First Division, Kendo Dojo.
Yamamoto stood at the center of the spacious dojo, his back to the entrance.
Hearing approaching footsteps, he spoke slowly: "How is your Reiatsu training progressing?"
Watching Yamamoto's back as he stood there with the air of a reclusive master, Satoru couldn't help but cast a disdainful glance.
This old man would truly be wasting his talents if he didn't publish a book titled "The Art of Pretentiousness."
But remembering his purpose for coming today, he quickly put on a smile.
"Of course I've practiced. When the Captain-Commander speaks, how could I not take it seriously?"
Hearing this, Yamamoto slowly turned around.
"Show me."
Without wasting words, Satoru drew his Asauchi and slashed through the air toward Yamamoto.
A blue crescent-shaped blade pressure instantly tore through the space between them, arriving before Yamamoto.
Observing the incoming blade pressure with a hint of surprise, Yamamoto reached out and caught it midair.
Sssshhhh!!!
The slash that could cleave boulders felt like cotton in Yamamoto's hand, leaving no trace.
After gauging its power, Yamamoto clenched his fist slightly, shattering the blade pressure into fragments that dissipated into the air.
Looking at Satoru still holding his Asauchi, Yamamoto opened his mouth.
After a few seconds, he managed to say, "Not bad."
Satoru grinned. "All thanks to the Captain-Commander's excellent teaching."
Seeing his expression, Yamamoto's internal alarm bells suddenly rang.
Something's off...
This brat definitely wants something from me!
He came to this conclusion instantly for one simple reason.
Back when that rascal Kyōraku Shunsui would get into trouble and needed to apologize or ask for help, he wore nearly the exact same expression.
Keeping his guard up internally, Yamamoto began today's lesson.
Today's subject was hand-to-hand combat techniques.
One of the Shinigami's four foundational skills—Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō—specifically "Hakuda."
Satoru was genuinely interested in this.
Yamamoto's Hakuda prowess was fully displayed during the Karakura Town arc.
Facing "The Extinguisher," who could seal his Zanpakutō's abilities, Yamamoto shattered its body with a single punch.
It's worth noting that while The Extinguisher was a functionally specialized Arrancar with no special abilities beyond countering Yamamoto's Zanpakutō...
Its defensive power was truly at the Espada level.
For Yamamoto's Hakuda to one-shot an Espada-level defense surpassed even many captains' Zanpakutō abilities.
(No offense intended toward any certain Kensei or Komamura.)
Over the next few hours, Yamamoto meticulously taught Satoru all his insights into Hakuda.
Satoru, for once, played the model student and absorbed every word.
"...That's all for today. We'll continue next time."
After what felt like ages, Yamamoto concluded the lesson.
Hearing this, Satoru blinked in surprise.
He quickly raised his hand. "Wait, Captain-Commander, don't you have that incredible punch technique? The mountain-splitting, ocean-parting one... Aren't we covering that today?"
Yamamoto: "?"
It took him a moment to realize what Satoru meant.
Seeing Satoru's eager gaze, he couldn't help but chide, "Given your current understanding of Hakuda, it's still too early for you to learn my Kotsu."
"Learning is a process of continuous accumulation. You must understand the importance of gradual progress. Aiming too high too soon will only lead you astray..."
Yamamoto huffed, stroking his beard as he began lecturing.
Seeing Yamamoto about to launch into a long-winded speech, Satoru quickly raised his hand again.
"Then, Captain-Commander, if I master everything you've taught me within this week, can you teach me that boxing technique next week?"
Yamamoto frowned slightly.
What he had taught today, though fundamental, required time and repetition to truly internalize.
How many swordplay prodigies had started with the basics—swinging their blades day after day—before ever learning advanced techniques?
Satoru was undoubtedly talented, but overconfidence could be his downfall.
With that in mind, he nodded. "Very well. If you master everything I've taught you this week, I'll instruct you in the techniques of Kotsu."
"However, if you fail, starting next week, you'll train under the waterfall."
He decided it was best to temper the boy's arrogance while he was still young, lest it cost him dearly in the future.
Satoru agreed without hesitation.
Just as Yamamoto was about to dismiss him, Satoru raised his hand yet again.
"Captain-Commander, are you busy right now? I have an extracurricular question I'd like to ask."
"Busy."
"I was wondering—if someone possesses an incredibly powerful hypnosis ability that can't be countered by ordinary means, how would one defend against it?"
"..."
For a brief moment, Yamamoto seriously considered kicking the boy out.
Still, the question piqued his interest.
Standing on the wooden floor of the dojo, he fell into thought.
After a long pause, he finally spoke. "There are three methods."
"The first is the simplest—elevate your spiritual pressure."
"No matter the hypnosis technique, it must be rooted in spiritual energy. If your spiritual pressure far surpasses the opponent's, you can forcibly break free."
"The second is to find a countermeasure."
"If their hypnosis relies on sound, seal your hearing with Kidō before battle."
"If it's based on movement, disrupt their motions."
"If neither works, seek tools like potions... though my knowledge there is limited. The Research and Development Institute might have solutions."
"As for the third..."
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes. "The third method only just occurred to me."
"Captain Kirio Hikifune of the 12th Division has reportedly made a major breakthrough in artificial soul technology."
"Given her expertise, she might be able to devise a preemptive defense mechanism against hypnosis abilities."
Satoru blinked in surprise.
Kirio Hikifune... The name sounded vaguely familiar.
Wasn't she a member of the Royal Guard?
At this point in time, she hadn't been promoted yet and was still serving in the Gotei 13?
Though he wasn't sure of her current capabilities, anyone destined for the Royal Guard must be formidable.
With that in mind, Satoru resolved to visit the 12th Division soon.
With the First Division's travel pass in hand, I can easily make up an excuse to get in when the time comes.
Plan successful!
"Captain-Commander, there's one more thing I'd like to ask you."
"Do you know any tracking techniques—something that can leave a mark without being noticed, so I can keep tabs on someone's location?"
Yamamoto: "..."
First hypnosis, now tracking.
Just what the hell is this brat planning?
Narrowing his eyes, Yamamoto was about to kick Satoru out when a voice suddenly rang out from the doorway:
"You should ask me about that! I'm an expert!"
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