In the courtyard of the Shihoin Family, two figures flickered incessantly, occasionally emitting 'bang bang bang...' sounds.
"Left! Right! Kick... and keep repeating..."
Sōgo Shihoin relentlessly trained the petite Shaoling Fon, following the methods Yoruichi Shihōin Shaoling Fon had previously taught her, occasionally incorporating variations of Tenjirō Kirinji's footwork.
Sōgo Shihoin didn't immediately teach Shaoling Fon the knowledge of the Squad Zero. That was too early for Shaoling Fon; learning too much too soon would be counterproductive. So he only taught her the basics of the Squad Zero Shaoling Fon, leaving the Shaoling Fon to her own comprehension. Even these Shaoling Fon, like drawing water from the ocean—enough to nourish countless rivers...
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."
Shaoling Fon kept repeating the movements taught by Sōgo Shihoin, her whole body drenched in fragrant sweat.
"Alright, that's enough for today. Go take a shower and get some rest. We'll continue tomorrow!"
Sōgo Shihoin glanced at the sky outside and, seeing that it was already dark, stopped the training and gave instructions to Shaoling Fon.
"Yes, sir! Sōgo... Sōgo!"
After hearing Shaoling Fon 'Sōgo words, Aya instinctively wanted to use polite language again, but she managed to stop herself in time under Sōgo's big, 'blurry' eye patch.
"Your spirit body is very strong, now comparable to the last Seated Officer of the Gotei 13. However, this is not your current limit. According to my estimation, you should now be at the Lieutenant-level..."
Sōgo Shihoin instructed Shaoling Fon, "There are geniuses in this world who possess Captain-level spirit bodies and Spiritual Pressure even at just over a hundred years old. Although Shaoling Fon can't compare to those geniuses who have been considered exceptionally talented since the birth of Soul Society, she's not comparable to those mediocre talents either. As long as she trains step by step, becoming a squad captain is quite easy. However, to reach a higher level among squad captains, she needs to put in double the effort, or even effort that ordinary people can hardly accept."
"Yes, it's because I failed to fully develop my talents!"
After hearing Sōgo's words Shaoling Fon replied with some shame.
"Never mind, these things aren't important. Let's keep working hard!"
"If you want to stay by my side forever, you must possess the strength to be invincible, because I am invincible and absolutely immortal, so you must also live well!"
Sōgo said, gently patting Shaoling Fon's shoulder.
"Yes, sir... Sōgo!"
Shaoling Fon's expression turned serious, and she nodded repeatedly.
The following days became very boring. Sōgo continued to sleep in class every day and asked Shaoling Fon to stop others from disturbing his sleep during class. After school, he would make up for the missed lessons by giving Shaoling Fon double the amount of time.
A month passed quickly...
For the past month, Shaoling Fon has been injured every day, with blisters forming on many parts of her body. Her small fists would feel excruciating pain whenever they touched a wooden stake...
However, Shaoling Fon never complained of being in pain. She just kept gritting her teeth and persevering, because in the past month she had successfully tapped into some of her potential. Now her Hakuda and Zanjutsu had reached the level of Sixth Seat or Fifth Seat in the squad, her Shunpo had surpassed that of many Third Seat, and her Spiritual Pressure was also increasing visibly.
Every time Shaoling Fon felt she was getting stronger, she would be incredibly excited; she was happy as long as she became stronger.
It's time for get out of class to end again.
" Sōgo, let's begin today's training!"
With bandages wrapped around her arm, Shaoling Fon eagerly spoke to Sōgo.
"No, let's change the training today. I can definitely sense your Spiritual Pressure now. You should be able to achieve the Shikai of your Zanpakuto by now."
Sōgo Shihoin gently shook his head at Shaoling Fon. Based on the Spiritual Pressure within Shaoling Fon's body, he deduced that she had reached the level where she could Shikai her Zanpakuto. Since she could already Shikai, it would be best to wait until he learned about the attributes and abilities of Shaoling Fon Zanpakuto's Zanpakuto before training her specifically based on those characteristics.
" Shikai Zanpakuto?"
Shaoling Fon was slightly taken aback after hearing Sōgo Shihoin's words; she had never thought about the Shikai of Zanpakuto.
Where's your Asauchi?
Sōgo Shihoin asked Shaoling Fon.
"Here..."
Shaoling Fon picked up the Asauchi that was placed on the stone block to the side.
"Very good! Now, channel your Spiritual Pressure into your Zanpakuto, and then ask your Zanpakuto for the name of your Shikai!"
Although Sōgo Shihoin does not have his own Zanpakuto, he has witnessed his sister's Zanpakuto's Shikai, so he is not unfamiliar with Zanpakuto Shikai.
Is it that simple?
Shaoling Fon asked Sōgo Shihoin with some confusion.
"Of course! The Shikai and Bankai of Zanpakuto are different. With Shikai, your Zanpakuto will usually tell you when your Spiritual Pressure reaches a certain level. The real difficulty is never Shikai, but Bankai. Go try it yourself! You should be fine!"
Sōgo Shihoin Shaoling Fon explained to Aya Hoshizō.
"OK."
Shaoling Fon Sōgo Shihoin slightly to Sougo Shihouin and raised her Asauchi.
"Ku!" Accompanied by the rising Spiritual Pressure, Shaoling Fon Shaoling Fon whispered, "Please tell me your name!"
"Boom!"
Suddenly Shaoling Fon, the Spiritual Pressure within Shaoling Fon's body surged uncontrollably. Then, the shape of the Asauchi in Shaoling Fon's hand changed. Although it still looked like a samurai sword, the hilt and scabbard took on a unique shape.
"Well, your Zanpakuto has told you its name now, hasn't it?"
Looking at Aya's increasingly fierce Spiritual Pressure, Sōgo Shihoin Shaoling Fon a question.
"Um!"
"Sting them all! Suzumebachi!"
As she spoke, Shaoling Fon directly Shikai her Zanpakuto. The ornate katana disappeared from Sōgo's sight, replaced by a golden hilt that resembled a bee's stinger. The hilt was short and wrapped around Shaoling Fon's right arm and fingers. It was a weapon that could only be activated at close range, making it Shikai for assassination.
" Lord Sōgo, do you think my Shikai looks good?"
Sōgo Shaoling Fon asked Sougo somewhat shyly.
"It suits you Shaoling Fon! You're as petite and cute as I am. I wonder what your Shikai ability is?"
Sōgo gently stroked his chin and nodded slightly to Shaoling Fon. He was very satisfied with her Shikai, which was not only very cute but also added a touch of heroism to Shaoling Fon.
" The Hōjaku's ability is Death in Two Steps!"
When Shaoling Fon heard Sōgo's question, her expression turned serious, and she spoke earnestly to Sōgo.
"An additional ability type, a rule-based Zanpakuto, an exceptionally powerful ability!"
Sōgo listening to Shaoling Fon's words, Sougo nodded slightly. Even he had to admit that this ability was truly outstanding.
"Thanks..."
Shaoling Fon slightly and gently scratched her backside, still unable to resist the compliment.
"Then show me your abilities!"
Sōgo continued his sermon to Shaoling Fon.
"But... my ability only works on living things, and it's too cruel. There aren't any opponents here to demonstrate it to!"
After hearing Sōgo's words, Shaoling Fon hesitated before explaining.
"No need to find opponents, just head straight here."
Sōgo pointed to his chest and spoke.
"Huh?!!"
After hearing Sōgo's words, Shaoling Fon froze on the spot, somewhat dumbfounded.
It's almost been thirty days! I'll soon be completing my 30-day goal of updating 3,000 words daily. Those interested can consider investing.
(End of this chapter)