The thunderous applause and cheers had yet to fully subside, and the air in the demonstration grounds, stirred by the clash between two powerful fighters, still trembled faintly.
Liu Chuan and Isshin Shiba had already sheathed their swords and steadied their breathing.
Isshin Shiba was about to pat Liu Chuan on the shoulder and crack a few more jokes when he saw a figure part the excited crowd at the front and walk steadily into the center of the demonstration grounds, stopping before them.
It was the top graduate of this class, Tōshirō Hitsugaya.
"The top graduate of this class, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, hereby challenges the vice-captain of the Tenth Division!"
"Waaah—!!!"
The noise that had only just quieted instantly exploded again!
"It's happening! The top graduate is challenging a vice-captain!"
"Hitsugaya is so cool!"
"Right after watching a captain-level battle, we get a genius boy versus a gorgeous vice-captain? Coming today was totally worth it!"
"Vice-Captain Matsumoto is one of the pillars of the Tenth Division. I heard she's really strong!"
"Senior Hitsugaya has Hyōrinmaru. He might not lose!"
"Fight! Fight!"
Everyone was fired up. By ceremony tradition, an outstanding graduate challenging an accompanying vice-captain was the highest honor, as well as the true test of their abilities.
Tōshirō Hitsugaya in particular was already famous both inside and outside the academy for bearing the name of Hyōrinmaru, the strongest ice-type Zanpakuto. Everyone had long been looking forward to an even more dazzling performance from him.
They had just watched a captain-level demonstration that could be called art, and now came a showdown between a genius boy and a sexy vice-captain. It was simply the perfect dramatic climax!
All eyes instantly shifted from Liu Chuan and Isshin Shiba to the Tenth Division's orange-haired, voluptuous vice-captain standing at the edge of the