Because of the situation involving Ise Nanao, Gosuke Shigure and Kyoraku Shunsui went to the Spiritual Arts Academy together once again.
Fortunately, the Academy's location was not far from the Gotei 13 barracks; with Shunpo, the two captains arrived quickly.
Since the true relationship between Ise Nanao and Kyoraku Shunsui could not be openly discussed, the two captains stated publicly that they were here to evaluate applicants for their respective divisions, to determine whether the students were qualified to join their squads.
It was not unusual. Many captains had visited the Academy over the years to conduct direct assessments of students.
After all, recruitment into the Gotei 13 was a two-way selection: students chose the squads they wished to apply for, and the Gotei 13 determined who truly qualified.
When Ise Nanao learned that the Eleventh Division's captain — Kenpachi Gosuke — wished to meet her, she felt an inexplicable nervousness.
Upon graduating this year and facing the decision of choosing a division, she had considered many options.
But in the end, she made a firm, almost reckless choice.
She was fully aware that her own abilities did not qualify her for the Eleventh Division's brutal combat duties.
The Eleventh Division was a pure combat force — the most battle-oriented squad in all the Gotei 13.
And she?
Among the four basic Shinigami disciplines — zanjutsu, hakuda, hohō, and Kidō — only her Kidō was above average. The rest were mediocre at best.
Most of her classmates had already awakened their Zanpakutō during their years of Academy training.
But she had not.
She had never once succeeded in communicating with her Zanpakutō spirit, and she had no idea when — or if — it would awaken.
Objectively, she was not a genius.
Even being admitted into the Gotei 13 at all would already be fortunate.
By rights, she had no real qualification to choose any squad.
Yet she had still resolutely chosen the Eleventh Division.
Perhaps it was sentimentality, perhaps stubbornness.
But she remembered the words spoken to her long ago by the man she had met as a child — words that had shaped her resolve.
Only those who become strong are qualified to know the truth.
At the time, she thought that man might be her father.
Later, she realized she had misunderstood.
And years after entering the Academy, through coincidence, she discovered the true identity of that man.
Gosuke Shigure, Captain of the Eleventh Division.
The Ninth Kenpachi.
Realizing this had astonished her.
If the man she met was Kenpachi… then who was the other man she had always wondered about?
What were the truths behind her mother?
Her unseen father?
She knew that ordinarily, she would never be allowed to know.
And so, the words Kenpachi had spoken to her resurged in her heart.
She wanted strength.
She wanted the truth.
Inside a private room in the Spirit Arts Academy, Ise Nanao waited nervously.
After a while, two figures stepped inside.
One appeared youthful, refined in appearance.
The other was a middle-aged man wearing a straw hat, long pink kimono over his shoulders, messy beard — the unmistakable attire of a captain's haori.
Even if the outfit looked strangely casual, Nanao immediately recognized the clothing reserved for captains.
What truly shook her, however, was that she recognized one of the men.
Even if they had met only once, his face had stayed in her memory.
"Captain Gosuke… I am Ise Nanao," she said nervously.
Gosuke Shigure nodded.
"I know you. That is why I came today — specifically to see you."
"Captain Gosuke, I—"
Gosuke Shigure cut her off gently.
"I read your application. Although I am honored that you wish to join the Eleventh Division, I must tell you that you are not suited for it."
"The Eleventh Division is a front-line combat unit. Its casualty rate is the highest in the Gotei 13."
"I must consider the safety of the students I recruit."
"I can only accept someone into Squad Eleven if I can be certain they can shoulder its combat responsibilities."
"Otherwise… I would be sending you to your death."
"I reviewed your scores. Among the four Shinigami disciplines, only your Kidō is excellent. The others are average. This does not mean you are untalented — far from it. Excelling in even one area proves potential. Consider Captain Shihōin Yoruichi, who is known as the 'Flash Goddess' for her unparalleled Shunpo."
"But in Squad Eleven… Kidō aptitude is not a recruitment standard. The Eleventh Division values hakuda and zanjutsu.
In those areas, you clearly have not reached the required level."
His words were honest, but harsh.
Nanao felt a sting in her chest.
"Captain Gosuke… do I truly have no chance?" she asked, voice trembling.
"You told me, long ago… only by becoming strong could I learn the truth.
With that belief, I hoped to join the Eleventh Division."
"And now… you tell me I am not suited for your squad."
She spoke earnestly but feared he might misunderstand her intent.
She hurried to clarify.
"I don't know if you remember, Captain Gosuke… but when I was young, I met you—"
"I remember," Gosuke said immediately, cutting her off.
"That is why I'm here."
"Because I remember you, I must consider what is best for you.
The Eleventh Division is not your path.
But I have found the division most suited to you."
"The best division… for me?" she repeated, confused.
Gosuke smiled and gestured to the man beside him.
"I never introduced him. This is Kyoraku Shunsui, Captain of the Eighth Division."
Whether she already knew him or not, Gosuke spoke clearly.
"And he wishes to recruit you into the Eighth Division."