After Kurotsuki Renya's fierce clash with Zaraki Kenpachi, he returned to the Second Division barracks to treat his injuries. Though the cuts were deep, none were fatal.
Thanks to his mastery of Kaidō (healing kidō), he could heal himself without troubling the Fourth Division.
Days passed, and on this particular morning, Renya and Captain Soi Fon stood on the Second Division's training ground. A fierce wind howled around Renya's limbs, rippling the dirt beneath his feet.
Soi Fon's eyes widened slightly. "This is…?"
Renya smiled faintly, hovering slightly above the ground. "Fūshun — the Wind-Flash Step. Though incomplete."
"You've developed another type of Shunko?" Soi Fon asked, surprise flickering in her tone. "But your Raishunko isn't even perfected yet."
Renya nodded. "I already have Raiken and Raigeki—Lightning Wing and Thunder Strike. I don't need Raishunko perfected right now. If I'm ever bound again by someone like Aizen's Kido or those Arrancar with sealing abilities, I'll still have another trump card."
He clenched his fists, faint static and wind pressure merging into a faint glow.
"If I meet someone like Aizen again," Renya continued, "I could rely on raw physical power, Shunpo, and Hakuda. But with Fūshun, I could end it before it even starts."
Soi Fon crossed her arms, smirking slightly. "Confident as ever. Then prove it. Let's spar — I want to see this 'Wind Shunko' of yours."
Renya blinked. "You're challenging me, Captain? I can't possibly compare to—"
"I won't use Shunkō," she interrupted. "Only standard Shunpo. You'll have no excuses."
Renya chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Then what's my reward if I win?"
A faint flush crept up Soi Fon's cheeks. "Reward? You're still the same cheeky brat. Didn't we agree that until you reach my standards, our… relationship remains professional?"
Renya grinned. "Then my reward is simple: if I win, I'll stop using honorifics when addressing you — at least in private."
Soi Fon considered for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But only off-duty. During missions or in the Division, you'll still address me as Captain."
"Deal."
Renya vanished. A thunderclap cracked the air.
"Behind!" Soi Fon spun instantly — but Renya's fist was already descending toward her shoulder, wrapped in violent winds. She twisted away, barely evading the impact as a gust blasted a crater into the ground.
"So fast," Renya muttered, impressed. Even with Fūshun, her reaction time was razor-sharp. She's been holding back in our previous trainings.
Soi Fon ducked low, pivoting sharply. Her leg snapped out like lightning. Renya barely raised his arm to block, and the impact sent him sliding back several meters. The air between them vibrated with residual reiryoku.
Her sandal disintegrated under the swirling vortex of Renya's compressed wind aura. Barefoot, she stood poised on air, using Reiraku control to stabilize herself.
If I approach recklessly, I'll get shredded, Soi Fon thought. But keeping distance gives him the advantage.
Renya darted forward again, closing the gap in an instant. His fist struck out, the air screaming around his knuckles. Soi Fon slipped sideways, vanishing and reappearing behind him.
But before she could counter, Renya appeared in front of her again, palm glowing with focused wind pressure.
She dodged again — but he pursued relentlessly, laughing under his breath.
"Captain, if you keep dodging like this, you'll lose on points alone!"
"Oh really?" Soi Fon smirked — and flicked her wrist.
Three kunai spun through the air toward Renya, aimed precisely at his head, chest, and abdomen. He deflected them easily — but the moment they shattered, dozens of silver threads exploded outward, scattering needle-like fragments in every direction.
"What—?" Renya tensed. Those can't do real damage… what's the purpose—
"Hadō #12: Fushibi — Lightning Web," Soi Fon whispered.
Lightning erupted from her hand, leaping from needle to needle — a network of conductive paths that surrounded Renya in an instant. Electric arcs surged toward him.
"Bakudō and Hadō combo—clever," Renya muttered, raising his arms. Wind flared around his body, forming a barrier that dispersed most of the current, though some lightning still seared his skin.
Soi Fon used that brief opening, flashing behind him and driving a kick toward his back.
But Renya's reflexes were faster. He blocked the strike with his forearm, grabbed her ankle midair, and pressed his free palm against her abdomen.
"You lose, Captain," he said softly, smiling.
Soi Fon froze, frowning slightly. "Why didn't the lightning affect you?"
Renya released her and replied, "I've been tempering my body with electromagnetic fields during training. My skin and muscle density have increased to the point where your weakened current barely tingled."
"…I see." Soi Fon exhaled, stepping back. A faint hint of irritation crossed her face. "So even my improved techniques can't faze you anymore."
Renya smiled gently. "Soi Fon, from now on, I'll call you by name in private."
She gave him a sharp look, cheeks slightly red. "You're insufferable… fine. But don't overuse it."
Renya grinned. "Then maybe 'Sister Soi Fon'? Sounds softer."
Her blush deepened. "Do whatever you want," she muttered, looking away.
Changing the subject, Renya asked, "Those silver needles — were they your own invention?"
"Yes," she admitted. "Seeing you develop so many lightning-based variations inspired me to try one myself. But it seems… ineffective."
Renya nodded thoughtfully. "Not entirely, but its power output is too low. Against high-speed or captain-class opponents, there's too much setup time. You'd need stronger conductors or hidden deployment."
Soi Fon sighed softly. "I just… wanted to break through my current limits. My strength's plateaued. Compared to your progress, I feel stagnant."
Renya shook his head. "That's not true. You're already one of the strongest. With full Raishunko and Nigeki Kessatsu, few can match your speed or precision."
He paused, then smiled knowingly. "Still, I do have a method that could enhance your physical speed and strength even further."
Soi Fon tilted her head slightly, curiosity breaking through her stoic façade.
"Oh? And what would that be, Renya?"