The Shiba Family

Soon after, Saikyō and Urahara Kisuke soaked in the hot springs at the training base, both wearing relaxed expressions. Every blood vessel in their bodies seemed to rejoice, soothed by the hot spring's special curative effects, relieving the fatigue from a day of training.

"Mr. Urahara, how did you come up with the idea to create such a unique Tachi?" Saikyō asked curiously, glancing at the special Tachi that could fuse Reiatsu, placed not far away.

"This? Well, there's really no particular reason. It was just a whim to create this small object," Urahara Kisuke replied nonchalantly.

Small object? Saikyō's eyelids twitched slightly. The special sword was so high in quality that it was impressive enough on its own. Was it merely an inconspicuous item in Urahara Kisuke's eyes?

"No wonder the Technology Development Bureau was established and the Hōgyoku was invented. Genius is beyond ordinary people's comprehension," Saikyō muttered helplessly. Urahara Kisuke was indeed the person with the highest IQ in Soul Society, and his accomplishments spoke for themselves.

"By the way, there's something I need to inform you about," Urahara Kisuke said, reaching for a glass of iced juice from the shore and taking a sip. "In the next three days, I'll need to go out to perform tasks, so consider these days a vacation."

"Huh? A sudden holiday?" Saikyō was surprised. He had just entered a focused state and was eager to learn all the low-level Kidō as quickly as possible. A sudden three-day break made him feel a bit downcast.

"Saikyō, are you addicted to training or something? What a tormenting monster," Urahara Kisuke teased, his mischievousness evident as it had become routine.

"Mr. Urahara, just wait! One day, I will beat you!" Saikyō replied earnestly.

"Hey, I look forward to that day as well. But for now…" Saikyō sensed something was off when Urahara Kisuke spoke halfway.

"Sixty-three of Bakudō, Chains and Locks!"

Urahara Kisuke discarded the chant and cast Bakudō. Chains, resembling huge snakes, surged up from all directions, quickly wrapping around Saikyō's body and binding him tightly.

"Mr. Urahara, what are you planning to do?" Saikyō exclaimed, struggling in vain as the chains tightened around him, rendering him immobile.

"I think it's best for you to soak for an afternoon to clear your mind," Urahara Kisuke said, walking ashore and moving a small bench. He pulled out a green fisherman's hat and a glass of iced juice, taking on the posture of a spectator.

"Mr. Urahara, if you have something to say, please speak up! We're in a master-student relationship!" Saikyō protested, sensing a hint of conspiracy in Urahara Kisuke's eyes.

As expected, Urahara Kisuke began his routine of mischief. He intentionally emitted Reiatsu, directing it toward the hot spring water. Within moments, the previously calm water began to roil under the influence of his Reiatsu.

Plop, plop! The water surged violently, splashing Saikyō, who was still hanging upside down.

"Saikyō, are you still thinking about your master?" Urahara Kisuke asked with a sly smile, enjoying the moment.

"Ugh, if you let me down, I'll beat you to a pulp!" Saikyō retorted, still young and stubborn like many others his age, refusing to give in easily.

As a result, the afternoon was spent with Saikyō unintentionally drinking hot spring water!

———

Evening.

As night fell and stars twinkled in the sky, the residence of the Shihouin family was alive with conversation.

"Sister Yoruichi, I'm back!" Saikyō announced as he walked through the gate, hearing chatter coming from the lobby.

"Kūkaku, you're a rare visitor! I didn't expect you to come by on your own initiative," Yoruichi said.

"Yoruichi, your polite words give me goosebumps. Is this really the Flash Goddess I know?" Kūkaku replied with a teasing tone.

"Tsk tsk, you're still the same. But it's truly rare that even the Rock Eagles came together," Kūkaku added.

"Is it that Brother Kaien told you not to let this brat cause trouble, so you were forced to come with him?"

Two distinct voices discussed animatedly, and even at a distance, Saikyō could hear them clearly.

"Kūkaku?" Hearing that familiar name, Saikyō immediately realized another well-known character had appeared.

"It's a coincidence that she came early; I owe a thank you to the store manager," Saikyō thought to himself as he walked toward the lobby.

"Sister Yoruichi, I'm back!" he said again, entering the lobby and spotting a familiar figure.

It was a woman with a beautiful face, wearing a short red apron adorned with swirl patterns. A tattoo shaped like the character "Kong" was on her left arm, while her right arm bore a prosthetic due to a fracture.

Of course, the most striking feature was her perfect figure.

"Ah, isn't this little Saikyō? It's been years since I last saw you, and you've grown quite big!" Kūkaku exclaimed, her attention immediately drawn to him as she smiled warmly.

Saikyō remembered that he had met her a few years ago, although his memories from that time were a bit hazy due to his youth.

Seeing each other again, Kūkaku appeared more excited than Saikyō himself.

"Saikyō, this is Kūkaku, and that's her younger brother Ganju," Yoruichi introduced briefly.

"Hello, Miss Kūkaku," Saikyō greeted politely.

Just then, a sudden chime sounded.

"Ding! A warm reminder: a triggering task has appeared. Would you like to choose it immediately?"

The system notification caught him off guard.

"What the hell? Saying hello can trigger a mission?" Saikyō was dumbfounded. This system was truly unconventional!

Despite his complaints, he clicked on the task information, eager to see what it entailed.

He quickly scanned the mission details.

[Random Mission: The Strongest Brother]

[Task Content: Within the specified time limit, challenge Shiba Ganju and defeat him in front of the two sisters. The specified time limit is one hour.]

[Task Reward: Shiba Family Secret Art.]

...

After reading all the information silently, Saikyō glanced over at Shiba Ganju.

He was determined to claim the reward for this mission: defeating the strongest brother!