After the fireworks show ended, Soi Fon slowly withdrew her hand from Kurotsuki Renya's grasp. The entire moment had lasted less than ten minutes, but for Renya, it was already more than enough.
Even that brief acceptance from her felt like progress.
Renya understood: Soi Fon wasn't disgusted by his pursuit. She didn't reject his feelings outright—in fact, she had responded to them. But her nature, her strict discipline, and the pain of her past meant she could never be the one to initiate.
If he wanted to be by her side, he had to help her, step by step, to unchain herself from the weight of yesterday.
And so far… it was working.
⸻
"Captain Soi Fon, wait—your hair is down again?"
The next morning, Renya blinked in surprise as Soi Fon appeared before him. Her usual tight bun and braids had fallen loose; her angled bangs were straightened, leaving her with an uncharacteristically softer, doll-like look—only missing the twin braids.
Soi Fon frowned, irritation in her voice. "It's too troublesome. Takes too long every day."
Renya scratched his head, a little disappointed. So the change didn't last?
Seeing his expression, Soi Fon gave a quiet sigh before saying: "…But I suppose I can try again. Another time."
Renya's face brightened immediately. "That's good enough."
Soi Fon nodded briskly. "Anyway, today you're meeting with Shiba Kūkaku. Don't waste time—make sure the next supply contract is finalized."
Renya remembered at once and hurried off. After all, it was crucial to confirm the next shipment.
⸻
When he arrived at the Shiba household, Renya was greeted warmly. Though Shiba Kaien and his wife were not at home, the retainers Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko treated him as though he were family.
Heading to the back courtyard, he found Shiba Kūkaku. She looked up and greeted him with her usual fiery grin.
"Renya, there you are."
Renya smiled. "Sister Kūkaku, I've come to finalize the purchase contract for the next season."
"Good. I've been waiting."
She led him inside. They signed the paperwork quickly, and then Kūkaku leaned back, smirking.
"So… how did last night go? Did you succeed?"
Renya chuckled softly. "I held her hand."
Kūkaku raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "That's it? With fireworks like those, she should've melted! My work deserved better than just a handhold."
Renya laughed, undeterred. "Don't worry. She'll come to like me. I believe that."
Kūkaku nodded once, then asked, "Staying for dinner?"
Renya shook his head. "No, I should return and file this contract."
After saying his farewells, he left the Shiba estate.
But the moment he stepped into the woods nearby, several figures burst from the trees, surrounding him.
"Hold it, brat!"
At the front was none other than Shiba Ganju, riding atop his signature wild boar. Four of his friends accompanied him, also mounted, circling Renya in the clearing.
Renya narrowed his eyes. "Ganju… don't tell me you want another beating?"
Ganju scowled. "Beating? Ha! Not this time. We're ready for you, and I won't lose again!"
Ever since Renya had easily defeated him half a year ago, Ganju had been obsessed with payback. Despite several rematches, Renya had always come out on top. But now, with five allies and five boars, Ganju brimmed with confidence.
"This time, brat, I'll spank you raw!"
Renya sighed. "Why should I even bother fighting you?"
Ganju blinked. "What? We're challenging you!"
"I'm tired, Ganju. I need to return to Seireitei. I don't have time to play with you."
"Play?!" Ganju roared, his pride stung. "You think this is a game?"
Renya smirked. "Tell you what. I'll fight you—but only if you put something up as a wager."
"What do you want?" Ganju demanded.
Renya's eyes gleamed. "Your family's Stone Wave technique."
The Shibō—an earth-based spiritual technique unique to the Shiba clan. With it, Ganju could turn solid stone into sand.
It seemed simple, but it had practical uses. In combat, it could break falls by turning the ground soft, create traps, or alter the battlefield terrain. Renya remembered how Ganju and Kurosaki Ichigo had once used it to enter Seireitei itself. While useless against the strongest enemies, it was an excellent support ability.
Ganju hesitated, then nodded. "Fine! But you're not allowed to use your Zanpakutō's ability."
Renya smiled. "Deal."
"Get him!" Ganju barked, and his four companions charged forward on their boars.
Renya's lips curved upward. "Pathetic."
He was about to leap into the air when one of them tossed a sphere. It burst in midair with a blinding flash.
Renya reacted instantly, pulling the special goggles from his head down over his eyes. He had prepared for such tricks—after learning the danger of flash bombs, he carried them everywhere.
The blast of light washed over him harmlessly.
But then came another explosion—this time, a bomb releasing thick, burning red smoke. Renya coughed as the searing irritation hit his throat.
"This is—?!"
Ganju grinned. "My own creation: chili smoke bombs! Burns the lungs, doesn't it?"
Renya suppressed his breath, but before he could regain control, two more bombs whistled toward him. He vaulted forward, dodging—only for a massive weighted net to drop from above, enveloping him completely.
Struggling, Renya drew a concealed blade and slashed, but the net wouldn't tear.
"Hahaha! That net's reinforced—you're not cutting through it!" Ganju crowed.
Renya was forced to the ground. As his feet touched earth, the terrain beneath him shifted—sand opening into a pitfall. He plunged downward, the net sealing over the hole.
"Now you're trapped! No way out this time!" Ganju roared triumphantly.
His companions cheered. "We did it! We actually beat him!"
Tears of relief filled Ganju's eyes. "Finally… finally I can vent all this frustration!"
But just as they began to celebrate—
A blinding blue column of light erupted from the pit, tearing skyward.
"Hadō #88: Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!"
The massive thunder cannon obliterated the net, scorched the earth, and sent the boars scattering in panic. Ganju and his friends were hurled to the ground in a heap.
Renya emerged from the smoking crater, eyes sharp, spiritual energy still crackling around him.
"Your Stone Wave is impressive, Ganju. I want it even more now." His voice was calm but firm. "So… will you hand it over, or do you want me to take it?"
Ganju's bravado crumbled. He gaped, pale, and stammered: "I-I'll teach you! Just don't kill me!"
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