Chapter 12: Sōsuke, Bind Me

"I'm truly amazed—your talent in Kido surpasses even what I had back in the day."

Tsukabishi Tessai spoke with genuine astonishment. He never imagined Ren would actually succeed and with such a high degree of completion

It was worth noting that Tessai himself, as the Grand Kido Chief, was considered a once-in-a-millennium Kido prodigy. Even for him, mastering Shakkaho required methodical practice with lower-level Kido before succeeding in one attempt.

If Ren's background was as it seemed, this was his first time encountering Kido. To achieve Shakkaho on his second attempt? His aptitude for Kido was nothing short of terrifying.

"You flatter me, Sensei. I still have much to learn and will need to rely on your guidance in the future," Ren replied humbly. Glancing at Aizen, he added with a faint smile, "And of course, I'll be counting on your help too, Sōsuke."

Aizen, for his part, was genuinely shocked. Much like Yoruichi, he had assumed that someone like Ren—a straightforward and battle-crazy type—would find the intricate techniques of Kido challenging. Yet, not only did Ren succeed on his first attempt, but his second was also flawless.

His talent seemed almost on par with Aizen himself.

Ah, Aizen remembered he had also mastered Shakkaho in one go back in the day.

Behind his signature black-rimmed glasses, Aizen's eyes narrowed slightly, though his face maintained the cheerful smile his classmates were used to. "Let's help each other improve, Ren-kun," he said warmly.

While the students were still reeling from Ren's display, Tessai's next words stunned them even more.

"Would you consider joining the Kido Corps after graduation? Such talent shouldn't go to waste."

Ren was taken aback. He hadn't expected Tessai to make such an offer after just one lesson and this was their first meeting.

The surrounding students were visibly envious. The Kido Corps, an elite division separate from the Gotei 13, was notoriously difficult to join. Those who did were academic prodigies, enjoying high status and privileges. Judging by Tessai's eagerness, if Ren joined, he might even start at a high-ranking position—an opportunity akin to a fast track to the top.

While the offer was tempting, Ren had no intention of joining the Kido Corps. To him, that division was a haven for "mages." He was a fighter at heart, thriving in close combat where blades clashed and blood was spilt. The Kido Corps didn't align with his personal style.

His interest in Kido stemmed only from wanting to expand his tactical options.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Sensei," Ren said politely, "but I've only just enrolled and haven't had the time or the chance to decide on my path yet. I'd like to think it over for a while."

It was a polite refusal, a way to preserve Tessai's dignity.

Tessai seemed slightly disappointed but nodded. He had heard that Captain Unohana had brought this student to the academy. Given Ren's talent in both swordsmanship and Hakuda, his potential was immense. Such a person certainly had the right ot choose his own path.

Upon careful consideration, he realized that the Kido Corps was still limited because he himself was the Kido Grandmaster— a postion couldn't give to Ren, and with Ren's talent, it was entirely possible for him to become a new Captain of the Court Guard Squads after some years of hard work post-graduation.

"Very well. For now, continue your practice. If you have any questions about Kido, feel free to ask me," Tessai said, making no effort to hide his admiration for Ren.

Over the next period, Ren tested every Kido listed in the textbook.

Watching his classmates struggle to master even Hado #4: Byakurai, Ren couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Was Kido really that difficult?

He possessed exceptional control over his own body, and once he learned how to manipulate spiritual particles, he found he could direct his inner energy with natural-finesse.

To him, Kido was a matter of simply arranging and shaping reishi according to a set formula, then releasing it as a spell.

However, he soon realized that while Kido wasn't difficult for him, he lacked interest in Hado. Its primary purpose was to harm enemies, and for that, why not just use a blade?

Instead, Bakudo and Kaido piqued his interest. Bakudo allowed for restraining opponents, while Kaido could heal.

The latter, especially, intrigued him. If he mastered Kaido, wouldn't it allow him to discard defence and complete focus on offence in battles?

Unfortunately, Kaido was complex and not covered in first-year textbooks. As for Bakudo, the available spells were too basic—Ren wanted something more advanced.

He decided to turn to his ever-reliable roommate, Aizen.

"Sōsuke, can you teach me some Bakudo spells not found in the textbook?"

"Bakudo?" Aizen asked, his curiosity piqued. "I do know a few, but why are you interested in those?"

"Because Hado feels too cumbersome for merely taking down enemies. Bakudo, on the other hand, seems more versatile—binding enemies and all that."

Ren explained casually. After a moment's thought, he added, "Why don't you cast a Bakudo on me? Let me feel how it works, yeah?"

"...Why are you looking at me like that? Go ahead, cast one. The teacher only warned us against dangerous Hado spells—Bakudo should be fine, right?"

Ren urged him, adding, "Use the highest level one you've got."

Even the ever-composed Aizen couldn't help but facepalm briefly. Then, with a slight shake of his head, he raised his hand and chanted:

"Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini!! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!! Bakudo #9: Geki!"

Ren didn't dodge. A crimson light coiled around him, and in an instant, he felt his movements grow sluggish. A burning, constrictive sensation spread across his neck, as though it were tightening with invisible chains.

Bakudo #9: Geki was both a binding and damaging Kido. While Ren's body could still move with some difficulty, the choking sensation severely impaired his combat capabilities.

From his analysis, if such a spell were used in battle and he couldn't quickly break free—or end the fight immediately upon being bound—the odds would quickly tilt against him.

Indeed, Bakudo proved to be a powerful combat support technique.

After some thought, Ren began channeling his spiritual energy to resist the Bakudo while simultaneously using raw physical strength to "tear" at the bindings. As his exertion reached its peak, the crimson light surrounding him finally disintegrated.

"In cases where the difference in spiritual pressure isn't vast, low-level Bakudo generally only serves as a temporary measure to bind or disrupt opponents," Aizen remarked calmly. "It's difficult to completely incapacitate an enemy with such spells. Only high-level Bakudo can fully restrict an opponent's movements, but they demand much greater control over one's spiritual energy."

Ren nodded in understanding. "Then how about teaching me some high-level ones, Sōsuke? Surely, you must know some."

Aizen smiled wryly as he shook his head. "You overestimate me, Ren-kun. While I do have some aptitude in Kido, I'm just a first-year student like you. How could I possibly know such advanced Bakudo? If you're interested in learning them, why not ask Tessai-sensei? Bakudo isn't inherently dangerous—he'd likely be willing to teach you."

Looking at Aizen's harmless, almost naive expression, Ren couldn't help but think to himself: What a load of crap. I don't believe a word of that.

While he couldn't be sure if Aizen was capable of casting something as advanced as Kurohitsugi yet, releasing mid-level spells in the 60s or 70s range was probably child's play for him.

Still, knowing Aizen's patience and restraint, Ren realized he wouldn't push him into revealing his full hand. With no better option, he decided to take Aizen's advice and consult Tessai.

"Oh? Bakudo and Kaido?" Tessai raised an eyebrow upon hearing Ren's request. "I can certainly teach you some Bakudo suitable for your current spiritual level. As for Kaido, if you're interested, I suggest waiting until Captain Unohana takes over for a guest lecture. I'm sure she'd be delighted to teach you."

Hearing this, Ren couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. While Tessai was undoubtedly a master of Kido, when it came to Kaido—no one could surpass Unohana Retsu, the legendary captain of the Fourth Division.

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