"Um, Hasumi-kun."
On the way to complete the induction procedures, the member leading the way spoke up hesitantly.
"About what happened at the training grounds earlier... everyone didn't really mean any harm. It's just that competition in the Punishment Force reserves is intense. When a special recruit suddenly shows up, it's inevitable that some people will be a bit..."
"It's fine. I don't mind."
Hasumi Ren smiled, not taking it to heart.
"That's good to hear. I'm Kosugi Ken. If you need anything, feel free to ask."
"I'll help you settle in today. Your official enlistment documents should be ready by tomorrow, and Soi Fon will bring them to you then."
Seeing that Hasumi Ren seemed easy to talk to, Kosugi Ken let out a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on his face.
"We'll be colleagues from now on, so let's look out for each other."
Soon, Kosugi led Hasumi to the logistics officer to complete the simple check-in procedures.
Hasumi received two sets of black training uniforms for the Punishment Force reserves, along with some basic daily necessities.
"Your bunk is in the third longhouse for the Punishment Force reserves, the second spot by the window."
The logistics officer made a note in the register.
"Wake up at 5:30 AM every day; morning training begins at 6:00. The schedule is posted on the bulletin board outside the longhouse. Also, make sure to read the squad rules inside the barracks yourself."
"Understood. Thank you."
Hasumi took the items.
Led by Kosugi, Hasumi passed through several corridors and arrived at a relatively simple cluster of buildings behind the Second Division's barracks.
These were interconnected wooden structures—evidently the 'longhouses' the man had mentioned.
"This is the dormitory area for reserve members."
"While the conditions are modest, it's actually quite good compared to other divisions' barracks. After all, you can only apply for a private room once you're promoted to a seated officer."
Hasumi nodded, unsurprised.
He had learned before that low-ranking members of the Gotei 13 usually stayed in communal dorms like this, and the Onmitsukido was no exception.
Kosugi brought him to the third longhouse.
Pushing the door open, the interior was reasonably spacious, with clean tatami flooring and enough room to sleep five.
The room smelled faintly of sweat and dust, though it was kept fairly tidy.
Since it was daytime and most members were either training or on missions, the room was empty, save for the neatly folded futons in the wall cubbies and some personal belongings.
Hasumi set down his supplies and tidied up a bit.
Outside the window, a portion of the Second Division's courtyard was visible, with the faint sounds of training shouts echoing in the distance.
He placed Garenge on a nearby sword rack and changed into the provided training uniform.
The clothing was one-size-fits-all, so it was a bit baggy, but it allowed for easy movement.
Looking at his reflection—dressed in black with his white hair tied back—Hasumi felt he truly looked different compared to his time at the Spiritual Arts Academy.
"Well, get familiar with the place and get some rest. I have training to get back to, so I'll be going now."
Seeing that Hasumi had finished settling in, Kosugi prepared to leave.
"Wait... training?"
A glint flashed in Hasumi's eyes as he spotted the glimmer of fragments flashing.
"Kosugi, I'm not really familiar with the rest of the Second Division's grounds yet. Why don't you show me around? Like... the training fields for the various squads and such."
Kosugi turned back, his lip twitching involuntarily at Hasumi's suddenly high spirits.
"...Eh?"
Before long, night fell.
Inside the Second Division's captain's office, the lights burned bright amidst the surrounding darkness.
Under the soft illumination, Yoruichi leaned lazily back in her oversized chair, looking much like a large cat.
Urahara Kisuke stood casually to the side.
Having finished her duties for the day, Soi Fon stood in the center of the room, posture ramrod straight, reporting on the day's assessment with a solemn expression.
Her voice was clear and steady, but her brow furrowed involuntarily when her gaze drifted toward the somewhat lethargic Urahara Kisuke.
"...In summary, Hasumi Ren has demonstrated levels in Hakuda, Shunpo, and combat intuition that far exceed those of an ordinary reserve member."
"His ability to learn and adapt during battle is particularly noteworthy."
Soi Fon's voice remained calm as she reported her observations.
Recalling Hasumi's performance in combat, she had to admit that the strange fellow definitely had some skill.
"Oh? Tell me more."
Yoruichi's eyes sparked with interest at those words.
Soi Fon pursed her lips but spoke truthfully.
"When he sparred with me, he could barely parry at first. But after becoming familiar with my attack patterns, he was already able to counter effectively. Later..."
Soi Fon thought of the combat style Hasumi had displayed—the fusion of Hakuda and Kido he had seemingly learned from her.
She paused, choosing not to state it explicitly, and opted for a different phrasing instead.
"His proficiency in Hakuda improves rapidly during actual combat. He is even capable of mimicking and learning my techniques on the fly."
"Oh?"
Yoruichi's interest piqued further. If Soi Fon described his improvement as 'rapid,' the kid definitely had potential.
Moreover, this kind of learning ability had appeared in the records of his sparring with prisoners in the Maggot's Nest, which Urahara Kisuke had also mentioned in passing.
Still, it wasn't something exceptionally remarkable; she had seen plenty of geniuses with high learning capacities.
Urahara Kisuke beside her was a prime example—he learned everything instantly, though his mind was eccentric, always pondering odd things.
Then there was Byakuya. When she visited the Kuchiki manor recently to tease the little brat, his Shunpo had also improved by leaps and bounds during their antics.
'From this perspective, Hasumi Ren is likely the same,' Yoruichi mused.
"Based on what you've said, Hasumi's talent and ability are quite impressive."
"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."
Soi Fon gave a slight nod.
"Good work, Soi Fon."
"Keep an eye on his movements, but don't pay him too much attention for now. Just treat him like an ordinary squad member."
"I have my own plans for him later on."
"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."
Soi Fon bowed respectfully. Once the report was finished, she exited the captain's office.
Before leaving, she cast a glance at Urahara Kisuke, who was doing heaven knows what, and a flicker of displeasure crossed her face.
After Soi Fon left, Yoruichi yawned and shot a thoughtful look at Urahara Kisuke.
"Decent potential, but I wonder where his limit lies. Kisuke, did you come here so late just to hear this report on Hasumi?"
Urahara Kisuke dropped his casual demeanor, his gaze turning profound beneath his bangs.
"Well, something like that. I am indeed a bit curious."
"Is that so? You seem very interested in him. It's been a while—have you discovered anything unusual?"
Yoruichi asked lazily.
However, Urahara Kisuke didn't answer. He looked out at the deep night outside the window, lost in thought.
"That... is hard to say for now."
"But Captain, now that Hasumi has joined the Onmitsukido, he can be considered one of our own, in a sense."
Yoruichi glanced sideways at him.
"You're not wrong, but it still requires time to verify... What are you planning now?"
"It's nothing. Please don't always think so poorly of me, Captain."
"Ah, I'm so tired. If you don't have any orders, Captain, I'll be heading back to rest as well."
Under Yoruichi's thoroughly skeptical gaze, Urahara Kisuke yawned and turned to leave.
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