Yoruichi's jaw dropped

"Saikyō, why do I feel like there's something different about you today?"

Yoruichi, usually so laid-back and cheerful, looked at Saikyō, who was nestled against her, with a doting smile. Despite her high-ranking position as both the Captain of the Second Division and the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, she always found time to personally guide her younger brother's training. This close bond was what had brought her to his training grounds today.

"Sister Yoruichi, I think you're different too."

Reluctantly, Saikyō pulled away from her embrace.

"Oh? What's different about me?"

"I think you're even more beautiful!"

Saikyō's sudden declaration caught Yoruichi off guard.

"Pfft! Saikyō, where did you learn that?" Yoruichi couldn't help but laugh, giving him a playful thumbs-up. "You're even flirting with your own sister now!"

"That doesn't matter. What matters is that you've changed!" Saikyō continued with a mischievous grin.

"What do you mean?"

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, clearly curious.

"You've become even more stunning than before!"

With another cheesy line, Saikyō made Yoruichi smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Well, I have to admit, today's compliment is a bit special." Yoruichi's eyes gleamed as she chuckled softly. Growing up in the Shihōin household, one of the Four Great Noble Clans, she was used to a more reserved environment, which contrasted sharply with her own lively personality. Saikyō's boldness struck a chord, making her appreciate his playful nature.

"I guess it's because we don't see each other often. I really miss you, Sister," Saikyō said earnestly.

"Look at you, getting cheekier with each visit," Yoruichi teased, her tone indulgent as she gently touched his forehead. "Alright, let's get down to business. I'm here to test your progress. It seems like you've been working hard, judging by the state of the courtyard."

Yoruichi glanced around at the shattered stones scattered everywhere and couldn't help but smile in surprise.

"Saikyō, it looks like you've been making remarkable progress."

To be honest, she was a bit taken aback. Half a month ago, she had personally guided his training, and based on his performance then, she hadn't expected him to be able to cause this much destruction.

Could it be…?

Yoruichi's eyes widened as a thought crossed her mind.

"Saikyō, have you completely mastered Byakurai?" Yoruichi asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

"Sister Yoruichi, you may not believe this, but after half a month of hard training, I've already mastered Byakurai!" Saikyō watched her reaction with amusement.

As expected, Yoruichi's expression changed drastically after hearing those words.

"What! Mastery in such a short time?"

A surprised exclamation escaped her lips. On Yoruichi's beautiful face, an expression of disbelief appeared.

Her little brother was still young. He hadn't even attended the Shin'ō Academy and had no prior experience with Kidō.

Under such conditions, he had mastered Hadō #4, Byakurai, in just half a month?

This news immediately surprised and delighted Yoruichi!

"Saikyō, you've really surprised me today."

If he wasn't joking, just how extraordinary was his talent?

Thinking of this, Yoruichi's gaze grew intense as she looked at Saikyō.

"What, Sister Yoruichi, don't you believe me?" Saikyō could tell from her expression that she was still skeptical.

"Saikyō, are you really not pulling your sister's leg?"

Despite their close relationship, Yoruichi found it hard to believe. After all, Saikyō had trained for such a short period and hadn't received any formal instruction, relying solely on her guidance.

"Sister Yoruichi, if you don't believe me, why don't we have a duel?" Saikyō said confidently, having anticipated her reaction.

"Oh, you're quite bold! But remember, I won't go easy on you." Yoruichi laughed heartily, stepping into the open space in the middle of the courtyard.

Saikyō's newfound confidence intrigued Yoruichi.

"Sister Yoruichi, be careful. I might actually hurt you," Saikyō said as he stepped forward.

Half a month ago, if he had said something like this, it would have been a joke.

A kid who had only trained for half a month, even if he carried the Shihōin noble bloodline, would not stand a chance against a Shinigami Captain. The gap in power was insurmountable.

But now…

Saikyō was brimming with confidence.

Even with the Flash Goddess, known for her prowess throughout the Gotei 13, standing before him, Saikyō was certain he could surprise her!

"Silly boy, I'm the Captain of the Second Division and the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō. How could I be hurt by a brat like you?" Yoruichi shook her head, amused.

"Then let's find out!"

Saikyō extended his finger, pointing it at Yoruichi.

Reiatsu surged within him, gathering at his fingertip before he pushed forward slightly.

"Hadō #4, Byakurai!"

As Saikyō called out, Yoruichi's expression froze instantly at what she saw.

A thunderbolt, bright as day, crackled at his fingertip, like a dragon ready to unleash its destructive power, and shot toward her.

Byakurai, a low-level Hadō, a basic move for any Shinigami, was now being wielded by a child.

And yet, it carried enough force to make her feel threatened.

Yoruichi's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what was happening!

"Impossible! This must be an illusion!" Yoruichi shook her head vigorously, blinking her eyes, but when she opened them again, the scene hadn't changed.

The white lightning still existed.

And it was almost upon her.

The situation was urgent!

"Shunpo—"

Despite her disbelief, Yoruichi gritted her teeth and used Shunpo, her figure disappearing from where she stood.

As she vanished, the white lightning struck the ground where she had been, the impact resonating through the courtyard.

Bang—

After a deafening crash, debris flew in all directions, scattering across the yard.

Where Yoruichi had stood, a massive crater had formed, with the ground completely shattered in the center of the courtyard.

"This can't be!"

Yoruichi's voice echoed from the cloud of dust and debris.

Seeing Byakurai's power firsthand, she was stunned, her jaw nearly dropping in disbelief!