Kage Bunshin 2

After the Shunpo skill was upgraded to level ten, it gained an additional effect: not only could it create an "afterimage," but it also retained the Reiatsu of the main body.

If you have to describe it, it's like a "Shadow Clone."

"Miss Sui-Feng..."

"If you still don't believe me, I can demonstrate it right here." Saikyō, seeing Sui-Feng's skeptical expression, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

"Fine!"

Sui-Feng grit her teeth.

As the saying goes, "seeing is believing." Mere verbal descriptions aren't convincing enough.

She simply didn't want to accept it without seeing it for herself.

"Don't blink..."

Without any visible movement from Saikyō, a second version of himself appeared a few meters away from the original position.

"What?!"

"This doesn't look like a trick!"

Sui-Feng and Urahara Kisuke both stared at the scene before them in shock.

No way?

Is this really not some kind of illusion?

Their jaws nearly dropped in disbelief.

"Shocked" didn't quite cover their reaction.

Afterimages by themselves were something they'd seen before—a feat that Yoruichi-sama had also done—so they were quite used to that.

But...

An afterimage that possesses its own Reiatsu, with no detectable difference or flaw? This was unheard of!

"I'm sure even Yoruichi-sama would be stunned if she saw this."

Though Urahara Kisuke was always knowledgeable, with insights into many hidden truths, even he couldn't hide his amazement.

In the world of the Shinigami, there was no concept of "Shadow Clones," and certainly no special cheat ability to upgrade skills like this.

Thus, no matter how much he pondered, the shopkeeper could not come up with an explanation.

He could only keep searching for some kind of excuse to rationalize it while acknowledging Saikyō as an extraordinary talent.

Once again, Urahara Kisuke couldn't help but admire Saikyō deeply.

"Saikyō-kun, this isn't some secret technique of the Shihōin clan, is it?" Sui-Feng finally managed to regain her composure, though her face still showed signs of shock.

Recalling her earlier bravado before the duel, Sui-Feng suddenly felt a little embarrassed and wished she could just leave the maggot's nest immediately.

"That's right."

Saikyō nodded vaguely.

"As expected, you truly are someone who defies common sense. As Yoruichi-sama's younger brother, it's no wonder." Other than letting out a helpless sigh, Sui-Feng didn't have much else to say.

In the one area she prided herself on—speed—she had been completely defeated, by an overwhelming margin.

Sui-Feng's confidence had taken a heavy blow.

"Miss Sui-Feng, I assume you won't pursue what happened earlier anymore?" Saikyō glanced in the direction of the cell.

"Though I lost the match, I'm not unreasonable."

Sui-Feng snorted arrogantly, then turned around coldly and walked toward the exit.

"This woman is really hard to figure out."

Saikyō looked at her retreating figure, smiling wryly.

Depressed one moment, aloof the next.

Sui-Feng's seamless shift between emotions had left Saikyō at a loss.

"Oh ho ho..."

"Don't worry too much—she's always been like this. Stubborn, a bit proud, but honestly a person who's warm on the inside." Urahara Kisuke stated the obvious truth.

Someone with such a cute contrast did indeed have a unique charm!

"Mr. Mayuri?"

With Sui-Feng gone from sight, Saikyō brought up another subject.

"I imagine Kurotsuchi Mayuri will still refuse, even if you ask him again, so we'll just have to wait for the next suitable opportunity," Urahara Kisuke replied with a bitter smile.

They were so close just now.

Kurotsuchi Mayuri had almost agreed, but Sui-Feng's sudden arrival had disrupted everything.

"It just wasn't the right time." Urahara Kisuke could only console himself in that way.

And so, the two left the maggot's nest.

For the time being, their plans regarding the Technology Development Bureau were put on hold.

---

Half a month later.

Shin'ō Academy, Special Training Class Classroom.

"No way, something's happening!"

"Our year is about to have the annual field training!"

The peaceful atmosphere of the early morning was suddenly disrupted by a startling announcement.

One of the students, holding a notice in his hand, raised his voice to share the news with everyone.

"Field training?"

The other students immediately crowded around.

Most, including Saikyō, were curious and eager to learn more.

"The so-called field training involves all students of the same year, led by their respective instructors, heading out to the most distant districts of Rukongai for a month-long survival exercise!"

The student showed everyone the notice he was holding.

The whole classroom burst into excitement.

"Interesting. It looks like the top brass at Shin'ō Academy have some time on their hands to come up with something like this," Saikyō thought.

Compared to the original story, during this period, the Technology Development Bureau hadn't been established, so the Soul Society's monitoring system wasn't fully formed yet.

Thus, the areas with higher-numbered districts in Rukongai had not been fully brought under control.

With their harsh environments and scarce resources, murders and even riots were common occurrences.

More terrifyingly, due to their proximity to the boundaries of the Soul Society and the accumulation of negative energy, these districts often saw appearances of Hollows.

And sometimes, Menos Grande showed up.

To hone the students' skills, the academy held annual field training in a specific season, choosing these dangerous districts as the location.

In the month-long program, the students wouldn't just be practicing and competing against one another—they would also have to fend off surprise Hollow attacks.

Thus, the field training held tremendous significance—it was practically an assessment in itself.

Just then, the sound of footsteps approached from outside the classroom.

Hiyori-sensei entered, wearing her Shihakushō and also holding a notice.

The notice contained information about the upcoming field training that had just been discussed.

"Looks like you all already caught wind of this," Hiyori said, smirking from the podium.

"Hiyori-sensei, when will the field training start?" a student asked.

"In three days."

"Three days from now, we will meet at the academy gate and head out to the training location together," Hiyori answered nonchalantly.

"What's the exact location?"

"District 80 of West Rukongai."

Upon mentioning this place, Hiyori's expression changed, and she became serious.

"Listen up, brats, that area has an extremely harsh environment. A Menos Grande once invaded there, and it's been sparsely inhabited ever since."

"Although the Gotei 13 have since followed up and placed spiritual bait and barriers in the area, no one can guarantee that another incident won't occur."

"So, during that time, you all better know what you need to do."

Hiyori lowered her voice, purposefully creating a tense atmosphere, clearly trying to intimidate the students.

This large-scale wilderness survival program had left them all feeling rather anxious.