Hearing Urahara Kisuke's teasing tone, Hasumi Ren curled his lip.
The two walked down the steps, retracing the path they had come.
"Speaking of which," Urahara asked suddenly, "you practiced the dual-chanting technique today. How did it feel?"
Hasumi paused to consider.
"Not bad. My control over spiritual pressure has improved noticeably, especially my perception of the finer details in different Kido spells."
"Plus, the dual-chanting technique gave me a lot of inspiration. I didn't realize spiritual pressure could be woven and fused like that."
"That is an apt description."
Urahara nodded.
"The essence of Kido is using spiritual pressure to construct a formula, then using incantations as a guide to trigger it. Low-level Kido are simple structures, while high-level Kido are complex constructions."
"Dual Kido involves building multiple structures simultaneously and making them work in harmony."
He paused and looked at Hasumi.
"How long do you think it will take you to truly master dual chanting?"
Hasumi thought for a moment.
"If it's just mimicking the spiritual pressure structure, I managed that today. But to use it in real combat... that will probably take a long time."
"You're quite modest. Based on your progress, it doesn't look like you'll need much time at all."
Urahara chuckled.
"Do you know how long the average Kido Corps member takes to go from starting practice to combat application?"
"How long?"
"Over a year. And that is for the talented ones. Very few can actually do it," Urahara said softly.
"In the Gotei 13, those capable of dual chanting are usually at the Lieutenant level."
Hasumi remained silent.
Urahara glanced at him and continued.
"That's why Mr. Tsukabishi thinks so highly of you. Being able to simulate a prototype just by watching for a moment... it's honestly a bit terrifying."
"By the way, how is your Kaido coming along?"
"It's going well. Under Lieutenant Yamada's guidance, I've already started trying organ repair techniques."
"Organ repair? Isn't that high-level Kaido approaching the Lieutenant level...?"
Urahara Kisuke's eyes widened slightly.
It hadn't been long at all. Hasumi's progress was becoming frightening.
"This is truly..."
Urahara Kisuke shook his head, momentarily at a loss for words.
As they neared the Squad 2 barracks, Hasumi suddenly spoke.
"Third Seat Urahara, when can you give me a plan for the hot spring improvement project?"
"What, in such a hurry?"
"Yes," Hasumi nodded. "I'd like to move forward as soon as possible."
Urahara thought it over.
"This isn't a small project. I need to organize some data and do a preliminary cost analysis. However..."
He looked at Hasumi.
"If we actually start construction, the investment won't be small."
"Don't worry. Lieutenant Omaeda already approached me. The shop in the Noble District is almost ready."
"There won't be a shortage of initial funding."
The corners of Urahara Kisuke's mouth curled up.
"Fine. I'll make the arrangements as soon as I can."
The two parted ways at the main gate of Squad 2.
Urahara went to organize his materials, while Hasumi headed to the Captain's office to inform Yoruichi about his off-the-books training with the Kido Corps.
Though surprised, Yoruichi eventually agreed.
After all, she and Tsukabishi Tessai were old acquaintances. Even if she didn't know what the old man was thinking, she was willing to do him the favor.
Back at his quarters, Hasumi leaned against his bed and let out a long sigh.
Today had been packed with information.
Hasumi closed his eyes and began to process everything he had gained.
Progress was decent.
Hasumi's gaze fell on his spiritual power experience bar.
Based on the rate of fragment absorption in Squad 4, combined with the Kido Corps' supplements, reaching Grade 6 was just around the corner.
It had taken so long just to reach the level Shiba Kaien had when he first joined. He didn't even know what to say.
Fortunately, he had Urahara Kisuke.
Once the hot spring development was complete, there would be some hope for accelerating his spiritual power level growth.
Outside, the night deepened, and lights flickered across the Seireitei.
Toward the Squad 2 barracks, a few figures moved quickly across the rooftops—likely members on night duty.
The next day, Hasumi headed to Squad 4 as scheduled.
When he saw Yamada Seinosuke, they exchanged nods. They had become quite familiar with one another.
And Yamada Seinosuke seemed to have gradually accepted Hasumi.
After all, Hasumi's current level of Kaido was already considered masterful within Squad 4.
With a bit more refinement, he would be able to learn directly from Captain Unohana.
After tonight's session, while the other members left, Yamada Seinosuke called out to Hasumi.
Though his expression remained stern, his eyes lacked the aloofness from before.
"Lieutenant Yamada, is something the matter?"
Yamada placed a dark wooden box on the table.
"Captain Unohana asked me to bring you something."
Hasumi looked at the box, which bore the Squad 4 insignia on its lid.
"This is...?"
"Advanced Kaido texts and notes compiled by the Captain."
Yamada opened the lid, revealing seven or eight volumes and a scroll neatly stacked inside.
"The Captain says your talent is exceptional and these materials should be helpful."
Hasumi picked up the top book.
'Detailed Analysis of Spiritual Vessel Networks - Annotated by Unohana Retsu'
Opening the title page, he saw elegant yet powerful handwriting filling the margins with annotations.
From the basic principles of spiritual pressure flow to advanced Kaido techniques, everything was clear and organized.
"This... is truly precious."
"Lieutenant Yamada, please thank Captain Unohana on my behalf," Hasumi said seriously, closing the book.
"These materials are invaluable."
"The Captain values your talent. Work hard and don't disappoint her."
"Of course."
Yamada was silent for a moment before suddenly speaking.
"I heard you'll be spending time at the Kido Corps from now on?"
Hasumi's heart stirred.
"That's true. Kaido is a branch of Kido, and both involve the application of spiritual pressure. I wanted to see if I could find cross-references between them."
Yamada stared at Hasumi.
"If you were a member of this squad, I would certainly criticize you. But since you aren't, and your progress in Kaido is abnormally fast, I can't say much."
"Just know what you're doing. Do what you must, and don't waste your talent."
With that, Yamada Seinosuke turned to leave, but stopped at the doorway.
Yamada looked back slightly toward Hasumi.
After a moment's hesitation, he spoke softly.
"By the way... have you ever considered joining Squad 4?"
Hasumi's movements slowed as he looked up at Yamada Seinosuke.
"What do you mean by that, Lieutenant Yamada?"
"...It's just a casual thought. Your talent for Kaido would be best utilized here in Squad 4."
"Is this Captain Unohana's idea too?"
"No, it has nothing to do with her. It's just my personal opinion."
Seeing Hasumi's pensive expression, Yamada's eyes darkened slightly.
"Forget it. Pretend I didn't say anything."
Yamada Seinosuke walked straight out of the room without looking back.
And as Hasumi watched Yamada's departing back, he was lost in thought.
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