Collapsing Point and Piercing Point are specialized Hakuda techniques of the Onmitsukidō. The Piercing Point is applied by driving the palm into an enemy's body and sending concentrated Reiatsu through their pressure points, stunning the target. The Collapsing Point is a similar technique, forcing the same numbing shock into the body through sheer impact and precision.
Both techniques have a paralyzing effect, and even those with considerable Reiatsu cannot fully resist them. For example, Yoruichi Shihōin once immobilized Kurosaki Ichigo with a paralyzing Hakuda strike, and Izuru Kira demonstrated a similar technique during field combat exercises.
Soifon explained the basics to Kurotsuki Renya, but there was no immediate way to test the moves on real opponents. For now, he could only memorize the principles and train through practice. These Hakuda methods were situational and rarely applied, but when necessary, they provided decisive advantages.
After Renya committed the instructions to memory, that day's special training was concluded. Soifon told him to return on Friday for further lessons and prepared to leave. But after taking only a few steps, she noticed Renya following behind her.
Soifon stopped, turned, and asked sharply, "Do you need something else?"
Renya coughed lightly and admitted, "Captain Soifon… I was hoping to borrow some money."
Soifon raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Borrow money?"
Renya nodded. "Yes. I didn't bring much when I joined, and what I had is already spent. I don't even have enough left for meals, and I haven't received my stipend yet."
His savings from small part-time tasks at the Academy had run out quickly. Unlike the Shin'ō Academy, which covered meals and necessities, the Gotei 13 only provided dormitories—food and supplies had to be purchased. Renya had intended to ask Ōmaeda, but the lieutenant had been absent all day.
Soifon considered this briefly, then said, "Very well. Follow me."
She led Renya back into the 2nd Division barracks, into her office. Taking out a money pouch, she pulled a thick stack of Kan and placed it on the desk. "Is that enough?"
Renya's eyes widened when he saw the four digits marked on the stack. He quickly waved his hands. "One hundred thousand Kan is enough, Captain! That's far too much."
As a seated officer and adjutant, Renya's stipend was 200,000 Kan per month, roughly equivalent to yen in terms of purchasing power.
Soifon took out ten notes and handed them over. Renya accepted them gratefully and smiled. "Thank you, Captain. I'll return it as soon as I can."
But Soifon shook her head dismissively. "Forget repayment. A trivial sum like this means nothing."
She had no lack of funds. As the Captain of Squad Two, Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, and Head of the Executive Militia, she received three stipends in total. Furthermore, most of the 2nd Division's repair and supply expenses were covered through Ōmaeda's family wealth. Soifon had quietly accumulated considerable savings.
But Renya, stubborn, replied, "Then, at least, let me treat you to dinner."
Soifon opened her mouth to refuse, but Renya grinned mischievously. "That's settled, then." And before she could protest further, he bolted out of the room.
Soifon exhaled sharply, touching her nose in irritation. He was only the second person who had ever insisted on treating her this way—the first being that woman.
…
After receiving the money, Renya left the barracks and walked toward the shopping district. His current dorm room was barren; since he would be living in Squad Two for years, he needed essentials.
He bought an alarm clock, deciding he would rise an hour early every day for Hakuda training. He purchased a keyring to organize his squad keys, toiletries, books, writing tools, and a small shelf. Altogether, the expenses totaled over 40,000 Kan.
As he prepared to leave, a cheerful voice called out, "Ren-chan! It is you!"
Renya turned and spotted Kusajishi Yachiru, her pink hair bouncing as she carried a paper bag in her left hand. With her right, she popped a Jinpei candy into her mouth.
Renya smiled. "Vice-Captain Yachiru, out buying sweets again?"
"Mm-hm. Candy run!" she chirped, already unwrapping another. She eyed his Shihakushō and tilted her head. "So, you're officially a Shinigami now? Which squad?"
"I've joined the 2nd Division," Renya answered.
Yachiru pouted. "Second Division, huh? Doesn't suit you."
Renya chuckled weakly. He had heard that sentiment more than once already.
Yachiru waved casually. "Anyway, if you're free, come visit Squad Eleven. We'll have fun!"
"I will," Renya replied sincerely. It wasn't empty politeness. Squad Eleven's members lived for direct combat, and if he wanted real battle experience, they were the best opponents.
After Yachiru skipped off, Renya returned to the barracks and arranged the next day's rotation schedules. Later, he sat on his bed, attempting once again to commune with his Zanpakutō. Still, no response came—recognition had yet to be earned.
Renya reminded himself not to be impatient. For now, growth mattered most. He pulled out paper and began drafting a schedule.
First was duty. Every day, he had to manage the patrol roster. With Ōmaeda dumping the entire workload onto him, Renya had assumed full responsibility. Luckily, since Seireitei had been secure for decades, there were no constant threats—delegating rotations was enough.
He blocked six hours daily for official duties. That was non-negotiable.
His mornings would begin at six, with half an hour for washing and breakfast. At 6:30, he would train until 8:00 before reporting for work. Those ninety minutes would be split between Zanjutsu and Hakuda, as they engaged the entire body more directly than Shunpo or Kidō.
From eight until eleven, work. Lunch at midday. Then an hour of spiritual infusion training, followed by more duties from two until five.
Evenings included dinner, then Kidō and Shunpo training from seven to nine. Afterward, he would study and rest. In this way, each day granted him four hours of combat practice and two of spiritual training, without neglecting his responsibilities.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, afternoons would be adjusted for Soifon's special training.
Satisfied, Renya taped the schedule to his desk corner. It wasn't glamorous, but it was efficient. Entertainment and leisure could wait. For now, he needed only one thing—strength.