Shadow taught Yoruichi Shihōin the circulation method behind Kairyokuken, along with a variety of Taijutsu techniques.
Days passed one after another.
Yoruichi mastered every Taijutsu technique remarkably well, and even modified some of them to better suit her own fighting style.
Her training with Kairyokuken was equally flawless, whether it came to manipulating Reiatsu (Spiritual Pressure), controlling it, compressing it, or releasing it explosively.
It had to be said that Yoruichi’s talent for Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat) was every bit as extraordinary as her talent for Shunpo (Flash Step).
Her improvement was obvious.
Whenever she fought Tansei Shihōin now, if they limited themselves purely to Hakuda and Shunpo, Yoruichi was already no weaker than any captain.
In fact, she might even have surpassed some of them.
Tansei was so delighted by her progress that he spent every day grinning from ear to ear.
Then, two months later, one particular night arrived.
Shadow sat on the roof beneath the moonlight, with Yoruichi, currently in her black cat form, curled comfortably in his arms.
He silently gazed at the bright moon hanging overhead, staring at that beautiful color with something almost resembling envy.
“Shadow!” Black Cat Yoruichi suddenly raised her head.
“What are you thinking about?” “Nothing, Yoruichi-sama.” Shadow shook his head.
“Really?” Seeing Yoruichi fall silent again, Shadow spoke.
“But you’ve been a little distracted yourself, Yoruichi-sama.” “You noticed?” Yoruichi blinked before lazily rolling over in his arms.
“Yeah.” Shadow nodded.
“I noticed from the beginning.
I just thought that since it’s you, Yoruichi-sama, whatever you decided to do would probably be fine.” “Why would you think that?” Yoruichi asked curiously.
“Because you’re Yoruichi-sama,” Shadow answered as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“Besides, I can tell that you’re already back to normal today.” Yoruichi bared her sharp little teeth in a feline grin.
“That intuition of yours really is something.
Don’t you want to know what I’ve been thinking about?” “Uh…” Shadow scratched his head.
“If you want to tell me, I’ll listen.
If you don’t want to tell me, then I won’t ask.” “Of course.” Yoruichi lowered her head helplessly again, then gave a crooked little smile.
“It’s Kairyokuken.” “Kairyokuken?” Shadow visibly froze for a moment.
“What about it, Yoruichi-sama?” “I was thinking, if Reiatsu can be concentrated around the hands and feet to increase the power of Hakuda, then shouldn’t it also be possible to combine Kidō (Demon Arts) with Hakuda and create an entirely new fighting style?” Yoruichi’s golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
“Something that could be used not only in close combat, but also for long-range attacks.” “Combining Kidō and Hakuda…” Shadow frowned.
“You mean injecting Kidō directly into your arms and legs?
No, Yoruichi-sama.
That’s too dangerous…” “Shadow.” Yoruichi’s voice became serious.
“I’ve already made my decision.” “I see.” Shadow remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking.
“Then if that’s what you want to do, Yoruichi-sama…
do it.” “You’re not going to ask what I decided?” Yoruichi lifted her feline face toward him.
“Maybe my answer isn’t what you’re expecting.” “There’s no need.” Shadow tilted his head, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
“You’re not the kind of person who would give up just because someone told you something was dangerous, Yoruichi-sama.
It might be risky, but…
I should believe in you.” “Aren’t you worried…
that I’ll fail?” Yoruichi asked.
“Worried?
Of course I am.” Shadow sounded almost helpless.
“I’m worried enough that I don’t want you developing such a dangerous technique in the first place.” “And you’re still supporting me?
You still believe in me?” Yoruichi gave a quiet laugh.
“To tell you the truth, even I’m not completely sure I can do it.” “Your will is my will, Yoruichi-sama,” Shadow said softly.
“How should I put it…
If you succeed, then that would obviously be the best outcome.” He paused.
“But if something goes wrong and you fail…” “As long as you’re still alive, Yoruichi-sama, I’m confident I can save you.
No matter what price I have to pay, I’ll bring you back.” “But if…
I really don’t make it in time…” Shadow fell silent for a moment before continuing.
“Then there won’t be anything I can do.” His voice remained quiet and calm.
“But I’ll follow you immediately, Yoruichi-sama.
I will never let you be alone.
Never.” Yoruichi smiled.
Her eyes slowly closed as she nestled a little deeper into Shadow’s arms.
“It’s because you’re beside me that…
I’m not afraid, Shadow.” “Thank you.” “Yoruichi-sama.” After a brief silence, Shadow asked, “Have you already given the technique a name?” “Mm.” Yoruichi nodded lazily.
“I have.
I’m calling it Shunkō (Flash War Cry).” “Shunkō…” Shadow smiled.
“That really does sound like something you’d come up with, Yoruichi-sama.” “What exactly is that supposed to mean?” Yoruichi’s eyes snapped open, and she glared at him with an expression that was presumably supposed to look threatening.
“Shadow, answer me honestly.
Are you mocking my naming skills?” “No.” Shadow shook his head.
“You’re imagining things, Yoruichi-sama.” “Really?” Yoruichi stared suspiciously at Shadow’s still-composed face.
Her golden eyes rolled thoughtfully for a few seconds before a silent, mischievous grin spread across her feline features.
Unfortunately for Shadow, he didn’t notice a thing.
And so…
“Shadow…” “What is it, Yoruichi-sama?
You…” Shadow lowered his head.
He instantly froze.
…
“Yoruichi-sama!
Put some clothes on!
Clothes!
How can you just…” “Hahaha!” Yoruichi had already transformed back into her human form while lying in Shadow’s arms, completely naked.
Clutching her stomach, she burst into uncontrollable laughter at his reaction.
Shadow had the terrible feeling that this was going to become one of Yoruichi-sama’s favorite habits for the rest of her life.
…
Perhaps that was what life really was.
Finding happiness in the simplest and most ridiculous moments.