Soi Fon's Discovery

When I emerged from the Maggot's Nest, it was nearly dusk.

Wang Xun walked back along the small path outside the Second Division barracks, still pondering the details of his deal with Urahara.

If that hot spring can really be built, his Reiatsu will increase at a leap forward, which is exactly what he needs right now.

As he passed the training ground, a familiar fluctuation of Reiatsu caught his attention.

Wang Xun went inside and saw Soi Fon standing alone in the center of the training field.

Her eyes were closed, and her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were trying out some kind of Reiatsu manipulation technique.

A faint vortex of Reiryoku surrounded her, as if she were attempting to gather the Reiatsu of the Kidō.

It seems that the development of Shunkō is progressing well.

Wang Xun thought to himself.

He didn't say anything to disturb them, and stood quietly to the side.

But Soi Fon seemed to sense his presence and opened her eyes to look over.

"Wang Xun? When did you arrive?"

Soi Fon's voice carried a hint of surprise.

"Just came from Third Seat Urahara. Looks like the development of his new ability is progressing well?"

Soi Fon nodded, but then her expression became somewhat strange.

Her expression was not as calm and sharp as usual; instead, it carried a hint of confusion and entanglement.

It was rather unusual to see such an expression on Soi Fon, who was usually decisive and efficient.

Wang Xun looked at Soi Fon Fon's strange expression with a puzzled expression.

Soi Fon opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but then hesitated.

She glanced at Wang Xun, then lowered her head, clenching her fists and unconsciously rubbing her fingers together.

Wang Xun rarely saw this kind of conflicted little gesture in her.

"I... have made a discovery."

Soi Fon finally spoke, her voice much lower than usual, "About that ability that's being developed."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun looked curious. "What's wrong?"

Soi Fon walked over and sat down next to him.

She took a deep breath and began to describe her discovery in a low voice.

"Recently, I've gradually gained some understanding of that ability. I was previously stuck on how the Kidō works, but now I've found the key: the shoulders and the back."

She turned to the side and pointed to her shoulder blade.

"This is a crucial point in the flow of energy. If a massive amount of Kidō Reiatsu can be gathered here and then channeled into the limbs, the duration can be greatly extended."

Wang Xun listened attentively, as this was basically consistent with the principle of Shunkō in the original work.

By concentrating the Reiatsu of the Kidō) on the shoulders and back, and then channeling the power into the fists and feet after it has gathered and exploded, the Kido's spiritual pressure is then channeled into the fists and feet.

"It sounds like things are going well, is there a problem?"

Soi Fon's expression became even more conflicted.

"The problem is... gathering a massive amount of Kidō Reiatsu on the shoulders and back will generate extremely high energy and impact."

She bit her lip.

"Ordinary clothing will be torn to shreds, so a special outfit is needed to use this move."

"The shoulders and back should be exposed to avoid bearing that kind of force."

Wang Xun nodded in understanding.

"So what?"

Soi Fon remained silent for a long time.

Just when Wang Xun thought she wouldn't continue, she slowly opened her mouth, her voice slightly hoarse.

"I've discovered... Lady Yoruichi's battle attire perfectly matches this concept."

Wang Xun was taken aback.

Soi Fon looked up, her eyes filled with confusion and astonishment.

"The design with completely exposed shoulders and back facilitates the flow of Reiatsu and the dissipation of energy... Why is Lady Yoruichi's attire so perfectly suited to the needs of this ability?"

She looked at Wang Xun, as if seeking an answer.

"It was just a casual remark by Lady Yoruichi that sparked the idea for me to develop this ability."

Soi Fon's voice grew softer and softer.

"Now I realize that Lady Yoruichi's own attire is practically tailor-made for this ability. So, is it possible that..."

She didn't finish speaking, but Wang Xun already understood.

Is it possible that Yoruichi has actually already mastered this ability?

This idea left Soi Fon completely bewildered.

She always thought she was developing a completely new and original technique, and she devoted a great deal of effort and time to it.

But now she suddenly realizes that the person she respects most may have already passed away before her.

The feeling was a mixture of shock and... disappointment.

Looking at Soi Fon's bewildered expression, Wang Xun understood.

According to the original timeline, Yoruichi should indeed have already mastered Shunkō.

Soi Fon, on the other hand, was not fully developed until a century later.

Now, thanks to my intervention, Soi Fon has started developing Shunkō ahead of schedule, and the progress is much faster than in the original work.

But she clearly didn't expect that Yoruichi might have already mastered this technique.

So, that's what you're struggling with?

Wang Xun asked.

Soi Fon nodded, her expression complex.

"I'm a bit unsure how to proceed. If Lady Yoruichi has truly mastered this ability, then what I'm doing now, is it trying to uncover the secrets of her power?"

"Should I... not continue?"

A hint of confusion and loneliness flashed in Soi Fon's eyes; she had never shown this vulnerable side to anyone before.

But for some reason, she could so easily let down her guard when she was with Wang Xun.

Wang Xun looked at Soi Fon and thought for a moment.

I don't think you need to trouble yourself like this.

"Why don't you just ask Captain Yoruichi whether he has mastered this ability or not?"

Even if she masters it, your research and development process is still valuable.

"The way abilities are used, and even the variations that arise from them, will lead each person down a different path."

He paused, then added.

"Furthermore, given your relationship with Captain Yoruichi, if she truly grasps it, she'll definitely be happy, and might even personally guide you."

"Just go and ask."

Upon hearing this, Soi Fon looked up at Wang Xun, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Then, her expression became conflicted again.

"I... I can't bring myself to ask."

She showed a rare hint of fear.

"Wouldn't this seem too presumptuous?"

"I am merely of lower-ranking noble birth, and it is already a great honor for me to serve Lady Yoruichi. It would be inappropriate to inquire about such a secret so rashly."

Wang Xun couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"It shouldn't be that serious."

"Captain Yoruichi treats you like a sister; everyone in the Second Division knows that."

"You trained together, went on missions together, she personally instructed you in Hakuda and Shunpo... With that kind of relationship, what can't I ask?"

Soi Fon opened her mouth, wanting to refute, but couldn't find a reason.

Wang Xun is right.

Yoruichi treated her extremely well, to a degree that went beyond the typical superior-subordinate relationship.

But it is precisely because of this kindness that she doesn't want to let Yoruichi down.

"But..."

Soi Fon lowered her head, her expression conflicted.

I still can't bring myself to say it...

"Then I'll go ask."

Wang Xun dusted himself off and stood up.

"What?"

Soi Fon suddenly looked up.

"I happen to have something to report to her. I'll mention your new ability development while I'm at it, and see how she reacts."

Wang Xun spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, but Soi Fon's expression changed.

"No! How can we let Lady Yoruichi know..."

"Then let's put it another way."

Wang Xun thought for a moment.

"I'm just curious, anyway, I'm also very interested in this ability. I'll ask the captain if he has any similar experience."

Wang Xun casually patted Soi Fon on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine."

After Wang Xun finished speaking, he got up and left.

"Wait, Wang Xun..."

Soi Fon quickly got up and took two steps to chase after him, but Wang Xun had already left using Shunpo.

She stood there, looking in the direction Wang Xun disappeared, her expression gradually changing from panic to complexity.

Soi Fon touched the shoulder where she had been patted; she could still feel the touch there.

She bit her lower lip, but couldn't lift her feet to stop Wang Xun.

That's right, what a presumptuous guy...