The Second Division's New Recruit

"Hmm, Wang Xun, you applied for early graduation assessment, but your overall grades aren't high... and you have so many absences?"

"Besides, it's not graduation time yet. Applying in the middle of the semester doesn't comply with our approval process."

"What do you mean by ' the Second Division Captain specially recruited you'?"

"Who do you think this person behind you is? The Third Seat of the Second Division? And he even has Captain Shihoin's letter?!"

"So it's Third Seat Urahara, I've heard so much about you!"

The application process for early graduation was simpler and more efficient than expected, especially after Kisuke Urahara showed the letter from the Second Division.

A few days later, at the graduation examination venue, there were only a handful of examiners and Kisuke Urahara, representing the Second Division.

"Ugh, why did they send me here? Captain Yoruichi, really. Wang Xun, you'd better do your best."

Kisuke Urahara scratched his head, reluctantly becoming the witness.

Academic subjects were only considered as supplementary grades, and Wang Xun answered them in a mediocre manner.

Then, in the crucial four basic assessments of Zankensōki, he demonstrated a level far exceeding the graduation standards of the Spiritual Arts Academy.

Amidst the astonished expressions of the teachers, all students passed with excellent grades.

Finally, there was the test of Zanpakuto.

"Wang Xun, have you established a connection with Asauchi? Do you know his name?"

The teacher conducting the assessment asked the question as a matter of routine.

Wang Xun did not answer, but slowly drew his Zanpakuto from his waist.

The moment the sword was drawn, its unique lotus-shaped hilt and the subtle Reiatsu it exuded immediately captivated the attention of the teachers present.

Wang Xun softly uttered the release incantation, Zanpakuto's light shimmered, its form reshaping.

A silver chain wrapped around his wrist, and the hollowed-out Renge hilt of his sword trembled slightly under the Reiatsu, emanating a refined and unique Reiatsu.

"Shikai!"

Suppressed gasps came from the sidelines; the Soul Reaper teachers all saw surprise in each other's eyes.

Students who achieve Shikai before graduation are extremely rare, perhaps only a handful in a century.

Subsequently, the Soul Reaper in charge of the assessment recorded Wang Xun's score on the assessment form and stamped it with a confirmation seal.

"You have passed the assessment and are permitted to graduate early."

He announced, handing a document to Wang Xun.

"This is your graduation certificate. Based on your wishes and Captain Shihoin's recommendation, you will be assigned to the Second Division."

"Please report to the Second Division barracks within three days to undergo the entry examination."

"The subsequent procedures should be self-explanatory."

Wang Xun took the document; his hand felt slightly heavy.

Over the next few days, he quickly sorted out his belongings from the Spiritual Arts Academy and sent them all back to his residence in Rukongai.

Three days later, at dawn.

Wang Xun stood in front of the towering gate of the Second Division barracks.

Seeing the familiar door, he knew his way around like the back of his hand.

At this moment, Wang Xun had changed out of the Spiritual Arts Academy's uniform and was wearing a set of dark casual clothes that allowed him to move around easily, with his Zanpakuto hanging at his waist.

He took a deep breath and stepped inside, ready to go and report.

After verifying his identity, a sniper with a blank expression led him to a training room deep inside the team barracks.

"This is the training room for the Punishment Force Reserves; all the reserve members are inside."

"Your team entry assessment will be conducted inside."

After the soldier finished speaking, he turned and left.

Wang Xun stepped into the training room.

At this moment, there were about twenty people scattered around the training room, all wearing the black training uniforms of the Punishment Force Reserves.

They were mostly men, all of whom looked very young, exuding a strong and vigorous aura, with sharp eyes.

When Wang Xun walked in, more than twenty pairs of eyes fell on him at once.

These gazes contained scrutiny, curiosity, and even more so, undisguised indifference and disdain.

"So you're the guy who was specially recruited to join the team today?"

A slightly mocking voice rang out.

The speaker was a tall, thin young man.

He had short chestnut hair and an arrogant expression typical of aristocratic children.

At this moment, he was crossing his arms, Wang Xun his casual clothes and the Zanpakuto at his waist.

"I heard he didn't even graduate from the Spiritual Arts Academy, yet he was specially recruited by Lady Yoruichi? That's really lucky."

Another voice echoed, its tone equally unfriendly.

Wang Xun also knew something about the Punishment Force; most of them were selected from the sons of lower-ranking nobles who were loyal to the Shihoin Clan.

Within the Seireitei, they were of impeccable lineage, with both formal training and official credentials.

Given that I come from Rukongai through special channels, it's normal for me to be ostracized.

Wang Xun remained calm, walked to one side of the training room, and ignored the provocations.

Seeing that Wang Xun didn't respond, the group exchanged glances, snorted coldly, but didn't do anything out of line.

Has the person arrived?

A cold female voice came from the training room doorway.

Everyone jolted, immediately stood up straight, faced the door, and looked respectful.

Soi Fon was already standing there, her short black hair neatly styled, and her tight-fitting clothes accentuated her exceptionally tall and slender figure.

Her gaze swept across the entire room, finally landing on Wang Xun in the corner.

Soi Fon?

Wang Xun looked at the newcomer in surprise.

Soi Fon looked at Wang Xun, her voice devoid of any emotion.

"Come with me."

Soi Fon turned and walked towards the side door on the other side of the training room.

Wang Xun got up and followed.

The reserve team members looked at Wang Xun with more complex emotions, including surprise, confusion, and a hint of reassessment.

Soi Fon had already joined the direct guard of Yoruichi Shihōin, the commander of the Punishment Force, and had a very close relationship with the Shihoin. Her status and strength were self-evident.

Is she here to assess this newcomer?

What level of skill does he possess that warrants this level of evaluation?

Seeing Wang Xun follow Soi Fon to the outside of the arena, some of these people couldn't contain themselves and quietly followed, wanting to see what the excitement was like.

After passing through the side door, the two arrived at an open space outdoors.

"This is one of the training grounds for Punishment Force Reserves."

"I will personally be in charge of your team entry assessment."

Soi Fon walked to the center of the field, turned to face Wang Xun, and began to slowly wrap the bandage around her right hand.

"Lady Yoruichi has shown me your file."

Soi Fon said this while wrapping her bandages.

"The battle in the World of the Living where I slay Menos Grande, the fight in the Maggot's Nest, and the solo defeat of two experienced assassins a few days ago..."

"To be honest, considering your age and experience, this record is quite impressive."

She finished bandaging herself, flexed her fingers, and then her gaze returned to Wang Xun.

"Therefore, I won't treat you like an ordinary newcomer. The evaluation standards for ordinary reserve team members are meaningless to you."

Soi Fon raised her hand and pointed at Wang Xun.

"Your assessment is very simple: try to last as long as possible under me."

"You can use any means necessary, from Zankensōki. As for me, I will only use Hakuda, and my Reiatsu will be suppressed to a level similar to yours."

Soi Fon's eyes became incredibly sharp, and her aura continued to rise.

"I will use the methods of the Punishment Force to test whether you are qualified to join."

Are you ready?

Wang Xun slowly exhaled, and the Reiatsu within his body began to gradually increase. The Shackle Lotus trembled slightly within its sheath, as if it too was anticipating the battle to come.

He could sense that although Soi Fon had suppressed the intensity of her Reiatsu, the condensed killing intent and combat experience she possessed were far beyond anything he had encountered before.

Wang Xun stretched his limbs and his expression became serious.

"Certainly."