with respect.
On the other hand, Arima's frequent visits to the Seireitei Research Institute naturally drew the attention of other Shinigami.
Captain Yamamoto was aware of this.
The Seireitei Research Institute held a special role within the Gotei 13. Though not a combat division, its significance was irreplaceable.
A non-active Shinigami frequently visiting there would certainly raise suspicions, prompting some Shinigami to sound alarms and report the matter to the First Division.
Initially, Captain Yamamoto considered warning Arima, telling him not to visit the institute unless necessary.
But after thinking about Arima's former status and the close relationship between him and Hikifune Kiryu, he decided against the warning. Instead, he spoke to the one who had issued the report.
"Ignore it. Captain Arima has his own sense of discretion."
Proportion?
What does proportion mean in this context?
The so-called "proportion" referred to Hikifune Kiryu's decision to entrust Arima with all the research materials accumulated by the Seireitei Research Institute over the years, allowing him to peruse them freely.
Arima had resigned as the captain of the 12th Division and had been promoted to the 0th Division.
In the hundreds of years since Hikifune Kiryu became the captain of the 12th Division, the Seireitei Research Institute had not stagnated. It had made many groundbreaking advancements. Even today, some of these discoveries still intrigued Arima and were helpful to him.
Among these research materials, Arima came across one particularly interesting piece of information.
"An Experiment on Eternal Life!"
The experiment aimed to create an immortal soul.
Logically speaking, the Seireitei Research Institute wouldn't have delved into such a topic.
But this experiment was specifically requested by Central 46.
Arima could easily guess the underlying motive behind the experiment: some of the older members of Central 46 didn't want to die.
The soul, like the body, ages over time. However, the aging process is much slower for Shinigami than for ordinary beings.
The stronger the spiritual power, the slower the aging rate.
As nobles with spiritual power, the members of Central 46 were in a position of power. However, they weren't Shinigami, and their aging process was faster than that of the Shinigami. When they reached old age, many naturally sought ways to prolong their lives.
At the strong urging of Central 46, the Seireitei Research Institute began conducting this experiment.
Hikifune Kiryu had participated in the project.
Unfortunately, the experiment failed, resulting in a catastrophic explosion at the Seireitei Institute.
The experiment was sealed, and the lead researcher was exiled in disgrace.
Although all data related to the experiment was destroyed, the incident was still recorded in the 12th Division's research files.
For Hikifune Kiryu, this was simply a past event.
But for Arima, this reminded him of a pivotal plot point from the original anime.
"Bount Chapter!"
With that thought in mind, Arima continued to peruse the 12th Division's research materials from the past years.
Hikifune Kiryu's unreserved openness left Arima feeling somewhat emotional.
Arima was no longer a part of the Gotei 13. Despite his promotion to the 0th Division, he remained under observation after returning to Seireitei.
It was clear that some still didn't trust him.
In this context, Hikifune Kiryu's willingness to provide him with such valuable research material was a significant gesture. It meant she had no reservations about him.
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