It took Fujimori nearly half an hour to explain the workings of his "Wireless Reitai" concept to Shutara's satisfaction.
And true to her nature, the moment she grasped the idea, she was itching to rush back and build a prototype.
"Hey, wait!"
Seeing her about to bail without paying up, Fujimori grabbed her sleeve.
"You have more ideas?"
Shutara no longer looked at him with disdain.
Who would've thought?
This battle-crazed monkey actually had a brilliant invention in him.
Was this the Infinite Monkey Theorem in action?
"Not exactly."
Fujimori pointed at her, then at his sword. "But you just took my idea. Where's my payment?"
"The silencing method?"
"Oh. That."
Shutara looked deeply disappointed.
Then, something snakelike slithered beneath her kimono, making Kirio yelp and scramble back.
The mean lady has a monster under her dress!
Fujimori, however, had a hunch.
Sure enough—
A skeletal arm emerged from Shutara's back, holding a string of oddly familiar-looking prayer beads.
"Here."
"My treasured 'Restraint Rosary.'"
The jade-colored beads, about a foot long, were strung together with two fang-like charms crackling with faint lightning.
Shutara tossed it to him without ceremony.
"Wrap this around the tsuba and sheath. It'll shut the brat up."
"Just say the command phrase."
Fujimori examined the beads, the déjà vu growing stronger.
"So... the phrase is 'Sit'?"
"What? No." Shutara gave him a weird look. "It's 'Shut up'!"
This guy's thought process is incomprehensible.
Fujimori exhaled in relief. At least it's not the InuYasha version.
"Side effects, though." Shutara added casually. "Only works three times a day, three minutes max per use. The stronger the Zanpakutō, the less effective it is."
"If it were Ryūjin Jakka, these beads would probably burn to ash."
"Hence why I've been meaning to toss them."
"Three minutes, huh..."
Fujimori's face fell, but something was better than nothing.
"Thanks anyway."
[Protest! I don't want that!]
[Stuffing something that big in my—mmph!!]
Not letting the sword finish, Fujimori viciously wrapped the beads around it.
For formal occasions, he'd much rather carry around a glorified stick.
Shutara, however, smirked as she glanced at his waist.
"Oh, and these beads have... other uses for Zanpakutō Meditation."
"Really?! Peerless Lady Shutara!"
Fujimori's eyes sparkled. There's more?!
Shutara's grin turned sinister.
"Just don't come crying to me later."
"Never!"
"If I do, I'll stand on my head and—ahem."
Fujimori was dead serious.
He dreamed of achieving Shikai and Bankai.
But how could he, when he couldn't even communicate?
Given the choice, who'd want to be like Kenpachi, swinging a blunt sword around like a caveman?
At least Kenpachi has a loli following him around.
He glanced down at Kirio, who blinked back cluelessly.
...Well, now I do too!
Instant confidence boost!
---
After Shutara left, Fujimori wandered around with Kirio, failing to find any sort of childcare facility.
Only when he sensed Unohana's spiritual pressure leaving the dojo did he obediently head to the training grounds.
...
"Kirio-chan, listen carefully."
Fujimori crouched, speaking gravely. "Because Big Bro's talent is too amazing, my training method is very special."
"When that weird lady teaches me later, watch closely. If you can't learn this way, I'll have to send you to regular classes."
"Understand?"
"Got it!"
Kirio nodded solemnly, her small face serious.
Adversity bred resilience—a child with no one to rely on matured quickly.
Fujimori smiled, ruffling her hair.
"Planning to adopt her?"
A voice spoke right behind him.
Fujimori froze, praying she hadn't heard his earlier remark.
Turning, he found Unohana Yachiru's usual impassive expression.
[Yeah! Weird lady! He just said—]
"Shut up!"
Cold sweat drenched Fujimori as he snapped.
The beads around his sheath glowed crimson, garbling the rest into static.
Kirio tilted her head, confused by his panic.
Fujimori looked up nervously—only to find Unohana's lips curled in an amused smirk.
"Call me 'Sensei' from now on."
Her tone was mild.
"Y-Yes!"
"Master!"
Fujimori immediately seized the lifeline.
Unohana walked past him, picking up a wooden training sword from the rack.
When Fujimori moved to grab one, she stopped him.
"No need."
"Use your real blade."
Her deep eyes held his, her smile faint.
"Show me."
"That secret technique you created in battle."
Realizing she meant to critique his form, Fujimori focused entirely.
Wrapping the beads around his left hand, he stepped onto the training ground and drew his Zanpakutō.
He recalled the moment he slew that Adjuchas—the sensation of cleaving through Hierro, every detail vivid.
When he opened his eyes again, he was ready.
"Please guide me."