Chapter 21: Mayuri's Arrival
Looking at the name engraved on the sake gourd, many people clutched their aching foreheads, suddenly speechless.
Especially after hearing Kuroha's nonstop drunken ramblings—the whole scene felt utterly absurd.
"Heh heh, Captain Kyōraku—if I were Captain Kuchiki, I wouldn't just draw my blade; I'd probably release Shikai too. A kiss that triggers a breakthrough, getting stronger just by drinking… this kid's ability to take advantage is really something. Thick skin indeed," Aizen said with his usual warm smile.
Shunsui Kyōraku desperately wanted to kick Aizen square in the ass.
Byakuya was already on the verge of exploding—now Aizen's seemingly harmless comment was just pouring oil on the fire.
Unfortunately, before anyone could react, Kuroha had already tilted the gourd and poured the sake straight into Rukia's mouth.
The sudden move actually brought a flicker of relief to some.
At least—in Shunsui's eyes—he hadn't kissed her again. The situation was still salvageable… somewhat.
Anyone could brag while drunk, and people might buy it.
But getting stronger just by drinking? Even Shunsui, the notorious old drunkard, didn't believe that one.
BOOM!
A violent surge of reiatsu exploded outward like a tidal wave, sweeping in all directions.
The first to be hit were Shunsui and the two beside him.
Their figures flickered—they instantly unleashed Shunpo and retreated explosively.
"Shiba Kuroha—are you trying to give me a bigger headache?! I know your reiatsu is strong, but releasing it like this over and over—you'll drain yourself dry sooner or later…" Shunsui said with clear displeasure.
But the moment he saw the scene clearly—his expression froze.
No— Everyone in the hall froze.
Even Byakuya—face already black as coal—was stunned.
Because the one releasing the wild reiatsu now… wasn't Kuroha.
It was Rukia Kuchiki.
And her reiatsu was climbing higher and higher.
It felt unmistakably like… a breakthrough.
"Is this insane? Getting stronger from drinking? Am I seeing things?"
Slap! "Ow! Does that hurt? I just wanted to know if I'm dreaming."
"Hey—why'd you hit me? If you want to check if you're dreaming, hit yourself!"
The hall instantly exploded.
Especially among the examinees.
They had all trained desperately for years just to barely scrape the entrance threshold.
Now Rukia—after one kiss and one mouthful of sake—had broken through.
This kind of breakthrough was way too ridiculous.
If it was real… plenty of people would probably line up to kiss Kuroha too.
Burp "I told you—so close, so close."
Kuroha spun like a roly-poly toy in place, then casually tossed the empty gourd back to Kenpachi.
"This swill—even cows wouldn't drink it. It's not mine. I thought I could break through with booze too… oh well. Since you're my wife, I'll give you this opportunity."
Kenpachi caught the gourd and nearly exploded with rage.
Just moments ago Kuroha had insisted the four characters engraved on it were proof it belonged to him.
Now he'd used it up, insulted it, and dumped it back like trash.
The anger had nowhere to go.
But feeling Rukia's steadily rising reiatsu, Kenpachi didn't smash the gourd. Instead, he carefully stoppered it and tucked it into his robes.
Because out of the corner of his eye, he saw a pair of greedy green eyes staring at him.
"Ahem… Brother Zaraki—we've known each other so long, and I've never asked you for anything. How about lending me a little of that sake?" Shunsui coughed, thickening his face shamelessly.
He'd already lost one bottle. Now seeing this strange sake—real or fake—and watching even Kenpachi treat it with such reverence…
Shunsui knew there was an opportunity.
"You can borrow it—if you beat me first. Otherwise, no chance," Kenpachi said with a cruel grin.
Faced with that condition, Shunsui immediately gave up.
Sparring with a battle maniac? No thanks.
"Captain Kyōraku—now is not the time for drinking. Please clean up this mess," Nanao's voice rang in his ear.
Shunsui snapped back to reality, looked at the ruined hall, and felt another headache coming on.
This little shortcut was proving way too costly—might even cost him his life.
But remembering his role as chief examiner, he gritted his teeth and spoke up:
"Alright, everyone—quiet down. Looks like today the Shin'ō Academy has produced not only an incredible genius, but Rukia Kuchiki has also broken through. Truly cause for celebration.
However, due to time constraints, we won't waste any more here. Once the Technology Development Bureau replaces the machine, we'll resume the exams."
As he spoke, Shunsui stepped forward, intending to drag Kuroha away.
But after only a few steps, Aizen and Gin once again subtly blocked his path.
"Captain Kyōraku—you yourself said the Technology Development Bureau will replace the machine shortly. Why not wait a little longer to clarify whether it's seven bamboo or ten? If it really is ten bamboo, that would be the greatest honor in the academy's history. I think many people would be delighted," Aizen said with his warm smile.
"I'm also honored to witness such an outstanding ten-bamboo student emerge from the academy. I only suggest this to eliminate any doubts or concerns. If there's a machine error, many might feel unsatisfied.
Besides… everyone is probably quite curious whether this Shiba Kuroha's drunken claims are actually true."
His long-winded yet flawless words echoed through the testing hall.
Shunsui nearly wanted to kick something.
He had planned to gloss over everything—but Aizen kept biting down relentlessly.
Yet every word was watertight, delivered with that gentle, trustworthy smile.
Completely irrefutable.
Seeing the waiting examinees nodding in agreement all around, Shunsui knew he was once again riding a tiger he couldn't dismount.
"Hmph, Aizen—are you doubting my technology?"
A soft, feminine voice suddenly came from the entrance.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi had arrived.
The examinees froze.
Seeing even one captain was already lucky.
Now five or six captains had shown up for a mere entrance exam—nearly half the Gotei 13.
And from every sign… they were all here for this one drunkard.
That realization put unprecedented pressure on every freshman present.
--------------------------
You can support me here patreon.com/inkroxx
Your support boosts my motivation and confidence, helping me focus and release chapters more consistently.
Every bit of support inspires me to keep creating better content.