Ren felt a momentary pang of awkwardness. "Releasing Shikai must be quite taxing, right? There's no need to go to such trouble, Sōsuke. Instead, share more of your insights on improving spiritual pressure."
What on earth was going on? Aizen not only admitted he had mastered Shikai but also offered to show off his Zanpakuto.
Ren was willing to believe that the mystical nature of this endgame-like space would nullify Kyoka Suigetsu's effects once he completed his mission and returned to his world. Moreover, he doubted that Aizen would act recklessly within the academy.
But no way was he letting his roommate put him under 'complete hypnosis'.
He was here to speedrun through the Shin'ō Academy, not star in an R-rated spin-off called Hypnosis Academy.
Aizen seemed mildly surprised by the refusal. "Oh, then never mind. I thought you might find it interesting. If you encounter difficulties resonating with your Zanpakuto in the future, I'd be happy to demonstrate."
As the dormitory lights dimmed for the night, Aizen assumed his usual meditative pose to cultivate his abilities. Following his lead, Ren sat cross-legged, but instead of absorbing spiritual particles, he focused on resonating with his Asauchi.
As Aizen explained earlier, resonance was an elusive concept. The key wasn't about harmonizing with the Asauchi itself—it was about connecting with the depths of his own soul. Once that connection was established, the next step was infusing his soul into the sword, discovering its true name, and mastering Shikai.
In the pitch-black dorm room, Aizen opened his eyes briefly, observing Ren in his meditation with a flicker of curiosity.
Why would such an eager learner refuse to see my Shikai? Does he somehow know the true nature of my Zanpakuto?
No, that's impossible…
------
The next morning, Ren rubbed his temples as he faced the rising sun.
He had spent the entire night meditating, focusing intensely on sensing the rhythm of his soul. Yet, the result was… nothing.
For someone of his natural talent, he'd expected to breeze through Zanpakuto resonance. But this proved more challenging than anticipated.
Was Aizen correct? Did Shikai require a much higher spiritual pressure threshold?
In theory, rank 17 spiritual pressure wasn't inadequate for Shikai, but it was undeniably on the lower end. Ren couldn't reach the core of his soul; the sensation was indescribably elusive.
Following the standard 'Zanpakuto Resonance Technique' taught in the academy, all he could perceive within himself was an endless abyss of darkness.
The night's meditation had drained him mentally. Though Ren was used to gruelling physical training that could last for days without sleep, his earlier exertion during the Kidō class had already depleted his soul energy reserves to about 30%.
"Ren-kun, you've just started practising; it's better to get some sleep at night," Aizen advised, apparently noticing his roommate's fatigue.
Stretching, Ren tried to energize himself. "Sōsuke, you look quite energetic even though you never seem to get a wink of sleep."
"I've grown accustomed to it over time. Besides, with proper meditation techniques, it's almost like resting," Aizen replied. "There are tricks to it; I'll show you some tonight."
The two continued chatting as they headed to their first class of the day: Hohō (Fast Movement).
Ren had already learned some basics about Shunpo (Flash Step) from Aizen the day before.
Unlike the Sonído of Hollows, Shunpo relied on physical strength and advanced kinetic techniques. It used strategic bursts of power and carefully chosen footholds to achieve rapid movement.
In the manga, Shinigami using Shunpo often appeared to teleport stylishly, but according to Aizen, that wasn't the case at all.
Most Shinigami after learning Shunpo could only....run faster.
Ren regarded Shunpo as a high-level footwork technique. Only those with exceptionally high spiritual pressure—or those with naturally outstanding physical attributes—could achieve the kind of effects that resembled teleportation.
Even then, it was primarily used for 'bullying weaklings'. In the eyes of seasoned experts; Shunpo users merely seemed to be moving at high speed.
Additionally, to give the impression of true teleportation, one had to perfect their finishing pose—stopping gracefully without abrupt or exaggerated movements.
Simply put, style mattered.
The more effortlessly cool you looked, the better. Like Captain Kuchiki Byakuya, who always maintained pristine composure after a flash step, with his robes flowing elegantly, as though he hadn't just been sprinting at high speed.
Ren wasn't particularly obsessed with achieving that level of refinement. His interest lay in Shunpo's principles, confident that mastering the technique would significantly boost his mobility in combat.
The class was taught by a noble from the Ōmaeda family, who also served as the third seat of the Stealth Force and possessed impressive Shunpo mastery.
Acknowledging Ren's reputation as a 'genius transfer student', the instructor refrained from direct guidance. Instead, he appointed the student with the best Shunpo scores in the class to 'educate' him.
"Ren, what's with that expression?"
A familiar figure stepped in front of him. Though her expression was calm, Shihōin Yoruichi's lively eyes betrayed her playful amusement.
"Nothing, I just thought Sōsuke could teach me instead," Ren quipped, turning toward Aizen.
Aizen adjusted his glasses with a smile. "No no, Shihōin-san's Shunpo is easily the best in the academy. It's much better for her to guide you."
Traitor! Ren mentally cursed.
Aizen was clearly enjoying the show, though he wasn't wrong—standing before him was none other than the future 'Flash Goddess' herself. Even a younger Yoruichi would already possess extraordinary Shunpo prowess.
Yesterday, when Ren sparred with Yoruichi in Hakuda, the proud young noblewoman refrained from using her Shunpo techniques. After all, once he had her pinned to the floor, there hadn't been an opportunity for her to demonstrate them, which was why he managed to defeat her.
But today was a different matter. Yoruichi would undoubtedly unleash her most advanced Shunpo skills to "educate" him.
Wait a second. This is a Shunpo class, Ren reassured himself. No matter how much Yoruichi wants payback, she's not allowed to actually beat me up, right? Right?!
Steadying his nerves, he forced a smile. "I'll have to trouble you, Yoruichi-san."
"Do we know each other that well? You should call me Shihōin-san."
Yoruichi rolled her eyes and smirked. "Or maybe 'Yoruichi-onee-sama~.'"
Ren felt a little irked. He'd overlooked this detail—having read the manga, he primarily remembered her as Yoruichi, rarely paying attention to her surname. To him, 'Yoruichi' felt like a proper name on its own.
Why are you damn stuck-up nobles so picky about these things?
Seeing his silence, Yoruichi's smirk deepened. "How about this? I'll even suppress my spiritual pressure to match your level. I'll teach you earnestly during this class, but by the end, we'll have a speed match. If you lose, every time you see me, you'll have to respectfully call me 'Yoruichi-senpai.' That's acceptable to you, right?"
"I'm not racing you. You're from the prestigious Shihōin family—you've been practising Shunpo for years."
Ren spread his hands in mock surrender. "That's just unfair. I'm not dumb enough to take that bet. Besides, you've only mentioned the punishment for me losing. What happens if I win?"
"Win?"
Yoruichi's eyes scanned him from head to toe, her gaze almost comical. "You think you can beat me in speed?"
"Why not?"
Ren saw footwork as an extension of martial arts—a domain where he had considerable confidence in his learning ability. He wasn't expecting to surpass Yoruichi in a single day, but he firmly believed that given time, he'd have a shot.
As if hearing the funniest joke in the world, Yoruichi laughed—a clear, melodious sound that somehow felt both mocking and charming.
"Sorry to ruin your parade, but....that's impossible," she said, her grin widening.
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[T/N] - Don't forget to VOTE Powestones!