Gosuke Shigure did not answer Yoruichi's question immediately.
Instead, he drew his Zanpakutō in front of Urahara Kisuke and Yoruichi.
Yoruichi blinked in confusion.
What is Sensei doing?
If he didn't want to answer, that was fine.
But why draw his sword?
Urahara Kisuke, however, was far more observant than Yoruichi.
He immediately sensed something unusual.
A powerful spiritual pressure erupted from Gosuke Shigure's body – his Reiatsu surged with crushing force, radiating the overwhelming might of a captain-level Shinigami.
As his Reiatsu exploded, it channelled into his Zanpakutō.
Under Urahara Kisuke's wide-eyed gaze, Gosuke Shigure's blade glowed fiercely as his Reiatsu condensed into it, creating a massive blade of light.
Then Gosuke Shigure swung down.
A sharp arc of energy cleaved the air.
Bang!!
A deafening sound reverberated through the underground space.
Fortunately, the barrier Gosuke Shigure had set up contained the noise completely.
After finishing his demonstration, he sheathed his Zanpakutō and turned to the stunned Yoruichi.
"This isn't sword pressure," he said calmly.
"What I just used was Hadō #78: Zangerin."
"This is known as a Kidō blade."
His tone carried subtle instruction.
"Since Kidō can be channelled through a Zanpakutō to form a blade, why can't Kidō be cast directly using the body as a medium, without relying on a sword?"
He offered no direct answer beyond that.
But both Yoruichi and Urahara Kisuke were deep in thought.
Indeed – Kidō didn't always require incantation to activate.
There were multiple casting methods.
If Kidō could be channeled through a Zanpakutō, then theoretically, among the countless Kidō techniques, there must be forms that could be cast directly through the body without chanting or external mediums.
Gosuke Shigure voiced what they were thinking.
"This move inspired me greatly. Hadō, Bakudō, Kaidō for healing – there are hundreds of Kidō spells with diverse functions and casting styles. Among them, some must be compatible with Hakuda."
"And if there isn't such a Kidō, then… create it yourself."
"Create… Kidō ourselves…?" Urahara Kisuke whispered.
He had never imagined such a possibility.
But Gosuke Shigure's words seemed to open an entirely new door before him.
Yoruichi was equally stunned.
"Is it really possible to create Kidō?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Gosuke Shigure replied calmly.
"Kidō is merely a method of manipulating Reiryoku. Through specific incantations, spiritual power in the air and body is mobilised and shaped into ordered phenomena."
"The Kidō currently used in Soul Society… while the origins of the oldest Kidō are unclear to most, it is well known that many modern Kidō spells were created by Shinigami over the ages. For example, Captain Yamamoto himself created his own high-level Hadō."
He chose not to elaborate on Kidō's true origin to avoid awakening their premature curiosity.
For indeed, the original Kidō was created by none other than Ichibe Hyōsube – the Monk Who Calls the Real Name, the oldest Shinigami in existence.
Every name in the world was given by him.
He could discern a Zanpakutō's true name instantly.
Language and characters themselves were the source of his power.
Kidō incantations, as spiritual words of power, were his creation.
But he merely laid the foundation.
Throughout the centuries, countless Shinigami devised their own Kidō based on those principles.
For example, Kaidō – healing Kidō – was created by Tenjirō Kirinji of the Royal Guard.
"Captain Yamamoto created his own Hadō?" Yoruichi and Urahara Kisuke echoed with wide eyes.
For them, these were secrets far beyond their current rank.
Gosuke Shigure nodded.
"Indeed. He created Hadō #96: Ittō Kasō."
"One Sword Cremation…"
Yoruichi and Kisuke murmured the name, feeling its sheer weight.
Urahara Kisuke muttered softly to himself,
"I wonder if I could create my own Kidō one day…"
Meanwhile, Yoruichi thought,
If people can create Kidō, perhaps it's possible to realise Shunkō by creating a completely new Kidō.
But then she sighed inwardly.
Of course, it wouldn't be me. I don't have that kind of genius.
Her eyes turned to Urahara Kisuke.
Kisuke… it has to be you.
If anyone could create a new Kidō to achieve Shunkō, it was Urahara Kisuke.
"Enough thoughts about Shunkō for now," Gosuke Shigure interrupted their contemplation gently but firmly.
"It is not a skill achieved overnight. Today, I originally planned to teach Yoruichi Shunpo and Hakuda forms. Since you are here too, I will instruct you both."
Yoruichi straightened instantly, her expression serious.
"Thank you, Sensei."
"There is nothing to thank," Gosuke Shigure replied lightly.
Then his gaze turned to Urahara Kisuke.
"Your name is Kisuke, correct?"
"Y-Yes, Captain Gosuke! My name is Urahara Kisuke."
Although Gosuke Shigure had mentioned his name earlier, Urahara Kisuke quickly introduced himself properly upon being addressed directly.
A small smile curved Gosuke Shigure's lips.
"It's clear from watching you two that you are close. Since you're here, you may train alongside Yoruichi."
"I… I can also train…?" Urahara Kisuke was stunned.
It felt too unreal.
Who was Gosuke Shigure?
The current Kenpachi, captain of the Gotei 13's combat division, a legendary warrior.
That he would teach Yoruichi made sense – she was the noble daughter of the Shihoin clan.
But himself?
He was just an unseated boy from the Urahara family, a lower-ranked noble house.
How could someone like me deserve direct instruction from a captain?
But Gosuke Shigure only chuckled softly.
"Teaching one or two makes no difference to me. Come."
"From today onward, you will call me Sensei."
"Yes!"
Urahara Kisuke stood straight, his hands clenched nervously, and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Sensei."
Hearing the boy's sincere address, Gosuke Shigure's faint smile deepened.
Perhaps Kisuke sees himself as just another ordinary youth.
But to me… he is anything but ordinary.
This is the only man whose intellect rivals Aizen's – perhaps even surpasses it.