After eating at the Shiba residence, it was already evening when Kurotsuki Renya returned to the 2nd Division. Without delay, he presented Captain Soi Fon with the newly crafted bombs made by Shiba Kūkaku, though there was no urgency in his manner.
The following day, Renya specifically requested Soi Fon to accompany him to the training grounds, where he demonstrated the three prototype bombs one by one. Each bomb unleashed its distinct effect—explosive impact, smoke dispersion, and blinding flash.
Soi Fon observed carefully, her arms crossed, and commented in a thoughtful tone, "The destructive power isn't bad, and the supplementary effects—smoke and flash—would serve well in disorienting enemies."
Renya asked with an expectant gleam in his eye, "Captain, wouldn't these suit the Punishment Force? They're simple to operate. Should we consider procuring them for the division?"
Soi Fon nodded slightly, though her sharp gaze remained critical. "The thought isn't new. The Stealth Force and the Executive Militia have long considered the value of auxiliary tools. Smoke bombs and flash devices can create vital openings. The issue has always been miniaturization, reliability, and adaptability in live combat. The Shiba family's craftsmanship has solved part of this—but actual deployment is another matter. It requires extensive testing before it can be sanctioned for operations."
Renya thought for a moment, then proposed earnestly, "Then allow me to borrow ten operatives from the Punishment Force. I'll lead them in a month of training and tactical development. Captain, will you approve?"
Soi Fon gave a single curt nod. "Very well. Begin immediately."
Receiving his captain's approval, Renya wasted no time in gathering the operatives.
⸻
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, Soi Fon stood at the center of the training ground. Around her were a dozen Punishment Force operatives, each equipped with several bombs. Beside them stood Renya and Shiba Kūkaku, observing with anticipation.
The improved bombs were more compact, designed for stealth operatives to carry a dozen or more without encumbrance.
Renya smiled faintly and said to Kūkaku, "After their training, their combat efficiency has improved greatly. But the true measure lies in a practical trial. If they succeed, orders for large-scale production will follow."
Kūkaku smirked confidently. "Soi Fon is a monster on the battlefield—but I believe even she can be forced into a corner. Let's see how your little team fares."
Renya pulled a pair of protective goggles over his eyes. "Let the test begin."
⸻
At his signal, two operatives immediately rushed Soi Fon head-on. The others lifted their goggles into place and primed their bombs. One operative, positioned at the far corner, ignited a flash bomb and hurled it toward the center.
Boom!
The flash ignited a blinding light within a second. But before its brilliance faded, Soi Fon had already dispatched the two charging operatives with precision strikes. Anticipating the flash, she had closed her eyes beforehand.
In that moment, the whistling sound of six projectiles cut through the air, encircling her position.
Bakudō shells?
No—merely concentrated spiritual-energy bombs.
"Too slow," Soi Fon muttered, her eyes still shut. She pivoted lightly on her toes, shunpō carrying her out of the ring before the detonations could close in.
But just as she cleared the perimeter, she found herself enveloped in a thick, reddish smoke.
Cough, cough!
Her throat burned, and her lungs protested. Her eyes watered as irritation clawed at her senses.
Kūkaku folded her arms with a grin. "The smoke formula's been enhanced. Hits the eyes and respiratory tract hard. Effective, eh?"
Renya added, "Captain Soi Fon anticipated the flash bomb and neutralized it. But she couldn't predict the modified smoke. Against others, both effects would compound."
As Soi Fon suppressed the urge to cough, several operatives emerged from the haze, short blades aimed at her vital points.
With narrowed focus, she summoned her weapon—Suzumebachi—appearing in her hand like a stinger. Despite blurred vision and strained breathing, her instincts remained razor-sharp. She slashed and parried in rapid succession, knocking aside every strike.
But then—
Ziii… huuummm…
A piercing shriek split the air, resonating into a vibrating hum.
Soi Fon winced, clutching her ears as pain stabbed into her skull. Her eardrums remained intact, but sound itself vanished into a painful roar.
Renya's voice reached Kūkaku, muffled under the din. "That's the newest model—the concussion bomb. It won't rupture eardrums, but it induces temporary deafness."
Kūkaku raised her brows. "You didn't even tell her? Brutal, brat."
With her hearing gone, eyes irritated, and lungs burning, Soi Fon seemed at a disadvantage. But her honed senses of combat did not falter. Feeling the faint shifts of air against her skin, she discerned the attackers' positions.
In a blur, she vanished with shunpō, slipping past the encirclement.
But as she attempted to widen the distance—
BOOOOM!
A massive explosion ignited beyond the encirclement, flames roaring as the ground quaked. The blast swallowed her in fire.
Kūkaku's eyes widened. "The hell is this?"
Renya explained calmly, "I had three of the operatives practice Hadō #31: Shakkahō (Red Fire Cannon). We concealed their casting with Bakudō #26: Kyakko (Curved Light). I instructed them to wait until Captain Soi Fon's senses were disrupted—sight, hearing, and breath—and then trigger the trap as she attempted to retreat."
Kūkaku stared in disbelief. "You're insane. Weren't you afraid of killing her?"
Renya shook his head with quiet confidence. "Captain Soi Fon isn't someone who can be taken down so easily."
As the smoke cleared, a figure emerged, her body wrapped in crackling lightning-like spiritual pressure. The explosion's flames dispersed harmlessly against her reiatsu.
Soi Fon's voice was sharp and irritated. "Enough."
Renya exhaled, signaling the end of the exercise. "That was sufficient. The combination of smoke, flash, concussion bombs, and Kidō-assisted ambush was meant only to force Captain Soi Fon to exert herself. Mission accomplished."
Appearing before Renya in an instant, Soi Fon fixed her cold gaze on him. "Explain. The smoke bombs. The sonic devices. And the coordinated Kidō attack. What exactly have you been scheming?"
Renya answered with a faint smile. "The standard models were too weak, so I enhanced them with irritants. The concussion bomb is a new development. As for Kidō, I selected operatives with spiritual potential, restricted their training to one or two spells, and had them form cooperative cells. Ten-man squads with specialized synergy. Captain—would you say the results are adequate?"
Still coughing faintly from the smoke, Soi Fon finally admitted, "A unit trained like this could hold their ground against opponents of vice-captain level. Their combat potential has indeed increased significantly."
Kūkaku turned to her with a smirk. "So, Captain, ready to place an order?"
Soi Fon exhaled, clearly displeased yet practical. "…Fine. Draft the procurement contracts. Renya will oversee the details. I'm going to wash this filth off."
With that, she turned and left, her figure vanishing swiftly.
Renya remained beside Kūkaku, who gave him a mischievous grin. "Seems your captain places a lot of trust in you."
Renya replied lightly, "Of course. I'm that reliable."
"Yeah, we'll see," Kūkaku said, before suddenly grabbing Renya and pulling his head against her chest. "Little brat, don't forget who's providing the bombs. Make sure I get my cut when those contracts come through."
Struggling, Renya muffled out, "I-I get it, Sister Kūkaku! Let me go—I can't breathe!"
___________________
Author's note :
We're currently on Chapter 92 over on my Patreon, where you can read 30+ advanced chapters ahead of WebNovel. I'll also be uploading 3 chapters every 2 days there, so you'll always have fresh content waiting.
You can support and gain access in two ways:
Become a member by choosing any of the three tiers – this will give you access to the chapters and other books available as I update.
Or, if you prefer, you can purchase the full collection – this gives you lifetime access to all chapters, including future updates.
Your support helps me keep writing consistently, and I truly appreciate everyone who's been enjoying the story so far. 🙏
JOIN
Patreon.com/HACKDWORLD