The Inescapable Tradition

Seiya wanted to break through his limits.

To do so, he needed to integrate the abilities of the four major disciplines into a new form of power—only then could he grow stronger.

This process wouldn't be easy. Strictly speaking, it was an act of creation, building something entirely from scratch.

According to the normal progression, Seiya would need to slowly train himself, honing a specific skill to its critical point before he could merge abilities and forge something new.

But Seiya, knowing the content of the original story, had discovered a way to "cheat."

That way was to learn from Yoruichi Shihōin.

Thanks to hints from the original material, Seiya already knew about the Shihōin family's secret technique—Shunkō.

This combat technique combined Hakuda with Kidō.

In the original story, Yoruichi had used Shunkō against Sui-Feng, leveling an entire forest in the process. Its power was beyond question.

However, what interested Seiya even more was its potential for development.

"Shunkō had many derivatives later in the storyline."

For instance, Sui-Feng's self-created Infinite Shunkō, Yoruichi's Thunder God Form, and its advanced variant, Raijū Senkei: Shunryū Kokubyō Senki.

The existence of these derivatives proved that Shunkō was a stable and well-established system.

If Seiya could learn and master it, he was certain his proficiency in Hakuda and Shunpo would see a significant improvement.

As for whether it was possible for him to learn it?

Seiya believed it was.

In the original storyline, both Yoruichi and her younger brother Yūshirō could use it, and even Sui-Feng, who wasn't a member of the Shihōin family, had no obstacles in learning it.

This indicated that while Shunkō might have its challenges, it wasn't something impossible to learn.

As for why Seiya chose this moment to ask Yoruichi about it—

It was because of his current sense of urgency. With his Bankai's true name sealed, Seiya was desperate to break through the limits of Third-Class Reiatsu.

He needed to explore new forms and possibilities.

As these scattered thoughts came together, Seiya's expression grew resolute.

With his life, future, and potential growth on the line, there was no room for hesitation.

Meanwhile, sitting across from him, Yoruichi seemed intrigued by his question.

She set down her sake cup, her gaze dropping slightly as she pondered. Then, she smiled playfully.

"Where did you hear about this?"

Instead of addressing his question directly, she responded with one of her own.

Yoruichi Shihōin was never one to let others control the conversation.

This left Seiya momentarily speechless.

"Uh…"

"Was it Kisuke who told you about it?"

That seemed like a reasonable answer. Considering Kisuke Urahara's close relationship with Yoruichi, it wouldn't have been surprising if the two had discussed such things.

But Seiya simply pursed his lips and shook his head lightly.

"No, this is something I discovered through my own investigation."

Yoruichi's eyes narrowed slightly, and her lips curled into a catlike grin, as if she were toying with her prey.

"Oh? You didn't just go along with what I said? Not bad, not bad. Kisuke may have a big mouth, but even he wouldn't blurt out something like this."

Ah, the valuable lessons you learn after being set up a few times.

Yoruichi, unpredictable as always, did everything on a whim.

"But," she continued, "do you really expect me to believe you figured all this out on your own?"

Yoruichi leaned back slightly, her smile still in place, but her sharp gaze stayed fixed on Seiya.

"First, it was a footwork technique our family doesn't normally share. Now, it's one of our hidden arts. Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if someone's been robbing my house—how else would you know so much?"

"…"

On this point, Seiya had no good explanation.

How could he possibly tell her the truth?

Well, you know, I've read the original series and have the advantage of foreknowledge…

Seeing him struggle for words, Yoruichi's smile widened, her tone teasing.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"

"Feeling guilty? Afraid?"

"Or maybe you're just too scared to speak?"

The barrage of questions felt like an interrogation, but just as Seiya began to break a sweat, Yoruichi shifted gears.

"Relax, it's not that serious."

She laughed and tilted her chin up with a mischievous air.

"Don't worry. If it's you, I don't mind teaching you a thing or two."

"After all, letting old skills gather dust does no one any good. I'm an open-minded person—I won't hoard knowledge."

"If you want to learn, I'll teach you."

Yoruichi had never been the kind of rigid, traditional leader.

Her open and bold personality shone through clearly in her words.

Hearing this, Seiya felt a deep sense of gratitude toward her straightforwardness.

Before he could express his thanks, though, Yoruichi narrowed her eyes and adjusted her posture. She shrugged off her outer robe, revealing a fitted, practical outfit beneath.

She then flicked a sake cup toward Seiya, letting it roll to a stop in front of him.

"I'll teach you, but first, drink with me."

Seiya froze for a moment, his smile faltering.

That's… a bit much, isn't it?

"Um… I'm allergic to alcohol."

"I know," Yoruichi replied, her expression filled with amusement.

At that moment, Seiya realized what this was about.

Oh, come on.

You're just trying to mess with me, aren't you?

"I don't mind teaching you," Yoruichi said casually, swirling her sake cup. "It's not something I need to keep secret anyway. But…"

She grinned, raising her cup slightly.

"At least entertain me a bit. Let me see you make a fool of yourself—that's not too much to ask, is it?"

Even in another world, I can't escape the age-old tradition of drinking with the boss.

Fine. Let's do this!

One cup down.

"Oh, not bad! Have another, and I'll teach you everything I know!"

Two cups down.

"Impressive! I'll make sure you master it all in three months!"

Three cups down.

"Gahahaha! Look at how red you are! This is too funny—I wish Kisuke could see this!"

As for Seiya? By the end, he was already passed out on the table.

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Powerstones?

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