In a pitch-black space, as far as the eye can see, there is a black mist constantly lingering.
The mist slowly floated towards Kurotsuki Renya. He wanted to escape but was unable to move. He could only let the black mist slowly cover him, seeping into his mouth and nose, suffocating him.
But at that moment, a thunderbolt fell, illuminating the space and dispelling the darkness.
Like sunlight piercing the night, the dawn quietly crossed the sky.
Renya's eyes snapped open, breath ragged, staring up at a white ceiling.
Where is this?
His head throbbed with pain. Looking around, he realized he was lying on a hospital bed. He tried to twist his body, but sharp waves of pain shot through him.
What happened…?
Then it came back to him: his battle against Zaraki Kenpachi. He had drawn out his Zanpakutō's Shikai at the critical moment, clashed against Zaraki after he removed his eyepatch, and even gained the upper hand—only to collapse from exhaustion.
So he had survived. But… why?
"Renya, are you awake?"
The familiar voice drew his gaze. Beside the bed was a woman with sharp eyes beneath her distinct short hair—Soi Fon, Captain of the 2nd Division.
"Captain Soi Fon… did you save me?" Renya asked.
Soi Fon straightened with a faint smile. "You passed out. Captain Zaraki didn't finish you off."
Renya frowned. "Didn't continue his attack? But he truly wanted to kill me."
"The reason he fought to that extent," Soi Fon replied calmly, "was at my request. It wasn't his own intent."
Renya stared at her in shock. "Your request? You asked him to kill me? Why?"
"You've been frustrated at failing to manifest your Shikai," Soi Fon said, her tone measured. "My own experience couldn't guide you. I believed forcing you into battle would draw it out. And it worked."
Renya gave a bitter smile. "If I had failed, I'd be dead."
"If Zaraki truly went too far," Soi Fon countered firmly, "I would have stepped in. Even against him at full strength."
Renya's eyes widened. "Then… Captain, could it be you've mastered Shunkō?"
Soi Fon's lips curved. "If I hadn't, I would never risk such a method."
Her combat uniform shifted as spiritual energy surged. A fierce burst of blue reiryoku wrapped around her, lightning arcs coursing over her arms and legs—the perfected form of Shunkō: Raijūsenkei.
Renya's face brightened. "You've succeeded… Captain, congratulations."
He tried to sit up in excitement, but pain lanced through his wounds, forcing him back with a groan.
"You fool, don't move." Soi Fon scolded him sharply, though her gaze softened at his genuine joy.
Renya chuckled weakly. "Captain Soi Fon's strength has grown again."
She demonstrated with a swift strike, leaving afterimages in the air. "Indeed. Far beyond before."
Where in the canon timeline she had once struggled to complete Shunkō decades later, she had now achieved Raijūsenkei far earlier, its lightning perfectly resonating with her Zanpakutō.
Renya truly felt proud of her. In the manga, her record was often overshadowed, her Shunkō seen as incomplete compared to Yoruichi Shihōin's mastery. But now, with Raijūsenkei unlocked early, Soi Fon's power could place her among the strongest Captains.
"Captain Soi Fon, please suppress that energy," a soft voice interrupted. "Its pressure isn't good for patients."
From behind her stepped Unohana Retsu, Captain of Squad 4.
Soi Fon immediately dispersed her aura. "Forgive me, Captain Unohana."
"It's fine. Just be careful," Unohana replied gently before turning to Renya. "Your battle with Zaraki shook the entire Seireitei. Many felt the storm you summoned. Your Zanpakutō—lightning, yes?"
Renya nodded. "Yes. Thunder-element."
There was no point hiding it. The clash had already revealed everything.
"I heard," Unohana continued softly, "that had you not collapsed, you may have defeated him."
Renya shook his head. "I still failed."
"But at your age, your growth is remarkable," she praised. "Just remember—do not let arrogance blind you."
"I understand, Captain. I won't forget."
Unohana examined him with serene precision. "Your internal injuries are treated. The abdominal damage has been mended, but your chest wound is still fragile. Broken bones are set, but recovery will take days. Squad 4 will continue daily treatment. Remain here for five days at least."
Renya bowed his head. "Thank you, Captain Unohana… and the 4th Division."
She gave a gentle nod and left, leaving Renya alone with Soi Fon.
"Captain, how long was I unconscious?" he asked.
"A day and a half," she answered.
"And Renji? Is he alright?" Renya asked quickly, remembering Abarame Renji's clash with Yachiru Kusajishi.
Soi Fon gave him a look. "Worry for yourself before others. But yes, he's fine. He came here after waking, wanted to stay even—but I don't tolerate loitering. Yachiru dragged him off, along with Matsumoto Rangiku, Madarame Ikkaku, Kuchiki Rukia, and two of your classmates."
Relief filled Renya's chest. Those classmates must have been Hinami Momo and Kira Izuru.
Soi Fon studied him a moment before asking, "Hungry?"
Renya nodded. "A little."
She pulled out a box from a bag and opened it—sushi. Placing it before him, she ordered, "Eat."
Renya blinked in surprise at her thoughtfulness. He picked up a piece, but when he saw her gaze fixed on him, a mischievous thought struck. He let the sushi slip onto the sheets and winced dramatically.
"What's wrong?" Soi Fon asked sharply.
"The wound… hurts," Renya groaned.
Soi Fon sighed, then, with a softer tone, said, "Then don't move. I'll feed you."
She picked up a piece and held it to his lips. Renya bit gently, his lips brushing her finger, but she didn't flinch, withdrawing her hand only after he swallowed.
The sushi seemed to taste far better than usual.
Piece after piece, she fed him until the box was empty.
"I'm a little thirsty," Renya said.
Soi Fon rose, poured water, and handed him the glass. He took it himself, drank deeply, then passed it back.
She froze. "You just lifted that glass. Your arm works fine."
Her face darkened.
Renya panicked, clutching his arm with his other hand. "Ah—it hurts, it hurts!"
"Enough!" She knocked him lightly on the head.
"Ow…" Renya rubbed the spot, pouting.
Soi Fon huffed, setting the cup aside. "No more games. Now… tell me about your Zanpakutō. I want to know its name—and its true power."