47 Chapter 47: Promotion

Suì-Fēng's words reminded Yamahiko of his own Shikai, which is named "Raijinmaru." When released, his Zanpakuto disappears, and dark clouds appear in the sky, bringing forth a bolt of lightning, which is Raijinmaru itself.

Raijinmaru  is a short spear, only a little over four feet in length, which, given Yamahiko's current height of 4 feet, isn't exactly short.

Raijinmaru possesses two main abilities. The first is the ability to create thunderbolts from the dark clouds in the sky, allowing him to summon lightning strikes to attack his enemies. While this is a powerful ability, Captain-level individuals can typically withstand its effects to some extent, especially those with robust physical attributes like Kenpachi Zaraki. However, it can still inflict significant damage and hinder their movements.

The second ability of Raijinmaru is the high-efficiency conversion of his own reitsu into pure lightning attribute energy. This conversion is highly efficient, surpassing even the conversion rates of Kido spells like Hadō # 63. Raikōhō or "Hadō # 88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō." This ability is what allows Yamahiko to use his "Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō."

Even with this conversion, Yamahiko's reitsu is only sufficient to execute three consecutive "Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō" attacks before his reserves are depleted, and he needs time to recover.

The "Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō" is a devastating technique.

For context, a level-90 Kido spell like "Black Coffin" (Kurohitsugi) can take down a formidable opponent like Sajin Komamura, albeit with the element of surprise and certain unforeseen factors. However, "Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō," which is only two levels below, can deal heavy damage to an opponent, though not at the same scale as "Black Coffin."

To put it into perspective, even someone as formidable as Kenpachi Zaraki struggled to handle more than two successive "Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō" attacks. Yamahiko's initial depletion of his spiritual energy prevented him from using a second attack.

Additionally, the lightning wings on his back, a product of his second ability, grant him speed that rivals the complete version of Shunko. There is even potential for further improvement in his speed in the future.

This means that Yamahiko doesn't necessarily need "Shunko," at least not the traditional "Shunko." Instead, he can use it in conjunction with other elemental Shunko techniques, such as "Fire Shunko" or "Wind Shunko," to enhance his destructive power or sustain attacks for longer durations.

However, using these elemental Shunko techniques consumes a significant amount of reitsu. Considering that Yamahiko already struggles to maintain his Shikai for extended periods, he'll need to elevate his reiryoku to at least the seventh level to use these techniques more efficiently.

In summary, "Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō" and his lightning wings are derivatives of Raijinmaru's second ability, which allows him to freely manipulate lightning energy. He can develop more techniques, such as shaping lightning energy into animal forms or blade-like constructs (Lightning Shaping), or even use it to accelerate metal projectiles, creating electromagnetic cannons (Electromagnetic Cannon).

Yamahiko had numerous ideas floating in his mind about how to utilize his abilities after he recovers. He can:

Infuse lightning into his fists for close combat - "Raida".

Use the high-temperature generated by lightning to melt metal and create weapons - "Raiyakin"(Thunder Metallurgy).

Attack an opponent's pressure points with lightning strikes - "Raidianxue" ("Lightning Acupuncture). .

Yamahiko shared these basic abilities of his Zanpakuto with Suì-Fēng. He had no reason to hide them from her, as she was his teacher, superior, and potentially more in the future.

Suì-Fēng acknowledged the strength of his abilities, especially the second one, which has the potential for various applications. Yamahiko agreed and mentioned that he has several ideas but needs to experiment and refine them.

Suì-Fēng then informed him that his role as Vice-Captain of the Patrol Corps was no longer suitable for someone with his current abilities, including the capability to battle Captain-level individuals.

Yamahiko humorously asked if he was getting a promotion, to which Suì-Fēng responded with a "hmm" and revealed her plan to appoint him as the Captain of the Onmitsukidō's Third Division's Detention Unit.

Yamahiko was somewhat surprised by this, as the Detention Unit oversees individuals detained in the Nest of Maggots, including those considered threats to the Soul Society. The danger level isn't based solely on their combat abilities but also on their thoughts, actions, and whether they obstruct official duties.

These individuals are often those who disappeared from the Soul Society, claiming to have left their respective divisions for personal reasons. In reality, there's no option to voluntarily leave the Gotei 13. If someone has to leave due to personal circumstances, they're categorized as "Resigned," but after an extended period of absence, they can be "Expelled."

Once inside the Nest of Maggots, they can't carry weapons, so the Captains and the Nest's administrators must be capable of subduing them with bare hands.

About 68 years ago (110 years in the original story), the Captain of the Detention Unit was Kisuke Urahara. Later, he joined the Twelfth Division, and during the nine years from 59 to 68 years ago, he served as the Captain of the Twelfth Division while establishing the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. He invited Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who was confined in the Nest of Maggots, to be his Vice-President and Third Seat of the Twelfth Division.

After Urahara left, Suì-Fēng assumed the role of the Detention Unit's Captain. She continued to hold that position even after becoming Onmitsukidō's  Commander-in-Chief . After all, the ability to subdue dangerous individuals with bare hands, at least Captain-level strength, was necessary for such a role.

Up until now, Suì-Fēng had noticed that Yamahiko's strength had reached Captain-level. Even though he couldn't carry his Zanpakuto[in Nest of Maggots], he could still rank among the top in the Vice-Captain ranks. That's why she wanted him to become the Captain of the Detention Unit.

Becoming the Captain of the Detention Unit was indeed risky, but Yamahiko was confident in his abilities, and the "Underground Supervisory Institute" of the Detention Unit Squad was even more concealed.

Yamahiko had recently displayed a sudden burst of strength during his battle with Kenpachi Zaraki, and it had garnered some attention. To stay low-profile, joining the Detention Unit seemed like a good option.

Additionally, the Detention Unit had the power to monitor, apprehend, and investigate all members of the Gotei 13, making it even more vigilant in gathering information about the Soul Society compared to the Patrol Corps.

Yamahiko then said, "I'm willing to go to the Detention Unit."

Suì-Fēng replied, "Very well, you can take up your duties once you've fully recovered."

She stood up, saying, "Since you're awake now, I'll be on my way."

Yamahiko asked with a hint of reluctance, "Captain Suì-Fēng, are you leaving?"

For some reason, Yamahiko had developed an unexplainable affection for Suì-Fēng. They used to gather four days a week in the afternoon for training and research. Sometimes he would "passively" invite Shinigami Women's Association members to dinner, often returning with a heavily intoxicated Suì-Fēng.

He had seen her stern side, her serious side, and her adorable side. Especially this time, when she helped him grasp Shikai and guarded him at his bedside for a day and a half, Yamahiko felt like he had fallen for her. He liked this woman who always had a stern face and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. Her departure made him feel somewhat reluctant

.

Suì-Fēng noticed Yamahiko's expression and softly said, "I've been here for a day and a half already and need to attend to squad matters. But I'll come back tonight."

Yamahiko smiled and said, "Goodbye, Captain."

"Okay."

Suì-Fēng turned and left the room, walking quite a distance before she let out a sigh.

How can I not see the feelings in your eyes? Just like my old self.