"Kids, come line up for the Heavenly Pillar Carriage! "
"The tour to the Soul King's Palace is about to begin! "
The big-eyed monk shouted at the top of his lungs, organizing the heirs of the Five Great Noble Families into neat rows.
"It's huge… How exactly are we supposed to ride that thing up there? "
Urahara Kisuke stared at the enormous column-like structure before him, crafted from an unknown material. Supposedly, this was the Royal Guard's exclusive transportation method—and that fact alone stirred his curiosity.
"We'll need the Shiba Clan's cannon, of course."
Yoruichi Shihōin replied casually when she overheard Kisuke's question.
"The Shiba Clan's cannon? "
Kisuke blinked, his eyes brimming with intrigue.
"Yeah. The Shiba family, one of the Five Great Houses, controls the strongest siege weapon in the Soul Society—the Shiba Cannon. It's said to have the longest range in existence. If you fired it from Seireitei's center, its blast could reach anywhere in the Soul Society. It's considered a legendary artifact… though, honestly, I've never seen it myself. But that's the only thing powerful enough to launch us all the way to the Soul King's Palace in the sky."
"I need to study that…" Kisuke muttered, his thirst for knowledge burning hotter than ever.
"Alright, now that everyone's lined up…"
The monk pressed his palms together in a seal. In the blink of an eye, everyone vanished and reappeared atop the colossal Heavenly Pillar Carriage.
Kido?
"A large-scale transportation spell? " Kisuke analyzed the residual spiritual pressure lingering in the air, glancing at the plain-looking monk in awe. His mastery of Kido was beyond impressive.
"Okay, everyone ready? "
"We're departing now."
With a deafening roar, the Heavenly Pillar Carriage shot upward, soaring toward the distant, shimmering silhouette of the Soul King's Palace.
"Whoa! This is insane! "
"Feels like I'm going to fall! "
"What's happening?! "
The noble children clung desperately to anything they could grab, their screams echoing as the carriage tore through the skies.
"Calm down, kids. Stand firm and relax—you won't die," the monk assured them with a calm smile, exuding confidence that nothing could go wrong under his watch.
BOOM.
Moments later, the carriage pierced the clouds and arrived at the Soul King's Palace. Before their eyes stretched towering white pillars and a vast, endless avenue paved in pristine stone.
"Kisuke, be ready," Yoruichi said without turning, her sharp gaze fixed on the monumental path ahead.
"Ready? "Kisuke arched a brow but gave a slight nod, etching her warning into his mind.
"Alright, kids! We've arrived," the monk announced with a warm grin as he hopped down onto the grand approach to the palace. "Feel free to step onto the main avenue! "
"Let's go! "
"Yes! Finally! "
"I can't believe we're here! "
Excited cheers erupted as the noble heirs rushed toward the avenue.
And then, without warning, their faces twisted in horror. It was as if time had frozen them in place. Their bodies refused to move, their foreheads dripping with cold sweat.
The monk chuckled darkly.
"Ah, I forgot to mention something… Anyone with Reiatsu below Vice-Captain level can't move freely on the Soul King's Avenue."
His grin was cold, his voice merciless, as though he'd been waiting just to see them fail.
"Come on, Kisuke."
Yoruichi, unfazed, hoisted the sleeping bag on her shoulder and grabbed Kisuke's hand, leading him forward onto the sacred path.
Kisuke's eyes widened.
"This pressure… This level of reishi density?! It's just like…! "
Yes. This oppressive force was the same as in Sōgo's private courtyard. So Yoruichi had brought him there earlier for a reason—so he could acclimate before this very moment.
"How does it feel, Kisuke? Familiar? " Yoruichi smirked. "I went out of my way to give you a heads-up, but it seems you've been hiding some tricks of your own."
"Sorry, Yoruichi… I really didn't mean to keep it from you," Kisuke said, realizing her good intentions and bowing his head.
"Forget it. Everyone's got their secrets. I'm not bothered," Yoruichi replied coolly, exuding that commanding big-sister aura that left Kisuke silently impressed.
"Damn it… I can't move…"
"Move! Move! "
"We're nobles—we can't lose here! "
The other heirs strained desperately against the crushing spiritual gravity, but their efforts were futile. Even prodigies among prodigies couldn't budge an inch.
"Sorry, Yoruichi…"
"You'll have to go on without me."
Kūkaku Shiba collapsed to her knees, her breath ragged. Despite her strength—already at a third or fourth seat level—it wasn't enough to withstand this overwhelming pressure.
"Kids who can't handle it, back to the carriage. Don't push yourselves, or you'll damage your soul permanently. If that happens, you'll never grow stronger again."
The monk's voice cut through the chaos like a blade, each word dripping with brutal honesty.
"Let's go back."
"Yeah… let's go…"
"There's no way anyone can endure this…"
One by one, the heirs staggered back, convincing themselves no one could survive such pressure. If even they—hailed as the elite—couldn't endure it, then surely no one could.
But the truth was merciless.
When the weak had all retreated, five figures remained standing upon the Soul King's Avenue. Four people—and one sleeping bag—bathed in reishi, their brilliance undeniable. Their talent blazed so brightly it made the others avert their eyes in shame.
"This time… five qualifiers? How surprising," the monk said quietly, his sharp gaze sweeping over them. His tone was calm, detached—almost as if he had known all along exactly who would make it.