Upgraded

In response to Urahara Kisuke's proposal, Kurotsuchi Mayuri did not give a direct answer. Instead, he quietly closed his eyes, tapping his fingertips rhythmically as if silently weighing the pros and cons.

Just then, a voice echoed from the top of the stone staircase.

"Urahara Kisuke, enough is enough!"

"No one has the right to release a prisoner without Lady Yoruichi's permission!"

The cold voice instantly shattered the previous atmosphere.

"This voice..."

"It's Sui-Feng! She really is the most difficult person to deal with!" Urahara Kisuke shook his head helplessly. His previously enthusiastic mood instantly dropped to the ground. The conversation came to an abrupt halt.

"Sui-Feng... I didn't expect to meet her here," Saikyō thought, looking up at the top of the stone staircase.

Standing there, Sui-Feng had her arms folded with an emotionless expression. Her gaze was as sharp as a blade, creating an oppressive atmosphere that instantly chilled the air.

"Urahara Kisuke, I was mildly interested earlier, but now I've lost all desire to continue," Kurotsuchi Mayuri remarked coldly from his cell, closing his eyes again. His disappointment was palpable.

"Vice-Captain Sui-Feng, are you here to interrupt a conversation between men? This seems beyond the duties of a vice-captain, don't you think?" Urahara Kisuke quickly shifted back to his casual tone, even though Sui-Feng outranked him as the Second Division's vice-captain. His words, filled with sarcasm, showed he didn't care much for the formal hierarchy.

"Urahara Kisuke, stop playing word games with me," Sui-Feng retorted as she walked down the long stone staircase, eventually arriving at the cell. "Don't forget where you are. Bringing outsiders here without permission is a violation of the Stealth Force's regulations," she scolded him directly.

"Outsider?"

"Miss Sui-Feng, are you sure I'm an outsider?" Saikyō interjected before Kisuke could respond.

"You... are Yoruichi-sama's younger brother?" Sui-Feng's sharp gaze softened slightly as she carefully examined Saikyō's face. Her anger dissipated, and her demeanor became more respectful.

Not only did Saikyō seem harmless, but his connection to Yoruichi made Sui-Feng drop her guard entirely. In her mind, anything or anyone related to Yoruichi commanded utmost respect.

"Since it's me, I assume I have the right to be here in the maggot's nest. I doubt my sister would object once she finds out."

As Sui-Feng scrutinized him, Saikyō also took the opportunity to study her. Compared to the version of her in the original series, Sui-Feng at this time still had a youthful appearance, far from the cold, domineering captain she would become.

"But…" Sui-Feng paused, glancing at the cell with a frown. "I overheard Urahara Kisuke intending to release the prisoner."

"That was a complete misunderstanding. I suggested coming here to observe, and it has nothing to do with Mr. Urahara," Saikyō offered quickly, taking responsibility.

"Misunderstanding?" Sui-Feng hesitated, clearly doubtful.

If it were anyone else, she would have reprimanded them loudly. But facing Saikyō, Sui-Feng found it impossible to get angry. In fact, her voice softened, almost as if she were speaking cautiously.

Influenced by Yoruichi since childhood, Sui-Feng's admiration for her had reached a near-obsessive level.

"How about this… Miss Sui-Feng, my sister has spoken highly of you many times. She says your stealth and assassination skills are unmatched," Saikyō improvised, knowing exactly how to appeal to Sui-Feng's loyalty to Yoruichi.

"Did Yoruichi-sama really say that?" Sui-Feng's eyes widened in disbelief, her expression lighting up with joy, almost like a child receiving praise from an adult.

"Do you think I'd lie to you? You can ask her yourself if you don't believe me," Saikyō said with a straight face.

"No, no need for that. Yoruichi-sama is busy with the division; there's no reason to trouble her over something like this," Sui-Feng replied nervously, her heart racing. She even started stuttering due to her excitement.

"This is unbelievable!" Saikyō thought, surprised. "I never imagined my rival in love would be a woman!"

"Brother Saikyō, what are your intentions?" Sui-Feng instinctively maintained some caution, a result of her years with the Stealth Force.

"Isn't this our first time meeting? Miss Sui-Feng, I have a rather impolite request."

"Go ahead..." Sui-Feng said, surprised by Saikyō's request.

Without warning, Saikyō's expression sharpened like an eagle's, and an intense aura began to radiate from him, resembling his earlier dominance when clearing out the maggot's nest.

"Brother Saikyō, are you suggesting...?" Sui-Feng asked cautiously, starting to catch on.

"Yes, Miss Sui-Feng. As the vice-captain of the Second Division and my sister Yoruichi's right hand, your strength is beyond question," Saikyō declared with fiery determination. "Therefore, I hope you'll grant me the honor of sparring with you!"

Standing in the dim light, Saikyō issued his challenge.

"Saikyō, stop provoking Sui-Feng. This isn't a wise decision," Urahara Kisuke interjected with disapproval. He knew Sui-Feng's temper better than anyone. Even though he and Yoruichi were close friends, Sui-Feng never missed an opportunity to scold him whenever they crossed paths.

Although Saikyō had a special status, Kisuke doubted Sui-Feng would show mercy simply because of that. She was like an unapproachable iceberg, her assassination skills making her a fearsome opponent. Once provoked, she could be extremely dangerous.

"Mr. Urahara, don't worry. I've got this," Saikyō replied, brushing off Kisuke's concern.

The reason Saikyō issued the challenge was twofold: Sui-Feng's undeniable strength and, more importantly, the fact that his attributes had recently surpassed a thousand points!

This meant that his Shunpo, Hakuda, and Zanjutsu had reached level ten, unlocking even greater potential. Eager to test the upgraded abilities, Saikyō knew Sui-Feng was the perfect sparring partner.

"But even if you challenge her, I doubt Sui-Feng will agree so easily," Urahara Kisuke remarked, sounding certain.

To his surprise, Sui-Feng responded differently than expected.

"Brother Saikyō, you want me to spar with you?" After a brief pause, Sui-Feng nodded in agreement.

"What? You actually agreed?" Kisuke was genuinely shocked, feeling as if he had encountered a completely different Sui-Feng.

"Miss Sui-Feng, the space down here is too confined. The open area above would be much more suitable."

"Let's do that then," Sui-Feng said, turning abruptly and ascending the stone stairs. Saikyō and Urahara Kisuke followed closely behind.

As they made their way up, Saikyō quickly opened his attribute panel and upgraded his skills to level ten. His anticipation grew.

He couldn't wait to see what kind of surprises the upgraded god-level skills would bring!