Chapter 32: Swordplay Aptitude Test
The second round of the Kido aptitude test concluded without a hitch, with Gilgamesh achieving the best score, followed by Rukia.
At this moment, the examinees who successfully passed the first two rounds were heading to the venue for the third round: the Swordplay Aptitude Test.
The Swordplay Aptitude Test was held at the outdoor kendo dojo of the Central Spiritual Arts Academy.
The Swordplay Aptitude Test was a highly subjective assessment.
The test method involved examinees sparring against examiners.
During the spar, the examiner would evaluate the examinee's swordplay aptitude based on a comprehensive assessment of their mental fortitude, willpower, physical flexibility, reaction ability, strength, and speed.
From this perspective, it seemed more advantageous for those with a foundation in swordplay.
However, in the actual test, the examiner would adjust the difficulty according to the examinee's foundation.
If an examinee had a foundation in swordplay, the examiner would be stricter, and the test would be more difficult.
This was because, with a swordplay foundation, a more challenging test was needed to truly gauge the examinee's aptitude.
The Captain-level individuals in the monitoring room had also moved to the outdoor kendo dojo.
Of course, they did not show themselves; otherwise, the examinees would likely be too nervous to focus on the test.
They were all hidden in a nearby pavilion, observing the Swordplay Aptitude Test.
More accurately, they were observing Gilgamesh.
They wanted to see Gilgamesh's swordplay aptitude, to determine if it was as astonishing as his spiritual pressure and Kido aptitudes.
There were a total of three testing points for the Swordplay Aptitude Test.
This time, Gilgamesh, Abarai Renji, and Rukia were assigned to the same testing point, which was the third testing point.
The examiner at the third testing point was the only female examiner among the three points, named Kano Miho.
Most of the examinees assigned to the third testing point couldn't help but feel fortunate.
In their opinion, a female examiner's strength would surely be inferior to that of a male examiner.
And since the Swordplay Aptitude Test was a highly subjective examination, they believed it would be easier to achieve good results.
Abarai Renji felt the same, but his thought process was clearly different from others.
Upon seeing that his examiner was a woman, Abarai Renji couldn't help but say with some disappointment, "Why is it a female examiner? I wanted to spar against those male examiners."
Upon hearing this, Rukia immediately showed her displeasure, asking indignantly, "Renji, what do you mean? Are you looking down on us girls?"
Although Abarai Renji was a bit scared seeing Rukia angry, he still didn't change his mind and explained, "I don't mean to look down on girls, but in swordplay, girls are naturally inferior to boys."
Abarai Renji's explanation not only failed to appease Rukia but also drew angry glares from many girls around them.
An almost palpable killing intent surrounded Abarai Renji, making him swallow hard. He looked at Gilgamesh with a pleading gaze, his eyes filled with hope as he asked, "My King, you think so too, right?"
Gilgamesh's wine-red eyes briefly glanced to the side, then he said playfully, "No, I don't think so."
Gilgamesh could sense that the killing intent surrounding Abarai Renji originated from Kano Miho.
It was clear that she had also heard Abarai Renji's words and was already displeased.
In the pavilion nearby, the Captain-level individuals had varied expressions upon seeing that Gilgamesh's examiner was Kano Miho.
They naturally recognized Kano Miho.
Kano Miho appeared as a middle-aged woman with long black hair draped over her shoulders and wearing black-rimmed glasses, giving her an intellectual and gentle demeanor.
However, this was merely a facade; Kano Miho was one of the few teachers at the Central Spiritual Arts Academy with Lieutenant-level strength, and also one of the Vice Principals of the Central Spiritual Arts Academy.
And her greatest pride was her swordplay.
Ordinarily, Kano Miho kept a low profile, showing no interest in other matters, and spent her days immersed in her swordplay, making her a true sword fanatic.
Logically speaking, given Kano Miho's personality and position, she should not be serving as an examiner for the Freshman Seireitei Academy.
Upon realizing this, the Captain-level individuals couldn't help but glance at Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
Among those present, only Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni could command Kano Miho.
This was not only because Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni was the Principal of the Central Spiritual Arts Academy, but also because he had guided Kano Miho's swordplay training in her early years.
Later, he stopped teaching her when he discovered that his swordplay style was not suitable for her.
Although Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni never acknowledged it, Kano Miho always regarded him as her master and held him in great respect.
And upon learning that Kano Miho was Gilgamesh's examiner, the Captain-level individuals' already piqued interest grew even stronger; they were now eager to see Gilgamesh spar against Kano Miho.
Amidst their anticipation, the third round of the Swordplay Aptitude Test began.
At the third testing point, Kano Miho, with a gentle expression and a blunted bamboo sword at her waist, looked at the surrounding examinees and said softly, "The test here follows an active principle."
"If you feel you are ready, please step forward to take the test."
Saying this, Kano Miho paused slightly and continued, "Oh, and if no one steps forward to take the test voluntarily within five minutes, then all of you will be considered to have voluntarily given up. This rule remains effective."
Kano Miho's words caused quite a stir.
Because 'remains effective' meant that after one person finished their test, if no other examinee voluntarily stepped forward to take the test within a five-minute interval, the remaining examinees would be considered to have voluntarily given up.
This subtly placed a psychological constraint on the examinees, giving them a sense of urgency.
This urgency would transform into heavy pressure as time passed, the number of examinees decreased, and they recognized Kano Miho's strength.
Examinees with insufficient mental fortitude and willpower might even break down on the spot.
After speaking, Kano Miho said nothing more and waited silently.
The examinees present looked at each other; although they were fortunate to have a female examiner, they were not arrogant enough to believe their swordplay skills could defeat her.
Knowing oneself and one's opponent leads to victory in every battle.
None of them wanted to be the first to step onto the stage for the test; they wanted others to go first, to observe Kano Miho's strength so they could prepare themselves.
This would increase their chances of achieving good results in the subsequent tests.
Ultimately, they all, by unspoken agreement, turned their gaze towards Gilgamesh.
In their view, the most dazzling Gilgamesh should be the first to step forward for the test.
As if to confirm their conjecture, Gilgamesh took a step forward.
Tap!