Very few people could skip their studies at Shino Academy and go straight into a division.
Most were nobles of Soul Society, or the most outstanding experts and prodigies.
Byakuya Kuchiki, for example, had never studied at Shino Academy. He had received the education provided to noble Soul Reapers instead.
Kuchiki Rukia was the same. After she was adopted into the Kuchiki Family, she left school and stopped studying at Shino Academy.
Instead, the Kuchiki Family arranged private lessons for her, after which she joined a division directly.
Apart from the nobles of Soul Society, Soul Reapers from Rukongai generally had to study at Shino Academy.
Even Gin Ichimaru and Aizen, despite their extraordinary talents, had studied there.
There was only one circumstance in which someone from Rukongai could enter without studying at Shino Academy:
They had to already possess considerable combat strength when they joined Soul Society—at least the strength of a Seated Officer.
Kenpachi Zaraki and Retsu Unohana were examples.
In other words, the examiners had discussed it and concluded that Nara Dan already possessed the strength of a Seated Officer. Or, even if he did not, his terrifying talent for Swordsmanship was enough to let him skip Shino Academy.
"I plan to continue studying at Shino Academy."
Nara Dan shook his head without hesitation, showing no interest in joining a division.
To Nara Dan, joining a division meant having to rush around on missions, with someone above him ordering him around all day.
More importantly, he needed time to develop before facing any unexpected dangers.
Soul Society might seem to be under the control of Head Captain Yamamoto and the various division captains, but beneath the surface, undercurrents were swirling.
There was no need to mention Sōsuke Aizen, the troublesome villain lurking in the shadows. Nara Dan