Entering the training grounds, Satoru couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.
The grounds were completely packed with Shinigami.
Though "packed" might be misleading—they were all kneeling.
The Shinigami knelt on both knees, fists placed on their thighs, resembling attendees at a collective assembly from the Spring and Autumn period.
On the elevated platform stood Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto in solemn silence.
Behind him stood Chōjirō Sasakibe at rigid attention.
Further back stood several captains, no less—Shunsui Kyōraku, Shinji Hirako, Ginrei Kuchiki, and Nagamasa Sora!
Satoru flashed to Yamamoto's side in an instant.
Noticing Satoru, Shunsui raised a hand in cheerful greeting.
Shinji Hirako observed him quietly, seemingly deep in thought.
Ginrei Kuchiki remained perfectly still, not even glancing his way.
Nagamasa Sora gave him a slight nod and a friendly smile.
Satoru bowed his head in return before turning to Yamamoto.
"Old man, what's going on here...? Why such a grand spectacle?"
As he asked the question, he was already prepared to first get scolded by Yamamoto before receiving an answer.
To his surprise, Yamamoto didn't react much.
The old man placed both hands on his cane and said calmly, "You'll find out soon enough."
Satoru was taken aback, then turned to Shunsui with a slightly horrified expression.
Has the old man fallen ill or something?
He silently asked Shunsui with his eyes.
Shunsui gave an awkward chuckle in response, then shot him a look that said, "Be careful with everything."
This reaction only made Satoru even more puzzled.
Returning to the preparation area, he found Aizen.
"Sōsuke, something feels off about today's situation."
Aizen glanced at him.
Anyone with even a single wrinkle in their brain could tell that much.
His gaze swept quickly through the crowd.
Soon, he found the targets he was looking for.
Seeing these individuals, a trace of resignation flashed in Aizen's eyes.
He had a rough idea of what Yamamoto was planning with such a grand setup.
This troublemaker Satoru… I should've never applied for early graduation with him.
Sōsuke, Sōsuke, after this, you better learn your lesson.
Next time Satoru tries to stir up trouble, don't follow him—even if it means delaying for a month, or even just a few days.
He turned to warn Satoru, only to find that the latter had already gone to pester Seinosuke.
Seinosuke sat cross-legged on the ground, clutching a thick medical textbook, frowning as he reviewed key points.
He was itching to kick Satoru away for bothering him.
Just then, on the high platform, Chōjirō Sasakibe stepped forward and announced loudly—
"Everyone!"
"The early graduation examination for three outstanding students of the Shin'ō Academy…"
"Along with the promotion assessment for three new Captains, shall now officially begin!"
"All present, please bear witness and observe today's ceremony with due solemnity!"
Hearing this, the Shinigami in attendance all showed expressions of surprise.
Before arriving, they had all wondered why they had been suddenly summoned.
Those present were all elite members of their respective divisions, rarely gathered together under normal circumstances.
But if it was for a Captain promotion ceremony—and for three Captains at that—then it all made perfect sense…
As for Satoru, he was completely stunned by the announcement.
Holy hell… The promotion ceremony for three Captains is being held alongside our little graduation exam?
What kind of bizarre arrangement is this? Has Yamamoto finally grown so senile that he can't even distinguish the importance of events anymore?
On the high platform, Chōjirō paused for a moment.
Then, he declared in a booming voice:
"Shin'ō Academy, first-year student—Sōsuke Aizen, step forward for assessment!"
Aizen sighed inwardly, stood up, and walked to the center of the arena.
Under the curious gazes of the crowd, he put on a slightly nervous expression, swallowed hard, and bowed respectfully in all directions.
Watching Aizen's demeanor, many of the seated officers showed approving looks.
Despite his young age, he was quite well-mannered.
Most students who applied for early graduation tended to have… eccentric personalities, to say the least.
Among them, arrogance and brashness were considered the mildest traits.
Someone like Aizen—both capable and tactful—was practically a rare breed among them.
On the high platform, Shinji frowned.
How fake can this kid get?
Though his eyes held a look of disdain for those around him, he forced himself to wear a facade of affability.
For such a young brat to already be playing these mind games was truly nauseating.
Aizen's assessment was divided into two parts.
The first was the basic Zanpakutō combat ability test.
Aizen completed it effortlessly, achieving a perfect score.
Next was the practical combat test.
Since Aizen had scored perfectly in the basics, his opponent would be a seated officer who had mastered Shikai.
According to the rules, Aizen only needed to hold out for fifteen minutes without being defeated.
Under Aizen's gaze, a tall Shinigami stepped onto the platform.
At Chōjirō's command, the Shinigami drew his Zanpakutō and attacked.
Aizen also drew his blade.
He didn't use the swordsmanship he employed during sparring sessions with Satoru. Instead, he strictly adhered to the textbook forms taught at the academy.
With his exceptional bodily control, he even ensured that every minor movement conformed precisely to the manual's requirements.
Among the crowd, Kinoshita couldn't help but feel an odd illusion.
The one on the platform didn't seem like his student—it was as if the textbook's illustrated combat stances had come to life.
The tall Shinigami launched a frenzied assault, yet he couldn't find a single opening in Aizen's defense.
Frustrated, he directly released his Zanpakutō, transforming it into a massive hammer, completely altering his fighting style.
Yet, Aizen continued his textbook-perfect combat, seemingly unfazed by the change.
When the fifteen-minute bell rang, the tall Shinigami walked off the platform with a deathly pale face.
The Shinigami from various divisions, who had initially regarded Aizen with the relaxed attitude of seniors observing a junior, now looked at him with solemnity and astonishment.
"No wonder he dared to apply for graduation in his first year… His strength is already at the level of a high-ranking seated officer, isn't it?"
"Not necessarily, but he's definitely mid-rank at least."
"Tch… Is Seireitei about to produce another monster?"
As Chōjirō announced Aizen's successful completion of the assessment, Aizen bowed slightly toward the high platform and slowly retreated from the field.
Passing by Satoru, he cast him a faintly pitying glance.
He was certain that Satoru wouldn't be facing the same test he had…
Satoru, however, didn't notice Aizen's look at all.
He grinned. "Sōsuke, your fight was boring. Watch me put on a show."
With that, he swaggered to the center of the field.
First was the basic Zanpakutō combat test—no problem there.
As he reached for his blade, he noticed Chōjirō Sasakibe on the high platform wearing a slightly peculiar expression—
"Shin'ō Academy, first-year student, Satoru Mikami."
"Graduation examination content…"
"In live combat, defeat the 8th Division's Vice-Captain, Lisa Yadōmaru!!"
Satoru: "…?"
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