Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero.

The destructive power... is astonishing! Soi Fon subconsciously took a half step back, her eyes filled with unprecedented solemnity.

The power of this punch is no less than that of a direct strike from a mid-level Deva Path!

And this was merely a regular straight punch imbued with the power of lightning! But what if it were combined with exquisite power generation techniques and demonic transformations…

However, when Soi Fon's gaze shifted from the shocking crater to Yanagawa,

A somewhat absurd thought suddenly entered her mind, causing a blush to quietly appear on her usually icy face.

She looked at Liu Chuan's shihaka robe, which remained spotless and intact even amidst the raging lightning.

Then, I subconsciously imagined what it would be like to try using this "lightning-activated armor"...

Given her control over the lightning-attribute demonic path, and her far less refined control over her own spiritual particles compared to Liuchuan's... the outcome was predictable.

The moment the lightning struck his body, Xing Jun's black uniform would likely be unable to withstand the violent lightning energy and would turn into countless charred pieces of cloth flying in the blinding flash...

Clothes ripped off.

This vivid word, along with the shameful scene behind it, lingered in Soi Fon's mind like a curse.

Although she immediately suppressed the thought, the fleeting association still made her feel unprecedentedly embarrassed.

She, Soi Fon, Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido and Captain of the Second Division, is known for her strict self-discipline and absolute control. How could she allow herself to appear in such an unbearable situation?

What's more, in actual combat? This is worse than killing her!

Yanagawa seemed unaware of Soi Fon's fleeting unusual behavior.

He slowly withdrew his fist from the pit, dissipating the lightning on it, and carefully examined the damaged shape and depth of the pit.

He then felt the feedback from his own arm, seemingly assessing the energy utilization and shock absorption of the strike.

"The destructive power is concentrated, with the added effects of high-temperature melting and electrolysis. The recoil force is evenly distributed by the lightning armor, and there is no discomfort in the arm."

Like a meticulous scientist, Yanagawa recorded the data, then looked up at Soi Fon, his silver-gray eyes filled with a sense of inquiry.

"Preliminary verification shows that the concept of 'lightning-activated armor' is feasible."

However, there's still a lot of room for improvement in maintaining stability, reducing spirit consumption, and how to combine it with more refined hand-to-hand combat techniques. Captain Soi Fon, what suggestions do you have?

Soi Fon forcefully banished the "indecent" image from her mind, took a deep breath, and regained her cold and focused expression.

Only the slight blush at the base of her ears betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

She walked to the edge of the pit, carefully observing the signs of damage and sensing the lingering violent lightning-attribute spiritual particles in the air. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke in as calm a voice as possible:

"The increase in power and speed is undeniable, but as you said, spirit consumption and stability are key."

Furthermore, the violent nature of lightning may place a continuous burden on the user's meridians and spirit. Prolonged or high-intensity use should be considered for potential damage. As for combining it with...

She paused, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes:

"Perhaps we can start with 'points' and 'lines' instead of covering the whole body. At the moment the attack hits, we can concentrate highly compressed lightning into a single point and unleash it."

Or, it leaves behind afterimages of lightning with paralyzing or slowing effects along its trajectory.

This approach leverages the characteristics of lightning while significantly reducing energy consumption and the demands on control.

Liu Chuan listened attentively and nodded slightly: "That makes sense. Full-body coverage is the limit. 'Local activation' may be a more practical and suitable direction for promotion."

Soi Fon nodded, but secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

At least, partial coverage sounds much safer than full-body coverage, at least when it comes to clothing.

However, just as the two were having a brief exchange on the specific technical details, Yanagawa's gaze suddenly shifted slightly.

It landed on the black outfit worn by Soi Fon, which represented her identity as a member of the elite covert mobile unit "Executioner".

This outfit is quite different from the usual shihachi suit. It is more form-fitting, with a clean cut, and is predominantly dark black, taking into account both concealment and ease of movement.

But at this moment, Liu Chuan's gaze was focused on a few special design details of the outfit—the fabric did not completely cover the center of the back.

This design is clearly not just for aesthetics or to save fabric.

A hint of doubt flashed in Liu Chuan's eyes.

Chapter 131 The Secret of the Criminal Investigation Team's Uniforms

A flicker of reminiscence crossed Soi Fon's cold expression, but she quickly regained her composure and replied:

"This is the standard uniform of the Criminal Investigation Department. Its original designer was Yoruichi Shihouin."

When she mentioned that name, her voice remained steady, but upon closer listening, a subtle fluctuation could be detected.

"Since then, although there have been updates to materials and minor adjustments to details, the main style, especially the design of these few parts, has never been changed."

She stated the facts, but a vague unease and premonition arose in her heart because of Liu Chuan's sudden inquiry about the details of her attire.

Why did Liuchuan suddenly notice this? Could there be some deeper meaning hidden behind this seemingly ordinary design that she has not yet explored?

After listening, Liu Chuan's gaze lingered for a moment on those special areas of fabric, his eyes seemingly filled with countless data and formulas rapidly flowing and deducing.

After a moment, he slowly raised his finger and pointed to the special design on Soi Fon's shoulder, saying:

"I see. So Yoruichi Shihouin designed it... That makes sense."

He looked at Suifeng, his eyes filled with understanding and inquiry:

"Captain Soi Fon, don't you think these places where the fabric protection was deliberately left or weakened are suspicious?"

Is this precisely the crucial point where the human body, when engaging in high-intensity physical combat, especially when combined with some form of external energy enhancement, most easily concentrates and releases spiritual particles outwards?

Soi Fon's pupils suddenly contracted the instant Yanagawa finished speaking!

The back center is the core of the power transmission between the torso and limbs!

Below the collarbone, the spiritual energy travels upward to the arm and launches punches and palm strikes—the essential path!

These areas are indeed the regions where spiritual pressure naturally converges and surges most intensely when a high-level Shinigami mobilizes all of their spiritual energy to launch a powerful close-range attack!

Previously, she only thought it was an aesthetic design by Yoruichi to balance flexibility, heat dissipation, or some kind of stealthy maneuverability.

I never really thought about it, but it might be a functional design to complement some special combat technique!

"You mean..." Soi Fon's voice trembled slightly as she stared intently at Yanagawa. The vague premonition in her mind grew clearer and more alarming.

"Combining the 'Lightning Activated Armor' concept I just demonstrated with the design of this suit."

Yanagawa's tone remained calm, yet it struck Soi Fong's heart like a hammer blow, each word hitting her hard.

"The most likely possibility is that the designer of this outfit, Yoruichi Shihouin, had already conducted in-depth research and likely mastered a technique that deeply combines 'Kido' and 'Hakuda' many years ago."

He pointed to the special design on Soi Fon's shoulders: "These areas seem 'exposed' or 'weak'."

Its true purpose might be to allow the high concentration of demonic energy to be released more smoothly when activating that fusion technique.

To reduce the obstruction and loss of energy by clothing fabric, and at the same time to prevent energy from accumulating inside the clothing, which would lead to... well, unnecessary trouble.

Yanagawa didn't explicitly say what "unnecessary trouble" meant, but Soi Fon understood instantly—her clothes would be torn off!

If the entire body is covered with high-intensity, difficult-to-control activated energy, heavy clothing could become an obstacle or even a source of danger!

Yoruichi deliberately simplified or removed the cloth at these key points to adapt to the combat state that requires the external release of energy from the body surface!

In an instant, countless fragments of past memories flooded into Soi Fon's heart.

Yoruichi's "Instant Step" was as swift as golden lightning.

The strange light that occasionally flashes by when Yoruichi is engaged in close combat.

And... those wildly imaginative studies by Kisuke Urahara back then.

The two were close friends. Could it be that Yoruichi was also inspired by Kisuke Urahara, or that the two of them even studied the possibility of this together?

All the clues, once pointed out by Liu Chuan, instantly connected into a clear thread!

Yoruichi Shihouin, the figure she once desperately chased, has not only long since embarked on the path of "fusion of Hakuda and Kido," but may even have reached a height that she still finds difficult to reach!

The military uniform she wore, symbolizing honor and legacy, was itself the most powerful evidence!

Soi Fon stood frozen in place, her usually resolute and hard face now devoid of its usual stoicism, replaced by an indescribable complex emotion.

She slowly lowered her head, looking at the familiar outfit she was wearing, her fingers unconsciously brushing over that special area on her shoulder, feeling a slightly cool touch.

She always believed that after losing Yoruichi, she had taken on the heavy responsibility of the Covert Force alone, demanding even stricter standards of herself and her subordinates.

Constantly studying and exploring new paths in hand-to-hand combat is both carrying on the legacy of Yoruichi and making up for the regret of not being able to protect someone.

But now it has been discovered that the "tradition" she adheres to contains the wisdom and exploration of Yoruichi that transcends time and breaks with convention!

The "new path" she sought was one that Yoruichi had likely already traversed, perhaps even going further! Yet, due to her inner stubbornness and resentment, she remained blind to it for a century!

This realization has had a tremendous impact.

There was a deeper sense of awe for Lord Yoruichi and... a faint sense of self-deprecation.

Yoruichi did not truly "abandon" the Covert Force, nor did she "abandon" what she left behind.

Her wisdom and her path are imprinted on this set of clothing passed down through generations, hidden in the details she once overlooked, silently guiding those who come after.

Soi Fon remained silent for a long time, and the training ground was completely quiet except for her slightly rapid breathing.

"So...that's how it is." Soi Fon's voice was soft, yet it carried an unwavering strength.

“I have been wrong all along. What I was chasing was not just a silhouette, but a path that she had already pointed out.”

"Lord Yanagawa, thank you for enlightening me. I will continue down this path of 'fusion,' not just for covert operations, not just for becoming stronger..."

It is also to prove that the path left by Yoruichi was not wrong, that I will inherit her wisdom and choices, and ultimately…

"No matter what, I will bring her back and let her see with her own eyes that I will walk the path she pioneered to the end she never reached!"

Soi Fon then solemnly accepted the initial concept of the "Lightning Activated Armor" recorded by Yanagawa in the form of a spirit document.

Detailed information including the optimization strategy of "local activation", the essentials of corresponding spiritual particle manipulation, and basic training steps.

"Lord Yanagawa, thank you for your help." She carefully put away the documents, bowed deeply to Yanagawa, and spoke with unprecedented solemnity and earnestness.

"I will continue down this path, using covert operations, and I will not let this power down."

Yanagawa didn't say much. After bidding farewell to Soi Fon, he left the Second Division and went straight back to his usual place in Seireitei—the Kido Clan's underground private training ground.

Chapter 132 Abyss Thunder Armor