A square, dark gray barrier enveloped the once-tranquil stream, sealing it off completely from the outside world. Nothing within could be seen, and not a single sound escaped its confines.
Even the lively splashing and breathless laughter inside were swallowed whole by the Four Directions Realm.
"I didn't expect the Realm's enhancement to speed and power could be used like this…"
Under the amplification of the Four Directions Realm, Ito Makoto's "offensive rhythm" accelerated dramatically. Every movement became sharper, faster, more overwhelming. Tamura Yao, already exhausted from earlier combat training, was swiftly pushed past her limits and surrendered completely beneath the relentless tempo.
Half an hour later, the water finally stilled.
"Pfft!"
"Is this Makoto-kun's 'Reiatsu'? It's… incredibly powerful!"
Tamura Yao's cheeks were crimson as she spoke, astonished not only by his stamina but by the overwhelming pressure that accompanied him even in such close quarters.
Yet Ito Makoto showed no sign of retreat.
Unsatisfied, he initiated a second round without hesitation.
"Yao, giving up already? Show me your limits!"
He surged forward again, voice low and charged.
"Makoto-kun… I won't disappoint you!"
Though her body trembled from exhaustion, Tamura Yao answered with determination. From initial clumsiness to gradual adaptation and now active engagement, she had clearly grown through the intensity of their exchanges.
Two hours later…
The great "battle" within the barrier finally came to an end.
This time, Ito Makoto emerged as the undisputed victor.
"Cultivating with Makoto-kun… really is enjoyable for both body and soul…"
Tamura Yao murmured weakly, lying diagonally along the grassy bank, drenched and drained.
...
At the same time
On the lawn beyond the stream, a petite figure approached with quiet steps.
Short hair with straight bangs framed her face. A coiled bell-snake braid rested behind her head. Her Shinigami uniform was modified into a halter-neck, backless design that exposed her shoulders and upper back. It was Suì-Fēng Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, General Commander of the First Division's Execution Force, and newly appointed Captain of the Second Division.
"Even without Yoruichi-sama… I will master Shunkō."
"I won't be inferior to you…"
"Just wait."
She muttered to herself as she trained alone, stubborn resolve flashing in her golden eyes.
Clenching her fists, spiritual power condensed along her back. Without wind, her uniform fluttered. Highly compressed Kidō energy wrapped around her body as she attempted to stabilize the volatile fusion of Hakuda and Kidō.
For a brief moment, a terrifying aura erupted outward
Then it collapsed.
"Damn it… still not enough?"
Frustrated, she struck a nearby bush, tearing through it cleanly.
As she steadied her breathing, her gaze lifted and paused.
Above the stream that had been calm moments ago now hovered a square, dark gray barrier.
"Hm?"
"Who dares erect a barrier privately within Seireitei?"
Shunpo.
In a flash, Suì-Fēng appeared before the barrier.
"This isn't a standard Kidō barrier…"
Her sharp senses immediately detected the anomaly. The composition of the barrier lacked conventional Kidō structure. In her memory, those capable of erecting high-level spatial barriers like Shihōin Yoruichi had long since defected.
"If it isn't Kidō… could it be Bankai?"
"But none of the current Captains possess a Bankai like this."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Something's wrong."
Without further hesitation, she stepped forward and entered.
...
Inside the Realm
"Hm?"
Just moments earlier, Ito Makoto had sensed a faint Reiatsu approaching. It was well concealed, disciplined and sharp, but it did not escape his perception.
The instant Suì-Fēng touched the barrier, feedback rippled through the Four Directions Realm.
Captain-class.
Third-Class Reiatsu.
When he saw her clearly, understanding dawned immediately.
"Second Division Captain… Suì-Fēng."
He clicked his tongue inwardly. Of all times.
Fortunately, their "cultivation" had already concluded.
Suì-Fēng's eyes swept across the scene disheveled clothing, flushed faces, lingering humidity in the air.
"Ito, Fourth Seat of the Eleventh Division."
Her voice was cold.
"What exactly are you two doing here, sneaking about in such a state?"
She did not recognize Tamura Yao, but Ito Makoto's reputation preceded him.
Ito burst into laughter at her stern façade.
"Hahaha what else would we be doing? Cultivating, of course."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Captain Suì-Fēng, did you come to join us?"
Tamura Yao froze in horror. She had not expected Ito to tease a noble-born Captain so brazenly.
Suì-Fēng's ears flushed faintly before her expression hardened.
"Shameless."
Her tone sharpened instantly.
"Central 46 strictly prohibits the release of Bankai within Seireitei. Why did you violate regulations and activate yours privately?"
"Bankai?"
Ito blinked then realized.
She had mistaken the Four Directions Realm for Bankai.
"Captain Suì-Fēng, you misunderstand. This is merely my Shikai."
With a casual wave of his hand, he dispersed the Four Directions Realm. The gray-black barrier dissolved into nothingness.
He gestured subtly for Tamura Yao to leave.
Moments later, she hastily straightened her clothes, cheeks still burning, and fled the area. Suì-Fēng did not stop her.
"Just Shikai…?"
Suì-Fēng's gaze sharpened.
A Shikai capable of producing a barrier of that scale?
"Ito Fourth Seat," she said firmly, "you are a once-in-a-century genius within Soul Society. Your efforts should be devoted to serving it not squandered in indulgence."
Though she disapproved of his conduct, she could not ignore his talent. A man who rose to Fourth Seat upon entry possessed rare potential.
"Clap. Clap. Clap."
Ito applauded lazily.
"Captain Suì-Fēng speaks wisely."
He stretched slightly, still reclining by the stream.
"But I told you we were cultivating. Why refuse to believe me?"
He yawned.
Suì-Fēng's expression darkened.
"Lewd and shameless scoundrel."
That did it.
Ito's smile thinned.
"And you're a flat-chested, sharp-tongued woman. No wonder Shihōin Yoruichi doesn't favor you."
The air froze.
Suì-Fēng, who had already turned to leave, stopped dead.
She turned back slowly.
Veins throbbed faintly along her temple.
"What… did you say?"
Ito's lips curved upward.
Hooked.
He had spoken deliberately. His purpose was simple to provoke her into combat. He wanted to measure himself against the Captain of the Second Division.
He lifted a hand and beckoned casually.
"Come."
Steel flashed.
Without another word, Suì-Fēng drew her Zanpakutō and slashed toward him in a single, lethal motion.