LazyXalien here : I was busy traveling today, so there won't be a Patreon chapter for today. I had a backup for this kind of situation, but my friend somehow messed it up by not including paragraph spaces and mixing up the whole structure of the chapter.
Additionally, we are currently 14 chapters ahead on Patreon. This time, there will be a mass release of 10+ more chapters on Patreon (Same Expert Tier), which I wasn't able to do last Sunday due to feeling depressed.
Support me on : patreon_com/LazyXalien
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After the fireworks show, Suì-Fēng pulled her hand out of Yamahiko's hand. The process of holding hands lasted less than ten minutes, but Yamahiko was already satisfied.
Being able to have Suì-Fēng briefly accept his gestures was progress in itself. Yamahiko knew that she was not averse to his advances and could even react positively, but her personality and past experiences made her unlikely to take the initiative.
What he needed to do was gradually change her personality and help her move on from her past. In this regard, he had made some progress.
...
"Wait, Captain Suì-Fēng, your hair has fallen down again?"
The next morning, Yamahiko looked at Suì-Fēng, who appeared in front of him with alarm. At this point, the part of Suì-Fēng's hair that had been tied up had come down, and her side-swept bangs were fixed back into a bob, minus the two braids.
Suì-Fēng said impatiently, "It's too troublesome. It takes up so much time every day."
Yamahiko scratched his head, feeling a bit disappointed. Had his attempt at a makeover failed?
Seeing his disappointed expression, Suì-Fēng suddenly added, "But in the future, we can try it again when there's a chance."
"That's good then."
Yamahiko beamed with happiness, and Suì-Fēng nodded, saying, "Alright, today you still need to contact Shiba Kūkaku to finalize the upcoming contract. You should get going."
Yamahiko remembered that he had to go to Kūkaku's place later to discuss the next season's procurement. So he left the Seireitei.
Upon arriving at the Shiba mansion, Yamahiko entered without any issues. Kaien Shiba and Miyako Shiba were not around, but Kūkaku's subordinates, Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko, had already accepted him as part of their group.
Yamahiko went to the back and found Kūkaku Shiba. She smiled when she saw him and said, "Yamahiko, you're here."
Yamahiko replied with a smile, "Kūkaku, I'm here to sign the procurement contract for the next season."
Kūkaku nodded and said, "Come on in, I've been waiting for you."
They went inside, where they signed the procurement contract. Kūkaku then asked with a smile, "How did it go yesterday? Did you succeed?"
Yamahiko chuckled and said, "Yes, I held the Captain's hand."
Kūkaku huffed and said, "Holding hands? You've barely made any progress. Can't my fireworks touch her heart?"
Yamahiko maintained his smile and said, "No need to rush. I believe she'll eventually fall for me."
Kūkaku Shiba nodded and asked, "Do you want to stay here for lunch today?"
Yamahiko waved his hand and replied, "No, I need to take the contract back."
After bidding farewell to Kūkaku Shiba, Yamahiko left the Shiba estate. However, just a short distance away, a group of figures emerged from the dense forest, surrounding him.
"Hey, little rascal, wait up."
Before him stood Kūkaku's brother, Ganju Shiba, riding a boar, accompanied by four of his subordinates, who formed a circle around Yamahiko.
Yamahiko looked at Ganju with a hint of annoyance and said, "Brother Ganju, are you looking to get beaten up again?"
Ganju huff and retorted, "Getting beaten up, little rascal? This time we came fully prepared, and I won't lose again."
Since being shocked unconscious by Yamahiko half a year ago, Ganju had been seeking revenge. He had challenged Yamahiko several times but was defeated on every occasion. This time, he wasn't alone; he had four subordinates and five boars with him, making it a more significant threat.
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Ganju chuckled and said, "Come on, little rascal. This time, I'll spank you good."
Yamahiko gazed at Ganju and asked, "But why would I want to fight you?"
Ganju was taken aback and inquired, "We're challenging you."
Yamahiko yawned and said, "Well, I'm quite tired, and I have to get back to Seireitei quickly. I don't have time to play with you."
"Play? What are you talking about? I'm not playing anymore," Ganju was not pleased with being underestimated.
Yamahiko smiled and said, "Actually, if you want me to fight with you, it's not impossible. But if you lose, you'll need to give something in return."
Ganju asked directly, "What do you want?"
Yamahiko calmly uttered two words, "Seppa."
[Seppa Sen severs a large portion of the ground, causing it to slide into the pit. - Img]
That's right, what Yamahiko wanted was Ganju's specialty: Seppa.
Seppa or Stone Wave was a peculiar technique that utilized Reishi to transform stones into sand. It may seem simple but had remarkable applications. Firstly, it could be used to create a cushioning point. When falling from a great height and there's no time to use spiritual power to create a foothold, Seppa could turn the ground into sand for a safe landing. Ichigo Kurosaki and Ganju used this method to mitigate the impact when they entered Seireitei.
Secondly, it could be used to dig pits, set traps, or alter the terrain. When employed in combat, it could have a good effect, especially against powerful opponents, but it was also a useful supplementary technique.
Upon hearing Yamahiko's request, Ganju pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, but you can't use your Zanpakuto abilities."
Yamahiko smiled and agreed, "Okay."
"Let's go, everyone," Ganju commanded. His four subordinates mounted their boars and charged towards Yamahiko.
Seeing this, Yamahiko smiled faintly. They were just regular souls; they wouldn't be able to harm him.
Yamahiko was about to leap into the air when one of the subordinates tossed a flashbang into the air. Realizing its power, Yamahiko quickly removed the protective goggles from his head. He wore these goggles as a precaution, as they could protect his eyes from things like sand and dust.
The flashbang exploded with a bright light, but it didn't harm anyone.
However, just as the flashbang went off, another explosion occurred.
Bang!
Red smoke billowed, and Yamahiko felt a burning sensation in his mouth as soon as he made contact with the smoke.
"What's this?" Yamahiko furrowed his brow. A smoke bomb with an irritating scent was supposed to be exclusive to Onmitsukidō's units, not for general use.
Ganju chuckled as he explained, "This is my unique chili smoke bomb. It's pretty uncomfortable, isn't it?"
Holding his breath, Yamahiko was about to react when two bombs suddenly appeared next to him.
Yamahiko leaped into the air, avoiding the explosions of the bombs beneath him. However, in the next moment, a massive net descended from above, shrouding him entirely.
Yamahiko summoned a kunai to his left hand and made a swift slash through the air, but the net remained intact.
"This is a specially reinforced net, you won't be able to cut through it," Ganju boasted.
Yamahiko had no choice but to descend to the ground. As soon as he touched the earth, a large pit appeared beneath him, and he continued to fall.
"This time, you're in for it," Ganju taunted. The large net covered the pit, concealing Yamahiko's location.
One of Ganju's subordinates exclaimed, "Big brother, we've got him this time!"
Ganju's eyes welled with emotion as he said, "All the preparation has been worth it. I can finally let off some steam."
Another subordinate proudly added, "How could a Shinigami who can't escape be expected to beat us?"
However, at that moment, a blue light soared into the sky, creating a massive beam of energy that pierced the heavens.
"Hado #88, Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!" ("Flying Dragon-Striking Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannon!")
The enormous energy column obliterated the net, and the edges of the pit were charred. The boars underneath the five men panicked, toppling them over.
Yamahiko leaped out of the pit and looked at Ganju, asking, "Your Seppa is indeed impressive. I want it even more now. By the way, are you going to give it to me directly, or should we have another sparring session?"
Shiba Ganju, never expecting Yamahiko's incredible Kido abilities, said in a tearful voice, "I... I'll give it to you."
~End of the chapter~
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