Returning to the Second Division barracks, Hasumi Ren received a notice and made his way to the Captain's office.
Shihoin Yoruichi, clad in her captain's uniform, sat in the seat of honor.
Her eyes carried a trace of indifference as she quietly looked up at Ren. Her aura was steady, revealing little emotion.
"Captain Yoruichi."
Ren bowed slightly.
He knew Yoruichi had likely summoned him regarding Unohana's invitation to join the Fourth Division.
Yoruichi nodded. Her tone was calm, and without any unnecessary pleasantries, she cut straight to the point.
"Captain Unohana should have already spoken to you about transferring to the Fourth Division. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
Ren did not hide his intentions. He spoke slowly, his tone steady and resolute.
"Regarding this matter, I am willing to follow the transfer orders and head to the Fourth Division."
His answer was exactly as Yoruichi had expected.
Showing no surprise, she simply gave a light nod.
"Very well. Since you have made your decision, I will have someone process the transfer paperwork as soon as possible. It won't delay your studies and duties at the Fourth Division."
"Being able to utilize your talents in the Fourth Division is a good thing."
"Understood. Thank you, Captain Yoruichi."
Ren bowed slightly, his tone sincere.
Although he didn't have much attachment to the Second Division, Yoruichi was still his captain and had provided him with considerable convenience and guidance.
He would keep this kindness in mind.
"There's no need to thank me. This is your own choice, and it is what you deserve."
Yoruichi smiled, a hint of warmth flashing in her eyes.
"During your time in the Second Division, your performance has been excellent. With your outstanding talent and steady temperament, your future is promising."
"When Captain Unohana previously suggested you go to the Fourth Division for advanced training, I actually anticipated this day would come. I just didn't expect it to arrive so soon."
"Once you arrive at the Fourth Division, study well under Captain Unohana. Do not squander your talent, and do not betray her trust."
Yoruichi nodded, saying no more. After expressing his gratitude, Ren turned and left.
His figure gradually disappeared into the depths of the Second Division's corridors.
Watching his retreating back, Yoruichi thought of her original intention for bringing him into the Second Division and let out a soft chuckle.
If he could have stayed a little longer, once Urahara Kisuke was promoted to captain, Ren would have actually been within Yoruichi's consideration for the position of Detention Unit Commander of the Third Patrol Squad.
Aside from Soi Fon and a few veteran members from the noble families subordinate to the Shihoin clan, Ren had barely managed to meet her evaluation standards.
But since Captain Unohana had spoken up, it didn't really matter to her anymore.
After leaving, Ren headed toward the training grounds Soi Fon frequented.
Now that he was transferring to the Fourth Division, it was only right and proper to inform Soi Fon and bid her farewell.
At this moment, Soi Fon was training diligently on the grounds.
Her punches and kicks whipped up fierce gusts of wind. Every strike was precise and ruthless, making it clear she was striving to break through her bottleneck.
Sensing someone behind her, Soi Fon stopped her movements. She turned her head, and upon seeing Ren, a trace of excitement appeared on her face.
"You're finally here. I have some new ideas regarding Shunko. Let's test them out."
Seeing her enthusiastic demeanor, Ren chuckled softly, deciding not to rush his news.
The two exchanged blows, allowing him to pick up many more fragments.
Counting the fragments dropped by Soi Fon previously, along with those he had gathered around the division over the past few days...
Ren's Hakuda level finally upgraded to Lv6.
At that moment, a profound understanding of Shunko successfully surfaced in his mind.
All his past rigorous training in Hakuda and Kido transformed into the foundation for activating Shunko, pouring directly into his body.
He had successfully mastered the Shunko technique.
After organizing the thoughts in his head, Ren walked up to Soi Fon. His expression was calm, and his tone was a bit gentler than usual.
"There's something else I want to tell you."
Seeing his serious expression, a hint of confusion flashed in Soi Fon's eyes.
"What is it?"
Ren spoke slowly.
"I'm about to be transferred to the Fourth Division. I probably won't be coming to the Second Division much anymore, so I came today to let you know."
"Transferred... to the Fourth Division?"
Soi Fon froze upon hearing this.
Her voice carried a bit of bewilderment, along with a trace of panic that even she hadn't noticed.
In that instant, countless complex emotions surged into her heart.
After spending so much time together recently, she had grown somewhat accustomed to having Ren accompany her as a sparring partner during every training session.
She had never imagined that he would suddenly leave the Second Division.
Soi Fon wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat and she swallowed them back down.
She knew this wasn't a decision Ren could make on his own; it could only be an order handed down from above.
Watching the bewilderment on Soi Fon's face gradually be replaced by conflicting emotions, Ren sighed softly.
"Captain Unohana proposed it this time. She feels that the Fourth Division is a more suitable place for me to utilize my talent in Kaido."
"Besides, joining the Fourth Division is indeed a great opportunity for me."
Hearing this, a fleeting look of loneliness crossed Soi Fon's face as she gave a slight nod.
She had heard about Ren's performance in the Fourth Division; it was undeniably more brilliant than his time in the Second Division.
Earning Captain Unohana's high regard and joining the Fourth Division certainly offered better prospects than staying in the Second Division.
However, the mere thought of Ren leaving caused an inexplicable sourness to well up in her heart.
Even she didn't know where this feeling was coming from.
"Then, after you leave, what about the development of Shunko...?"
Soi Fon lowered her head, her fists clenching slightly. Even she didn't fully understand the underlying meaning behind her own words.
"What's wrong? Are you reluctant to part with your sparring partner?"
Hearing this, Soi Fon's cheeks flushed slightly. Her eyes darted away as she spoke in a stiff tone.
"Who cares about you? You flatter yourself..."
"Just make sure you perform well when you get to the Fourth Division. Don't embarrass the Stealth Force."
Seeing Soi Fon's slightly petulant demeanor as she said one thing but meant another, a faint smile flickered in Ren's eyes.
He knew that beneath this facade, she was actually reluctant to see him go.
"Don't worry. Later on, we can find a secret training spot to continue developing Shunko."
"I will keep an eye on it."
"Is that so? Well, at least you have a conscience..."
After receiving Ren's promise, Soi Fon's expression visibly improved. She crossed her arms over her chest, her tone softening considerably.
Thinking of this, a wicked little idea popped into Ren's head.
"By the way, Soi Fon, you asked me before how far along I was in developing Shunko."
"Today, I'll show you."
Before his voice even faded, Ren stripped off his upper garments, revealing his lean, muscular physique.
The next moment, the spiritual pressure around Ren's body surged explosively. Unlike its usual dispersed state, it instantly condensed and intertwined across his shoulders and back.
This power circulated rapidly within him, transforming into wisps of colorless Kido halos that erupted from his body.
The surrounding air was violently agitated by this force, whipping up fierce gales.
The powerful air currents howled past, causing Soi Fon's uniform to flutter wildly and plastering her messy hair against her cheeks.
*Th-This is?!*
The expression on Soi Fon's face instantly froze, and her pupils shrank drastically. It felt as though an invisible hand had gripped her heart, causing her breath to hitch.
Looking at the man before her in his current state, the sheer astonishment in Soi Fon's eyes could not be quelled for a long time.
Afterward, Soi Fon slowly stepped forward, standing right in front of Ren.
The emotion in her eyes was unreadable—it was hard to tell if it was surprise or disappointment.
She gently raised her hand, feeling the violent spiritual pressure radiating from him, and her lips parted slightly.
"So, this is Shunko..."