Hasumi Ren glanced sideways at Urahara Kisuke, who was squinting with a playful, enigmatic smile.
"What is it?" Hasumi Ren pouted. "Planning to teach me yourself?"
Urahara gave a soft chuckle and scratched the back of his head.
"Such a complex technique... even I haven't delved into it deeply enough. I'm afraid I wouldn't be much of a teacher."
"However..."
Urahara Kisuke paused, casting his gaze toward Tsukabishi Tessai, who was instructing squad members nearby.
"If you truly wish to learn, you could try asking the Grand Kido Chief. He might just agree to your request."
Hasumi Ren looked at Urahara Kisuke skeptically.
"You really have that much clout here?"
"It doesn't hurt to try."
Hasumi Ren felt like Urahara Kisuke was pulling his leg, but he had no proof.
Practice on the field continued, though the atmosphere had shifted subtly.
Many squad members still stole glances toward Hasumi Ren, their eyes filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and even a faint competitive edge.
Hasumi Ren turned a blind eye to it all.
His attention returned to the system panel. The gains from his recent observations and attempts were far more substantial than expected.
[SYSTEM: SPIRITUAL DENSITY: LEVEL 7 (EXP: 7350/12000)]
[SYSTEM: KIDO: LV5 (EXP: 1830/8000)]
Then, a new line of text surfaced.
[SYSTEM: UNLOCKED KIDO BRANCH SKILL: DOUBLE INCANTATION (ENTRY: 1%)]
Hasumi Ren felt a jolt of excitement.
This was...?
He soon discovered that as he absorbed the fragments dropped by the Kido Corps members, his Double Incantation proficiency began to rise alongside his Kido experience.
1%... 2%... 3%...
This came as a pleasant surprise to Hasumi Ren.
'Nice, there is even a second stage.'
'To think the system had this kind of hidden capability.'
'If that's the case, I definitely need to visit the Kido Corps more often.'
After all, he quite coveted the high-level technique of Chant Abandonment.
Before long, Urahara checked the time and walked over to Hasumi Ren.
"Do you want to continue practicing? It's getting late."
Hasumi Ren scanned the training grounds; the fragments had become scarce.
He had already absorbed what he could; staying longer would yield diminishing returns.
"That's enough for today. Let's head out."
Urahara nodded understandingly.
As they were about to leave, Tsukabishi Tessai's steady voice called out from behind them.
"Gentlemen, allow me to see you out."
With that, Tsukabishi Tessai took the lead toward the exit.
Urahara and Hasumi Ren shared a look before following.
The three of them walked through the long corridor, their footsteps echoing in the empty passage.
"Master Urahara," Tsukabishi Tessai spoke suddenly, "you mentioned earlier that Hasumi Ren is studying Kaido at the Fourth Division?"
"That's right," Urahara smiled. "Captain Unohana gave the okay personally. Apparently, he's doing quite well."
Tsukabishi Tessai remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Kaido is a branch of Kido. While they share similarities, they are distinct systems. To study both simultaneously and make progress in each is no small feat."
He turned his gaze toward Hasumi Ren.
"Which squad do you belong to in the Onmitsukido?"
"The Punishment Force, directly assigned."
Hasumi Ren answered honestly.
"The Punishment Force..."
Tsukabishi Tessai mused.
"That is a place that tempers a soul. I wonder, does Lady Yoruichi have other arrangements for you?"
Hasumi Ren thought for a moment, unsure of Tessai's intent.
"I'm currently an ordinary member. As for other arrangements, Captain Yoruichi hasn't given any specific instructions."
Tsukabishi Tessai nodded and said no more.
They continued walking in a slightly heavy silence.
Hasumi Ren couldn't quite pin down the motive behind Tessai's questions.
Urahara, meanwhile, watched Tessai's back with a contemplative look in his eyes.
Was Tsukabishi Tessai intending to recruit Hasumi Ren?
Was it because of the Kido talent he had displayed?
As they neared the main gate, Tsukabishi Tessai slowed his pace and looked at Hasumi Ren again.
"Did you find today's visit fruitful?"
Hasumi Ren considered it before replying.
"I certainly did."
"The Double Incantation technique showed me deeper possibilities within Kido."
Tsukabishi Tessai gave a slight nod.
"Indeed. Kido is not merely a tool for combat, but a path to exploring the essence of Reishi."
He paused, his tone becoming grave.
"But I must warn you. Double Incantation—and even higher levels of Kido—place extreme demands on spiritual pressure control and mental strength."
"If your foundation is not solid, forcing the study will only result in self-injury. Your attempt today was successful, but true mastery requires extensive practice."
"I understand," Hasumi Ren replied solemnly.
Tsukabishi Tessai watched him for a few seconds before suddenly asking.
"Would you like to come again?"
The question caught Hasumi Ren off guard.
Even Urahara Kisuke seemed slightly surprised; he hadn't expected Tessai to extend such an invitation.
"Today was very rewarding. If I have the chance to come and seek further guidance, I would be honored."
Upon hearing this, Tsukabishi Tessai nodded slightly.
His gaze shifted between Urahara and Hasumi Ren, as if he were weighing something in his mind.
After a long while, he finally spoke.
"Since you are not a member of the Kido Corps, frequent visits as an outsider would be somewhat inconvenient."
Then, Tessai's tone shifted.
"However, there is a way."
Tsukabishi Tessai continued.
"Report today's events to Lady Yoruichi when you return. If she agrees, I can arrange an 'External Researcher' status for you."
"That way, you can visit the Kido Corps for regular study under the guise of inter-squad cooperation. It will keep things official."
Urahara raised an eyebrow.
"An 'External Researcher'? I've never heard of such a status."
"It didn't exist before, but it can now."
Tsukabishi Tessai's voice was flat.
"As the Grand Kido Chief, I possess at least this much authority."
He spoke as if it were a trivial matter, but Hasumi Ren knew this 'authority' was anything but simple.
Tsukabishi Tessai looked at Hasumi Ren.
"You are already studying Kaido at the Fourth Division. If we add Kido Corps training to that, will you be able to manage your time?"
"Yes. My duties in the Second Division are relatively flexible. With proper planning, it shouldn't be an issue."
After a brief silence, Tsukabishi Tessai nodded.
"Very well. Once you have Lady Yoruichi's permission, come find me."
By then, the three had reached the main gate of the Kido Corps.
The doors slowly opened, letting in the sunlight of the Seireitei.
"I will leave you here."
Tsukabishi Tessai stopped.
"Master Urahara, we shall handle the materials as per the usual arrangement."
"Understood. Thank you for your hospitality today, Grand Kido Chief," Urahara said with a smile.
Tsukabishi Tessai nodded, his gaze lingering one last time on Hasumi Ren.
"Young man, I hope you cherish your talent."
With that, Tsukabishi Tessai turned around as the heavy doors slowly rumbled shut behind him.
Hasumi Ren and Urahara stood on the steps outside the Kido Corps, the afternoon sun a bit dazzling.
"I didn't expect that, Hasumi Ren. The Grand Kido Chief seems to think quite highly of you."
"First the Fourth Division, and now the Kido Corps... at this rate, I'm starting to wonder if you're even a member of the Second Division anymore."