Shoko added, "Riko is particularly skilled at this and often comes up with unexpected combinations."
"Bakudō #26: Kyokkō." A faint light covered her body, distorting her appearance. "This is a very special technique. It can alter the visual effect of other Kidō and increase the suddenness of an attack."
"The last one, Bakudō #31: Shitotsu Sansen." Three rays of light fell from the sky, forming a sealed triangle on the ground. "This is the most powerful binding Kidō I have mastered so far."
After demonstrating all the techniques, Riko gently wiped the sweat from her forehead.
By now, her expression was pale.
Even displaying Kidō without an opponent consumed a great deal of her stamina.
What was more important was that her Cursed Energy had already been depleted. Each cast was an extreme burden on her body.
"Amazing," Shunichi exclaimed. "She has mastered every Kidō so skillfully."
"Hah, it's all thanks to Satoru-sensei's guidance," Riko said, taking a deep breath before bowing toward Satoru. "If it weren't for your patient teaching..."
"It was your own effort," Satoru cut her off, a rare tenderness on his face. "I only pointed the way. The real progress came from you."
Then his usual playfulness returned as he stretched lazily. "Looks like I, your teacher, can finally relax. At this rate, it won't be long before your strength reaches an even higher level."
Feeling her own growth, Riko looked up at the star-filled sky. An indescribable emotion welled in her heart. I'm so lucky to have met teachers willing to guide me. I must work harder and never let them down.
This day's training was not only a summary of her past efforts but also the beginning of a new path toward greater strength. Everyone present knew that Riko's talent and determination would surely shine brightly in the trials ahead.
"That's all for today," Shoko said, handing her a towel. "We can start trying more advanced Kidō tomorrow."
Just then, Shunichi spoke up. "Wait." His voice was as calm as ever, but unusually serious. "I have a question."
Everyone turned to the swordsman. Under the dim light, Shunichi's eyes carried a deep weight.
"Riko," he asked slowly, "what does Kidō mean to you?"
Riko froze. She tightened her grip on the towel, pondering in silence.
"Just say what you feel," Suguru added. "There's no right or wrong."
"To me..." Riko raised her head, eyes firm. "Kidō isn't just power. It's... a possibility."
Satoru raised his eyebrows. Interesting. This kid's thoughts are deeper than I expected.
"Possibility?" Shunichi pressed.
"Yes," Riko continued. "Sakanade showed me my potential. Kidō taught me how to develop it. Every chant, every gesture, feels like opening a new door."
Shoko couldn't help but smile with relief. She has fully grasped the essence of practice.
"And more than that," Riko's voice grew more passionate, "when I use Kidō, I can feel the Star Plasma Vessel within me stabilizing. It's like... I've found the right way to connect with it."
Shunichi nodded thoughtfully. "I see. That's why you could master these techniques so quickly."
"Not just mastery," Suguru added. "But a true understanding of their essence."
Satoru stretched again, grinning. "Seems Satoshi had sharp instincts. When he forged Sakanade for Riko, he must have already foreseen this step."
The night breeze swept across the training ground, carrying a chill. Riko subconsciously folded her arms, but her eyes burned brighter. There's still so much to learn... but I'll never let them down.
"It's late," Shoko said gently. "Go rest. We'll continue tomorrow."
Just as they were about to leave, a loud boom erupted from the forge in the distance, followed by a surge of spiritual power. Satoru's Six Eyes flared instantly. That guy Satoshi, could it be...
"It seems there's been progress in the Tenshintai transformation research," Suguru said in a low voice.
Shunichi's gaze darkened. "Yes, everything is moving in a good direction. It's just..."
He didn't finish, but the heavy air settled over them. Whether it was Riko's training or Satoshi's research, both felt like preparation for an inevitable moment.
...Inside the forge, smoke and dust slowly cleared.
Satoshi stood before the workbench, staring at his latest failed product. This was his 28th attempt, yet this explosion had given him unprecedented insight.
Discarded fragments of metal littered the ground, each etched with complex patterns. The forge fire still roared, painting the room red. The air carried the scent of metal, charcoal, and faint traces of lingering Cursed Energy.
I see, Satoshi thought, picking up a warm fragment and studying its carved surface. The essence of Tenshintai transformation isn't forced conversion, but a deeper resonance.
"Hey, Satoshi," Satoru pushed the door open, strolling in. "What blew up this time? The whole house shook."
Satoshi didn't even raise his head. "I discovered something."
"Oh?" Satoru's curiosity was piqued as he approached the workbench. "Let's hear it."
Satoshi set down the fragment and walked over to the wall covered in blueprints, each filled with sketches of his ideas and failed attempts.
"Look here," he pointed to a complex pattern. "The success of the Tenshintai wasn't just a technical breakthrough. Its creator understood the fundamental connection between a Zanpakutō and its wielder."
"What do you mean?"
"A Zanpakutō isn't just a weapon. It's an extension of the soul." Satoshi picked up a pen and drew across the design. "Just like the bond between Riko and Sakanade. It's not about suppression or domination, but mutual understanding and growth."
Satoru narrowed his Six Eyes. "So all your previous attempts failed because..."
(To be continued.)