"Special training?"
Gosuke Shigure looked at the woman standing before him with a trace of surprise.
Soi Fon.
He was certainly no stranger to her.
In the future he remembered whether from observation or rumor she would become the iron-willed Captain of the Second Division: sharp-tongued, proud, inflexible, and utterly devoted to the Shihōin name. Back when he had first encountered her, however, she was still far from that version of herself.
Because of his relationship with Shihōin Yoruichi, Gosuke Shigure had crossed paths with Soi Fon more than once. Though they were not close, they were at least familiar enough to exchange words without formality.
Soi Fon lowered her head slightly and answered in a firm voice.
"That's right."
"I know this request is abrupt," she continued, her tone controlled but intense,
"but Gosuke-sama once personally guided Yoruichi-sama and Urahara Kisuke. You have served as a captain for nearly a hundred years and possess overwhelming strength."
"I intend to become the next Captain of the Second Division."
"But I'm not confident I can pass the Captain's Proficiency Examination on my own."
"So—" She clenched her fist.
"I ask Gosuke-sama to give me special training."
After saying this, Soi Fon straightened her posture and bowed deeply.
"Please."
Gosuke Shigure chuckled softly.
"You're surprisingly resourceful," he said.
"To think you'd track me down after I've already retired."
"Yes, I did guide Yoruichi and Kisuke back then. You could call me their teacher."
"But you also know this"
"I am no longer a captain."
"I have no authority, no obligation, and no stake in the Second Division."
He looked at her calmly.
"We have no familial bond, and no direct ties."
"So tell me why should I help you?"
Soi Fon's expression faltered.
For a brief moment, the sharpness in her eyes dulled.
He was right.
From any rational standpoint, Gosuke Shigure had no reason to involve himself.
But she truly had no other choice.
Yoruichi-sama had left Soul Society.
She had abandoned the Second Division.
Abandoned the Shihōin Clan.
All for a criminal—Urahara Kisuke.
To Soi Fon, that was betrayal.
The former head of the Shihōin Clan, Shihōin Yūshirō's grandfather, Shihōin Ginrei's contemporary elder, was already advanced in age and no longer capable of standing at the forefront.
To preserve the honor of the Shihōin name, the burden now fell upon the noble families sworn to serve them.
Thus, the decision had been made
The next captain of the Second Division would be chosen not from the Shihōin main line, but from among their retainers.
Soi Fon came from the Fon Clan, a family whose sole duty for generations had been to protect the Shihōin household.
She was the youngest.
Her elder brothers had all served in the Onmitsukidō, dying one by one in the line of duty.
From childhood, her grandmother had drilled a single truth into her:
"If you cannot become an Onmitsukidō officer, you will be cast aside."
Protection of the Shihōin family was not a choice.
It was her destiny.
She inherited the name Soi Fon.
She joined the Onmitsukidō.
And when she first met Yoruichi, she etched that figure into her soul and became her personal guard.
Yoruichi treated her not as a tool, but as family.
That kindness became Soi Fon's unshakable devotion.
Which was why
Yoruichi's disappearance shattered her.
She wanted to pursue her.
To capture her.
Yet she could not abandon the Shihōin household.
When the elders summoned the affiliated noble families and announced the plan for the Second Division's succession, Soi Fon made her decision.
She would become captain.
She would protect everything Yoruichi had left behind.
Slowly, Soi Fon lifted her head and met Gosuke Shigure's gaze.
"I want to find Yoruichi-sama."
"I want to protect the Shihōin Clan."
"Gosuke-sama—please help me."
Silence followed.
Gosuke Shigure studied her carefully.
Then, he spoke.
"You still haven't given me a reason that binds me."
"But your resolve"
"That much is genuine."
"I'll help you."
"For a time."
"But whether you pass the captain's examination"
"That will depend entirely on you."
Soi Fon froze.
Then
Her eyes widened.
And she bowed deeply once more.
"Thank you, Gosuke-sama!"
He waved his hand dismissively.
"It's late. Come back tomorrow."
With that, the door slid shut.
Soi Fon left without complaint.
The next day.
When Gosuke Shigure opened the courtyard gate, he found a familiar figure standing there.
Waiting.
"How long have you been here?" he asked.
"Not long," Soi Fon replied evenly.
In truth, she had arrived at dawn.
She had assumed a former Eleventh Division captain would rise early.
She had assumed wrong.
But she said nothing.
"Come with me," Gosuke Shigure said.
She followed.
They passed through woodland paths and ascended toward the highest point of Seireitei.
Soi Fon looked up, surprised.
"…Here?"
Gosuke Shigure nodded.
"The Sōkyoku Hill."
He glanced ahead thoughtfully.
"I don't know if it's still usable after all these years."
"If not"
"We'll find another training ground."
His voice was calm.
But Soi Fon felt it.
This training would not be gentle.
And neither would the path ahead.
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