Chapter Summaries

Wang Xun and Soi Fon discussed Yoruichi’s burdens and Soi Fon’s determination to grow stronger. At the Second Division training ground, Wang Xun’s suggestion helped Soi Fon find the first workable prototype of Shunkō.

• Yoruichi agreed that the Second Division could help Wang Xun arrange Kaidō training and said the Stealth Force would investigate if evidence linked nobles to Amamiya Shin.
• Soi Fon shared her dissatisfaction over the failed capture and worried about Yoruichi’s responsibilities, while Wang Xun comforted her and brought her food.
• A few days later, Soi Fon resumed Shunkō training despite being advised to rest, but her attempts to combine Hakuda and Kidō kept collapsing.
• Wang Xun suggested that Soi Fon gather her Reiatsu around her shoulders, giving her a new focal point for combining the two techniques.
• Soi Fon’s Reiatsu began circulating steadily around her shoulders and back, briefly holding together and revealing the prototype of Shunkō.

Yoruichi and Urahara investigated disappearances and Amamiya Shin’s soul collapse but found the inquiry blocked and the evidence inconclusive. They suspected the Tsunayashiro Clan’s plans and agreed that Wang Xun’s training in the Fourth Division could help uncover what was happening.

• Yoruichi reviewed Stealth Force reports on disappearances in Rukongai and noted that investigations were obstructed whenever they pointed toward noble clans.
• Urahara brought Yoruichi the Fourth Division’s examination of Amamiya Shin, which found severe, permanent damage but could not determine whether it had been inflicted deliberately.
• Yoruichi told Urahara that the Tsunayashiro Clan had revived plans to expand the Shin'ō Medical Institute and had tried to recruit Unohana and Kiyōnosuke Yamada.
• Yoruichi and Urahara discussed Unohana’s offer to train Wang Xun and considered whether he might discover something inside the Fourth Division.
• Yoruichi confirmed that Wang Xun had agreed to go, and she promised to arrange his report there soon.

Wang Xun began studying Kaidō with the Fourth Division under Kiyōnosuke Yamada while continuing his Second Division duties, and his extraordinary learning speed soon astonished his instructor. His Kidō reached level five, approaching lieutenant-level skill.

• Captain Yoruichi arranged for Wang Xun to study with the Fourth Division three days a week while continuing Second Division training on two days.
• Kiyōnosuke Yamada began teaching Wang Xun Kaidō and was surprised when Wang Xun understood and answered questions about the lessons.
• Wang Xun met Isane Kotetsu, introduced himself, and left after their brief conversation.
• Wang Xun quickly mastered diagnostic and treatment techniques, including treating simulated internal Reiatsu damage by himself.
• Wang Xun absorbed Kaidō experience fragments until his Kidō reached level five, leaving Kiyōnosuke Yamada speechless.

Unohana learned that Wang Xun had made remarkable progress in Kaidō and discussed Kiyōnosuke Yamada's impending transfer to the Central Relief Institute. She considered Wang Xun a potential link to Yoruichi as she explored a cautious understanding with her against noble influence.

• Kiyōnosuke Yamada reported that Wang Xun had reached the level of the Fourth Division's higher-ranking Seated Officers in Kaidō after just over a month of study.
• Unohana asked Yamada about Central 46's order transferring him to lead the Central Relief Institute, and warned him that the nobles' institution was more complicated than it appeared.
• Yamada said he had no right to refuse the order and named Isane Kotetsu as a promising candidate for the vacant vice-captain position.
• Unohana explained that she had proposed Wang Xun's study arrangement partly to signal to Yoruichi Shihōin that they might share a stance on certain matters.
• Yamada promised to fulfill his duties before leaving and departed Unohana's office late at night.

Wang Xun realized that the Kidō Corps might provide a faster source of Reiryoku Fragments and asked Kisuke Urahara to help him visit. Urahara agreed to bring him along while showing Wang Xun the completed second stage of their yield-increase research, which had produced a pool full of floating Reiryoku Fragments.

• Wang Xun reviewed his abilities and concluded that his slowly growing Spiritual Might was holding back his progress.
• Wang Xun decided to seek access to the Kidō Corps, where members frequently used Reiatsu for Kidō and barrier work.
• Wang Xun visited Kisuke Urahara at the Maggot's Nest and asked him to arrange a visit to the Kidō Corps.
• Urahara agreed to take Wang Xun along when he delivered improved barrier materials to the Kidō Corps.
• Urahara showed Wang Xun the completed second stage of their yield-increase research, and Wang Xun saw Reiryoku Fragments floating in the experimental pool.

Wang Xun discovered that Urahara’s spring gathered Reishi and produced Reiryoku Fragments, then negotiated a private partnership to improve and use it. After absorbing the spring’s fragments, Wang Xun left with Urahara’s report on the successful crop and livestock project.

• Wang Xun noticed the spring’s spirit-gathering barrier, and Urahara explained that his simplified hot spring could treat minor injuries, replenish Reiatsu, and improve crops and livestock.
• Urahara reported strong yield increases and proposed joining the project’s commercial operations, offering further improvements in exchange for a share of the profits.
• Urahara fed the pigs crystals that increased their reproductive drive, and Wang Xun reacted with discomfort as Urahara recorded the results.
• Wang Xun absorbed 655 Tiny Reiryoku Fragments from the spring and proposed privately funding its further development and use.
• Wang Xun and Urahara agreed to cooperate, and Urahara gave Wang Xun the project report before he left with a promise to keep the spring secret.

Wang Xun found Soi Fon troubled by her discovery that Yoruichi’s combat uniform seemed perfectly suited to the Shunkō she was developing. He encouraged her to ask Yoruichi about the technique, then left to raise the question himself, leaving Soi Fon anxious but unable to stop him.

• Wang Xun noticed Soi Fon training and learned that she had discovered how to gather Kidō Reiatsu through her shoulders and back to develop Shunkō.
• Soi Fon told Wang Xun that the technique required exposed shoulders and back, and she realized Yoruichi’s uniform seemed designed for it.
• Soi Fon wondered whether Yoruichi had already mastered the technique and whether developing it herself meant uncovering Yoruichi’s secrets.
• Wang Xun advised Soi Fon to ask Yoruichi directly and reassured her that her own research still mattered.
• When Soi Fon said she could not bring herself to ask, Wang Xun left by Shunpo, saying he would raise the subject with Yoruichi himself.

Wang Xun asked Yoruichi for advice about Soi Fon's work combining Kidō and Hakuda, and learned Yoruichi had already developed the technique Flash Gate. After Yoruichi offered Soi Fon a suitable outfit and invited her to her room that night, Soi Fon reacted with embarrassment and realized her racing heart might not be due only to the invitation.

• Wang Xun reported his Fourth Division progress to Yoruichi and asked about combining Kidō and Hakuda.
• Wang Xun explained that Soi Fon had identified the need for special clothing, and Yoruichi revealed that she had named her own technique Flash Gate.
• Yoruichi decided to give Soi Fon a spare outfit and asked Wang Xun to tell her to come to Yoruichi's room that night.
• Wang Xun relayed Yoruichi's message to Soi Fon, who blushed at the invitation and accepted the outfit.
• Soi Fon thanked Wang Xun as he left, then wondered whether her racing heart came from more than Yoruichi's invitation.

Wang Xun accompanied Kisuke Urahara to deliver commissioned materials at the Kidō Corps headquarters, where he absorbed Reiryoku Fragments and gained advanced insight into Dual Incantation. The chapter ended as Tessai Tsukabishi noticed Wang Xun and asked Urahara who he was.

• Wang Xun received Urahara’s message and met him at the Second Division’s main gate to carry materials to the Kidō Corps.
• Urahara explained that the Kidō Corps served Central 46 and warned Wang Xun not to ask about its members’ confidential identities.
• Wang Xun entered the Kidō Corps training ground and absorbed Reiryoku Fragments and Kidō insight, including knowledge of Dual Incantation.
• Tessai Tsukabishi demonstrated how to combine Shakkahō and Sōkatsui by weaving their Reiatsu structures together.
• When a member’s practice caused Reiatsu to spiral out of control, Tessai stabilized it with Bakudō and advised the members to master each incantation’s Reiatsu structure first.
• Tessai approached Urahara and asked who Wang Xun was.

Wang Xun observed the Kidō Corps practicing Dual Incantation and absorbed their Reiryoku fragments and insights, then successfully reproduced the technique’s rudiments on his first attempt. Kisuke Urahara wondered whether Wang Xun could also learn Incantation Abandonment just by watching.

• Urahara introduced Wang Xun to Tessai Tsukabishi as a Second Division member studying Kaidō and interested in Kidō.
• Wang Xun watched the Kidō Corps practice Dual Incantation and absorbed their Reiryoku fragments and insights.
• Tessai Tsukabishi and Urahara noticed Wang Xun synchronizing and intertwining red and blue Reiatsu spheres into a stable spiral.
• Tessai Tsukabishi asked Wang Xun if it was his first attempt, and Wang Xun confirmed that it was.
• Urahara told Wang Xun he understood why he had suggested visiting the Kidō Corps and asked if he could learn Incantation Abandonment just by watching.

Wang Xun unlocked the Dual Incantation branch skill while training at the Kidō Corps, and Tessai Tsukabishi offered him a chance to study there regularly as an external trainee. Wang Xun left needing Yoruichi's permission, while Urahara wondered whether he still counted as a member of the Second Division.

• Wang Xun discovered that absorbing fragments from Kidō Corps members increased his Kidō experience and his Dual Incantation proficiency.
• Urahara and Wang Xun left the training ground with Tessai Tsukabishi, who asked about Wang Xun's Kaidō studies and his assignment to the Punishment Force.
• Tessai Tsukabishi warned Wang Xun that advanced Kidō demanded strong control and mental discipline, then invited him to return for further study.
• Tessai Tsukabishi offered to make Wang Xun an external trainee if Yoruichi approved, allowing him to study regularly at the Kidō Corps.
• Tessai Tsukabishi saw Urahara and Wang Xun off, and Urahara remarked that Wang Xun was gaining ties to both the Fourth Division and the Kidō Corps.

Wang Xun continued developing his Kidō and Kaidō skills while Urahara prepared plans for the hot spring project. After Captain Unohana sent him advanced Kaidō materials, Lieutenant Yamada asked whether he had considered joining the Fourth Division, leaving Wang Xun to ponder the suggestion.

• Urahara praised Wang Xun's rapid progress with Double Incantation and learned that he was already studying advanced Kaidō.
• Wang Xun urged Urahara to move forward with the hot spring project, and Urahara agreed to prepare a proposal after reviewing the costs.
• Wang Xun told Yoruichi about his unofficial Kidō Corps studies, and she approved of them.
• Captain Unohana sent Wang Xun advanced Kaidō books and notes through Lieutenant Yamada, who acknowledged Wang Xun's talent.
• Yamada asked Wang Xun whether he had considered joining the Fourth Division, and Wang Xun watched him leave while thinking over the question.

Unohana summoned Wang Xun, praised his rapid progress in healing, and offered to teach him personally during treatment duties. She also invited Captain Shihoin to a flower-arranging gathering and demonstrated how to practice Dual Incantation, leaving her surprised by Wang Xun’s skill after only a few days.

• Unohana told Wang Xun that Lieutenant Yamada had taught him all he could and began teaching him personally during treatment duties.
• Unohana asked Wang Xun to deliver a flower-arranging invitation to Captain Shihoin.
• Unohana offered to help Wang Xun with Kidō after learning he would study with the Kidō Corps.
• Wang Xun asked about Dual Incantation, and Unohana explained how two Kidō could coexist without interfering.
• Wang Xun demonstrated the technique himself, and Unohana was surprised when he said he had only encountered it a few days earlier.

Wang Xun joined Unohana and Kiyōnosuke Yamada in treating a severely injured Fifth Division officer, demonstrating his skill with Kaidō. He encountered Lieutenant Aizen at the emergency room and left the exchange wary of the hidden current beneath Aizen’s gentle demeanor.

• Kiyōnosuke Yamada informed Unohana that a Fifth Division Fourth Seat had been critically wounded by an Adjuchas, and Unohana called Wang Xun to assist.
• Unohana treated the officer’s internal injuries while Wang Xun repaired a severed blood vessel and helped with the emergency treatment.
• After the officer was stabilized, Lieutenant Aizen entered to check on him and recognized Wang Xun, who explained that he was studying Kaidō in the Fourth Division while remaining with the Second Division.
• Aizen thanked Unohana for her advice and left after glancing back at Wang Xun.
• Unohana said Aizen was gentle and well regarded, then suggested Wang Xun spend more time with him; Wang Xun agreed with reservations.

More than three months after Wang Xun graduated early and joined the Second Division, Nanao Ise continued her studies at Shin'ō Academy while missing his company. She was left wondering why he had not returned, and her loneliness surfaced again when she mistook an empty library seat for his presence.

• Nanao practiced Kidō alone and felt that her flawless spells still lacked something.
• At the training grounds and library, Nanao remembered the time she had spent with Wang Xun and wondered whether he had become more diligent in the Second Division.
• During dinner, Nanao told her classmates she had not been in touch with Wang Xun, and they awkwardly reassured her that he might visit when he had time.
• Nanao recalled Wang Xun's promise to return and questioned why he had not appeared, though she insisted he would not forget her.
• As her Kidō skills improved, Nanao noticed how much she missed Wang Xun's company in her daily routines.
• At the library, Nanao briefly thought Wang Xun had sat across from her, then saw the seat was empty and called him annoying.

After learning that the captured Adjuchas yielded no useful information, Aizen visited the Ninth Division with Shinji Hirako and encountered Kaname Tōsen. Tōsen received a secret note and understood its message as he walked away.

• Aizen left the Fourth Division after confirming that the injured Fourth Seat was out of danger and decided to inspect the captured Adjuchas.
• Shinji Hirako joined Aizen, and they went to the Ninth Division’s underground prison to see the Hollow.
• Kensei Muguruma and Hachigen Ushōda told them the Adjuchas had only produced confused babbling and had traces of Shinigami Reishi in its Reiatsu.
• Aizen and Hirako left the prison and passed Kaname Tōsen in the corridor.
• Tōsen felt a note pressed with Reiatsu characters in his hand and understood its message.

Aizen met Tōsen in secret and discussed Wang Xun’s growing abilities, instructing Tōsen to handle the Adjuchas and focus on the Hōgyoku’s development. Meanwhile, Wang Xun reviewed the Reiatsu and Kidō experience he had gained while treating patients with Unohana.

• Tōsen destroyed Aizen’s note and waited until night to meet him in an abandoned warehouse.
• Aizen reassured Tōsen about his confinement and advised him to keep building good relationships in his division.
• Aizen asked Tōsen about Wang Xun, and Tōsen reported that Wang Xun had held his own against him after defeating Amamiya Shin.
• Aizen said Wang Xun’s progress and Unohana’s interest in him were surprising, but told Tōsen not to investigate him further for now.
• Aizen instructed Tōsen to deal with the Adjuchas and devote more attention to the Hōgyoku’s development.
• Wang Xun counted nearly two thousand points of Reiatsu and Kidō experience gained while treating patients with Unohana.

Wang Xun impressed Unohana by repairing a simulated spiritual network and continued to draw attention in the Fourth Division. At lunch, Isane praised his progress and asked him to transfer, but he said he had not considered it.

• Wang Xun repaired all seven nodes in a simulated spiritual network after Unohana demonstrated the technique again.
• Unohana considered recruiting Wang Xun to replace Kiyōnosuke Yamada as lieutenant when he transferred to the Shin'ō Medical Institute.
• Fourth Division members whispered about Wang Xun's rapid progress as he walked to the cafeteria.
• Isane told Wang Xun she admired his Kaidō skills and felt far behind him.
• Isane asked Wang Xun to transfer to the Fourth Division, but he said he had not thought about it, leaving her to ask why.

Wang Xun continued learning Kaidō and Dual Incantation from Unohana, impressing her with how quickly he mastered the techniques. As reports of Hollow attacks and disappearances increased, Wang Xun suspected Aizen was behind another move, while Unohana reminded him to prioritize his medical training before his upcoming study with the Kidō Corps.

• Wang Xun told Isane he was happy learning in both the Second and Fourth Divisions, then explained a Reiatsu technique that had been troubling her.
• Unohana taught Wang Xun the principles of Dual Incantation and demonstrated the technique, which he quickly began practicing with rising proficiency.
• Unohana reflected that Wang Xun might one day surpass her in Kaidō, then regretted that his talent seemed limited to Kidō.
• Kiyōnosuke Yamada reported a forty-percent increase in attacks on Soul Reapers and unexplained disappearances in Rukongai, many attributed to Hollows.
• Wang Xun connected the reports to an Adjuchas attack and wondered whether Aizen had released it as part of another scheme.
• Unohana reminded Wang Xun to balance his studies and prioritize Kaidō before he began studying with the Kidō Corps.

Wang Xun demonstrated his rapid progress in Dual Incantation at the Kidō Corps, provoking resentment among its members. Tessai Tsukabishi defended his special permission and offered to teach him the next techniques.

• Tessai Tsukabishi asked the Kidō Corps members to demonstrate Dual Incantation, but they repeatedly failed to stabilize the two kinds of Kidō Reiatsu.
• Wang Xun formed a stable double helix of crimson and cyan-blue Reiatsu, revealing that he had mastered the rudiments faster than the members who had practiced for months.
• A noble-born member questioned why Wang Xun from the Stealth Force was allowed to study at the Kidō Corps, and Tessai Tsukabishi defended his special permission while criticizing the members' complacency.
• Wang Xun told Tessai Tsukabishi that he had come to study rather than make friends, and that his presence might motivate the members to train harder.
• Tessai Tsukabishi offered to teach Wang Xun the techniques that followed Dual Incantation, and Wang Xun accepted.