"Yes, I cannot see."
Sombravida's tone remained steady.
Tōsen Kaname stepped closer. His presence was calm — no oppressive release of reiatsu, no display of authority. His spiritual pressure was sealed tightly, disciplined to an extraordinary degree.
"May I?"
Sombravida inclined his head.
Tōsen's hand lightly touched Sombravida's face — not intrusive, but deliberate. He traced the eye area gently, assessing muscle tension and reflex.
Sombravida subtly redirected reiryoku toward his ocular nerves, dulling response and slightly inflating capillaries to mimic long-term blindness.
A pause.
Then Tōsen nodded.
"Your spiritual pressure is stable. For someone not yet enrolled in Shin'ō Academy, your control is commendable."
He withdrew his hand.
"As one who walks in darkness, I understand the difficulties others overlook. Continue forward. I hope to see you again within Seireitei."
"Yes. Thank you, Captain."
Only after Tōsen departed did Sombravida exhale internally.
He had passed.
If Tōsen had sensed even a flicker of deception — the outcome would have been different.
At his current level, Sombravida could not survive confrontation with a Captain.
Not even briefly.
The bearded Shinigami returned, visibly flustered but smiling too widely.
"These are your assessment forms."
Momo leaned in eagerly.
On the top section, among thirteen small boxes representing the Gotei divisions, the Ninth Division symbol had been stamped.
"What does this mean?" she asked.
"It indicates recommendation acknowledgment," the Shinigami explained. "An officer of Ninth Division approved your participation. It won't guarantee admission — but it notes favorable impression."
Sombravida understood immediately.
Internal networking.
The bearded man introduced himself as Matsushita Renzo, Ninth Division.
Sombravida nodded politely.
"If admitted, I'll remember your assistance."
Matsushita beamed.
They entered the main assessment grounds.
The courtyard was enormous — a training field modified with equipment from the Twelfth Division's research department.
Hundreds of applicants filled the area.
Some already sat on the sidelines, pale and drained.
Reiryoku fluctuations filled the air.
"Strict screening," Sombravida murmured.
Even without visual clarity, he could sense multiple high-density signatures.
Momo followed his gesture.
To the east, a short girl with dark hair and blue eyes stood firm as spiritual pressure measurement devices calibrated around her. Beside her was a tall red-haired youth.
Their reiatsu output displaced weaker applicants nearby.
Momo clenched her fists.
"I won't lose."
Sombravida smiled faintly.
The first stage was a personal interview — psychological and ideological screening.
Momo was called first.
Sombravida heard her nervous introduction through the thin wall.
Then—
"Number 918."
A female Shinigami examiner approached.
"You're the blind applicant?"
"Yes."
She hesitated but did not show contempt.
"Follow me."
Sombravida walked steadily, relying on reiryoku mapping rather than touch.
She noticed.
"Impressive sensory perception," she muttered softly.
Inside, three examiners sat behind a simple desk — two male, one female.
"Hinamori Tsukishiro?"
"Yes."
"District of origin?"
"Rukongai First District, Junrinan."
"Reason for joining the Shinigami?"
"To remain beside my sister."
The examiners exchanged glances.
Not heroic.
Not political.
Personal.
The female examiner leaned forward slightly.
"Combat track or support track?"
One male examiner frowned.
"That question isn't on the list."
She ignored him.
"You display strong spiritual perception. Have you considered support roles? The Fourth Division values such talent."
Sombravida answered honestly.
"My choice follows my sister's. If she chooses combat, I support her. If she chooses support, I protect her."
One examiner muttered quietly.
"Attachment-driven."
Sombravida heard it.
"Promise-driven," he corrected calmly.
Silence followed.
Then—
"What is your view of Soul Society's current structure?"
Sombravida did not soften his tone.
"There is imbalance. Outer Rukongai districts lack infrastructure. Crime thrives where stability is absent. Hollow intrusion rates increase where spiritual pressure concentration is weak and security sparse."
One examiner slammed the table.
"Watch your words."
Sombravida remained calm.
"Improvement requires investment in outer districts — agriculture expansion, stable trade channels, patrol rotation consistency, and community oversight structures. Stability reduces crime. Crime reduction reduces Hollow vulnerability."
The female examiner watched him closely.
"Specific recommendations?"
Sombravida listed measured administrative reforms — nothing radical, nothing revolutionary. Practical governance measures drawn from lived experience.
After nearly an hour of questioning, the female examiner closed her booklet.
"Final question. Why ask about jurisdiction earlier?"
Sombravida responded without hesitation.
"Because understanding responsibility determines where change can begin."
A faint smile touched her lips.
She withdrew a stamp from her sleeve.
Fourth Division insignia — the gentian flower.
She pressed it firmly into the fourth division box on Sombravida's form.
"Proceed to the next examination stage."
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