"Are you saying Kai has already mastered Shikai?"
Isshin Shiba asked in shock.
If he remembered correctly, that kid was only a sixth-year student at the Shin'ō Academy, right?
Generally speaking, the Academy was just a place for Soul Reaper candidates to learn the basics.
By the time they graduated, if they could proficiently use Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Kidō, and Hohō, they were considered excellent students and allowed to join the Gotei 13 for further training.
To master Shikai while still a student? In the last hundred years, aside from Gin Ichimaru, had anyone else achieved that?
"Not just Shikai," Gin reminded him with a wide, fox-like grin.
"Nani?"
"You don't mean... Bankai?"
This time, even the other Captains couldn't sit still.
Shunsui Kyōraku nearly fell over.
He adjusted his straw hat, glanced at the silent Byakuya, and then asked, "You're saying that kid has already mastered Bankai? Do you have proof?"
Are you kidding me? That Kuchiki brat silently mastered Bankai?
It took Captains like them decades, or even centuries, after mastering Shikai to gradually learn Bankai.
But Kai was just a sixth-year student! He wasn't even a probationary Soul Reaper!
"My, my. Proof? I don't have anything like that yet. It's all just my speculation," Gin said, spreading his hands.
"Is that so..."
Shunsui breathed a sigh of relief. So there was no proof.
That made sense. Mastering Bankai as a student sounded way too far-fetched.
If it was just Shikai, Shunsui could believe it.
"But why would Kai hide his strength? If he mastered Shikai and has begun touching upon or even mastering Bankai, his grades should have been placed before us long ago," Isshin rubbed his chin, pondering aloud.
Most Soul Reapers fresh out of the Academy were just cannon fodder to fill the ranks of the Gotei 13. Their casualty rate was usually high, and they were generally assigned menial tasks.
It sounded harsh, but it was the truth.
Those with excellent grades were destined to become Seated Officers or higher. Their files would be placed before the Captains for selection, ensuring these talented individuals were given an environment to grow and be protected.
Rukia, Renji, Izuru, and Momo—their names were all on that list.
But Kai's name was notably absent.
Clearly, Kai had hidden his power.
But why did he hide it?
The implications were intriguing.
"Perhaps... it's because of the trauma from that attack three years ago when he nearly died?"
From the corner, Retsu Unohana smiled gently and offered a reminder.
"The Menos attack three years ago? It seems their target this time was Kai again," a tall man wearing a bucket helmet said, crossing his arms in realization.
He was Sajin Komamura, Captain of the Seventh Division!
"Maybe we really do have some internal issues," Isshin said with a serious expression. Then, he suddenly laughed and scratched his head, proposing, "Why don't we send him to the World of the Living? Stationing him there might actually be a form of protection for him, right?"
...
Outside the Meeting Hall.
"How long do we have to wait?"
Renji squatted in the corner, his head hanging low.
He was exhausted!
Fighting those monsters had drained him completely. So why was Kai, that bastard, still so full of energy?
Looking at the young man resting against the wall with his eyes closed, Renji's eyes practically shot fire.
"What are you thinking about?"
A faint, familiar scent of lavender drifted over. Kai opened his eyes to see the Ahoge-girl.
Running his hand over her ahoge, Kai said, "I was thinking about something. Since the Department of Research and Development can monitor the spirit pressure fluctuations of Hollows and Soul Reapers, why don't they just make a portable device that can detect spirit pressure?"
"Like, maybe in the form of glasses."
"That way, when Soul Reapers face an enemy, they can check the opponent's power level."
"It wouldn't be 100% accurate, since some Hollows can hide their pressure, but it would definitely reduce unnecessary casualties, right?"
Just then, a slightly raspy voice filled with manic delight rang out from the doorway.
"What an excellent idea. Creating a device to analyze spirit pressure data, allowing one to determine if an enemy is beatable, and thus judge whether to fight or retreat?"
"An intriguing concept. By modifying the current detection devices, implementing such a function should be possible."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi muttered to himself for a moment before suddenly asking, "Hey, Kuchiki brat. Interested in coming to the Twelfth Division to work for me?"
"Na... Nani? He was personally invited by Captain Kurotsuchi?!"
"Dammit! That bastard Kai! He was supposed to be a dead-last student like me..."
The group had mixed reactions.
Rukia was filled with admiration and joy. Izuru and Momo were happy for him. Only Renji pulled a long face, his mental state seemingly collapsing.
"The Twelfth Division? That seems... like a good choice."
Kai's expression shifted.
That division was great.
As the R&D division, the members were basically hardcore tech otakus. Generally speaking, Twelfth Division members didn't go to the front lines.
Even in the final battle against Aizen, the Twelfth Division only provided logistical support and technical aid. Only Mayuri and his lieutenant, Nemu, actually hit the battlefield.
For Kai, whose dream was to slack off, the Twelfth Division was practically heaven!
"I..."
"Refuse."
Two voices spoke simultaneously.
Kai looked toward the source of the second voice and found Byakuya standing beside him, interrupting him.
"Brother."
Kai and Rukia nodded.
"You did well a few days ago. The dignity of the Noble House cannot be trampled upon by anyone."
After saying something cryptic, Byakuya stood in front of Kai. "I know what you're thinking, but I will not agree to Kai joining the Twelfth Division."
"Furthermore, regarding Kai's next assignment, the Captain-Commander has personally issued the order. Is Captain Kurotsuchi questioning the Captain-Commander's judgment?"
The Captain-Commander personally issued a mission?
Renji looked incredulous.
"Tch. What's so good about the Twelfth Division anyway? If Kai's joining anyone, he should come to my Eleventh Division!"
A voice, cruel yet laced with amusement, rang out as a massive figure cast a shadow over them.
The brutal, freezing aura alone made Renji feel like he was suffocating just by being near it.
Kenpachi Zaraki...?!
Cold sweat poured down Renji's forehead, but internally, he was even more broken.
What the hell?!
How does this kid know so many Captains without saying a word? And why are they fighting over him like they're about to throw hands?
Is he really that popular?
It seems... he really is.
Handsome, strong, and low-key.
But I'm not bad either! Dammit!
Renji's face twisted in jealousy so potent he almost achieved Bankai right there just to show everyone.
Then, something even more devastating for Renji happened.
In his vision, Kenpachi Zaraki—accompanied by his own boss music and radiating an aura that screamed "I want to fight"—walked up to Kai and grinned savagely.
"Come, Kai! Let's have a blood-soaked brawl!"
Renji's eyes lit up with excitement.
Finally! Is Kai going to be forced to stop hiding?