Rangiku's Probe

Tenth Division barracks.

"Captain, you're slacking off again."

The moment Matsumoto Rangiku stepped into the captain's office, the scent of sake wafting through the air hit her. Papers were piled haphazardly on the desk, alongside a few plates of snacks and a bottle of liquor.

The current captain of the Tenth Division, Shiba Isshin, was sprawled on the floor under the desk, snoring loudly.

Sighing in exasperation, Matsumoto Rangiku walked straight over and stomped on that face, which at this moment looked particularly irritating.

"Hm?"

Shiba Isshin groggily opened his eyes, only to see his stunningly beautiful lieutenant captain's furious face.

"Rangiku."

"Captain, did you finish yesterday's work?"

Shiba Isshin scratched his head as he sat up. "Work? What was that again?"

"Captain!"

Shiba Isshin scrambled to his feet with an awkward grin, muttering apologies while saying he'd handle it right now.

Matsumoto Rangiku let out a heavy sigh and began tidying up the mess on the desk.

She suddenly noticed some documents on the surface that she hadn't seen before, so she picked them up for a closer look. "What's this... Student Council?"

Shiba Isshin shot to his feet and snatched the papers straight out of her hands.

"It's nothing."

Matsumoto Rangiku's face showed suspicion. "Captain, is there something in the division that I, as your lieutenant captain, shouldn't know?"

Shiba Isshin laughed it off. "I said it's nothing, just some unimportant little matters."

Matsumoto Rangiku helplessly crossed her arms beneath her chest, propping up her ample figure. "Anyway, hurry up and deal with the work."

Shiba Isshin didn't put the papers in his drawer but instead tucked them directly into his robe.

Suddenly remembering something, he asked Matsumoto Rangiku, "That student from the Spirit Academy you mentioned before, the one you wanted to recruit into our division—what was his name again?"

"Tachikawa Shin. Captain, can you please pay more attention to division affairs? If all the talented people get snatched up by other divisions, there'll be no one left to share your workload, and you'll work me to death."

"Tachikawa Shin..." Shiba Isshin muttered the name.

Seeing that he'd suddenly taken an interest, Matsumoto Rangiku began explaining the basic information about Tachikawa Shin.

"He's from District 80 of the Rukon District, the Gokō District. I ran into him during a mission before and noticed his spiritual pressure was higher than average for a civilian, so I recommended him to enter the Spirit Academy to become a Soul Reaper."

"Gokō District, huh." Shiba Isshin clicked his tongue. He knew exactly what kind of place that was.

The Rukon District was divided into numbers 1 through 80, surrounding the Seireitei, but each district was different. District 1, closest to the Seireitei, had ideal public order and living conditions with abundant food. District 80, the farthest from the Seireitei, was barren, plagued by famine, and where killing and harming each other for survival was a common occurrence.

"What kind of person is he?" Shiba Isshin asked again.

Matsumoto Rangiku thought for a moment before replying, "A genius. He's a fourth-year student at the academy now, with perfect scores in all four courses—Zanpakuto, Kidō, Hoho, and Hakuda. Especially in kendo; he defeated his own Kendo Instructor in his third year. But he's also a slippery character. I invited him to join our Tenth Division after graduation and promised him the 23rd Seat, but he turned it down."

"Even you can't handle this guy?" Shiba Isshin was astonished. He glanced at his subordinate's standout features and secretly wondered if this Tachikawa Shin fellow was a normal man...

Catching the implication in his look, a vein bulged on Matsumoto Rangiku's forehead.

"23rd Seat..." Shiba Isshin just then recalled that the 23rd Seat in his division had recently retired due to illness.

"Isn't that too low? You said he's a genius, Rangiku. Think about the geniuses of the past—they all went on to achieve great things. At the very least, we should offer him an Upper Seat Officer position."

Upper Seat Officers referred to the 3rd through 10th Seats, elite Soul Reapers already involved in core division duties.

Matsumoto Rangiku was surprised by how highly Shiba Isshin regarded Tachikawa Shin. She said, "But we don't have any vacancies among the 10th Seats. Besides, I checked his file at the academy—he doesn't have his own Zanpakutō yet."

Shiba Isshin waved his hand dismissively. "There's only so much they teach at school. Most Soul Reapers don't get their own Zanpakutō until after joining a division. And didn't you say he's a slippery character? How can you be sure you know everything about him?"

Matsumoto Rangiku hesitated. After all, this was the captain's decision.

"Then... which seat?"

A smile spread across Shiba Isshin's face. "You can go talk to him again, see what he wants. The academy's on break now, isn't it? He should be free."

#

After final exams, ungraduated Spirit Academy students get a fairly long vacation. However, considering some students come from the Rukon District, the school still provides room and board, leaving it up to the students whether to stay or not.

During the break, many of the academy's classrooms and training grounds are left vacant and can be used by students. But usage requires registration, and any damage to facilities is recorded, to be repaid slowly after the student graduates and becomes a Soul Reaper.

In the empty kendo classroom, the clang of metal striking metal rang out. Two figures moved swiftly, their steps spinning and weaving as they clashed in battle.

If one looked closely, though, it was clear that one side was training the other.

"Too slow, too slow, Shūhei. Do you realize you're full of openings?"

"With strength like that, you still have the nerve to say I'm the reason you didn't graduate early? Don't expect me to thank you."

Hisagi Shūhei, stung by the taunts, gritted his teeth and gripped his Asauchi tightly, desperately trying to reach the figure before him.

But the other always anticipated his next move—or rather, the gap in their reaction speeds meant every one of Shūhei's strikes was easily neutralized.

Another attack missed. Seeing his opponent slip to his side, Hisagi Shūhei, somewhat exhausted, swung a horizontal slash at him.

Shin raised an eyebrow slightly. This time, he didn't dodge or parry—he simply turned his blade upright.

Clang!

A crisp metallic clash rang out, and the Asauchi in Hisagi's hand was sent flying, his tiger's mouth stinging and trembling violently from the impact.

He stared blankly at the Asauchi lying on the wooden floor for a few seconds, then suddenly collapsed onto his back, gasping for breath.

Xin sheathed his Asauchi, strolled leisurely to the side, picked up a water flask, and tossed it over.

After a deep gulp, Hisagi Shūhei's breathing finally steadied a little. He looked at Xin, who was idly twirling his blade in a flourish, and panted, "I really regret staying at school during the break."

Xin glanced sideways at him, a smile playing on his lips. "You were the one who asked me to train with you. Can't handle a little setback like this?"

Hisagi Shūhei had no reply to that. He lay flat on the floor; losing to Xin didn't feel shameful to him—he'd never beaten Xin before.

But what truly frustrated him was that no matter how hard he tried, he seemed unable to even catch a glimpse of Xin's level, let alone close the gap. He still didn't know Xin's true strength.

"Xin, just how strong are you?"

Xin replied, "Saying it outright would ruin the fun. It's better for you to discover it yourself, Hisagi. If one day you make me go all out, I'll be happy, and I'll give you my sincere praise."

As his words fell, a slow, deliberate clapping sound echoed through the quiet classroom—clap, clap, clap.

"That line was pretty cool."

The classroom door had been pushed open at some point, and a figure now leaned against the doorframe, half-turned toward them. Sunlight streaming in from outside caught her shoulder, her golden hair gleaming like silk, her graceful curves like a masterpiece carved by a master artisan, exuding both feminine softness and strength. The deep V-neckline revealed her healthy, confident fullness.

Her beautiful face held a faint, teasing smile—charming without being seductive.

Miss Matsumoto...

Recognizing who it was, Hisagi Shūhei shot up from the floor, standing stiffly at attention.

"Lieutenant Matsumoto!"

When did Miss Matsumoto arrive? Did she see me get utterly crushed...

A flurry of thoughts raced through Hisagi's mind, then he suddenly realized something and glanced at his friend beside him.

She's here for this guy again, isn't she!

Matsumoto Rangiku slipped off her shoes at the door and stepped inside with an unhurried gait. The sleeve of her black shihakushō bore the insignia of the Tenth Division's lieutenant, a white sash tied at her waist, and a crimson-sheathed Zanpakutō slung across her back.

"What brings Miss Rangiku to the Spirit Academy today?" Xin asked, feigning surprise. The last time they'd met was a month ago.

This past month had been quiet for him—he'd passed the Fourth-Year final exams at the academy without issue. But perhaps many things had happened in places he didn't know about.

"Just bored, thought I'd take a stroll." Matsumoto Rangiku's beautiful eyes fixed on Xin, and she suddenly pressed a hand to the hilt of her Zanpakutō at her back, her smile radiant.

"I saw your sparring match just now and got a bit itchy myself. Care to exchange a few blows with me?"

Hisagi Shūhei, standing frozen like a statue, couldn't help but swallow hard, his gaze darting between Matsumoto Rangiku and Xin.

He knew Xin was strong. Had this lieutenant noticed that too, and wanted to test Xin's true level?

Xin laughed. "Miss Rangiku, don't joke around. You're the lieutenant of the Tenth Division, and I'm just a student at the academy. You can't bully me like this!"

But Matsumoto Rangiku gave him no chance to refuse. She drew her blade in one smooth motion, holding it horizontally before her. "It's just a spar, Xin. Fighting a lieutenant is a rare opportunity—you should make the most of it."

The moment she finished speaking, Matsumoto Rangiku launched herself forward, her speed like a phantom. Hisagi Shūhei hadn't even registered her movement before he heard another clang of metal striking metal.

Too stunned to marvel, he quickly retreated to the edge of the classroom, clearing the space.

Matsumoto Rangiku saw Xin block her swift strike and smiled brightly.

"Not bad."

She leaped lightly back, landing about three meters away from Xin, her beautiful eyes fixed on him.

"Ready? Here I come."

Xin saw there was no avoiding it and sighed inwardly, raising his Asauchi lightly. The purpose of Matsumoto Rangiku's visit was obvious, and this sudden challenge wasn't hard to understand.

Last time, Shiba Kaien had asked if he'd be willing to join the Tenth Division as its third seat. The Tenth Division's captain, Shiba Isshin, was Shiba Kaien's uncle, and Matsumoto Rangiku was the division's lieutenant.

This was a test of his mettle.

A Shinigami's ultimate achievement was directly tied to their strength. No matter how extraordinary their intellect, if their power fell short, they wouldn't go far.

Xin's mind was hard to gauge, but confirming his combat ability was simple enough.

The blade in his hand trembled slightly, then traced a white arc before his eyes. He didn't move, yet the strike perfectly intercepted Matsumoto Rangiku's thrust.

Matsumoto Rangiku saw her attack blocked and narrowed her eyes, thinking, This guy's reflexes are quick.

Her white socks padded silently across the floor as she shifted, and in the instant she planted her feet, her Zanpakutō swept out in a fierce horizontal slash. The cold gleam met Xin's blade again.

Clang!

Having a slash blocked was common in battle, but Rangiku felt an inexplicable unease.

She was the lieutenant of the Tenth Division, a Shinigami for decades. Her reiatsu, speed, and physical abilities far surpassed Xin's.

Xin's only advantage over her was his swordsmanship!

Matsumoto Rangiku refused to accept it. She pulled back and delivered another heavy strike.

These sword techniques seemed utterly plain, relying solely on speed and power that completely overwhelmed Xin's.

This strike Xin didn't block, instead retreating two steps to barely dodge.

Matsumoto Rangiku, however, abruptly halted in place, choosing not to press the attack, her beautiful eyes flickering uncertainly.

Xin's gaze shifted slightly at the sight, thinking to himself, Has she noticed?

Matsumoto Rangiku suddenly grinned and said, "If you're truly capable, why not just show it outright?"

She had indeed sensed something off. As a Lieutenant Captain, she was battle-hardened; her speed was greater, yet Xin could always react a step ahead.

Her sword techniques were completely seen through by Xin.

Xin's expression remained calm, noncommittal: "Miss Rangiku, if you can make me unleash my full strength, I'll give you my sincere praise."

Matsumoto Rangiku's gaze darkened.

Arrogant!

She moved again, faster than before, her sword strike more fierce, aiming straight for Xin's chest.

She refused to believe he could predict her attack this time—and even if he did, he couldn't possibly react in time.

Xin was just a student from the Spirit Training Academy. For her, a Lieutenant Captain, to lower herself to spar with him like this and even use a fraction of her real strength—on reflection, it felt rather improper.

Perhaps it was because Xin had provoked her earlier, or maybe she was still stewing over how he'd repeatedly turned down her invitations to join the Tenth Division.

Fortunately, Matsumoto Rangiku's slash held back just a little, to avoid truly injuring Xin.

"Clang!"

A piercing clash of metal.

The slender blade before her once again blocked her sword, blocking her line of sight, reflecting her own face, reflecting her slightly widened pupils.

The person hidden behind that blade seemed to curl the faintest hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, his voice unhurried, casual and lazy.

"I've seen through you, Miss Rangiku."