Recaps

Wang Xun explained Hasegawa’s betrayal and defended his decision to hide his strength by revealing that Tokinada Tsunayashiro had tried to recruit him. Yoruichi offered him a place in the Stealth Force, while Shunsui Kyōraku privately judged Wang Xun as a potentially dangerous figure close to his niece, Nanao Ise.

• Shinji Hirako said Hasegawa had admitted to leaking intelligence after an Adjuchas exploited his resentment, then died after refusing to surrender in the Dangai.
• Shunsui Kyōraku questioned Wang Xun about his strength, and Wang Xun said his recent improvement came from private training with Kaien Shiba.
• Wang Xun revealed that Tokinada Tsunayashiro had tried to make him a retainer, explaining that he had hidden his abilities to avoid noble disputes.
• Yoruichi offered Wang Xun a position in the Stealth Force and Punishment Force as her direct subordinate.
• Shunsui Kyōraku reflected on Wang Xun’s closeness to Nanao Ise and decided that moving him out of the Academy and away from Nanao might be beneficial.

Wang Xun agreed to join the Second Division after finishing the current year at Shin'ō Academy, with Yoruichi Shihōin arranging an early graduation and entrance examination. As Soi Fon warned him about the Punishment Force's dangers, he encountered Sōsuke Aizen, who greeted him as an old acquaintance.

• Wang Xun considered joining the Eighth Division, but Shunsui Kyōraku told him there were no openings and urged him to accept Yoruichi Shihōin's offer.
• Yoruichi agreed that Wang Xun could finish the current year's courses before applying for early graduation and taking the Second Division's special entrance examination.
• Soi Fon escorted Wang Xun out and warned him that the Punishment Force faced dangerous criminals and had a high casualty rate.
• Marechiyo Ōmaeda arrived with Sōsuke Aizen, who greeted Wang Xun as someone he had not seen in a long time.

Wang Xun encountered Aizen in the Second Division corridor, then Aizen learned that Hasegawa Shinjirō had defected and died after attacking students. Shinji Hirako confronted Aizen over recommending Hasegawa, but Aizen denied knowing about his betrayal, and the chapter ended with Yoruichi and Shunsui Kyōraku wondering what to make of the exchange.

• Wang Xun met Aizen in the corridor and avoided revealing details about the trouble during his Konsō practicum.
• Marechiyo Ōmaeda interrupted Wang Xun and Aizen, and Wang Xun continued on with Soi Fon.
• Aizen entered a meeting with Shinji Hirako, Shunsui Kyōraku, and Yoruichi and asked why Hirako had summoned him.
• Shinji Hirako told Aizen that Hasegawa Shinjirō had defected, attacked students, and killed himself in the Dangai.
• Shinji Hirako accused Aizen of recommending Hasegawa, while Aizen denied knowing about his betrayal and accepted responsibility for failing to detect it.
• Shinji Hirako left the meeting, and Aizen departed after Yoruichi and Shunsui Kyōraku discussed the confrontation.

After returning from the Second Division, Wang Xun settled back into academy life and reassured Nanao when she learned he had concealed his strength. He told her he would have to join the Second Division after graduation, and they left the training ground together for dinner.

• Wang Xun watched Nanao train and talked with Kaien, who said Ganju was thriving in the delivery job Wang Xun had arranged.
• Wang Xun and Kaien planned to invite Ganju and Kūkaku to dinner at Ichiraku on Saturday.
• Wang Xun absorbed Kidō insights from the training ground and noted that his Kidō skill still lagged behind his other abilities.
• Nanao asked Wang Xun whether he was strong and admitted that his secrecy had made her question what she knew about him.
• Wang Xun confessed he had hidden his strength, explained that he wanted an ordinary life, and apologized to Nanao; she rested her head against his chest and accepted his reassurance.
• Nanao worried about Wang Xun joining the Second Division after graduation, and he promised to be careful before walking with her to dinner.

Wang Xun joined Kaien Shiba and Kūkaku at the busy new Ichiraku Ramen, where Ganju’s delivery work and cooking skills showed how much he had grown. The gathering ended with Kaien happily raising a cup as they shared food and laughter.

• Wang Xun arrived at the new Ichiraku Ramen and heard customers praising its yakitori and Ganju’s fast boar-riding delivery service.
• Wang Xun greeted Ganju, then joined Kaien Shiba and Kūkaku inside the crowded shop.
• Kūkaku switched seats with Kaien so she could sit across from Wang Xun, and they caught up while Kaien poured tea.
• Ganju brought grilled skewers and homemade seasonings, then told Kaien about his work and his plans to buy gifts for his siblings.
• Kaien praised Ganju’s efforts, enjoyed the yakitori, and raised his cup as Wang Xun and Kūkaku teased him about acting like a proud father.

After leaving the Shiba siblings, Wang Xun encountered a black cat and fed it yakitori, suspecting it was Yoruichi Shihōin. Yoruichi later discussed Wang Xun with Soi Fon before visiting the Shiba residence, where Kaien and Kūkaku were surprised to see her.

• Wang Xun fed a wary black cat yakitori, and it took the remaining skewers before disappearing into the night.
• Yoruichi Shihōin revealed herself on a rooftop and told Soi Fon that Wang Xun was powerful, secretive, and a possible fit for the Stealth Force.
• Yoruichi turned back into a black cat and traveled to the Shiba residence in West Rukongai.
• Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko recognized Yoruichi and escorted her inside to meet Kaien Shiba and Kūkaku.
• Yoruichi greeted Kaien and Kūkaku, who were surprised by her arrival.

Yoruichi visited Kaien and Kūkaku, heard Kaien's determination to restore the Shiba Clan's standing, and questioned them about a strange fire in West District 2. After learning Wang Xun had been near the site before the fire, she decided to ask Kisuke Urahara to investigate him.

• Yoruichi warned Kaien that the Shiba Clan would face heavy resistance if he tried to return to the Seireitei, but Kaien reaffirmed his resolve to join the Gotei 13 and restore his family's status.
• Yoruichi asked Kūkaku about a fire in West District 2, and Kūkaku recalled visiting the area with Wang Xun and an older fruit seller before the fire began.
• Kūkaku said Wang Xun sensed danger and urged them to leave, making Yoruichi more wary of him.
• Yoruichi left the Shiba residence and decided Kisuke Urahara should make contact with Wang Xun and learn more about him.

Wang Xun noticed a blond stranger following him from Shin'ō Academy to the new Ichiraku, then confronted him and learned he was Kisuke Urahara. Urahara questioned Wang Xun about the unusual fruits he had found in West Rukongai, leaving Wang Xun wary of his interest.

• After classes, Wang Xun spotted a blond young man speaking with a teacher and later saw the same man eating at the new Ichiraku with Nanao.
• Wang Xun sent Nanao home, waited for the blond man to finish eating, and confronted him about appearing wherever he went.
• The young man introduced himself as Kisuke Urahara and said he had come to ask Wang Xun something.
• Urahara showed Wang Xun shriveled purple fruits and asked whether he recognized them and had followed the old man who gathered them.
• Wang Xun confirmed he had bought the fruits in West Rukongai and asked whether Urahara had investigated him.

Wang Xun confirmed that Kisuke Urahara had planted the Reishi-rich fruit trees and learned that they were part of a failed growth experiment. He proposed funding Urahara’s research to help solve his shop’s ingredient shortage, and Urahara was stunned when Wang Xun offered an initial investment of twenty million kan.

• Wang Xun used the Shunpo insights he gained from Urahara’s demonstration to recognize him as the Second Division’s Third Seat and Stealth Force Detention Unit captain.
• Wang Xun told Urahara that he had visited the valley, noticed something strange, and later heard that a fire had burned down its trees.
• Urahara explained that he had planted the fruit trees and that his growth experiment had made them produce unstable Reiryoku until they destroyed themselves.
• Wang Xun asked Urahara to collaborate on accelerating the growth of crops and animals to address his shop’s shortage of ingredients.
• Urahara asked how much funding Wang Xun could provide, and Wang Xun offered twenty million kan as the initial investment.

Wang Xun and Kisuke Urahara negotiated a research partnership to improve Rukongai’s food production, agreeing on funding, milestones, and a future testing site. Urahara gave Wang Xun directions and a token for visiting his laboratory, where the initial research would take place.

• Wang Xun offered Urahara twenty million kan in staged research funding, and Urahara proposed receiving shares in exchange for his technology.
• Wang Xun deferred discussion of shares until a trial project proved the technology’s value, and Urahara agreed to proceed.
• Uncle Ichiraku listed rye, brown rice, vegetables, chickens, and pigs as targets, while Wang Xun asked Urahara to shorten production cycles and increase yields.
• Wang Xun and Urahara agreed on a two-month first research phase, installment payments, and a testing site Wang Xun would arrange near West Rukongai’s second and third districts.
• Wang Xun and Urahara signed and fingerprinted their agreement, and Urahara gave Wang Xun a map, his address, and a token for visiting his current laboratory.

Wang Xun explained that his investment in Kisuke Urahara was meant to secure a path into raw-material supply and expand his food business across Soul Society. Meanwhile, Urahara and Yoruichi discussed Wang Xun’s unusual Reiatsu, their interest in watching him, and Urahara’s possible future promotion to the Twelfth Division.

• Wang Xun told Uncle Ichiraku that the twenty-million investment was worthwhile because increasing ingredient production could make their business a major supplier across Soul Society.
• Wang Xun discovered that Urahara’s pass token identified him as Captain of the Detention Unit and headed toward Seireitei.
• Urahara told Yoruichi that he had learned little from Wang Xun but was intrigued by him, and revealed a capsule containing Reiatsu he had extracted from Wang Xun.
• Yoruichi told Urahara to keep watching Wang Xun as a potential recruit for the Punishment Force, while Urahara suspected Wang Xun might have approached him for another reason.
• Yoruichi discussed Urahara’s possible promotion to the Twelfth Division if Kirio Hikifune moved to the Zero Division, and Urahara agreed to wait for news.

Wang Xun and Nanao spent a quiet afternoon in the Shin'ō Academy library, where they discussed his meeting with Kisuke Urahara and Nanao’s difficulties connecting with her Asauchi. The chapter ended with Nanao encouraging Wang Xun as they walked together after class.

• Wang Xun told Nanao that Kisuke Urahara had asked him about burned fruit trees and discussed possible business cooperation with him.
• Nanao told Wang Xun she could back him up if trouble arose, and he teased her about worrying over him.
• Nanao worried that she could not connect with her Asauchi and said she might be better suited to the Kidō Corps.
• Wang Xun checked his system and found his Asauchi resonance had reached 99%, while telling Nanao his Shikai was not yet awakened.
• Nanao encouraged Wang Xun to keep growing stronger and said she would be happy if he achieved Shikai.
• Wang Xun teased Nanao about being too mature, and she blushed before walking ahead with him.

During Jinzen, Wang Xun entered his inner world and met the spirit of his Zanpakuto, who revealed that her name was Shackle Lotus. She explained their bond and transformed into a sword, leaving Wang Xun ready to learn her abilities.

• At Shin'ō Academy, the teacher instructed the students in Jinzen, and Wang Xun discovered that his Zanpakuto resonance had reached 99%.
• Wang Xun entered his inner world and found a vast, empty landscape.
• A blonde loli appeared and identified herself as Wang Xun's Zanpakuto, though her appearance reminded him of Saber and Artoria Pendragon.
• The spirit explained that Wang Xun's system had changed her name and abilities, and that they would grow stronger together.
• The spirit named herself Shackle Lotus, and the inner world shattered as she transformed into a sword with a lotus-patterned guard and a silver-white chain.
• Wang Xun grasped Shackle Lotus as the chain wrapped around his wrist, and she began to explain her abilities.

Wang Xun learned that Shackle Lotus could analyze and resist or seal enemies’ abilities, though his weak Reiatsu limited how much he could use her powers. After discussing the limits of her analysis, he wondered whether someone who did not know her full name and abilities could still affect her.

• Shackle Lotus explained that Renge could briefly raise Wang Xun’s Reiatsu output and that her new Shackle ability could analyze and resist or seal enemy abilities.
• Wang Xun checked his status panel and found Shackle Lotus listed as his Shikai and no analyzed abilities recorded yet.
• Shackle Lotus explained that analysis gradually reduced ability-based damage and control effects, but ordinary attacks could still hurt Wang Xun.
• Wang Xun asked whether a Kasumioji Clan Bakkōtō that suppressed Zanpakuto abilities could affect Shackle Lotus, and she claimed her ability had the highest priority among rules-based abilities.
• Wang Xun asked whether someone who did not know Shackle Lotus’s full name and abilities could affect her.

Wang Xun’s Zanpakuto acknowledged him during Jinzen, and his Asauchi changed as he achieved Shikai. After his teacher urged him to keep its ability secret, Wang Xun returned to class and walked with Nanao toward the cafeteria, where his offer to massage her sore shoulders made her suspect him of sexual harassment.

• Shackle Lotus said she could analyze The Almighty and potentially keep it from working on Wang Xun, though the analysis might take time.
• Wang Xun woke in the dojo with his Asauchi transformed, its circular lotus-patterned guard reflecting his Zanpakuto’s recognition.
• Wang Xun’s teacher confirmed that he had achieved Shikai and advised him to keep its ability secret.
• Wang Xun told the teacher he would apply for early graduation after the year’s courses and already had a division arranged.
• After Jinzen class, Wang Xun offered to massage Nanao’s sore shoulders, and Nanao blushed and called the offer sexual harassment.

Wang Xun confirmed to Nanao that he had achieved Shikai and encouraged her to pursue her own path through Kidō. On their way to the training grounds, Tokinada Tsunayashiro confronted Wang Xun and tried again to recruit him, but Wang Xun refused.

• Wang Xun teased Nanao about a massage before she asked whether he had achieved Shikai, and he confirmed that he had.
• Nanao congratulated Wang Xun, admitted she would pursue her own path in Kidō, and promised to keep up with him.
• Wang Xun and Nanao encountered Tokinada Tsunayashiro, accompanied by Heita Harada and Kenji Takaya, on their way to the training grounds.
• Tokinada offered to double his previous recruitment terms after learning of Wang Xun's performance during the Konsō field exercise, but Wang Xun said the decision was no longer his to make.
• Tokinada insisted the Tsunayashiro name could make anything possible, while Takaya and Heita urged Wang Xun to accept the offer.

Wang Xun rejected Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s attempt to recruit him, citing Captain Shihoin’s authority, and stood up to Tsunayashiro when he threatened Wang Xun’s business and insulted Nanao. After Tsunayashiro left, Wang Xun comforted Nanao and they headed back.

• Wang Xun told Tokinada Tsunayashiro that his assignment came from the Second Division Captain and that Tsunayashiro could only recruit him if he got him out of the Second Division.
• Tsunayashiro grew angry when he realized Wang Xun might have Shihoin backing and insulted Nanao by repeating rumors about the Ise Clan.
• Wang Xun released his Reiatsu, warned Tsunayashiro not to provoke him, and threatened to retaliate if Tsunayashiro harmed anyone close to him or his Ichiraku Ramen business.
• Tsunayashiro left with Heita Harada and Kenji Takaya after threatening Wang Xun’s business, while Wang Xun ignored the watching students.
• Wang Xun reassured the upset Nanao, who thanked him, and then invited her to go back.

Nanao watched Wang Xun train, grew uneasy when other girls gathered around him, and left in a huff. Wang Xun discovered that Shackle Lotus had unlocked automatic fragment pickup and was pulled into his inner world, where she asked him for H-books as a reward.

• Nanao asked Wang Xun to spend more time with her and watched him train at the Kendō grounds.
• Students gathered to watch Wang Xun, and Nanao intimidated the girls who sat beside her before leaving angrily.
• Wang Xun chose to collect fragments instead of following Nanao and absorbed nearby fragments automatically.
• Shackle Lotus told Wang Xun she had developed an automatic pickup function that absorbed fragments within his Reiatsu range.
• Wang Xun praised Shackle Lotus, who asked him to get her some H-books as a reward.

Wang Xun visited the Second Division to check on Kisuke Urahara’s experiment and ask for help with his problems. Urahara brought him into the Maggot’s Nest, where they continued toward the laboratory.

• Wang Xun left the training grounds, thought about Nanao and Tsunayashiro’s warning, and decided to visit Kisuke Urahara.
• Wang Xun used Urahara’s token to gain entry to the Second Division barracks and was escorted to the Detention Unit.
• Wang Xun crossed the Sekki Stone barrier and entered the Maggot’s Nest with Urahara.
• Wang Xun asked Urahara about the experiment and admitted he had other problems he wanted help solving.
• Urahara led Wang Xun through the cavern where prisoners could move freely and toward his laboratory.

Wang Xun accompanied Kisuke Urahara through the Maggot's Nest, where Urahara explained why its inmates were confined and warned that they might attack. After Urahara dealt with two prisoners, Wang Xun defended himself against another and faced a growing group of hostile inmates as Urahara went to fetch something.

• Wang Xun followed Kisuke Urahara through the Maggot's Nest and absorbed Reiryoku and Hakuda fragments while Urahara warned him about the inmates.
• Kisuke Urahara explained that the prisoners were considered potential threats and that many resented being confined despite not having committed actual crimes.
• A burly prisoner and a long-haired man attacked Kisuke Urahara, who stopped them and threw them aside.
• The long-haired man charged at Wang Xun, who dislocated his wrist, struck him in the abdomen, and threw him down.
• More prisoners confronted Wang Xun, and Kisuke Urahara left to fetch something after telling the hidden guards to keep the situation under control.

Kisuke Urahara provoked the imprisoned Mayuri Kurotsuchi into drafting a complete experimental plan while Wang Xun fought the prisoners outside. Urahara then brought Wang Xun to his hidden research facility and asked why he had really come to see him.

• Kisuke Urahara visited Mayuri Kurotsuchi in his cell and showed him an experimental plan for modifying Reishi.
• Mayuri Kurotsuchi dismissed the plan until Urahara taunted him, prompting him to demand paper and a pen so he could write a better design.
• Kisuke Urahara secretly activated a surveillance bug and left Mayuri Kurotsuchi writing furiously.
• Wang Xun fought the prisoners, gained Reiryoku fragments and Hakuda experience, and stopped only when Kisuke Urahara intervened.
• Kisuke Urahara led Wang Xun into a concealed research facility and gave him a preliminary plan to increase plant yields.
• Kisuke Urahara asked Wang Xun to explain the real reason he had come to see him.

After Tokinada Tsunayashiro threatened his businesses, Wang Xun asked Kisuke Urahara for advice and bought defensive equipment and custom communicators for his workers. Urahara then revealed that Yoruichi was investigating disappearances in Rukongai and that some of the obstruction came from within the Seireitei.

• Wang Xun told Kisuke Urahara about Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s threat and asked how to protect his businesses.
• Urahara described ways Tokinada could sabotage Wang Xun’s shops and offered surveillance devices and nonlethal defenses.
• Wang Xun haggled with Urahara, then ordered ten sets of defensive tools and shop surveillance equipment for three million kan.
• Wang Xun explained that Ganju Shiba’s growing logistics operation could watch for suspicious activity, and he ordered ten custom communicators from Urahara.
• Urahara told Wang Xun that Yoruichi was investigating the disappearance of high-Reiryoku souls in Rukongai, and that some leads were being obstructed from within the Seireitei.

Kisuke Urahara told Wang Xun that Yoruichi suspected the Tsunayashiro Clan of conducting illicit experiments, then analyzed a sample of Wang Xun’s Reiatsu and discovered highly pure Hollow Reiatsu integrated into his soul. Yoruichi sent Soi Fon to monitor Wang Xun and investigate the attackers, while Tokinada Tsunayashiro arranged a campaign to shut down Wang Xun’s ramen shop.

• Kisuke Urahara explained to Wang Xun that Yoruichi suspected the Tsunayashiro Clan of secretly experimenting on souls, and Wang Xun asked whether she might use the current incident to investigate them.
• After Wang Xun left, Urahara examined his Reiatsu and blood, finding highly pure Hollow Reiatsu that appeared to have originated within Wang Xun’s soul.
• Urahara reported to Yoruichi that Wang Xun’s conflict with the Tsunayashiro Clan could provide an opening to investigate them, and Yoruichi ordered Soi Fon to monitor Wang Xun and trace the attackers’ connection to the clan.
• Tokinada Tsunayashiro met with Nagano Masayasu, who outlined plans to spread rumors, stage complaints, and threaten the ramen shop’s employees to force it out of business.

Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s plan to ruin Wang Xun was interrupted when his older cousin Tsunayashiro Tokinada attacked Nagano Masayasu and announced he would deal with Wang himself. Concerned about the danger to the Tsunayashiro Clan and their ties to Yoruichi Shihōin and Shunsui Kyōraku, Tokinada ordered Nagano to wait for further instructions.

• Tsunayashiro Tokinada burst into Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s tea room after beating Nagano Masayasu for failing to show him proper respect.
• Tokinada Tsunayashiro confronted his cousin for interfering with Nagano, and Tsunayashiro Tokinada mocked his covert campaign against Wang Xun.
• Tsunayashiro Tokinada said Wang Xun’s connection to Shunsui Kyōraku’s niece made the matter interesting and threatened to kill him himself.
• Tokinada Tsunayashiro worried that his cousin’s actions would provoke Yoruichi Shihōin or Shunsui Kyōraku and bring trouble to the Tsunayashiro Clan.
• Tokinada Tsunayashiro told Nagano Masayasu to delay his plans and await further instructions, then regretted how events were unfolding.

Wang Xun trained in the Maggot's Nest, collected tools for the ramen shop, and heard Ganju's report that trouble in Rukongai had gone strangely quiet. On the way back, Tokinada Tsunayashiro warned him that his older cousin planned to intervene, leaving Wang Xun alarmed by the name Tsunayashiro Tokinada.

• Wang Xun visited the Maggot's Nest, where Kisuke Urahara supplied the tools he had requested and watched him train against the prisoners.
• Wang Xun improved his Hakuda and Spiritual Might, then left with Ganju and the tools tied to Ganju's boar.
• Ganju told Wang Xun that no one had caused trouble at the shop and that his underlings had heard nothing from Rukongai.
• Tokinada Tsunayashiro stopped Wang Xun and Ganju on a secluded street and warned that his older cousin planned to get involved in their conflict.
• After Tokinada left, Wang Xun recognized the name Tsunayashiro Tokinada and grew concerned about the danger ahead.