A week passed quickly.
Beneath the Sōkyoku Execution Platform, in a secret underground training ground, the protective barriers had been upgraded, now allowing the use of all Kidō below level ninety.
As Masatsuki Aozaki watched Yoruichi Shihōin warming up, he unconsciously took off his robe.
"Masatsuki, are you ready?" Yoruichi asked seriously.
Masatsuki's gaze was firm as he responded in a deep voice, "I'm ready."
Yoruichi slowly removed her jacket, revealing her toned, sun-kissed back.
Thinking about what was about to happen, Masatsuki couldn't help but swallow hard.
Noticing his reaction, Yoruichi gave a small nod and sat cross-legged on the ground.
"I originally planned to teach you Shunkō after your Reiatsu reached Captain level," she said.
"But since you were able to defeat a Captain-level rebel using Sōkotsu, you already have the fundamental spiritual body requirements to wield Shunkō."
Faced with the opportunity to learn Shunkō, how could any man resist?
Just as that thought crossed his mind, Masatsuki couldn't hold back any longer.
"Let's get started!" he said eagerly.
Yoruichi was pleased with his enthusiasm. She nodded and spoke seriously.
"Let me put it simply. Normal Hakuda uses Reiryoku to enhance speed and power, but it doesn't actually strengthen the spiritual body itself."
"Hakuda is often called a physical technique, but in reality, it relies on Reiryoku to propel the body, coordinating energy with movement to execute attacks."
"The body is merely a vessel for Reiryoku—it's the energy itself that truly determines the impact."
"However, the Captain-Commander's Hakuda focuses more on reinforcing the spiritual body. Instead of outward bursts of Reiryoku, his technique internalizes it, amplifying the raw destructive power of the spiritual body itself."
"Shunkō is similarly complex. It not only requires altering the properties of Reiryoku but also demands complete synchronization between energy and the spiritual body."
"The principle behind Shunkō is converting one's Reiryoku into Kidō of various attributes, wrapping it around the body, and then triggering controlled explosions to merge Kidō and limbs into a singular, devastating force."
"In comparison to the Captain-Commander's Hakuda, both techniques require immense physical endurance."
"The main difference lies in how the Reiryoku is applied and how the attacks are executed."
"To put it simply, one is focused outward, while the other is focused inward."
As expected of Soul Society's master of hand-to-hand combat—her explanation was clear and easy to understand.
Masatsuki, who had dedicated himself to training in Yamamoto's style of Hakuda, understood immediately.
"This really suits me," he said with confidence. "I have complete control over both Kidō and Hakuda techniques."
Yoruichi raised three fingers and smiled.
"There are three key aspects to training Shunkō."
"First, Reiatsu level. You've already met this requirement. Shunkō doesn't actually demand a high Reiatsu—Lieutenant level is sufficient."
"I originally said you needed to reach Third-Class Reiatsu because, at Captain level, your body is further strengthened by the natural feedback of Reiryoku, surpassing most Seated Officers and Lieutenants in raw durability..."
Masatsuki waved a hand and laughed.
"Reiatsu is the source of a Shinigami's power. Raising it naturally enhances the body—I get that."
Yoruichi chuckled and shook her head.
"Second, spiritual body resilience. Your spiritual body is already on par with a Captain's, so that's not an issue. You're more than qualified to train in Shunkō."
Masatsuki let out a small breath of relief.
This was the benefit of having a great teacher—he didn't have to worry about the training methods, and someone was always there to fine-tune the details.
Yoruichi Shihōin's expression remained serious as she said,
"The most important thing is the final point."
Masatsuki Aozaki immediately straightened his posture, sitting up attentively.
Yoruichi took a deep breath before continuing,
"You'll need to prepare a proper outfit—something sleeveless, preferably with an open back. Otherwise, every time you use Shunkō, you'll end up destroying your clothes. It's a hassle."
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