The night breeze blew across the Second Division's training grounds, sweeping away the lingering spiritual pressure in the air.
Soi Fon gripped the Zanpakuto at her waist, walking step by step toward the barracks.
At this moment, her mind continuously replayed the image of Hasumi Ren executing Shunko just moments ago.
The fierce speed, the explosive spiritual pressure...
Every detail was incredibly clear, like a fine needle gently pricking her heart.
The evening wind ruffled the loose hair on her forehead and tangled the thoughts in her heart, causing her footsteps to unconsciously slow down.
Soi Fon's heart was a tangled mess of conflicting emotions.
She had been delving into Shunko for quite some time, polishing the technique of fusing spiritual pressure day after day without the slightest slackening.
Fortunately, Hasumi Ren had given her plenty of inspiration regarding the circulation of Kido, allowing her to connect the nodes of Kido bursts much faster.
Thanks to their brief time sparring together, her progress had been quite good, and she had barely touched the threshold of Shunko.
Although she couldn't sustain it for long periods yet, she could already achieve a powerful momentary burst.
As for Hasumi Ren's progress...
In truth, it wasn't that Soi Fon hadn't anticipated his progress being a bit faster than her own.
After all, his understanding of Shunko had always been rather impressive.
But she never expected that Hasumi Ren would already be able to execute Shunko so fluidly.
By the looks of it, he could even control it with perfect ease.
Hasumi Ren's current strength was absolutely not beneath her own.
Not too long ago, he was just an inconspicuous, ordinary member of the Second Division.
Yet in just this short amount of time, he had grown to a level where she needed to look up to him.
Remembering the news of Hasumi Ren's impending transfer to the Fourth Division, an inexplicable sourness welled up in her heart.
From now on, she wouldn't be able to drag him into sparring sessions whenever she wanted, nor would she frequently hear his seemingly plain but always enlightening advice.
Even the camaraderie they shared while studying Shunko together seemed destined to be severed by the boundaries of their divisions.
But on second thought, the two of them had agreed to find a secret training ground.
They had promised to continue developing Shunko together. The sourness in her heart gradually faded, slowly replaced by a strange, unfamiliar feeling.
Thinking about it this way, that guy Hasumi Ren was actually pretty decent.
She just didn't understand why Captain Unohana had taken a liking to him of all people.
*Was it really just because of his talent in Kaido?*
Soi Fon couldn't help but frown in thought, recalling that the progress Hasumi Ren had shown in Hakuda recently was equally astonishing.
*Could it be that his talent in Kido is even greater than in Hakuda?*
A series of doubts swirled in her mind, making her increasingly unable to figure Hasumi Ren out, and increasingly curious.
*Just how many secrets is this guy hiding?*
Lost in thought, Soi Fon walked aimlessly.
Before she knew it, she had arrived at the door to the Captain's office.
Her fingertips subconsciously tightened. *At this hour, Lady Yoruichi should still be handling official business. It wouldn't be appropriate to disturb her.*
Just as Soi Fon was about to turn and leave quietly, Yoruichi's calm voice unexpectedly rang out from inside.
"What are you doing standing at the door? Come in, Soi Fon."
Soi Fon's heart skipped a beat. Suppressing her chaotic thoughts, she gently pushed the door open and entered.
Inside, Shihoin Yoruichi sat in the main seat, her expression carrying a hint of deep thought.
Urahara Kisuke stood to the side, his face devoid of its usual frivolous demeanor.
It seemed the two were discussing something important.
"Lady Yoruichi."
Soi Fon bowed slightly, offering a respectful greeting.
Her gaze subconsciously swept between the two, faintly sensing the heavy atmosphere.
Yoruichi nodded, gesturing for her to rise.
"Perfect timing. Urahara and I were just discussing a mission. Recently, there has been a frequent string of Soul Reaper disappearances in the Seireitei, and it's highly suspicious."
"For this mission, Urahara will serve as the head person in charge. We are officially forming a specialized investigation team and preparing to select a few capable individuals. It just so happens you can join as well."
Soi Fon paused for a moment before nodding in agreement.
"Yes, I obey your command. However, Lady Yoruichi, what exactly is this mission?"
Yoruichi glanced at Urahara Kisuke, who was organizing documents to the side.
"Urahara, you explain it."
Hearing this, Urahara Kisuke raised a hand and scratched his head.
"It's regarding the recent string of Soul Reaper disappearances. Multiple Soul Reapers from other divisions have vanished inexplicably while on missions, leaving absolutely no trace behind."
"I've investigated a few clues recently and have a general direction."
"In quite a few of these disappearance cases, large Hollows have been spotted. But for it to happen this frequently is indeed a bit suspicious."
Saying this, he shifted the topic, looking at Yoruichi with a somewhat serious proposal in his tone.
"Speaking of which, why not let Hasumi Ren participate in this mission as well?"
"After all, Hasumi Ren has participated in similar reconnaissance and tracking missions before, and he has completed them quite excellently every time."
"He is meticulous, possesses sufficient strength, and doesn't act rashly. Having him around will be a great help for this mission."
Hearing this, Yoruichi raised an eyebrow slightly.
"That alone doesn't seem like enough of a reason to specifically add him in."
"There are other available members in the division. We don't necessarily have to seek out someone who is about to transfer to the Fourth Division."
In her heart, Yoruichi had already sensed that Urahara definitely had ulterior motives for making such a proposal.
However, seeing Yoruichi's probing gaze, Urahara merely smiled and didn't elaborate.
"There's no special reason. I just think he's a suitable candidate, that's all."
He deliberately avoided voicing his true thoughts, unwilling to let Yoruichi discern his real intentions.
Looking at Urahara Kisuke's demeanor, Yoruichi sighed and didn't press the issue.
She was already accustomed to Urahara Kisuke's personality. It was likely just another one of his little schemes, which shouldn't have any impact on this mission.
After all, he had been showing a special interest in Hasumi Ren recently, so this proposal wasn't entirely surprising.
Truthfully, she had also been pondering whether to include Hasumi Ren in this mission.
Hasumi Ren was about to transfer to the Fourth Division; this would perhaps be his final mission in the Second Division.
Ultimately, it would be the last time she could order him around.
After all, he would belong to the Fourth Division from then on and would no longer be under the Second Division's command.
Besides, during his time in the Second Division, Hasumi Ren had done quite a lot for the squad.
Whether it was helping members improve during sparring or his outstanding performance in previous missions, he was worthy of recognition.
Letting him exert his strength for the Second Division one last time would mean his time here hadn't been in vain.
It would also serve to draw a complete and satisfying conclusion to his time under her command.
After pondering for a moment, Yoruichi nodded, her tone firm.
"Very well. Since you put it that way, let Hasumi Ren join in as well."
"With you leading the team this time, and given your expertise in handling all sorts of emergencies, I imagine there won't be any major obstacles."
"Let him follow you and complete this final mission. Once the mission is over, he will officially transfer to the Fourth Division."
"That way, his time spent in the Second Division won't have been for nothing."
Urahara Kisuke smiled and nodded, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.
"Then, thank you very much, Captain."
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