Precognitive Slash? (Seeking Reads!)

It felt as if Gilgamesh's step had landed directly upon the hearts of everyone present, causing them to tighten in anticipation.

Yet, just as Gilgamesh took that first step, Renji Abarai shouted, "I'll go first!"

With that, Renji Abarai eagerly stepped forward, ready to undergo the test.

However, before Renji Abarai could even take two steps, he was blocked by Gilgamesh.

Under Renji Abarai's puzzled gaze, Gilgamesh spoke in an unquestionable tone: "Renji, if you go first, you're going to suffer greatly."

"I'll go first; you just watch carefully."

Renji Abarai dared not defy Gilgamesh's words and could only stop in his tracks, feeling somewhat dejected.

He simply could not understand why Gilgamesh would say he would suffer if he went first.

Miho Kano cast her gaze over as well. Upon seeing Gilgamesh, who seemed to carry an aura of his own, her eyes narrowed slightly behind her black-rimmed glasses, and she thought to herself: 'So this is the examinee the teacher specifically mentioned.'

'Captain-level spiritual pressure talent, tenth-tier Kido talent—he is truly a genius without a doubt.'

'I hope your swordsmanship talent doesn't disappoint me...'

After walking only a few steps, Gilgamesh arrived at the sword rack to the side.

The swords used by examinees were specially made, unsharpened Asauchi. They were similar in weight to the bamboo sword Miho Kano carried, but they were more comfortable to handle.

Gilgamesh picked up an Asauchi, weighed it slightly in his hand, and then walked before Miho Kano, smiling faintly: "The test can begin."

Upon hearing this, Miho Kano removed the bamboo sword from her waist, held it in one hand, and smiled gently at Gilgamesh: "You may strike first."

"Since you are the first examinee to volunteer for the test, I will give you a special piece of advice."

"Remember not to hold back; you must give it your all from the very beginning."

Up on the balcony, the various captains watched the scene with growing interest.

Some of the captains couldn't help but start a discussion.

Shunsui Kyoraku asked with interest: "How many moves do you think Gilgamesh can last against Miho?"

Isshin Shiba rubbed his chin in thought: "Teacher Kano's swordsmanship is extremely aggressive. I'd guess no more than ten moves."

Sosuke Aizen wore a gentle smile as he said: "I have high hopes for Gilgamesh. I believe he will surprise us."

"Hmm, I'll bet he can last a hundred moves against Teacher Kano."

Under normal circumstances, Kaien Shiba would have joined the discussion, but at this moment, he seemed preoccupied and did not participate.

On the field, after hearing Miho Kano's words, Gilgamesh nodded slightly and replied: "I understand."

With that, Gilgamesh swung his sword directly at Miho Kano.

It was an ordinary strike, with nothing particularly flashy about it.

Seeing this, Miho Kano raised her bamboo sword to block the strike without a second thought.

But the moment the two swords clashed, a look of astonishment suddenly appeared on Miho Kano's face.

To the shock of everyone present, Miho Kano couldn't help but take a step back.

The examinees on the scene didn't know what was happening, but the captains watching the test noticed the anomaly.

They noticed that Miho Kano's right hand, which was gripping the sword, had begun to tremble slightly.

This scene prompted Gin Ichimaru, who had been keeping his eyes narrowed, to speak up: "I didn't sense any spiritual pressure, and that strike had no hidden techniques; it was just a plain, ordinary swing."

As he spoke, Gin Ichimaru opened his eyes a sliver, his pupils reflecting the figure of Gilgamesh, and he continued: "That was pure strength."

The rest of the captains agreed with Gin Ichimaru's analysis.

However, they knew very well that raw strength alone would not be enough to deal with Miho Kano.

At the same time, they were curious about just how much strength Gilgamesh possessed to force Miho Kano to retreat.

Only Gilgamesh and Miho Kano likely knew the answer to that.

Gilgamesh's Strength attribute had reached C-rank, which translated to roughly 4 tons of force.

Although Miho Kano was a Shinigami and possessed greater strength than an ordinary person, a woman's physical strength is inherently inferior to a man's.

By Miho Kano's own estimation, Gilgamesh's physical strength was about three times her own.

Of course, physical strength was only the foundation; in a real battle, a Shinigami could unleash power far exceeding their physical limits through the reinforcement of spiritual pressure and spiritual energy.

However, this was not a real battle, but an entrance exam for swordsmanship talent, so Miho Kano naturally would not use her true power.

After a moment, Miho Kano adjusted her state. Looking at Gilgamesh, who had not moved again after his first strike, she narrowed her eyes and said: "Why didn't you continue your attack?"

"Is it humility? Or arrogance?"

As she spoke, Miho Kano raised her bamboo sword and took the initiative to attack Gilgamesh, her gentle tone laced with a hint of coldness: "Let me teach you a proper lesson."

"When you gain an advantage in battle, whether it is out of humility or arrogance, it is extremely foolish."

"The correct approach is to attack continuously, to suppress constantly, and to give your opponent no chance to catch their breath."

Miho Kano's sword was fast—so fast that some of the examinees present couldn't even react.

Facing Miho Kano's blade, Gilgamesh simply raised his sword to block the strike.

Gilgamesh did not cease his assault out of humility or arrogance; he had his own strategy.

The sword talent test was something Gilgamesh naturally wanted to achieve the best possible results in.

Although he possessed a certain level of swordsmanship himself—after all, his signature Noble Phantasm was Ea—

In truth, Gilgamesh's close-quarters combat ability was not strong, and he detested melee fighting.

This was precisely why his class in the Type-Moon World was Archer, not Saber.

Because the sword talent test was a highly subjective evaluation, Even if Gilgamesh was confident in his own swordsmanship talent, he could not guarantee he would achieve the top score.

To ensure the best result, the safest approach was to defeat Miho Kano during the sword talent test.

And Gilgamesh's confidence and reliance lay in his permanently active Noble Phantasm: the Star of Omniscience.

Under the radiance of the Star of Omniscience, Gilgamesh could peer into the thoughts of Miho Kano.

Just like now.

This strike is aimed at his right arm...

Having insight into Miho Kano's intentions, Gilgamesh raised his sword to block his right arm before she had even swung her blade.

CLANG!

The heavy sound of the collision struck hard against Miho Kano's heart, leaving her filled with shock and uncertainty.

Was that just a coincidence?

Or could it be... that he can predict my strikes!?