Within the 13th Division barracks, Shigure entered his quarters.
He immediately activated his Resonance Vision.
Settling into a seated position, he attempted to manifest his Steel Skin according to the memories the system had provided.
Soul Reapers could indeed channel spiritual pressure across their body's surface to create defensive barriers.
Shigure had employed this technique twice before—deflecting Hinamori Momo's Flying Plum Blossom and confronting Zaraki Kenpachi's blade.
While this method enhanced defense, it demanded constant mental focus.
Steel Skin, however, required no such concentration. This represented pure Arrancar instinct.
Through Kyoka Suigetsu's influence, this power had naturally integrated as innate ability.
Shigure needed only to trigger Steel Skin mentally while channeling spiritual pressure, granting his skin extraordinary defensive density.
Whoosh!
The instant his thoughts engaged, air currents rippled outward from his body.
Rather than erupting outward, his spiritual pressure adhered completely to his skin.
It formed an incredibly compact, hardened spiritual pressure layer.
This was... Steel Skin after Kyoka Suigetsu fusion?
Shigure's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
From this brief experiment alone, he perceived tremendous potential.
Moreover, having acquired Arrancar Steel Skin, obtaining Quincy Blut in the future wasn't beyond possibility!
These powers traditionally conflicted with one another.
Yet before Shigure's Kyoka Suigetsu, absolute fusion became achievable.
Moments later, Shigure withdrew his spiritual pressure and dispersed the Steel Skin effect, exhaling softly.
Undeniably, Steel Skin proved far more efficient and accessible than conventional spiritual pressure condensation.
Essentially, a single thought could deploy it instantly.
Indeed... another life-preservation technique had joined his arsenal...
Shigure smiled inwardly with contentment.
Next came examining the task reward "Sekkiseki Resistance" obtained from his Penitence Palace sign-in.
Upon first hearing the term, Shigure had formed initial theories.
Within the Penitence Palace's context, "Sekkiseki" should correspond to Sekkiseki stones.
"Resistance" likely referenced Sekkiseki's fundamental property—blocking spiritual pressure and spiritual particles.
Individually, these concepts were perfectly comprehensible.
But... as an ability reward granted to Shigure, it became puzzling.
Regardless of his attempts to channel spiritual pressure or experiment otherwise, he couldn't discern this ability's application.
The system apparently expected him to deduce its function independently, offering no guidance.
"This is unprecedented... such an enigmatic situation..."
Shigure furrowed his brow in contemplation.
Subsequently, he tested various power manifestations, even performing Kido techniques, yet detected no variations.
Eventually, he resolved to temporarily abandon the investigation.
Since immediate comprehension proved elusive, he would set it aside.
Currently, he didn't require this particular ability, and future opportunities would allow thorough exploration.
"System, display personal status."
Host: Segawa Shigure. Soul: Kyoka Suigetsu. Spiritual Pressure: Ultimate. Zanpakuto: Candle Dragon. Shikai: Lightning·Ultimate; Storm·Ultimate. Bankai: Not yet mastered. Swordsmanship: Excellence. Hakuda: Proficient. Shunpo: Ultimate. Kido: Excellence. Hollow Bloodline: Arrancar Steel Skin. Other Skills/Abilities: Soul Resonance; Barrier Collapse; Sekkiseki Resistance.
...
Observing the panel's latest modifications, Shigure's eyes brightened considerably.
The "Arrancar Steel Skin" reward hadn't been categorized under "Other Skills," but instead established an entirely new classification.
Hollow Bloodline.
This suggested future sign-in tasks would likely yield additional Arrancar abilities...
As Shigure pondered these implications, knocking interrupted his thoughts.
"Knock knock!"
"Vice-Captain Segawa, are you available?"
The voice belonged to Kotsubaki Sentaro, who shared third seat rank with Kotetsu Kiyone.
After acknowledging the call, Shigure rose and opened the door.
"What's the matter, Kotsubaki?" Shigure inquired with mild surprise.
Kotsubaki Sentaro replied: "Vice-Captain, evening patrol time is approaching."
Shigure paused, suddenly realizing how extensively he'd been absorbed in his room.
"Very well, let's proceed."
"Yes, sir!" Kotsubaki Sentaro responded immediately, then briskly led the way.
Shigure secured his door and followed.
Upon stepping outside, the sun had nearly completed its descent.
A pale lunar silhouette graced the sky, radiating serene tranquility.
As Shigure walked, he couldn't suppress rising emotions.
Over three years had passed since his arrival in this world.
More than three months had elapsed since entering Seireitei.
Despite considerable turbulence, those periods had generally maintained peaceful progression.
Beginning tonight, however, everything would transform.
"Vice-Captain, all personnel assembled!"
Spotting Shigure's approach, Kotsubaki Sentaro reported with enthusiasm.
Shigure nodded approvingly and smiled. "Move out!"
He took point position, leading the squad members away from 13th Division headquarters.
Just as he stepped beyond the barracks perimeter, familiar spiritual pressure fluctuations descended from above.
That signature belonged to... Sasakibe Chojiro's Tenteikura!
Shigure's gaze sharpened as he halted abruptly.
Was it beginning... the first Ryoka war council!
The subordinates behind him, witnessing Shigure's sudden stop and grave expression, remained silent and waited respectfully.
Sasakibe Chojiro's voice began resonating in Shigure's consciousness.
"All Gotei 13 captains, this is 1st Division Vice-Captain Sasakibe Chojiro!"
"I now relay the Captain-Commander's directive!"
"All captains must report to 1st Division headquarters for emergency assembly within twenty minutes!"
"This meeting will address..."
"3rd Division Captain Ichimaru Gin's unauthorized Ryoka engagement and subsequent failure to prevent their escape!"
"Message concluded!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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