After a moment, Ran Yan dissipated the swirling black Uzumaki of darkness and withdrew the substance that had engulfed the Adjuchas-class Menos Grande.
The space, once folded and distorted by gravity, smoothed back into calm clarity. The light, once twisted and consumed, returned to its natural state.
Everything returned to normal—as though nothing had happened.
Only one thing remained different: the Adjuchas was completely gone.
No corpse, no spirit particles, no trace.
As though it had been swallowed by a black hole—crushed beyond recognition, annihilated at the subatomic level. Not even the soul remained.
Open your eyes—for light.
Close your eyes—for darkness.
Two sides of one blade.
Both, equally the strongest.
Zanpakutō Shikai: a fusion of the purest light and deepest dark. That was Shokuin, Ran Yan's Zanpakutō.
"Is that… an elemental Zanpakutō?"
"It looks like it's dark-based."
"The swirling darkness is terrifying. Just looking at it gives me chills."
"That blade… is something else."
"Well, it belongs to the most gifted Spiritual Arts Academy student in 2000 years. Could it be normal?"
The gathered Shinigami buzzed with tension and awe.
They had only seen a fraction of Shokuin's power—only the dark aspect—and already the oppressive energy had rattled their hearts.
Especially Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, who bore Ryūjin Jakka, the Soul Society's strongest fire-type Zanpakutō.
"Ryūjin Jakka…"
"You're… speaking to me?"
"You're reacting to that sword?"
Yamamoto's initial calm demeanor shifted.
He had seen countless Zanpakutō in his long life—those with strange, rare, or powerful abilities. Few surprised him.
But now?
His own Zanpakutō was whispering to him… warning him.
And Ryūjin Jakka—the blade that represented the sun itself—was feeling fear.
Fear of Shokuin.
"What kind of blade… would cause that?"
He stared at Ran Yan with newfound awe.
Meanwhile, Ran Yan returned his Zanpakutō to its sheath and walked toward Shiba Isshin, who still looked stunned.
"Teacher Isshin, does that count as passing the final assessment?"
"I declare…"
"Ran Yan Sōsuke…"
"You have passed the graduation examination."
"You are hereby granted early graduation."
Shiba's voice was steady, but his eyes remained locked on the now-sheathed Zanpakutō.
He didn't need Ryūjin Jakka to warn him—his instincts screamed that this was no ordinary weapon. The pressure, the depth, the danger… it was immeasurable.
A moment later, an Academy staff member approached, carrying a freshly prepared set of Shinigami robes.
"From this moment forward," Shiba continued, "you are a full-fledged Shinigami."
"You can wait for Gotei 13's first division to assign you a squad, or you may request to join a specific division yourself."
"I know your heart likely already has a direction, but let me ask once more—will you consider joining the 10th Division?"
He smiled hopefully.
But before Ran Yan could respond, a deep voice interrupted.
"Captain Isshin," Yamamoto Genryūsai said, stepping forward, "your invitation is not approved."
Everyone fell silent.
Yamamoto's eyes focused on Ran Yan.
"Ran Yan Sōsuke," he said, "would you consider joining the First Division… as vice-captain?"
Shock swept through the entire field.
Vice-captain—right after graduation?!
It had happened once or twice in the distant past, but never for the First Division. Vice-captains were just one level below captains in power and status.
But the First Division? That was different.
Its vice-captains were more than officers—they were extensions of the Captain-Commander himself. In power, prestige, and responsibility, they were equal to captains from other divisions.
"If you're willing," Yamamoto continued, "this old man will also personally train you."
Another wave of astonishment rippled across the crowd.
Yamamoto Genryūsai—the strictest, most powerful, and most conservative man in Soul Society—was offering to train someone daily?
Jūshirō Ukitake alone wasn't surprised.
He knew Yamamoto had long wanted to take on a disciple but had missed the opportunity due to his rigid ideals. Now, he was finally extending the offer again… to Ran Yan.
But just as jaws began to drop in awe—
"Thank you for your kindness, Captain," Ran Yan said gently. "But I must decline."
The silence that followed was deafening.
He… declined?
The position.
The training.
Everything.
The crowd stared at him, stunned.
Even Yamamoto couldn't hide his surprise. His expression darkened for the first time.
"You… decline?"
"I never thought I'd live to see the day when someone turned down me."
His voice was low and filled with something between disbelief and curiosity.
Ran Yan met his gaze calmly.
"If this had been more than half a month ago, I would've agreed without hesitation."
"But now… I have a battle I must face."
"And for that reason, I must decline."
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed.
"…A battle?"
"…An appointment?"
He recalled how he'd once ordered surveillance on Ran Yan and his brother.
But that surveillance had been called off.
Aizen Sōsuke's graceful demeanor, humility, and impeccable character had erased any suspicions.
But now…?
Why would someone like Ran Yan, with such overwhelming talent and potential, turn down a position second only to the Captain-Commander himself?
What battle was he preparing for?
And what enemy could possibly require such power?