Everything is Brand New[Igen, Rio]

Rio chuckled softly at Igen's comment regarding nobles. It was indeed a difficult world to understand, operating within it only leading to exhaustion trying to maintain status in a world of the haves versus the have nots. Up until now, most of her memories had only ever ended in regret for pursuing that worldview as stringently she did. It always reminded her of the the memories she missed out on with her peers, the array of opportunities to enjoy those halcyon days to their fullest. Perhaps that is why she gravitated toward Igen as much as she did.

An example of what she wants to make up for in lost time. She marinates on the thought, listening to him speak at length to answer her questions about the matters in his own life. The division answer wasn't particularly surprising, truth be told, and Rio expected that it was more or less amount to what he spoke of before in relation to Africa.

At the very least, a warm smile of contentment lined her lips to know he wasn't undergoing any stress. Now, after a pause, she found herself listening intently to the information pertaining to Ko, her appearance the true crux of Rio's curiosity more than anything else. She was once a large tiger. Now her form is that of a humanoid woman with the ears of a tiger. From Rio's perspective, it appeared that he really wasn't sure how Ko transformed either. She was already anomalous to Rio simply on account of her being a wandering constant release companion, but now she would likely continue to be a significant source of this woman's curiosity.

"I'd like to think that's the case, too. Which means you've been getting stronger. Speaking of strength..."

Another question seems to float in, and Rio points her finger forward.

"You've changed in appearance, but I'd love to know more about who've you fought against. The people you've trained with. Since your outfit has changed and the intent is to pursue Shunko, have you visited any masters of the art recently?"

Rio believed she happened to be aware of one of them, although the memory of that woman left her rolling her eyes with a competitive glare. It was months ago, sure, but that battle left her feeling like a novice. If she was the robust and almighty shield, that woman had made her feel as if she were little more than a piece of tofu. Which meant... perhaps she still had more to learn herself.

As expected, Shaoling was one of the masters he had been in contact with, perhaps the only one given the current absence of her aunt. According to Igen though, she hadn't taught him anything at all about Shunko. Truth be told, that didn't strike her as entirely surprising either. Rio always viewed her as the type of warrior who wouldn't share knowledge without someone proving themselves capable of being taught, leading her to wonder how much Igen truly understood about the nature of Shunko. Had he been improvising this entire time? From the sound of it, that certainly appeared to be the case. Nodding at her head at the conclusion of his explanation, Rio gazed down at the the combination of stir fry and rice Igen had portioned across her plate.

"Of course you will, Igen. When has a difficult task ever stopped you before? If I knew Shunko, I would've chosen to be your teacher months ago. Alas, It was never something I placed in any focus in since it required a fusion of high-level proficiency in Kido and Hakuda. For a long time, my focus remained squarely on the study of Hakuda. We should find someone who can help teach you how to hurt your body less, though. I can certainly confirm that using your body as a conduit for a spell isn't the ideal way. Unfortunately, I don't know the ideal way, either..."

Bringing a spoonful to her mouth, blowing on it softly before consumption, Rio gazed at him with an inquisitive glint in her golden eyes. It dawned on her that she hadn't really known him much outside of their combat sessions and the occasional bar visits whenever time permitted. His division members spoke well about him, and he was a class act in terms of upholding his duties according to them. But... why was he so fixated on learning Shunko compared to everything else? With training, she could easily envision him surviving on Hakuda as a skill alone, to say nothing of his enigmatic Zanpakuto Spirit - Ko. What made Shunko so appealing to the aspiring Shinigami?

"If you don't mind my asking, where did your desire for Shunko originate from? Fighting Shaoling? Me? Or has that always been something you've desired to pick up?"

Consuming the spoonful, she'd tilt her head, awaiting an answer as she observed him with a curious gaze.

"Heh... that makes two of us then, hm? I recall meeting up with her again by chance in the wastelands. It was a somewhat foolish whim on my part, of course, to venture out so far. Before I knew it, I saw her. We hosted some degree of a conversation, and I eventually challenged her to see where I stood compared to someone of her level. Needless to say, I handily learned that I'm not as close as I thought," she humored, sighing softly as she leaned against the chair.

Rio couldn't particularly attach the word "cool" to Shaoling, but she could imagine how Igen might find her martial prowess and her total control over Shunko admirable to a degree. Even though they hardly shared much of a relationship at all, Rio certainly acknowledged the history she left behind in the Gotei, to say nothing of her talents as a fighter.

One of these days, she wouldn't mind revisiting the subject of battle with her again. Of course, that would come after improvement. Something she planned on pursuing well into the future. For now, she contented herself with answering Igen's question, this one concerning her plans for the future now that she occupied a seat in the combat division. Stroking her chin thoughtfully, she'd answer promptly.

"Good question. For one, I certainly look forward to getting to know my division members. Beyond that? I just want to be the best member in my division, make a mark in history beyond something other than my family. Fight strong members of my division, train alongside them, grow alongside them... there isn't really some ideal endgame I'm looking for, but... above all, I think... I just want to keep doing what you instilled in my spirit when we first met. I want to keep... having fun, you know?"