No matter which world it was, possessing great power always provided a certain advantage in battle.
'Kyoya has gotten stronger again.'
Witnessing the commotion caused by Kyoya's training, both the students and the examining Shinigami couldn't help but think this.
A hint of bitterness flickered in their hearts, but they quickly suppressed it.
There was no point in comparing themselves to him!
The more they compared, the more they'd only end up feeling inferior.
In the days that followed, Kyoya's life returned to its usual routine.
One flying slash after another shot into the sky.
Compared to his previous attacks, the slashes Kyoya unleashed after his power increase were far superior in speed, force, and scale.
This improvement brought some small challenges to his training.
Fortunately, once Kyoya adapted to his sudden surge in strength, his progress picked up again.
Admittedly, with his current level of power, there weren't many who could match the intensity of his flying slashes.
But once this technique was fully mastered, it would still greatly enhance Kyoya's combat effectiveness.
Since he had nothing else to focus on at the moment, Kyoya continued diligently practicing his swordsmanship.
During this period, two Hollows appeared in Zone Seven, which was under the responsibility of Kyoya's group.
Kyoya didn't intervene in either battle, and they were purified by Fujita and Otomo working together.
After personally slaying the Hollows, Kyoya could sense that both Fujita and Otomo had grown noticeably more confident.
Clearly, the ability to defeat Hollows made them feel they could hold their own in their future divisions, ensuring they wouldn't become easy targets for bullying.
…
"Congratulations, you have passed this assessment."
At this moment, on the training grounds of the Shin'o Academy, only seven examinees stood before the examiner alongside Kyoya.
Out of the twenty-seven students who participated, two had died, seven were injured, and eleven had failed… unable to defeat the Hollows they faced and forced to call for rescue.
A pass rate of less than one-fourth.
However, though the number of successful candidates was small, each one could be considered an elite among the students.
Even Fujita and Otomo, who were seen as having 'latched onto Kyoya's coattails', had successfully slain Hollows on their own.
"Next, you may state which squad you wish to join. My team and I will arrange for you to be sent to your respective divisions."
"Of course, if any division takes an interest in you, they may dispatch members to personally escort you."
As he said this, the Shinigami's gaze lingered on Kyoya.
Among all the examinees, Kyoya was the only one who stood out as exceptional… the rest were merely passable.
If any of them were to catch the attention of the higher-ups in the Gotei 13, it would undoubtedly be Kyoya.
Besides, they had already heard rumors Lieutenant Aizen of the 5th Division held Kyoya in high regard and had even sent subordinates to the academy to extend an invitation.
If Kyoya joined the 5th Division, it wouldn't be long before he rose to the rank of seated officer, just like the examiner himself.
However, the examiner's own strength had already reached its limit, with little room for further growth.
But Kyoya?
He had the makings of a future Lieutenant… perhaps even the potential to become a Captain someday!
"Sir, I wish to join the 11th Division!"
Seeing the Shinigami's gaze fixed on him, Kyoya assumed he was being asked for his preference and answered without hesitation.
"The 11th Division? Not the 5th?"
"I did receive an invitation from Lieutenant Aizen before."
Kyoya shook his head: "But, the 5th Division is a support squad. It doesn't suit me."
"In comparison, the 11th Division is a combat-focused squad. I feel that's a better fit for me."
"...Understood."
The Shinigami was momentarily taken aback.
He couldn't fathom why Kyoya would turn down a smooth path to success in favor of joining that brigade of brutes.
'But perhaps this was just the eccentricity of a genius.'
'Or maybe… it was because of Ichimaru Gin in the 5th Division?'
After all, there had been a time when Kyoya and Ichimaru Gin were often compared to one another.
Gin had graduated from the Shin'o Academy in just one year, setting the record for the fastest graduation in the academy's history.
Now, however, that record hadn't even lasted a full year before being broken by Kyoya.
It was only natural to assume that there might be some friction between Kyoya and Gin.
With this in mind, the Shinigami didn't press further. Instead, he turned to the other examinees: "Is there anyone else who wishes to join the 11th Division?"
"If so, I'll take you all there together."
The remaining six students exchanged glances before shaking their heads in unison.
True, Kyoya was a genius.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would likely become the strongest Shinigami they would ever interact with in their lifetimes.
If they had any sort of camaraderie with him, they might have gambled on joining the 11th Division alongside him, hoping for his protection.
But unfortunately, Kyoya had skipped grades to join Class 6-A midway through the term. He spent most of his time training alone and had little interaction with the others.
Under these circumstances, they weren't willing to bet their lives on the vague notion of 'classmate bonds' with Kyoya.
After all, the 11th Division had the highest mortality rate in the Gotei 13.
With their current strength, if they joined without any backing, they could easily die in their first major battle.
Even Fujita and Otomo, who had been in the same team as Kyoya in the assessment, gave up on the idea of joining the same division as him.
The others, naturally, didn't even consider it.
"Very well. In that case, Kyoya, let's go."
"I'll take you to the 11th Division."
"As for the rest of you… handle them."
"Yes, sir!"
…
"Oh? So Kyoya-kun ultimately chose the 11th Division after all?"
In the Captain's office of the 5th Division, Aizen adjusted his glasses as he listened to Gin's report.
"That's right, Lieutenant Aizen~"
Gin's voice carried a mocking lilt: "It seems Kyoya-kun doesn't think much of you. He believes he can climb to the top on his own in the 11th Division."
"Geniuses tend to have a bit of pride. That's only natural."
Aizen paid no mind to Gin's sarcasm, merely smiling faintly, "By the way, Gin."
"If I recall correctly, when you went to invite Kyoya-kun before, you tested his abilities, didn't you?"
"How strong is he, truly?"
"Ara, ara~ Lieutenant Aizen, you finally asked me."
"I was starting to think you didn't care about Kyoya-kun at all."