At Satoru's words, Jūshirō and Kyōraku both looked astonished.
Mastering Old Man Yama's basic Hakuda techniques… in just a week?
Was their junior really this bold?
Daring to make such a boast?
Having been students themselves, the two quickly pieced together the context.
This prodigious junior must have always learned things quickly, building immense confidence.
After just learning Yamamoto's basic Hakuda, he had likely rushed to request advanced techniques.
Yamamoto, on the other hand, had prepared to teach him a lesson, ensuring he didn't get ahead of himself.
Once they understood, the two exchanged knowing smiles.
This was exactly what they had gone through back in the day.
Yamamoto let out a low chuckle.
"What, trying to back out now?"
"At this point, it's far too late for regrets!"
"Didn't I say before that if you couldn't master the basics within a week, I'd send you to train under a waterfall?"
"Coincidentally, there's a fine one in South Rukongai's 16th District."
"You won't need to return to the academy this week—just reflect properly beneath the falls!"
"Guards!"
The moment he spoke, several members of the Kidō Corps instantly appeared in the room, kneeling on one knee, awaiting Yamamoto's orders.
Just as Yamamoto was about to command them to escort this Young Master Satoru to the waterfall, Satoru hastily interjected:
"Wait, Captain-Commander!"
"Is there something else you wish to say?" Yamamoto glanced at him sidelong.
Satoru kept his hand raised. "I've already mastered them."
"Hmm?"
Yamamoto's expression turned skeptical.
Already mastered?
He didn't believe it.
The foundational Hakuda techniques he had developed differed significantly from those taught at the Shin'ō Academy.
In the past, he had even considered promoting his own training method.
But soon, Yamamoto realized that students without sufficient talent would actually harm their bodies by practicing his techniques, making the standard versions more suitable.
No matter how much of a genius Satoru was, mastering his methods within a week was simply unrealistic.
Besides, Yamamoto knew exactly what kind of person Satoru was.
If the kid had truly mastered it, he would have already come swaggering over, demanding to learn the advanced applications.
There was no way this little rascal would miss such a golden opportunity.
"What exactly have you mastered?"
"I've already mastered the advanced technique for one hand."
Yuu clenched one fist and waved it in front of Yamamoto.
Yamamoto: "?"
Before he could process it, Satoru continued, "So, Captain-Commander, skip the first step and teach me the two-handed technique directly!"
Yamamoto: "???"
Seeing Satoru's dead-serious expression, Yamamoto couldn't help but look utterly bewildered.
Nearby, Kyōraku glanced at Jūshirō.
"Uh… Jūshirō, did I hear that right…?"
"Our junior here—starting from zero—learned Old Man Yama's 'Ikotsu' in just a week?"
Jūshirō blinked, his expression equally disbelieving.
Yamamoto frowned, scrutinizing Satoru.
A few seconds later, he gestured for Satoru to demonstrate.
After days of practice, Satoru had fully mastered Ikotsu.
Taking a deep breath, he lunged forward and threw a punch at Yamamoto!
BOOM!!!
Yamamoto blocked with one arm, a shockwave of white spiritual pressure erupting around them.
Feeling the explosive force transmitted through his arm, Yamamoto couldn't help but feel like he'd been played.
This brat… really did learn it!
He had only given Satoru the basic training method—no specific techniques at all.
Yet, through sheer self-study, Satoru had grasped the essence of Ikotsu's power release!
He had always considered his two students, Kyōraku and Jūshirō, to be dazzling geniuses.
But compared to Satoru, they might as well be mediocrities!
For a moment, Yamamoto cycled through shock, exhilaration, and then solemn contemplation.
Satoru stared at his fist.
In that punch, he had sensed something.
There seemed to be an even deeper synchronization possible between his fist and his spiritual pressure.
If he could achieve perfect harmony, the power might multiply further…
As he pondered, Yamamoto's voice suddenly cut in.
"Satoru Mikami."
"Huh? Yeah?"
Satoru snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Yamamoto.
"Captain-Commander, I just had an idea—what if we adjust the spiritual pressure to—"
"Satoru Mikami… would you be willing to become my disciple?"
"…?"
Satoru froze, his expression stunned.
Kyōraku's eyes lit up.
Standing behind Yamamoto, he frantically signaled at Satoru with his eyes.
Gradually, Satoru regained his composure.
Under Yamamoto's gaze, he straightened up and saluted.
"Student Satoru Mikami, at your service, Master!!"
After witnessing Yamamoto's incredible abilities, he wasn't about to complain about the hassle of apprenticeship like before.
This old man was a bottomless well of knowledge!
Hearing this, Yamamoto nodded in satisfaction.
Initially, he had taken Satoru under his wing mainly to shield him from noble harassment.
But now… he was genuinely invested.
This kid, if properly honed, has limitless potential.
Such excellent material left to grow wild would truly be a waste of nature's gift.
Now that he's officially taken as a disciple, it finally settles one of his lingering concerns.
Watching the scene before him, Jūshirō couldn't help but smile.
As if suddenly remembering something, he quickly left the dojo and hurried toward Yamamoto's quarters.
Before long, he returned carrying a scroll, along with ink and brush.
"Master Yamamoto, I've brought the registry. Let's formally add Satoru-kun's name today!"
Hearing this, Yamamoto nodded.
After a simple initiation ceremony, he picked up the brush, unrolled the scroll, and with bold, powerful strokes, inscribed Satoru's name at the end of the registry.
From this moment on, Satoru officially became a disciple of Yamamoto's school.
Eager to seize the opportunity, Satoru wanted to ask Yamamoto for advice on refining the technique he had just devised.
But Yamamoto rolled up the scroll, claimed he had other matters to attend to, and dismissed all three of them, saying any questions could wait until next time.
Walking down the First Division's corridor, Satoru clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Why does it feel like, after becoming an official disciple, the treatment's gotten worse than before?"
At this, Kyōraku chuckled.
"Don't worry, Satoru. You'll have plenty more chances to experience how unreliable Old Man Yama can be."
Jūshirō shot him a glare.
He reassured, "Satoru, don't listen to Shunsui's nonsense."
After glancing around to ensure no one was nearby, Jūshirō lowered his voice:
"A few days ago, a battle broke out in the South Rukongai."
"A group of rebels ambushed a patrol squad from the Gotei 13."
"Originally, the patrol squad was at a disadvantage, but an unidentified Shinigami suddenly joined the fight."
"One of the rebels used Shikai to resist, but was effortlessly suppressed."
"After learning of this, Captain Yamamoto sent people to investigate. We were just here to report on the progress."
"Captain Yamamoto didn't mean to ignore you—he's just concerned about a new unknown force interfering and complicating the situation, so he had to focus on handling this matter."
Hearing Jūshirō's words, Satoru froze for a moment.
This description… wasn't that exactly what happened with Aizen?
That unlucky guy actually caught Yamamoto's attention?
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