In the Second Division Captain's office, Yoruichi was sitting behind her large desk, processing documents.
Draped in her loose Captain's haori, she looked focused—a far cry from her usual carefree image.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
Yoruichi said without looking up.
"Oh, it's you, Ren."
Upon sensing the spiritual pressure of the visitor, Yoruichi looked up.
"What is it?"
"Pardon the intrusion, Captain. I'm here to report on my progress at the Fourth Division."
"Go on."
Ren reported his learning progress in the Fourth Division, noting the fruitful results.
Yoruichi listened casually, nodding occasionally.
"Learning Kaido well is a good thing."
"An extra skill means an extra layer of protection. It's a rare opportunity for Captain Unohana to think so highly of you."
"Actually, there's one more thing."
Ren seized the moment to transition to the main topic.
"Lately, I've had some ideas regarding the fusion of Kido and Hakuda. I wanted to ask if you had any advice, Captain."
"Oh?"
Yoruichi's eyes shimmered slightly.
"You're talking about that research you and Soi Fon have been doing lately, right? How is her progress coming along?"
Ren was momentarily stunned, though not overly surprised.
"You've been keeping an eye on it, Captain?"
"Don't be silly. This is the Stealth Force. Did you really think you could hide those little schemes of yours from me? Tell me, what's the progress?"
"It's going quite smoothly,"
Ren answered truthfully.
"Soi Fon has already identified the key spiritual pressure nodes in the shoulders and back. She's currently perfecting the specific spell structure. However..."
He paused, observing Yoruichi's expression.
"There is a minor issue. Using this ability requires specialized clothing to avoid the spiritual pressure impact on the back and shoulders."
""
"Then she discovered... that your combat uniform just happens to meet that requirement."
Hearing this, the corners of Yoruichi's mouth curled up.
"Oh? So she noticed."
"I thought it would take her much longer to realize, given her usual denseness."
Her tone was quite gratified.
"Regarding that ability to fuse Hakuda and Kido, I only mentioned it casually back then. I didn't expect her to take it so seriously."
"So, you're here because of that?"
Ren nodded slightly.
"She's hesitant to speak up because of her position and respect for you. I don't have those concerns, and I know you're broad-minded, so I'm asking on her behalf."
"Captain, you've already completed this technique, haven't you?"
Yoruichi nodded slightly.
"That's right. It's called Shunko."
"I developed Shunko because my Zanpakuto didn't suit my personality. I had to take an unconventional path to create a new ability, though I haven't had much chance to use it yet."
"I didn't think Soi Fon would develop an interest in it too."
"Then, Captain, do you plan to give her some pointers?"
Hearing this, Yoruichi took on a thoughtful expression.
"She's building it from scratch. Although that process is arduous, it's more significant for her growth. And since her current progress is so smooth, there's no need for me to interfere yet."
"I plan to guide her on the finer details once her version is mostly formed."
Yoruichi set down her documents, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes.
"But since she's already discovered the clothing issue, a Captain has to show some support... Let's do this."
"Our builds aren't that different. I'll give her one from my spare uniforms."
Ren was surprised by this.
Yoruichi's care for Soi Fon was even more meticulous than he had imagined.
"That girl can be too serious sometimes, always feeling like she's not good enough. In reality, she's already doing exceptionally well."
"Ren, help me pass along a message,"
she said with a beaming smile.
"Tell Soi Fon I noticed she's developing a new ability and thought she might need a suitable combat uniform, so I've specially prepared one for her."
"Tell her to come to my room tonight, and I'll give it to her."
Something suddenly occurred to her, and her eyes lit up with a wicked sense of humor.
"I'll see how she reacts when she puts it on. It's a good chance to check if she's developed at all. She'll definitely be shy but try to act calm... Heh heh heh, just thinking about it is fun."
A trace of a silly grin appeared on Yoruichi's face as she lost herself in her own imagination.
Listening to Yoruichi's outrageous remarks, Ren fell into a long silence.
"Captain, that's not very appropriate."
"What does it matter?"
Yoruichi replied confidently.
"Soi Fon and I are like sisters. Why is an outsider like you chiming in? You should know, that girl is cutest when she's blushing."
As she spoke, she started laughing again, clearly immersed in her mental image.
Ren's mouth twitched, feeling quite helpless.
Whatever, it wasn't his business. He was just the messenger.
Suddenly, Yoruichi turned to look at Ren.
"By the way, do you want the outfit?"
Ren: "?"
Me?
"I think I'll pass for now..."
"Is that so?"
Yoruichi looked uninterested and waved him off.
"Fine, you can go now if there's nothing else. Remember to notify Soi Fon."
Ren acknowledged and silently exited the Captain's office.
Leaving the office, Ren returned to the training grounds.
Soi Fon wasn't practicing anymore; instead, she was sitting on the steps, staring blankly.
Seeing Ren return, she immediately stood up, her eyes a mix of curiosity and worry.
"How did it go?"
Soi Fon asked, her voice tinged with tension.
Ren sat down beside her and, after some deliberation, tactfully recounted Yoruichi's words. After Soi Fon finished listening, she fell silent for a long time.
Her expression was complicated.
Soi Fon whispered.
"So... Lady Yoruichi noticed I was developing this ability long ago, so..."
Ren nodded.
"The Captain said that since you've already figured out the clothing issue, she wanted to let you know ahead of time."
"The name of this ability is Shunko."
"Shunko..."
Soi Fon clenched her fists, her knuckles turning slightly white.
"What else did she say?"
Soi Fon asked, her voice even lower.
Ren hesitated for a moment before telling her about Yoruichi's request for her to come get the clothes tonight.
"W-What?!"
Lady Yoruichi wants me to go to her room, and she's giving me an outfit?!
Tonight, in Lady Yoruichi's room...
Wearing Lady Yoruichi's clothes...
No telling what Soi Fon was imagining, but her face instantly turned bright red.
Ren watched her reaction, feeling quite helpless.
'I knew she'd react like this...'
Soi Fon also realized her loss of composure. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her calm expression.
She cleared her throat twice to hide her embarrassment.
"...Hm, since Lady Yoruichi went through the trouble of preparing it, I cannot fail her kindness."
She spoke with a straight face, but the flush on her ears betrayed her.
"...Alright, have fun you two."
"I'll be heading back since there's nothing else."
What else could he say? He was merely a powerless bystander.
Ren sighed, standing up to leave.
"Wait."
Soi Fon looked at him and pursed her lips.
"Thank you, Ren."
Ren was stunned. This was the first time he had heard her thank him so formally.
"It was nothing."
Ren smiled, waved, and walked away.
Soi Fon stood there watching his retreating back for a long time before finally letting out a soft breath.
But no matter what, she couldn't slow down her racing heart.
This time, Soi Fon vaguely realized it wasn't just because of Lady Yoruichi's invitation.
She reached up to touch her burning earlobe, her toes curling unconsciously.
That restless state of mind would not settle for a long time.
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