However, that was a separate matter. Katori Sora's dedication to saving his disciple was commendable, but Yamamoto Genryūsai still had questions.
"You were the one who discovered the Bakutō forging base, weren't you?" he asked. "How did you find that place? The Azashiro family's incident hadn't even occurred at that time."
"I also teach a class of sixth-year students at the academy. One of them, a student named Homura Kudanoki, was killed by a Bakutō," Sora said in a low voice.
"Before he died, he begged me to uncover the truth."
"The Bakutō that killed Homura Kudanoki was also recorded in the scroll."
"I deliberately staked out the location, waiting for someone from the Kasumiōji family to come and retrieve the Bakutō. That's how I eventually found the forge."
Sora didn't want to reveal that he could use his Zanpakutō to set up "surveillance points," as such an ability could easily make others uneasy.
Therefore, he didn't mention that Shin Kasumiōji had sent people to the World of the Living to set up "bait."
Yamamoto nodded. He thought the young man was a very responsible teacher; not many would go to such lengths for a student.
He understood why Sora had involved Kyōraku Shunsui on both occasions.
The Kasumiōji were not a family to be trifled with. They were a powerful high-ranking noble family. For Sora to confront them alone would have been a futile effort.
Although Sora had the support of the first-generation captain Batsunsai Katori, Yamamoto knew her current condition. She was on the verge of death and powerless against the Kasumiōji.
He had chosen not to rush into the forge or the records room alone. He possessed both courage and cunning—a promising talent.
Yamamoto's expression softened considerably. The Gotei 13 was in need of talent, and a young man like Katori Sora had the potential to become a reliable captain in the future.
"Very good! Katori Sora, your spirit in protecting your students is commendable. That is the duty of a teacher!"
Yamamoto paused, then continued, "The trial of the Azashiro family will be held tomorrow. Kyōraku Shunsui and Katori Sora, you will attend the trial with me!"
"Meeting dismissed! Kyōraku Shunsui and Katori Sora will stay behind!"
The captains and lieutenants began to leave.
As Kenpachi Kuruyashiki passed by Sora, he threw an arm over his shoulder. "Well done! I like guys like you who aren't afraid of trouble! Come hang out at the Squad 11 barracks sometime! Hahaha!"
"Next time, for sure," Sora said with an awkward smile.
Please don't say things like that in front of the Captain-Commander! It makes me sound like a troublemaker!
When Kirio Hikifune walked by, she looked him over with interest. "Katori-kun, I hear you're a very good cook?"
Sora was a little surprised. Word of his cooking skills had already reached Kirio Hikifune?
Before he could answer, she continued, "Shunsui told me. He said your cooking is on par with mine, which has made me very curious."
"Captain Kyōraku is too kind," Sora said humbly. "It was probably his first time eating 'hot pot,' which is why he found it so amazing."
"I heard about 'hot pot' from Shunsui and even tried to replicate it. It's a genius idea!" Kirio patted his shoulder and laughed. "Shunsui has a very picky palate, so you don't need to be so modest, Katori-kun. Your cooking must be excellent. I love to cook too, so come by Squad 12 sometime to exchange ideas!"
"Of course. I look forward to trying your cooking as well, Captain Hikifune."
Sora was genuinely looking forward to it. If he ever had the chance to eat a meal made with "Temporary Souls," his Spiritual Pressure would increase dramatically.
It was one of the few ways in the Soul Society to increase one's Spiritual Pressure without side effects.
Unohana was the last to leave. She smiled. "My, you're quite popular, Katori-kun."
The eager look in her eyes made Sora feel as if she were sizing up a fine meal.
"Your Kidō has improved very quickly," she continued. "I remember you weren't very good at it before, but now you can use Hadō #88."
"I hope your swordsmanship has progressed just as much."
Sora scratched his head. Hadn't he been learning Kaidō from her? Why was she testing his swordsmanship now?
After everyone else had left, only Yamamoto, Shunsui, and Sora remained in the hall.
"You two, come with me!" Yamamoto said, leaving the room first.
"We're in for it now. We're going to get beaten," Shunsui said with a pained expression, anticipating what was to come.
The old man was obviously taking them to the training hall for a "sparring session." He hadn't escaped his punishment after all.
Seeing that Sora didn't grasp the severity of the situation, Shunsui whispered, "Katori-kun, the old man's sword style is incredibly fierce. His strikes are heavy. Even with a wooden sword, a few hits will leave you sore for days!"
A flicker of excitement appeared in Sora's eyes. "Is that so? Then I'm really looking forward to it!"
"?" Shunsui gave him a strange look, feeling that he and someone who actually looked forward to a beating were not on the same wavelength.
Yamamoto led them to the Squad 1 training hall. He took off his captain's haori, picked up a wooden sword from a rack, and said to Sora:
"Step forward. Let me see if the Katori style has declined."
Sora nodded slowly and also took a wooden sword from the rack.
Yamamoto showed no intention of attacking first, so Sora decided to take the initiative.
Katori Style: Senmai Oroshi!
Swish—
Clack-clack-clack-clack—
A rapid, continuous series of strikes echoed through the hall. In an instant, Sora had drawn his sword and unleashed over a hundred slashes.
But even against such a flurry of attacks, Yamamoto remained completely unmoved. With a simple raise of his hand, he blocked every single strike.
Sora's figure suddenly vanished, and four afterimages appeared around Yamamoto.
Katori Style: Shihō Shungeki!
All four attacks, coming from different directions, were real.
In an instant, Yamamoto spun around with incredible speed.
—THUD!
The four afterimages vanished, and Sora was sent flying backward, shattering the sword rack he crashed into.
Shunsui looked at Sora lying on the ground. "Should I, uh, go get Captain Unohana?"
Sora kicked away the broken pieces of the rack, moved his shoulder, and casually popped it back into its socket.
CRACK—
He picked up his wooden sword again and grinned.
"No need. I can heal minor injuries myself."
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