Entrance Exam! (Seeking Follow-ups!)

South Rukongai District 1, Shuwamon Gate.

Renji Abarai and Rukia stared up at the towering Seirei Wall, which required them to crane their necks to see the top, and the Shuwamon Gate, which stood nearly as tall. Their faces could not help but reveal expressions of shock.

Gilgamesh, however, remained as composed as ever.

Although the Seirei Wall could be called a wonder, in the memories of Gilgamesh, he had seen countless divine miracles from the Age of Gods in the Type-Moon world.

The Seirei Wall before him was simply not enough to stir even a ripple in his heart.

Gilgamesh stepped forward and addressed the gatekeeper, Hiki Nyudo: "Greetings. We wish to participate in the entrance examination for the Shin'o Academy. Would you be so kind as to open the gate?"

In the world of Bleach, the tallest individual Gilgamesh had encountered thus far was the Hiki Nyudo standing before him.

Even Marechiyo Omaeda, who stood at 2.1 meters tall, would look like a mere infant in front of Hiki Nyudo.

Gilgamesh estimated that Hiki Nyudo's height was nearly 10 meters—the equivalent of a three-story building.

Gilgamesh truly could not fathom what Hiki Nyudo had eaten to grow to such a height in a place like the Rukongai; he was, for all intents and purposes, a giant.

Hiki Nyudo scrutinized the trio of Gilgamesh, Renji Abarai, and Rukia.

Based on their attire and demeanor, Hiki Nyudo could make a rough guess about the circumstances of Renji Abarai and Rukia.

However, Hiki Nyudo could not get a read on Gilgamesh.

This was because Gilgamesh was wearing exquisite clothing in the style of Uruk, which was completely different from the aesthetic of the Soul Society.

Beyond that, there was the face of Gilgamesh and the noble temperament that flowed from him as naturally as breathing.

Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but Hiki Nyudo even felt that the high-ranking nobles residing within the Seireitei did not possess a temperament as noble as that of Gilgamesh.

He feared that only the high and mighty Four Great Noble Clans could cultivate such a refined air.

Thinking this, a kind smile appeared on Hiki Nyudo's cold face as he said: "Of course, but according to the regulations, I must first register your information."

"May I ask, what are your names, and where do you come from?"

As he spoke, Hiki Nyudo pulled a booklet and a pen from his robes, waiting to record their details.

Upon hearing this, Renji Abarai spoke up impatiently: "My name is Renji Abarai, and I come from the Kingdom of Uruk!"

Hiki Nyudo listened while writing, repeating the words: "Renji Abarai, from U..."

As he reached that point, Hiki Nyudo suddenly froze. As if doubting his own ears, he looked at Renji Abarai in disbelief and asked: "What kingdom?"

Renji Abarai was about to speak again when Rukia clamped a hand over his mouth.

Renji Abarai tried to struggle, only to hear Rukia's hushed voice ring in his ear: "Renji, have you forgotten? We cannot mention the Kingdom of Uruk to outsiders yet. Do you want to bring trouble upon the King?"

His body trembled slightly; Renji Abarai clearly remembered, and he ceased his struggling.

Immediately after, Rukia smiled at Hiki Nyudo: "It is Inuzuri. We are from Inuzuri in South Rukongai District 78."

Although Hiki Nyudo was puzzled, he knew of Inuzuri, so he picked up his pen and began to register them again.

But the moment he wrote down 'Inuzuri', a look of astonishment suddenly appeared on Hiki Nyudo's face.

Inuzuri? He actually came from Inuzuri in South Rukongai District 78?

The 'he' here naturally referred to Gilgamesh.

Hiki Nyudo was not surprised that Renji Abarai and Rukia were from Inuzuri.

But that Gilgamesh also hailed from Inuzuri was something he found hard to believe.

However, Hiki Nyudo did not press the matter, instead filling his mind with a dramatic soap opera plot about a 'noble's illegitimate child returning to defy the heavens and crushing the legitimate heirs along the way.'

In his heart, Hiki Nyudo could not help but feel a sense of anticipation, thinking to himself: Perhaps, before long, this young man will stir up a storm within the Seireitei...

What Hiki Nyudo did not know was that everything he thought was perceived by Gilgamesh, who could not help but show a look of speechlessness on his face.

Having successfully passed through the Shuwamon Gate, the group led by Yoruichi Shihouin finally arrived at the Shin'o Academy.

Because they had calculated the time, it was currently the registration period for the Shin'o Academy entrance exam.

At this moment, a long line had already formed at the registration site.

Whether they were dressed in simple rags or ornate robes, the young boys and girls all stood in line obediently; no one dared to cause trouble here.

And the moment Gilgamesh arrived, cradling a black cat, he caused a commotion.

"My god, that golden-haired, red-eyed boy is so delicate, so handsome—he's exactly my type!"

"It's over, why do I have the feeling of love at first sight? I'm going to fall for him!"

"Hey, Jiki, wake up! You're a guy! Damn it, don't tell me you're into men!"

"Let me explain, I'm obviously not..."

"No need to explain, me too. We can't reach that boy's level, let's just be together instead! (Hug) (Pouty kiss)"

"(Clenches up) (Terrified expression) You... don't you come over here!"

"He must be a child from some noble house. Sigh, there goes one of this year's admission spots."

"Strange, Ruri, do you know which noble house has golden hair and red eyes?"

"Hmm, I don't know..."

Although Renji Abarai and Rukia had long grown accustomed to the commotion caused by Gilgamesh, they still took great pride in it.

After all, the charisma of their King was simply that immense.

Gilgamesh remained emotionally unmoved by this, instead leading Renji Abarai and Rukia to the back of the queue.

In Gilgamesh's arms, Yoruichi Shihouin's cat eyes glanced inadvertently toward several locations.

Through the Star of Omniscience, Gilgamesh perceived what was in Yoruichi Shihouin's mind, knowing that Soul Reapers were lurking in those very spots.

These Soul Reapers hailed from various divisions; they were responsible for maintaining order while simultaneously observing this year's examinees in secret to scout for promising talent.

Naturally, these Soul Reapers had already taken note of Gilgamesh, marking him as a primary subject of observation.

There was no helping it; Gilgamesh was simply too dazzling. Even with many examinees from noble families present, they could not dim his radiance.

It was also because of Gilgamesh's presence that they had not encountered any cliché troubles along the way.

Even those noble scions were wary, speculating about Gilgamesh's origins and background.

After waiting in line for over an hour, it was finally Gilgamesh's turn.

The teacher responsible for registration was seeing Gilgamesh for the first time and could not help but be momentarily stunned.

However, having seen much of the world, the teacher quickly composed himself. After asking for Gilgamesh's age, he helped him register for the exam.

Renji Abarai and Rukia also completed their exam registration without a hitch.

The next day, the entrance exam began.