I Won't Be Kenpachi / Even Soul Reapers Can't Enter the Noble District
With the position of Kenpachi vacant, Vice-Captain Kiyoyuki Yamanaka was serving as acting captain.
He currently had only Fifth-Class Spiritual Pressure, so he was not particularly strong.
The 11th Division could be said to be at its weakest since its founding.
Anyone who challenged Acting Captain Kiyoyuki Yamanaka to a duel and killed him in front of the 11th Division's members could inherit the position of Kenpachi.
And although Tokoyo Misao currently had only Ninth-Class Rei'i, the combat ability he had displayed during this trip to the World of the Living had been far too formidable.
If he really attacked Acting Captain Kiyoyuki Yamanaka, he might actually kill him and claim the position of Kenpachi.
A moment later, Vice-Captain Sasakibe spoke again. "Tokoyo Misao has said more than once in public that he wants to choose the Sixth Division or the Second Division."
"Hmph, he has no choice."
Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai snorted.
The information Jūshirō Ukitake had received had long since been reported to his teacher, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
Combining that with Yamamoto's own vague memories, he could be reasonably certain that the duty of the Tokoyo Clan, one of the Five Great Noble Clans, was indeed to guard Hell.
Although he did not know why Tokoyo Misao had come out, if he wanted to reclaim what had once been his, he would have to fight for it himself, and he would also need the strength to protect it.
The position of Kenpachi would be quite suitable as a test.
"Understood." Chōjirō Sasakibe acknowledged the order and left.
Chapter 49: I Won't Be Kenpachi
The plaza at Shin'ō Academy of Spiritual Arts.
Teacher Ōu, the principal, and the others stood on the platform, surveying the graduating class below.
There were nine regular sixth-year graduates in total. It was not a large number, but could be considered average.
Teacher Ōu stepped forward and spoke with great force:
"After so many years of hard study, you have finally reached the point of graduation."
"Whether you want to become Soul Reapers or simply improve your strength and then return home, either is fine.
The academy will respect your choices, but all of that depends on you passing today's graduation assessment first."
"The written exam will be based on your usual grades. We will now begin the Zankensoki assessment."
"We are honored to have Acting Captain Kiyoyuki Yamanaka of the 11th Division as this year's examiner."
After speaking, he stepped aside, and a man walked out wearing a black shihakushō and the 11th Division's insignia on his left arm. He had long hair and somewhat delicate features.
His expression was stern and unsmiling. He glanced over the nine sixth-years below, finally fixing his gaze on Shūhei Hisagi's face.
"A Soul Reaper spends their life in battle and can fall into danger at any moment."
"So if you cannot even pass the most basic Zankensoki assessment, there is no need for you to become Soul Reapers. Go home while you can."
He actually drew the Zanpakuto at his waist and held it before him in one hand.
"All nine of you, come at me together. You may use any means you like. As long as you can wound me, you will pass your graduation assessment."
With that, Acting Captain Yamanaka silently watched the students taking the assessment, his gaze calm.
No Reiatsu burst from him, nor did he have a sharp, intimidating presence.
Yet simply standing there so quietly, he made the students feel an inexplicable pressure.
Gulp. Aoga could not help swallowing, while Kanisawa's wrists trembled beside him.
Ever since facing a life-and-death crisis in the World of the Living, neither of them had recovered, and both were terrified of fighting again.
Standing in front of them, Shūhei Hisagi naturally sensed their unease and fear.
But at a time like this, there was nothing more he could do. He could only draw his Zanpakuto as well and stand before them.
Shūhei Hisagi could also feel the invisible pressure emanating from the acting captain ahead. It was much stronger than that of the Hollows he had encountered in the World of the Living.
He did not dare attack recklessly either. Holding his sword in both hands, he stood where he was and observed the situation.
For a moment, the scene fell utterly silent, and the atmosphere gradually grew tense. Even the students watching from the sidelines could not help holding their breath.
"Didn't I apply to take the graduation assessment early?" A questioning voice broke the solemn atmosphere.
Tokoyo Misao pushed through the crowd and walked straight to the foot of the platform before stopping. He looked up at his homeroom teacher, Teacher Ōu, and asked again:
"Didn't you already agree to let me take the assessment?"
The first- through fifth-year students watching the graduation assessment from the side immediately cried out in surprise.
They had not known that a first-year student had actually applied to take the graduation assessment.
The assessment was not held at a fixed time each year, as it mainly depended on whether a suitable examiner could be found.
And judging by the timing this year, this first-year student had only been at the academy for a little over half a year. Was he really applying to take the graduation assessment already?
Tokoyo Misao looked at Teacher Ōu, and when he saw the other man's eyes darting away, he turned to look at the principal.
The old principal wiped his forehead, raised a hand to his mouth, and pretended to cough twice. Then he straightened up and spoke in a loud voice:
"This is a good opportunity to tell the students what the standards for an early assessment are."
"Any student applying for an early assessment requires the approval of Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto of the Gotei 13. Captain-Commander Yamamoto is also our academy's honorary principal."
He then turned to Tokoyo Misao and continued:
"Lord Yamamoto has confirmed that you have performed excellently at the academy and saved your classmates during your practical training in the World of the Living. These are all merits."
"Therefore, you have already qualified for graduation and do not need to undergo an assessment."
"Once Acting Captain Yamanaka's assessment is over, you may return to the 11th Division with him and join immediately."
"He's joining a division directly? That's our big brother Misao for you!" Izuru Kira shouted from the sidelines.
"Boss Misao, that's amazing!" Renji Abarai's shout rang out as well.
Momo Hinamori, who had been about to join in the cheering, spoke in some confusion:
"Didn't Misao want to go to the Sixth Division or the Second Division? How did he end up joining the 11th Division directly?"
Only then did Izuru Kira and Renji Abarai realize that the principal had said Tokoyo Misao would return to the 11th Division with the acting captain and join it directly.
Tokoyo Misao's brow twitched. He looked at the principal without speaking.
The principal went on to explain, "Captain-Commander Yamamoto personally approved your early graduation. It cannot be changed, and there is no room for discussion."
Tokoyo Misao nodded without saying anything more, then walked to the side and stood there.
"Big brother Misao, I've been asking around these past two days. The 11th Division is the strongest combat unit in the Gotei 13. It's perfect for you!" Izuru Kira said with a smile.
In his mind, Tokoyo Misao was perfectly suited to a combat unit, though for some reason, big brother Misao wanted to join the Sixth Division more.
But now that the Captain-Commander had spoken, there was nothing to be done.
Seeing how unhappy Tokoyo Misao looked, Renji Abarai and Momo Hinamori said nothing more and turned to watch the assessment.
Acting Captain Yamanaka of the 11th Division was very strong.
No matter whether the nine students used Zanjutsu, Hakuda, or Kidō, they could not break through the range of his blade.
The students launched a frenzied barrage, using Hakuda, Shunpo sneak attacks, and Kidō in turn.
For a time, chants, explosions, clashing steel, and cries of pain all mingled in chaos.
But Acting Captain Yamanaka was like a reef pounded by enormous waves. He did not move so much as a step, much less suffer an injury.
The watching students cried out in amazement again and again, cold sweat pouring down their faces.
Tokoyo Misao was considering his current situation.
Being assigned directly to the 11th Division was rather strange.
And just who was this Acting Captain Yamanaka before him?
He had no recollection of him whatsoever.
But the existence of this acting captain proved that the 11th Division currently had no captain.
The acting captain's Rei'i Grade had only just reached fifth class, not even its peak.
His fighting style was overly cautious. He could probably be killed easily, and the position of Kenpachi taken from him.
Did Captain-Commander Yamamoto arrange for me to enter the 11th Division because he wants me to become Kenpachi?
No, I have to switch divisions.
A captain's position like Kenpachi, with no room to maneuver, isn't interesting.
Chapter 50: Even Soul Reapers Can't Enter the Noble District
This graduation assessment looked extremely dangerous.
Of the nine graduates, even Shūhei Hisagi, the strongest, was unable to pose any threat to Acting Captain Kiyoyuki Yamanaka.
But after the students had fully demonstrated their abilities, Acting Captain Yamanaka deliberately exposed an opening, allowing his sleeve to be cut.
With a cold expression, he announced that they had passed the assessment.
As soon as he finished speaking, Shūhei Hisagi and the others slumped to the ground, gasping for breath as sweat poured onto the ground.
"That's great, senior! I knew you could do it."
"Senior! You've finally become a Soul Reaper!"
The new students at the side kept cheering.
Renji Abarai suddenly said, "This acting captain looks cold, but he's a good person."
"Huh? Why do you say that?" Momo Hinamori looked up and asked.
Tokoyo Misao, meanwhile, had gained a slightly different impression of the Red-Haired Baboon beside him.
This guy's combat instincts really were far better than Izuru Kira's and Momo's.
Of the many people present, probably not even Shūhei Hisagi had noticed that Acting Captain Yamanaka had deliberately exposed an opening, allowing them to graduate.
Yet the Red-Haired Gorilla had actually seen through it.
Renji Abarai said no more. Instead, he turned to Tokoyo Misao and said:
"Boss Misao, please wait for me in the 11th Division. I'll graduate early and catch up to you as soon as I can."
"Me, me too! Big brother Misao, I'll graduate as soon as I can and catch up to you too!" Izuru Kira shouted from the side.
Tokoyo Misao smiled and reached out to pat both of them on the shoulder. "Then you'd better hurry."
"Tokoyo Misao, are you done saying goodbye?" Acting Captain Kiyoyuki Yamanaka walked over and asked softly. "Do you have any luggage to collect? Pack it quickly and come back with me."
Tokoyo Misao shook his head. "My only luggage is my Zanpakuto."
Acting Captain Yamanaka turned around. "Follow me."
Tokoyo Misao followed him, raising his right hand to wave goodbye to the three behind him.
In silence, he followed the acting captain through the gates of the Seireitei and all the way to the 11th Division's training ground.
As soon as he entered, he saw dozens of division members sitting cross-legged on the ground, practicing Jinzen. The place was utterly quiet.
This was completely different from the 11th Division he remembered. It had a cold, austere atmosphere.
As he remembered it, the 11th Division should have been fired up and fighting constantly.
Sure enough, different captains produced completely different troops.
Kiyoyuki Yamanaka led Tokoyo Misao along the corridor beside the training ground to the office. Pointing to a black shihakushō on the table, he said:
"Put it on. Starting today, you're a member of the 11th Division."
"Our division doesn't have many rules. There's only one thing: follow the rules and grow stronger."
"If you want to become a Seated Officer, the method is simple. Our division holds a challenge competition every week.
Anyone can challenge a higher-ranking Seated Officer. As long as you defeat them, you can take their position."