By the time he emerged from the Maggot's Nest, the sky was already approaching dusk.
Hasumi Ren walked back along the small path on the outskirts of the Second Division barracks, his mind still calculating the details of his deal with Urahara.
If that hot spring could truly be built, his spiritual pressure growth rate would undoubtedly experience a massive leap, which was exactly what he needed most right now.
As he passed the training grounds, a familiar surge of spiritual pressure caught his attention.
Hasumi Ren stepped inside and saw Soi Fon standing alone in the center of the training area.
Her eyes were closed and her brow slightly furrowed, seemingly attempting some kind of spiritual pressure control technique.
A faint vortex of spiritual power swirled around her; it appeared she was trying to condense Kido-based spiritual pressure.
'It looks like the development of Shunkō is progressing well.'
Hasumi Ren thought.
He didn't speak to interrupt her, instead standing quietly to the side.
However, Soi Fon seemed to sense his presence and opened her eyes to look over.
"Hasumi Ren? When did you get here?"
Soi Fon's voice carried a hint of surprise.
"I just came from Third Seat Urahara's place. It looks like the development of your new ability is coming along nicely?"
Soi Fon nodded, but her expression soon turned strange.
Her demeanor wasn't as calm and sharp as usual; instead, it carried a bit of confusion and inner conflict.
For such an expression to appear on the normally decisive Soi Fon was quite unusual.
Hasumi Ren looked at the odd expression on Soi Fon's face, showing his own confusion.
Soi Fon opened her mouth as if to say something, but then she hesitated.
She glanced at Hasumi Ren, then lowered her head, hands balled into fists as she unconsciously rubbed her fingers together.
Hasumi Ren rarely saw such hesitant gestures from her.
"I... have a discovery."
Soi Fon finally spoke, her voice much lower than usual. "Regarding the ability I'm developing."
Hearing this, Hasumi Ren looked curious. "What's the matter?"
Soi Fon walked over and sat down beside him.
Taking a deep breath, she began to softly describe her discovery.
"Lately, I've gradually formed a concept for that ability. I was stuck on the way the Kido circulated before, but now I've found the key: the shoulders and the back."
She turned slightly and pointed to her shoulder blade area.
"These are vital nodes for circulation. If I can condense a massive amount of Kido spiritual pressure here and then channel it into my limbs, the duration can be greatly extended."
Hasumi Ren listened intently. This was essentially consistent with the principles of Shunkō from the original series.
By condensing Kido spiritual pressure onto the shoulders and back, then channeling it into the hands and feet after the power gathered and erupted.
"It sounds like progress is going smoothly. What's the problem?"
Soi Fon's expression became even more conflicted.
"The problem is... condensing such a massive amount of Kido spiritual pressure on the shoulders and back generates extreme energy and impact."
She bit her lip.
"Ordinary clothing would be torn to shreds instantly. So, to use this technique, a special uniform would be required."
"The shoulder and back sections must be exposed to avoid bearing the brunt of that power."
Hasumi Ren nodded in understanding.
"And?"
Soi Fon remained silent for a long time.
It was so long that Hasumi Ren thought she wouldn't continue, but then she finally spoke, her voice carrying a hint of dry hesitation.
"I discovered... that Lady Yoruichi's combat uniform perfectly matches this concept."
Hasumi Ren was stunned.
Soi Fon looked up, her eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.
"The design with the shoulders and back completely exposed facilitates spiritual pressure circulation and energy dissipation... Why would Lady Yoruichi's outfit happen to meet the requirements of this ability perfectly?"
She looked at Hasumi Ren as if seeking an answer.
"It was actually Lady Yoruichi who mentioned it in passing, which gave me the idea to develop this ability in the first place."
Soi Fon's voice grew softer and softer.
"Now I find that Lady Yoruichi's own uniform is practically tailored for this technique. So, is it possible..."
She didn't finish, but Hasumi Ren already understood.
Is it possible that Yoruichi has actually already mastered this ability?
This thought plunged Soi Fon into a deep state of uncertainty.
She had always believed she was developing a brand-new, original technique, pouring immense effort and heart into it.
But now she suddenly realized that the person she respected most might have already been far ahead of her.
That feeling was a mix of shock and a bit of... disappointment.
Hasumi Ren looked at Soi Fon's dazed expression, understanding perfectly.
According to the original timeline, Yoruichi should indeed have mastered Shunkō by now.
Whereas Soi Fon didn't finish developing it until a hundred years later.
Now, due to his intervention, Soi Fon had started developing Shunkō early, and her progress was much faster than in the original story.
But she clearly hadn't considered that Yoruichi might already possess this skill.
"So, that's what's bothering you?"
Hasumi Ren asked.
Soi Fon nodded, her expression complicated.
"I'm not sure how to proceed. If Lady Yoruichi truly has mastered this ability, then aren't my current actions essentially snooping into the secrets of her power?"
"Should I... not continue?"
A flash of uncertainty and loneliness crossed Soi Fon's eyes; she had never shown such a vulnerable side to anyone before.
But for some reason, she found it easy to let down her guard around Hasumi Ren.
Hasumi Ren looked at Soi Fon and pondered for a moment.
"I don't think you need to trouble yourself so much."
"If Captain Yoruichi has mastered this ability, why not just ask her directly?"
"Even if she has mastered it, your research and development process still hold value."
"The way an ability is used, or even its variations, differs for everyone. Everyone carves their own path."
He paused before adding.
"Besides, given your relationship with Captain Yoruichi, she'd surely be happy if she knew, and might even guide you personally."
"Just go and ask her."
Hearing this, Soi Fon looked up at Hasumi Ren, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
Then, her expression became conflicted again.
"I... I can't bring myself to ask."
She showed a rare hint of timidity.
"Wouldn't that be too presumptuous?"
"I'm only from a lower-class noble family. Being able to serve Lady Yoruichi is already a great honor. To rashly inquire about such secrets..."
Hasumi Ren couldn't help but chuckle.
"It shouldn't be that serious."
"Captain Yoruichi treats you like a sister; everyone in the Second Division knows that."
"You train together, go on missions together, and she personally instructs you in Hakuda and Shunpo... In a relationship like that, what's there that can't be asked?"
Soi Fon opened her mouth to argue but couldn't find a reason.
Hasumi Ren was right.
Yoruichi really did treat her exceptionally well, to a point that transcended the bond between superior and subordinate.
But it was precisely because of that kindness that she didn't want to fail Yoruichi's expectations.
"But..."
Soi Fon lowered her head, her expression troubled.
"I still can't say it..."
"Then I'll ask."
Hasumi Ren brushed off the dust and stood up.
"What?"
Soi Fon looked up sharply.
"I happen to have something to report to her anyway. I'll mention that you're developing a new ability and see how she reacts."
Hasumi Ren spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but Soi Fon's face paled.
"No! How can you let Lady Yoruichi know..."
"Then I'll word it differently."
Hasumi Ren thought for a moment.
"I'll just say I'm curious myself. I'm interested in this ability anyway, so I'll ask the Captain if she has any similar experience."
Hasumi Ren casually patted Soi Fon's shoulder.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine."
Having said that, Hasumi Ren stood up and left.
"Wait, Hasumi Ren..."
Soi Fon hurriedly stood up and took a few steps after him, but Hasumi Ren had already vanished using Shunpo.
She stood there, staring in the direction where Hasumi Ren had disappeared, her expression shifting from panic to something more complex.
Soi Fon touched the shoulder he had just patted; it felt as though some lingering sensation still remained.
She bit her lower lip but couldn't bring herself to take a step to stop him.
"He really is... such a presumptuous guy..."
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