"So, what kind of idea do you have in mind?"
Soifon's amber eyes glinted with curiosity. She already knew that Kurotsuki Renya was never short on unconventional solutions — and when he said he had something planned, it usually worked.
Renya smiled faintly.
"Captain Soifon, come with me. I've been developing two new ideas — the first one's complete. You'll be the perfect person to test it."
"Good," Soifon replied, intrigued. She followed Renya toward his quarters inside the Onmitsukidō barracks.
As they walked, Renya explained,
"My first idea is related to speed. I can't enhance your natural Shunpo or Shunko beyond what you've already mastered, but I can reduce the resistance holding it back — externally, through your uniform."
"My uniform?" Soifon asked, raising an eyebrow.
Renya nodded. "After analyzing the standard Onmitsukidō shihakushō, I noticed flaws. It's not optimized for high-speed close combat. The outer skirt is too loose, and the trousers create drag — too much air resistance during Shunpo. If we change the structure, even slightly, we can increase your overall speed."
Indeed, the current Onmitsukidō combat uniform — though lightweight — had several drawbacks. The long skirt often caught air during rapid motion, the wide-legged trousers clung awkwardly against the skin, and the exposed gaps under the arms and along the thighs made swift movements inefficient.
Even Yoruichi Shihōin had abandoned the traditional uniform after leaving Soul Society, opting for her black combat suit instead.
"You've got a point," Soifon admitted, folding her arms. "There are times it slows me down."
Renya smiled knowingly. "Exactly. So, I made you something new."
He led her inside and pulled out a neatly folded outfit from his storage case.
Soifon's eyes widened immediately — and her cheeks flushed red.
"This is…?!"
The garment was a sleek, form-fitting bodysuit — a one-piece combat suit with a high-cut design and reinforced spiritual threads woven through the fabric. It was lightweight, flexible, and streamlined, clearly designed to minimize resistance.
Renya spoke matter-of-factly, "This fabric channels Reiryoku efficiently, with almost no wind resistance. It's based on the same structural layering as Lady Yoruichi's old combat suit — though I modified the energy lines to suit your Shunko."
Soifon's blush deepened. "I— I can't wear something like this! It's too revealing!"
Renya picked up the attached accessories: a pair of white thigh-high stockings and specially designed Shunpo shoes — simple, light, and spiritually reinforced for silent movement.
He explained calmly, "The stockings are made from Reiryoku silk. They help stabilize energy flow through your legs during Shunpo. As for the shoes — they're lightweight, frictionless, and flexible. You'll move faster than ever before."
Soifon crossed her arms and glared. "It still shows too much skin."
Renya scratched his head awkwardly. "There are stockings. Only the upper thighs are visible. And it's still more practical than the standard uniform — only a quarter of the weight and drastically reduced drag."
"I won't wear it," she said firmly. "Even if it's the best equipment you've ever made."
Renya sighed. His carefully prepared plan seemed to be collapsing. "Then I'll modify it. Maybe leggings or full tights — still tight-fitting, but less revealing."
He flipped open a notebook filled with sketches of alternate designs. "This one keeps most of the aerodynamic benefits while adding coverage."
Soifon glanced at it and nodded. "That one's acceptable."
Renya smiled. "Then I'll have it made."
He tucked the first outfit away carefully. But Soifon noticed.
"Why are you still keeping that one?" she demanded, her tone sharp but her cheeks pink. "Throw it out."
Renya smirked lightly. "I can't throw it away. Maybe one day, after we're married, you'll wear it — just for me."
Soifon's eyes widened, her face instantly crimson. "A-as if I'd do that!"
Renya chuckled, pretending to drop the subject. "Then we'll stick to the modified version."
Still, he quietly stored the blue combat suit in his drawer. Soifon noticed but didn't stop him — though she muttered something under her breath about reckless subordinates.
After a moment, Renya turned the notebook to another page.
"That first design was to enhance speed. This next one's for offense."
Soifon leaned closer, interested. "An attack method?"
On the page were drawings of gauntlets and greaves — sleek metallic armor that covered both forearms and shins. Intricate spiritual circuits were etched across the surface, designed to channel and amplify Hadō energy.
"This armor conducts Reiryoku like a Kidō array," Renya explained. "By weaving thunder-type Kidō — specifically Hadō #11: Tsuzuri Raiden — through these conduits, you can release compressed lightning blasts directly from your limbs."
Soifon's eyes widened. "That could break through even Hierro."
"Exactly," Renya said, excited. "It's inspired by Urahara Kisuke's specialized armor he made for Lady Yoruichi — the one that could pierce Arrancar skin. With this, you could combine Shunko's offensive burst with a concentrated Reiatsu cannon."
He turned another page, pointing at refined versions. "Your right-hand design includes a modular port for Suzumebachi's stinger — compatible with your Zanpakutō's release form. And the left arm features a focused energy point for kinetic discharge."
Soifon studied it closely. She could sense how much thought he'd poured into every detail. The boy had clearly been working tirelessly behind the scenes.
"This is impressive," she admitted softly. "If this armor can really be forged, it'll amplify both my speed and my attack power immensely."
Renya nodded. "I'll need to work with Captain Kurotsuchi for the metallurgy and Reiryoku calibration. But it's feasible."
Soifon smiled faintly — a rare expression from her. "You've done more than I expected. Thank you."
Renya looked up, surprised. "You don't have to thank me."
"If you actually finish it," Soifon said, her tone light but teasing, "then… I'll wear that first suit you designed. But only after I'm married."
Renya blinked — then grinned. "Really?"
"Of course," she replied confidently.
"Deal." Renya's eyes sparkled, imagining it already.
"Do you have to look that happy?" Soifon sighed, her tone exasperated.
"Of course," Renya said without hesitation.
Soifon rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. But before the moment could last, a shadow appeared at the doorway.
A stealth force member bowed quickly. "Captain Soifon — urgent report!"
Soifon's expression hardened instantly. "What is it?"
"An escaped Shinigami — a former noble — attempted assassination and fled the Seireitei. Orders from Central 46: eliminate without interrogation."
Soifon straightened. "Understood." She glanced back at Renya. "I'll handle this."
Renya nodded. "Be careful, Captain."
Missions like this weren't rare — assassinations carried out by the Onmitsukidō when capturing wasn't an option.
Two hours passed. Soifon hadn't returned. Then a division messenger rushed into Renya's quarters.
"Kurotsuki Renya! Captain Soifon requests immediate reinforcement. You're to lead a secondary search unit toward the Southern Rukongai — District 2."
Renya stood immediately. "The target escaped?"
"Yes. Captain Soifon tracked him to East Rukongai but lost his trail mid-search. Vice-Captain Marechiyo Ōmaeda is sweeping the north. You're to take a combat unit south."
The messenger handed Renya a sketch of the fugitive. Renya pocketed it quickly.
"Understood," he said, his tone calm but sharp. "I'll move out now."
⸻
(Author's Note)
A minor setting clarification — Rukia Kuchiki's internal link to the Hōgyoku remains as originally established in the canon: she carried traces of it from decades ago, long before the current events. This arc will expand on that hidden connection while staying consistent with the main Bleach timeline. Thank you for your patience as the story returns to its proper canon alignment.
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