HRU: Chapter 403/404

Chapter 403: Understanding

A faint light enveloped the electric current, distorting the visual effect and making it difficult to determine the actual conduction path.

I see, Suguru's eyes lit up. Using curved light to cover the trajectory of lightning, this combination...

Riko reacted just as quickly. She leapt back to evade the attack while chanting, "Hadō #1: Shō! Hadō #4: Byakurai!"

The two Kidō were released almost simultaneously. The shockwave struck first, followed closely by Byakurai, forming a simple yet effective combo.

"You've made great progress," Satoru said with a smile. "You can now switch quickly between two Kidō."

Shoko was calm as she waved her right hand. "Bakudō #8: Seki!"

The transparent spiritual shield blocked the shockwave, but just as Byakurai was about to hit her, she shifted her gesture. "Bakudō #9: Hōrin!"

The yellow rope of Reiryoku wasn't used to restrain Riko. Instead, it coiled around the Byakurai, cleverly redirecting it back toward her.

Amazing! Riko was shocked. Using a binding-type Kidō to control the trajectory of an offensive one.

At the critical moment, she slammed her palms against the ground. "Bakudō #21: Sekienton!"

As the red smoke rose, she immediately began another chant. "Hadō #12: Fushibi!"

Golden runes flickered within the smoke, weaving into a complex grid. Each node pulsed with explosive power, waiting to be ignited.

"Looks like I'll have to get serious," Shoko said softly. "Bakudō #30: Shitotsu Sansen!"

Three rays of light shot out from different angles, not directly at Riko, but toward several key nodes of the Fushibi grid. In an instant, the entire training ground erupted in golden light.

"So strong..." Suguru clenched his fists unconsciously. This level of Kidō duel has already surpassed the scope of training.

Through the aftermath of the explosion, a clear incantation rang out. "Bakudō #4: Hainawa! Bakudō #9: Geki!"

Light ropes and restraints shot out from the smoke, intertwining into a dense capturing net. It was the first time Riko had attempted to use two binding-type Kidō simultaneously.

Shoko's eyes glimmered with admiration. She quickly formed a seal. "Bakudō #1: Sai! Hadō #1: Shō!"

She used the simplest restraint to twist her body sharply, while the shockwave she released struck the intersection of the two restraints, shattering the capture net.

"I can already utilize every Kidō I've learned," Shunichi nodded. "And I fully understand the characteristics of each."

It's not just imitation, Satoru thought. It's a true understanding of the essence of power.

"That's enough for today," Shoko lowered her Kidō and smiled gently. "You've completely mastered the practical use of these basic techniques."

Riko bowed deeply. "Thank you, Shoko-sensei. I'm truly grateful for your guidance during this time..."

"You're welcome." Shoko stepped forward and patted her shoulder gently. "As a teacher, seeing my student grow like this makes me very happy."

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed half the sky red, casting a warm light over the training ground.

Shunichi looked at the scene and sighed inwardly. From a Star Plasma Vessel who needed protection to a sorcerer who could now wield Kidō freely. This growth rate would be hard to find even in the history of the jujutsu world.

"Can I teach her more advanced Kidō now?" Satoru asked.

"Yes," Shoko nodded. "She has the foundation. And..." she looked at Riko's back, "I believe she'll find her own path."

"Besides, now, after consuming so much energy, is the best time for her to improve."

Satoru suddenly grinned. "Riko, show us all the Kidō you've mastered. Let's see the results of your training."

Riko froze for a moment.

Her Cursed Energy was nearly exhausted. Could she still cast? But seeing Satoru's encouraging expression, hope stirred in her heart, and she straightened her back.

The setting sun illuminated her young face, revealing rare determination.

"Hadō #1: Shō." She raised her hand and fired a thick shockwave from her fingertips, striking a target in the distance. "This is the most basic offensive Kidō, but the key lies in precise control of force."

Shunichi nodded in approval. Even with the simplest Kidō, she grasped the mystery behind it.

"Hadō #4: Byakurai." Lightning gathered in her palm and shot forth as a sharp bolt. "Besides direct attack, it can also disrupt the opponent's movements, especially in close combat."

"Hadō #11: Tsuzuri Raiden." She touched the ground lightly, and current spread along the surface, rising into an aerial electric grid. "This conduction-based attack is most effective for setting traps."

Shoko watched her student with satisfaction. Not only did she remember every Kidō, she also understood their practical uses.

"Hadō #12: Fushibi." Golden runes wove into a net in the air, each line glowing with danger. "This requires precise control. Even the slightest mistake will backfire."

"Now for the binding arts," Riko took a deep breath. "Bakudō #1: Sai." Her hands were suddenly bound by an invisible force. "It seems simple, but in real combat it has countless applications."

Satoru observed with interest. Every movement was flawless, her control far beyond that of a beginner.

"Bakudō #4: Hainawa." A rope of light shot from her fingertips, drawing a graceful arc. "Compared to Sai, Hainawa is more flexible, but it consumes more energy."

"Bakudō #8: Seki." A transparent spiritual shield appeared at the back of her hand. "This is purely defensive, but if combined with other Kidō, it can also be used offensively."

Suguru nodded repeatedly. She understands the characteristics of each Kidō so thoroughly. No wonder she can use them so flexibly in battle.

"Bakudō #9: Geki and Hōrin." A yellow spiritual rope swirled outward. "These two may look similar, but Geki is better for close-range restraint, while Hōrin excels at long-range capture."

"Bakudō #21: Sekienton." A red smoke screen instantly filled the surroundings. "This can cover a retreat, but also works with other Kidō to create surprise effects."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 404: Possibility

Shoko added, "Riko is particularly skilled at this and often comes up with unexpected combinations."

"Bakudō #26: Kyokkō." A faint light covered her body, distorting her appearance. "This is a very special technique. It can alter the visual effect of other Kidō and increase the suddenness of an attack."

"The last one, Bakudō #31: Shitotsu Sansen." Three rays of light fell from the sky, forming a sealed triangle on the ground. "This is the most powerful binding Kidō I have mastered so far."

After demonstrating all the techniques, Riko gently wiped the sweat from her forehead.

By now, her expression was pale.

Even displaying Kidō without an opponent consumed a great deal of her stamina.

What was more important was that her Cursed Energy had already been depleted. Each cast was an extreme burden on her body.

"Amazing," Shunichi exclaimed. "She has mastered every Kidō so skillfully."

"Hah, it's all thanks to Satoru-sensei's guidance," Riko said, taking a deep breath before bowing toward Satoru. "If it weren't for your patient teaching..."

"It was your own effort," Satoru cut her off, a rare tenderness on his face. "I only pointed the way. The real progress came from you."

Then his usual playfulness returned as he stretched lazily. "Looks like I, your teacher, can finally relax. At this rate, it won't be long before your strength reaches an even higher level."

Feeling her own growth, Riko looked up at the star-filled sky. An indescribable emotion welled in her heart. I'm so lucky to have met teachers willing to guide me. I must work harder and never let them down.

This day's training was not only a summary of her past efforts but also the beginning of a new path toward greater strength. Everyone present knew that Riko's talent and determination would surely shine brightly in the trials ahead.

"That's all for today," Shoko said, handing her a towel. "We can start trying more advanced Kidō tomorrow."

Just then, Shunichi spoke up. "Wait." His voice was as calm as ever, but unusually serious. "I have a question."

Everyone turned to the swordsman. Under the dim light, Shunichi's eyes carried a deep weight.

"Riko," he asked slowly, "what does Kidō mean to you?"

Riko froze. She tightened her grip on the towel, pondering in silence.

"Just say what you feel," Suguru added. "There's no right or wrong."

"To me..." Riko raised her head, eyes firm. "Kidō isn't just power. It's... a possibility."

Satoru raised his eyebrows. Interesting. This kid's thoughts are deeper than I expected.

"Possibility?" Shunichi pressed.

"Yes," Riko continued. "Sakanade showed me my potential. Kidō taught me how to develop it. Every chant, every gesture, feels like opening a new door."

Shoko couldn't help but smile with relief. She has fully grasped the essence of practice.

"And more than that," Riko's voice grew more passionate, "when I use Kidō, I can feel the Star Plasma Vessel within me stabilizing. It's like... I've found the right way to connect with it."

Shunichi nodded thoughtfully. "I see. That's why you could master these techniques so quickly."

"Not just mastery," Suguru added. "But a true understanding of their essence."

Satoru stretched again, grinning. "Seems Satoshi had sharp instincts. When he forged Sakanade for Riko, he must have already foreseen this step."

The night breeze swept across the training ground, carrying a chill. Riko subconsciously folded her arms, but her eyes burned brighter. There's still so much to learn... but I'll never let them down.

"It's late," Shoko said gently. "Go rest. We'll continue tomorrow."

Just as they were about to leave, a loud boom erupted from the forge in the distance, followed by a surge of spiritual power. Satoru's Six Eyes flared instantly. That guy Satoshi, could it be...

"It seems there's been progress in the Tenshintai transformation research," Suguru said in a low voice.

Shunichi's gaze darkened. "Yes, everything is moving in a good direction. It's just..."

He didn't finish, but the heavy air settled over them. Whether it was Riko's training or Satoshi's research, both felt like preparation for an inevitable moment.

...Inside the forge, smoke and dust slowly cleared.

Satoshi stood before the workbench, staring at his latest failed product. This was his 28th attempt, yet this explosion had given him unprecedented insight.

Discarded fragments of metal littered the ground, each etched with complex patterns. The forge fire still roared, painting the room red. The air carried the scent of metal, charcoal, and faint traces of lingering Cursed Energy.

I see, Satoshi thought, picking up a warm fragment and studying its carved surface. The essence of Tenshintai transformation isn't forced conversion, but a deeper resonance.

"Hey, Satoshi," Satoru pushed the door open, strolling in. "What blew up this time? The whole house shook."

Satoshi didn't even raise his head. "I discovered something."

"Oh?" Satoru's curiosity was piqued as he approached the workbench. "Let's hear it."

Satoshi set down the fragment and walked over to the wall covered in blueprints, each filled with sketches of his ideas and failed attempts.

"Look here," he pointed to a complex pattern. "The success of the Tenshintai wasn't just a technical breakthrough. Its creator understood the fundamental connection between a Zanpakutō and its wielder."

"What do you mean?"

"A Zanpakutō isn't just a weapon. It's an extension of the soul." Satoshi picked up a pen and drew across the design. "Just like the bond between Riko and Sakanade. It's not about suppression or domination, but mutual understanding and growth."

Satoru narrowed his Six Eyes. "So all your previous attempts failed because..."

(To be continued.)