After treating Nanatsuki's wounds, Hikifune Kirio brought him to the squad dormitory.
"You worked hard today, Nanatsuki," she smiled. "I've decided to cook something delicious for you. I'll even use the Reiatsu I've been stockpiling~"
Currently, Hikifune's figure was slightly plump. She had been using the Temporary Soul technique to store Reiatsu.
This stored Reiatsu could be infused into food while cooking.
Eating her food could increase one's spiritual pressure!
Originally, she had intended to use this method to raise Urahara Kisuke's Reiatsu to captain level before ascending to the Royal Guard, ensuring someone could take over her lab.
But now that Nanatsuki had expressed his desire to succeed her, she no longer needed to hoard Reiatsu.
Nanatsuki, of course, wouldn't refuse. This was one of the few ways to increase Reiatsu without side effects.
Still, he had some questions about the Temporary Soul method. "Miss Kirio, can I keep improving my Reiatsu like this? Isn't there a limit to how much it can boost?"
If there were no limit, then theoretically, she could mass-produce captain-class Shinigami.
Hikifune shook her head. "The limit varies from person to person."
"Most souls have very low conversion rates and minimal improvement potential. Even using tons of Reiatsu yields little effect."
"Your conversion rate is pretty good, and you haven't hit your cap yet."
She led Nanatsuki into her kitchen and began cooking.
"You mentioned 'Wensi Tofu' last time. I tried making it, and it turned out quite tasty. I don't know if I did it right, but I thought you could be my taste tester today."
During their culinary exchanges, Nanatsuki occasionally described dishes from his "hometown."
Compared to his previous world, Soul Society's culinary culture was primitive—like comparing ancient swords to modern firearms.
But Hikifune's talent in cooking was maxed out. She could replicate dishes just by hearing a description.
Wensi Tofu was especially challenging due to its intricate knife work. But Hikifune's mastery made it effortless.
With a gentle flick, her cleaver sliced a block of tofu in half. One half remained on the cutting board, the other stuck to the blade.
A tremor from the knife, and the tofu half slid back onto the board—still perfectly intact.
With the thickness set, she launched into rapid slicing.
Tat-tat-tat-tat—the rhythmic sound of knife striking board echoed like a Gatling gun crossed with a temple drum.
The tofu was now paper-thin.
She splashed a spoonful of water over the slices. The layers tilted and collapsed gently to one side.
Then her blade flashed horizontally, repeating the rapid slicing.
The tofu sheets became fine strands.
Scooping them with her knife, she dropped the strands into a bowl of clear water.
Immersed, they separated gracefully, revealing their shape.
Next came bok choy leaves, shredded to match the tofu.
They soaked in water as well, resembling delicate seaweed.
She shredded meat in a similar manner—graceful and fluid.
With water boiling, she blanched the tofu strands briefly.
She then thickened the soup with starch, drawing silken threads.
Quickly, she added tofu, vegetables, chicken, and bamboo shoots. Gentle stirring made the strands bloom.
Moments later, the dish was done.
"All finished!" she declared.
"Miss Kirio, your cooking is amazing!" Nanatsuki applauded.
"Taste it~" she said playfully.
As her stored Reiatsu depleted, her figure slimmed to a dazzling form.
Nanatsuki eagerly took a bite. The tofu and vegetables melted in his mouth. The fragrance of tofu blended perfectly with rich chicken broth.
"Delicious!" he exclaimed.
As he finished the Wensi Tofu, his Reiatsu surged.
He could feel his spiritual power growing.
He glanced at his status interface: Reiatsu Level 91...92...93.
[Base Attributes (Shinigami): Reiatsu Lv93, Swordsmanship Lv90, Kidō Lv80, Hakuda Lv70, Shunpo Lv75]
Her cooking had boosted him to Level 93!
At these high levels, each increase required over 100,000 EXP.
Hikifune's dish had saved him 300,000 points.
"This was incredible. Thank you, Miss Kirio. My Reiatsu has grown a lot," he said, smiling.
"Your conversion rate is indeed high. Hardly any Reiatsu was wasted," she noted.
Feeling cheerful and empowered, Nanatsuki discussed a few more complex dishes from his past life and even cooked a bit himself.
The next day, he left Squad Twelve and returned to his personal lab.
He had been too busy before. Now was finally the time to process his gains.
"Welcome back, Sensei," said Aizen Sōsuke, still immersed in lab work.
"Sōsuke, don't neglect your daily training just because you're in here all the time," Nanatsuki smiled.
"I'll be careful," Aizen nodded, then noticed the bandages. "Sensei, you're injured?"
It was his first time seeing his teacher wounded!
"Nothing serious. I just used a sword technique beyond what my body could handle," Nanatsuki chuckled.
"Any technique strong enough to injure you must be something extraordinary..." Aizen murmured with admiration.