The Resolve to Grow Stronger

The matter of opening a shop on the aristocratic street was settled, and everyone was very satisfied, except for Kisuke Urahara seemed a little bewildered.

No wonder Captain Yoruichi brought Lieutenant Ōmaeda along; that's what it was for.

Kisuke Urahara didn't think Yoruichi specifically Wang Xun up the matter of opening a shop in the aristocratic district for reasons like protection or compensation.

Perhaps that's partly true, but the more important reason is simply that the Seireitei is too far away, and they want to be able to eat there more conveniently.

After the matter was settled, Yoruichi could enjoy delicious food as soon as she went out. Ōmaeda had invested in a successful business, and Wang Xun received a substantial share of the profits and the so-called protection of the noble family.

Several people benefited, but what about him?

So he's become an outsider?

"Wang Xun, about our previous collaboration..."

Upon hearing Kisuke Urahara's voice, Wang Xun suddenly remembered.

"By the way, Lieutenant Ōmaeda, could you please follow up on what Third Seat Urahara mentioned earlier?"

"After all, increased raw material production helps to reduce the operating costs of stores."

"Oh?"

Ōmaeda sized up Kisuke Urahara.

"Urahara, is there some kind of collaboration between you and this young friend? It sounds like it has a very promising future..."

Well, I guess so...

Seeing that Ōmaeda seemed eager to get involved, Kisuke Urahara scratched his head somewhat awkwardly.

"Okay, don't worry, I'll keep an eye on it for you. But shouldn't I also be able to understand the details of your collaboration?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun Kisuke Urahara's expression, which seemed as if the sky had fallen.

"Of course, thank you very much, Lieutenant Ōmaeda."

"No problem."

After the matter was settled, the room became much quieter.

Ōmaeda divided the bag of yakitori he was carrying among the group and chatted about interesting things that happened in Seireitei.

Wang Xun leaned against the headboard, listening to the casual conversation of the group.

The changes these past few days have left him somewhat overwhelmed.

Yoruichi Shihōin's attention, the collaboration with the Ōmaeda Clan, and the shops in the aristocratic district.

Overnight, his foundation in this world seemed to have been strengthened considerably.

He couldn't help but begin to reflect on his experience of coming into this world.

Four years, or five?

My sense of time has become somewhat blurred.

Most of the time, he kept a low profile and was cautious, secretly acquiring attributes and growing quietly.

Unassuming and unassuming.

Like a spider hiding in the shadows, it weaves its web and gathers strength.

Everything was done to avoid unnecessary attention and danger before fully maturing.

But now, he has caught Aizen's attention and is in conflict with the Tsunayashiro Clan.

Two attacks, two visits to the Fourth Division.

His name has also come to the attention of some high-ranking members of Seireitei.

It's like a balloon that was slowly inflating in the dark, suddenly being pulled into the spotlight and pointed at with a needle.

What he needs most right now is not more money, not a more stable business, and not better relationships.

It's not about strength.

Spiritual Might needs to break through faster, and the improvement of his Zankensōki cannot be neglected; he needs more fragments.

Especially the experiences during this period, the sparring with Kaien, the training in the Maggot's Nest, and the battle with the assassins.

He had long noticed that, in addition to passively picking up items, his system could also rapidly increase his corresponding experience during combat.

From this perspective, his development of the system is far from sufficient.

He needs to adjust his upgrade method, integrating combat with loot collection, fully utilizing the system to improve himself.

System, let me see your limits.

Once he understood this, the frustration Wang Xun felt due to his injury and excessive passivity suddenly dissipated by more than half.

He looked at Yoruichi and spoke softly.

"Captain Yoruichi, I previously said I wanted to finish this year's courses at the Spiritual Arts Academy, but now I've changed my mind."

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, looking at Wang Xun a gaze that was noticeably different from before; it was less casual and more sharp.

"What, is the training at the Spiritual Arts Academy no longer enough for you?"

"That's right. After yesterday's attack, I realized that my strength is still far from sufficient."

Wang Xun said in a low voice.

"What I need now is stronger training and pressure, a kind of tempering that will allow me to transform everything I have into combat effectiveness."

Yoruichi stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled, a smile tinged with admiration.

"That's right. So what are your thoughts now?"

Wang Xun pondered.

"I want to finish my Spiritual Arts Academy courses early and join the Gotei 13. Originally, I was thinking of the Eighth Division or Tenth Division, but then I thought the 11th Division would be good too."

"I wonder if the Second Division has a similar place to go."

Yoruichi nodded gently as she listened to Wang Xun's words.

"The 11th Division is a visible weapon, sharp, direct, and focused on head-on combat."

"But the First Division the Stealth Force, the Punishment Force, will be even more ruthless than the 11th Division."

Yoruichi's golden eyes stared directly at Wang Xun.

Punishment Force.

Directly under the Legion Commander, they are responsible for assassinations, executions, and secret investigations, and are the most dangerous and darkest missions in Soul Society.

This is a true shadow force; the identities of its members are mostly kept secret, and its operations leave no trace.

"The kind of attack you experienced last night is just a routine occurrence for the Punishment Force, and it will become more frequent, more troublesome, and the opponents will be stronger."

Yoruichi's voice was calm, yet carried a heavy weight.

"There, mission failure often means death. You'll face not only corrupt Soul Reaper, deserters, and all sorts of monsters lurking in the shadows."

She walked up to Wang Xun, leaned slightly forward, and exuded a sense of oppression.

"In the Punishment Force, no one will give you special treatment just because you're a genius from the Spiritual Arts Academy or someone favored by the head of the Shihoin Clan. You can only earn their respect through your own strength."

"Are you prepared, Wang Xun? Not prepared to get hurt, but prepared to die at any moment."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun looked up and met her gaze.

His voice wasn't loud, but he enunciated each word clearly.

"Captain Yoruichi is joking. Being Soul Reaper is never without danger. These words won't scare me away."

"Punishment Force, I'm joining."

The ward fell silent for a moment.

Yoruichi got up, and the smile on her face slowly widened.

"Good."

She uttered only one word, yet it carried immense weight.

"There's another advantage to you joining now: our investigation into the Tsunayashiro Clan is underway, and it might just be your chance for revenge."

"After you are discharged from the hospital, go back to the Spiritual Arts Academy to handle some related matters. I will arrange the procedures for your early graduation and special recruitment into the team."

"As for the Punishment Force Team's entry test, you can't avoid it, so you'd better prepare well."

She turned her head to the side, a hint of interest flashing in her eyes.

"I hope you'll still be able to speak with such confidence when you officially report for duty."