Gilgamesh's step seemed to land right on everyone's heart, making them hold their breath.
But just as he took that step, Renji Abarai shouted, "I'll go first!"
With that, Renji eagerly stepped forward to take the test.
However, before Renji could take two steps, Gilgamesh stopped him.
Under Renji's puzzled gaze, Gilgamesh spoke in an unquestionable tone. "Renji, if you go first, you'll have a very rough time."
"I'll go first. Just watch."
Renji didn't dare defy Gilgamesh, so he stopped reluctantly.
He just couldn't understand why Gilgamesh thought he would have such a rough time going first.
Miho Kano turned her gaze toward them as well. When she saw Gilgamesh, who seemed to have an aura all his own, her eyes narrowed slightly behind her black-rimmed glasses. He must be the examinee the teacher specifically told me about.
Captain-level spiritual pressure talent and a tenth-tier Kido talent. He really is an undisputed genius.
I hope your swordsmanship talent doesn't disappoint me...
After a few steps, Gilgamesh reached the weapon rack nearby.
The swords provided for examinees were specially made, unsharpened Asauchi. They weighed about as much as the bamboo sword Miho Kano wore at her waist, but were easier to handle.
Gilgamesh picked up an Asauchi and gave it a light heft. Then he walked over to Miho Kano and smiled faintly. "We can begin the test."
Miho Kano took the bamboo sword from her waist and held it one-handed, smiling warmly at Gilgamesh. "You can attack first."
"Since you're the first examinee to volunteer, I'll give you a special reminder."
"Don't hold back. Give it everything you've got from the start."
Up in the nearby pavilion, the captains watched with keen interest.
Some of them couldn't help discussing the match.
Shunsui Kyoraku asked with interest, "How many moves do you think Gilgamesh can last against Miho?"
Isshin Shiba stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Instructor Kano's style is extremely aggressive. I'd say fewer than ten moves."
Sosuke Aizen wore a gentle smile. "I have high hopes for Gilgamesh. I think he'll surprise us."
"Hmm, I'll guess he can last a hundred moves against Instructor Kano."
Usually, Kaien Shiba would have joined the discussion, but he seemed preoccupied and stayed quiet.
In the arena, Gilgamesh gave a slight nod at Miho Kano's words. "Understood."
As he spoke, Gilgamesh swung his sword straight at Miho Kano.
It was an ordinary slash, nothing remarkable about it.
Miho Kano didn't give it a second thought and raised her bamboo sword to block.
But the instant the two swords met, a look of shock suddenly appeared on her face.
To everyone's astonishment, Miho Kano couldn't help taking a step back.
The examinees didn't know what had happened, but the captains watching the test noticed something unusual.
They saw Miho Kano's right hand trembling slightly around the hilt.
Gin Ichimaru, who had kept his eyes narrowed, couldn't help commenting, "I didn't sense any spiritual pressure. That slash didn't have any trick to it, either. It was just an ordinary swing."
As he spoke, Gin opened his eyes a sliver. The faint glimpse of his pupils reflected Gilgamesh's figure as he continued, "That was pure strength."
The other captains agreed with Gin's assessment.
But they knew perfectly well that strength alone wasn't enough to defeat Miho Kano.
They were also curious just how strong Gilgamesh was to have forced Miho Kano to retreat.
Only Gilgamesh and Miho Kano themselves likely knew the answer.
Gilgamesh's Strength parameter was C, which translated to roughly four tons of force.
Although Miho Kano was a Bleach and was stronger than an ordinary person, women were naturally at a disadvantage when it came to physical strength.
By Miho Kano's own estimate, Gilgamesh's physical strength was about three times her own.
Of course, physical strength was only the foundation. In a real fight, Bleach could unleash far greater power by channeling spiritual pressure and spiritual energy.
But this wasn't a real fight. It was an entrance test for swordsmanship talent, so Miho Kano naturally wouldn't use her full strength.
In moments, Miho Kano had steadied herself. She narrowed her eyes slightly at Gilgamesh, who hadn't moved again after his first slash. "Why didn't you keep attacking?"
"Was it humility? Or arrogance?"
As she spoke, Miho Kano raised her bamboo sword and launched an attack of her own. A trace of coldness crept into her gentle voice. "Let me teach you a proper lesson."
"When you gain the upper hand in a fight, whether you're being humble or arrogant, it's incredibly foolish."
"The right thing to do is keep attacking, keep pressing your advantage, and give your opponent no chance to catch their breath."
Miho Kano's sword was fast—so fast that some of the examinees couldn't even react.
Facing her strike, Gilgamesh simply raised his sword and blocked it.
Gilgamesh hadn't held back after his first attack out of humility or arrogance. He had his own strategy.
He wanted the best possible result on the swordsmanship test, naturally.
He did have some swordsmanship ability himself, after all. His signature Noble Phantasm was Ea, the Sword of Rupture.
But to be honest, Gilgamesh wasn't good at close combat, and he hated it.
That was why, in the Type-Moon World, Gilgamesh's class wasn't Saber, but Archer.
Since the swordsmanship test was highly subjective, even though Gilgamesh was confident in his talent, he couldn't guarantee he'd get the best score.
To ensure the best result, the safest approach was to defeat Miho Kano in the swordsmanship test.
And the source of Gilgamesh's confidence was his permanent Noble Phantasm, the Star of Omniscience.
Under the light of the Star of Omniscience, Gilgamesh could discern Miho Kano's thoughts.
Just like now.
That slash is aimed at his right arm...
After discerning Miho Kano's thoughts, Gilgamesh raised his sword to block in front of his right arm before she even swung.
Clang!
The heavy clash of the swords struck Miho Kano to the core, leaving her unsettled.
Was that just a coincidence?
Or can he predict my strikes!?
Before you continue