Of course, while some were optimistic about Kyoya, there were also those who weren't.
In terms of combat ability, the first four years at the Shin'o Academy covered the four fundamental Shinigami combat arts: Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, and Kido.
For most ordinary Shinigami, what they learned in these four years was enough to last them a lifetime.
The training for fifth-grade students focused on [Zanzen], the primary purpose of which was to strengthen the connection between a Shinigami and their Asauchi.
In this regard, Shinigami with strong Reiryoku had a significant advantage. The greater their Reiryoku, the faster they could establish a bond with their Asauchi, and the quicker they could nurture the 'Spirit' within it to forge their Zanpakuto.
When Gin graduated from the Shin'o Academy, his Reiryoku had already reached the 4th-class. This was comparable to the level of a high-ranking officer in the Gotei 13.
As for Kyoya, at this point, he had only just reached the 8th-class of Reiryoku.
Those who doubted Kyoya's ability to break Gin's record believed that even if Kyoya had a high compatibility with his Asauchi, his current level of Reiryoku was insufficient to nurture the 'Spirit' within the Asauchi to the point of being able to converse with him in just four months.
On the other hand, those who believed Kyoya could break Gin's record argued that, whether for fifth or sixth-grade students, the graduation exam involved battling experimental Hollows. Given Kyoya's current displayed strength, not only could he easily handle experimental Hollows, but even real Hollows would likely be no match for him.
In other words, if Kyoya wanted to, he could learn Zanzen and then immediately take the graduation exam alongside sixth-grade students, passing the Shin'o Academy's assessment to become a full-fledged Shinigami.
However, while at the academy, students could devote all their energy to training without worrying about anything else. Once they joined the Gotei 13 and became official Shinigami, they would have to fulfill their squad duties.
For example, the 13th Division was the Purification Unit, whose members were stationed in the human world to perform Soul Burial on the souls of the deceased, guiding them to the Soul Society.
They also purified Hollows that entered the human world to devour human souls, as well as those that had degenerated due to certain circumstances.
The 10th Division was the Patrol and Security Unit, responsible for patrolling the Seireitei and handling various emergencies.
Because of this, most students preferred to spend extra time in their fifth and sixth grades, giving themselves more time to nurture the Spirit within their Asauchi.
As a result, almost every year, one or two 'genius' Shinigami graduated from the Shin'o Academy having already achieved the Shikai of their Zanpakuto.
As for Kyoya…
Well, 8th-class Reiryoku was decent for an average Shinigami. But for a 'genius' like Kyoya, it was somewhat of a hindrance.
Students with sixth-rank Reiryoku or higher could typically nurture the Spirit within their Asauchi to the point of conversation and thus achieve the initial Shikai of their Zanpakuto, within a year.
But with his 8th-class Reiryoku, Kyoya would likely need around five years to fully nurture the Spirit within his Asauchi.
Now, the question was: What would Kyoya choose?
Would he aim to break Gin's record? Or would he remain at the Shin'o Academy, biding his time?
Nobody knows.
After all, they weren't Kyoya.
…
"You're here."
"To be honest, I've been waiting for you for a long time."
As Kyoya stepped into the classroom of Class 5-A, before he could even hand over his application form, the instructor who taught Zanzen had already spoken.
Clearly, no application was needed. The moment Kyoya appeared here, it meant he was now officially a fifth-grade student at the Shin'o Academy.
"The training in the fifth grade mainly focuses on Zanzen, which strengthens the connection with an Asauchi."
"Come, I'll take you to the storage room to retrieve an Asauchi first."
"Once you obtain your Asauchi, I'll teach you how to practice Zanzen."
"Mm."
Seeing how efficient the instructor was, Kyoya quickly followed.
Rustle...
A little over ten minutes later, the fifth-grade instructor pushed open a long-sealed door and led Kyoya into the storage room.
Under the light streaming through the doorway, Kyoya saw countless Asauchi scattered haphazardly across the floor.
Some were neatly arranged on shelves.
"Go ahead, Kyoya."
"Find the Asauchi that belongs to you among these."
At this point, the teacher paused for a moment.
"If you sense that a particular Asauchi strongly attracts you, don't hesitate… just choose that one."
"If you walk through the entire storage room and don't feel a connection with any of them, then just pick one at random."
Hearing this, Kyoya froze for a moment before nodding.
"Understood, sensei."
The Zanpakuto used by the Shinigami of the Seireitei are all nurtured from Asauchi forged by the God of the Sword, Nimaiya Oetsu.
Among them, depending on the materials Nimaiya used to forge the Asauchi and the Reiryoku of their wielders, the strength of the Zanpakuto varies.
Weaker Zanpakuto will perish along with their masters upon death, reverting to their initial Asauchi state, waiting for the next Shinigami to nurture them anew.
However, the stronger Zanpakuto, even if their masters die, will at most fall into slumber rather than perish alongside them.
Only when they sense the birth of a Shinigami compatible with them will they awaken from their slumber and form a bond with a new master.
These Zanpakuto are crowned with the title of [Strongest].
For example, Captain-Commander Yamamoto's Zanpakuto, Ryujin Jakka, is the strongest fire-type Zanpakuto.
Even if Yamamoto perishes, as long as a Shinigami compatible with Ryujin Jakka is born in the future, the sword will reappear in the world.
All Zanpakutō bearing the title of [Strongest] are recorded in the Seireitei's [Great Spirit Book Gallery]. Each time one resurfaces, it heralds the rise of a new legend.
Similarly, Shinigami who inherit the [Strongest] Zanpakuto also exhibit significant differences in their Zanzen Training.
The [Strongest] Zanpakuto actively communicate with their wielders. As long as the Shinigami meets their requirements, achieving Shikai or even Bankai is as effortless as lifting a hand.
Meanwhile, Asauchi that require the Shinigami to nurture their own Spirit must be cultivated to the point where they can communicate before the first step toward Shikai is complete.
After that, raising the Zanpakuto's Spirit to the level where Bankai is possible takes even the most talented Shinigami at least ten years.