It didn't take long for Kyoraku Shunsui and Ise Nanao to arrive at the Spiritual Arts Academy. As they approached the examination arena, the overwhelming Reiatsu at the scene startled them both. Watching the struggling candidates and the team members drenched in sweat, their expressions tightened. Shunsui was the first to respond.
"Nanao, erect a barrier."
Sensing the rare seriousness in his voice, Nanao immediately focused and began setting up the spiritual barrier. The academy instructors, regaining their senses, quickly rushed over to assist. In moments, a golden barrier rose, enclosing the martial stage. The suffocating Reiatsu was finally contained, and those watching—examinees and squad members alike—breathed a collective sigh of relief. Enduring that level of Reiatsu had been physically draining.
With the barrier secured, Kyoraku turned his attention to the battlefield. The scene before him took his breath away. Two figures—flashing, vanishing, reappearing—chased each other at inhuman speeds. Even Shunsui, who had seen countless battles, was shaken by the velocity of their Shunpo.
That Sui-Feng possessed such speed was expected. Among all active captains, she reigned supreme in Shunpo—revered as the fastest among them. But her opponent, a mere graduate, matched her step for step.
That young man's Shunpo was on par with hers.
It was shocking.
Moments later, more figures arrived beside Shunsui. Ukitake Jūshirō stepped in first, followed by captains and vice-captains from across the Gotei 13. One by one, their expressions shifted from curiosity to disbelief as they watched the scene unfold. All had similar thoughts.
"It's incredible," Komamura Sajin muttered. "That candidate's Shunpo rivals Captain Sui-Feng's."
Unohana Retsu added with calm astonishment, "And he's enduring her Reiatsu with ease. He's… abnormal."
A smile curled on Ichimaru Gin's ever-foxlike face. "He'd be a nice fit for our Third Division."
But Ukitake quietly interrupted, "No. They aren't equal."
Shunsui gave him an approving glance. "You noticed it too."
The others turned toward them, listening.
"From the outside, it seems like their speeds match," Shunsui said. "But you're forgetting something vital."
Confused glances passed among the captains.
"Sui-Feng is in Shikai," Shunsui continued. "Her Zanpakutō, Suzumebachi, doesn't just carry the deadly two-hit kill—it boosts her physical stats. Speed, strength, all enhanced."
"And yet," Ukitake finished, "despite her boosted form, she's barely edging him out. If they were both untransformed… she'd be the one trailing."
A stunned silence followed.
The implication hit hard. If Sui-Feng needed Shikai to gain the upper hand, then that boy's base level was beyond comprehension.
"I didn't believe the earlier reports," Komamura murmured. "But it's true. Sui-Feng was actually forced back by that kid in their last bout."
Many had received those reports. But now, seeing it with their own eyes, the truth became undeniable.
Kyoraku folded his arms thoughtfully. "She's faster by a thread… but a thread can be caught. What will the boy do then?"
On stage, Sui-Feng noticed the captains' arrival but wasn't fazed. She didn't intend to kill Su Li. This battle was a statement—to humble him, teach him his place, and remind everyone what captain-level power truly meant. A fair match, by her logic, and well within protocol.
Still, the battle wasn't going her way. The boy was not crumbling. His speed hadn't dipped. His Reiatsu hadn't buckled.
But none of it mattered now.
With Shikai activated, her speed surged. Inch by inch, she was closing the gap.
"Brat," she growled, "when I catch you, I'll knock that arrogance out of your teeth."
Shunpo streaked across the stage, blinding flashes echoing like thunder.
107th step—she grazed his robe.
146th step—Suzumebachi sliced his cuff.
178th step—the blade swept past his eye, trimming an eyelash.
Her edge grew clearer. He was evading by luck, reflex, or miracle—but not forever.
Her fighting spirit ignited. Excitement twisted her lips into a wild grin.
"Almost got you!" she laughed, gleeful in pursuit.
The crowd began to settle. The outcome, it seemed, was determined. For a graduate, Su Li had surpassed every expectation. "Strongest graduate in Academy history"—that title felt earned now. Beneath the stage, people began talking casually, speculating on what squad he'd join.
No one worried for him. The Gotei 13 would never allow such talent to be wasted—or destroyed. Even if Sui-Feng wanted to discipline him, the higher-ups wouldn't allow it. He would be protected, absorbed into a division—just not the Second. Challenging the captain and losing made that future impossible.
Another division would welcome him. And as far as the crowd believed, he had lost. That was the consensus.
Until he stopped moving.
Su Li halted mid-stride. Calm. Silent.
"It seems… this is the limit of my current state," he murmured.
Sui-Feng stopped as well, smirking.
"What's wrong? Out of tricks already? Regret it? Then get on your knees and apologize."
She looked down at him, triumphant.
Su Li didn't respond.
Up until now, he had been fighting casually—not drawing on the strange energy within him. But Sui-Feng's Shikai had begun to push him. Enough to justify taking it seriously.
This wasn't yet mastery, but it was the edge of what he could currently access.
Let her be the test.
Let's see what happens when he goes all out.
Su Li closed his eyes.
Seconds passed.
A faint heat shimmered from his skin.
Strands of his hair turned silver.
The audience froze. Their voices caught.
Even Sui-Feng blinked, stunned.
Then—he opened his eyes.
A sudden gust blasted out from his body. The arena shook. The barrier rippled.
It was no longer casual.
It was free.
It was instinctual.
It was Omen.