Chapter 82
This guy doesn't keep everything to himself.
But the fact that he was able to use Hyōga Seiran in actual combat indicates that he has already begun training for the next Senju Kōten Taihō.
Byakuya didn't believe Haruto was really still reinforcing Hyōga Seiran.
"Although Kōga mentioned that he hoped you could help modify Hyōga Seiran to make it easier to control."
"But given his pride, it's all just talk."
The Kuchiki Clan has always been proud, regardless of whether they are from the main family or are sons-in-law from outside the family.
"Instead of wasting your time on this, you'd definitely prefer to master more new Kidō... I've never met anyone who loves Kidō as much as you do."
"..."
Transforming the Kidō is time-consuming and laborious.
For Soul Reaper has already mastered this Kidō, lowering the difficulty of its comprehension is actually a thankless task—this requires the caster to make a choice between leaving a mark on history and spending time improving their personal strength.
According to the usual practice in Soul Society, this task is usually assigned to the Kidō Corps, the teachers of the Shin'ō Academy, and older second-line Soul Reaper.
"Really."
Haruto nodded in confirmation of Byakuya's guess.
The Kidō.
In a fantasy world, that would be legitimate magic.
For Haruto, who is a transmigrator, magic has always been a mysterious and interesting thing; in the years he has been involved with the Kidō, Haruto has never had the thought of getting tired of it.
"I don't know what other 'high-level' Kidō are like, but I feel I have the ability to break down and learn this Senju Kōten Taihō... We took a direct hit from a simplified version of the Kōten Taihō half a year ago."
It's fine that Byakuya didn't ask.
Now that the matter has been brought up, Haruto naturally won't hide anything.
"... It's already successful?"
Byakuya tried his best to suppress the shock in his heart.
The Kuchiki Clan did not record the secrets of the Senju Kōten Taihō, but as a family specializing in the Kidō) style, they had a deep understanding of this technique.
The dead Uji was able to simplify and release it thanks to the power of his Zanpakuto; trying to dismantle it through normal means...
The difficulty is no less than that of modifying the Kidō.
"With this, it should be almost done tonight... if it's really as effective as you say."
Haruto tossed the small package containing the Spirit Jewel Pill into his hand.
"... How long did it take you to 'split' it?"
The more Haruto interacted with Byakuya, the more he doubted whether his title of genius was genuine.
As you can see.
Haruto flicked his left middle finger lightly at the ground, and ice crystals hidden in the darkness shot out like arrows, quickly leaving a narrow hole in the ground.
"Besides daily training, I'll be advancing the Zanka no Tachi, learning the Hyōga Seiran, and then disassembling the Senju Kōten Taihō."
"One-sixth of half a year..."
"About a month?"
"..."
After hesitating for a moment, Byakuya suggested:
"Shall we try the underground martial arts arena?"
He really wanted to see what a high-level Hadō technique could be unleashed without the aid of any external force and without the Captain-level.
This completely shattered all the family's historical records.
"Tomorrow is the World of the Living Konsō internship. The dean and teachers should be having a meeting on the surface at that time. Are you sure you won't be exposed?"
"... That's true."
The underground training ground's defenses are built to Captain-level combat standards, but that's mainly for dealing with external attacks, and it's not like the attacks are completely silent after being blocked.
"Let's go to South District 13. There's a rather secluded family training ground there."
Spanning nine districts.
Whether it sounds like it or is actually that, this distance is definitely not close, but for Haruto and Byakuya now, it's just a matter of ten minutes or so Shunpo.
"OK."
Haruto nodded.
Since Byakuya offered him the chance to show off, Haruto certainly wouldn't refuse such a good offer.
As for the possibility of failure...
That's because the Kuchiki Clan's pills are of very poor quality!
"Whoosh!"
Clang.
Haruto fiddled with the sign on the door.
The material is just common wood, but the carving is truly superb.
"How come your property is everywhere in Soul Society?"
Following in Byakuya's footsteps.
Haruto arrived at a manor hidden in a remote forest.
The Kuchiki Clan's mansion in Seireitei is not large, but once you step outside that small plot of land, the Kuchiki Clan owns properties all over the first District 80 in the east, west, south, and north.
"But..."
"Creak."
Byakuya pushed open the somewhat rusty courtyard gate.
"Can I feel at ease without anyone guarding it?"
Haruto asked Byakuya, who was walking ahead.
"The people of Rukongai do not venture into the forest without permission."
Byakuya explained without turning his head.
"The probability of encountering a Hollow in the forest is far greater than inside Rukongai... After all, there are the Gotei 13 patrolling there."
That shows Haruto's ignorance.
After all, the Rukongai he was "born" was too far back, with no clear boundary between the village and the forest, so there was no question of the probability of him appearing somewhere.
"I see."
Haruto nodded.
Those who dare to appear in the forest are generally people with some discernment; at the very least, they can recognize the Kuchiki Clan family crest.
"This is fine."
Passing through the long central courtyard, behind which lies a wide open space overgrown with weeds.
"It's very basic."
Haruto carefully sensed his surroundings and realized that it wasn't his imagination: there was no barrier or anything like that here.
"Semi-permanent Kidō barrier creation is quite expensive."
Byakuya explained.
"The soundproofing here..."
"Relying entirely on these big trees?"
Haruto interrupted halfway through.
"Yes."
Trees that reach into the clouds.
They naturally filter sound and light.
In addition, its relatively remote location makes it sufficient even for high-level Hadō tests.
How did you know about this place?
Haruto looked around, but his Kakushitsuijaku failed to detect any other Reiatsu.
"... I was dragged here by the Cat Demon before, to play hide-and-seek with her and Yūshirō."
Byakuya himself would certainly not be allowed to come to such a far place, but with Yoruichi Shihōin involved, it's a different story; however, judging from Byakuya's tone, it must be a painful memory.
Having an outsider bring your own house over is a form of NTR (Netorare, a form of sexual misconduct).
My condolences.
Haruto patted Byakuya on the shoulder and said...
"Alright."
Byakuya found a good angle to stand, making it easier to keep an eye on Haruto's surroundings—after all, it was his own request, and he would definitely have to act as a temporary bodyguard while Haruto was wielding the Senju Kōten Taihō.
"Start?"
"Okay... wait a minute!"
"What's wrong?"
"Don't you need to go home and report first?"
Haruto pointed to the Kukai Box at his waist.
"No, with such a commotion, our family will definitely be under surveillance."
Byakuya shook his head.
"If I weren't worried about getting you involved, I would have reluctantly stayed at the Shin'ō Academy tonight."
This kid didn't say that before, but now he's starting to act all innocent.
"Your dorm is so run-down, it must be tough on you... So, where were you originally planning to go?"
"The Shihoin Clan."
"..."
Byakuya's self-righteous expression truly shocked Haruto.
"You're such a good neighbor."
Haruto walked towards the center of the open space, the small package containing the Spirit Jewel Pill already taken from his palm.
"Just swallow it raw like Heavenly Bedding Pill?"
"Right."
"That's easy."
"Gulp."
Haruto tilted his head back, swallowed the pill with a quick movement of his throat.
Since half a year ago, Haruto has been financially well-off, has almost become an expert at taking medicine, so this Spirit Jewel Pill is only slightly special to him:
Although the prices of the items he bought were almost all doubled, thanks to his connections with Shinichiraku Ōmaeda, he managed to acquire quite a few good items from the Twelfth Division.
Haruto's original intention was to use this connection to establish a relationship with Captain Kirio Hikifune, but unfortunately, he has not succeeded so far.
That being said...
As disposable items, the prices of drugs sold by the Twelfth Division are not outrageous, at least compared to the extremely popular Spirit Tools— the Gotei 13 have a large number of Soul Reaper waiting outside the Twelfth Division every day to buy Spirit Tools.
If it weren't for the fact that the Twelfth Division's vice-captain, Hiyori Sarugaki, had a volatile temper and enough fighting power to keep things in check, they probably wouldn't even be able to leave the house.
That's right.