When Su Li was summoned, Chōjirō Sasakibe had already informed him of Central 46's decision.
Learning that his duel with Sui-Feng was nullified, Su Li felt a mix of helplessness and regret. His dream of rising to the top in one leap had been shattered.
Still, he quickly adjusted his mindset. After all, Soul Society had its rules. Not every squad was as direct and brutal as the Eleventh Division. Each had its own responsibilities, with strict standards for promotion. If every division operated like the Eleventh, relying solely on strength, the Gotei 13 would fall into chaos.
It had only been a week since Su Li awakened his system. There was no need to rush. One step at a time.
Su Li followed Sasakibe into the meeting room—and immediately noticed Sui-Feng and Zaraki Kenpachi both red in the face.
"What's going on with them? They look like two rabbits ready to explode."
He didn't realize they'd just clashed violently over which squad he should join.
As Su Li entered, the captains quickly composed themselves, masking the near-chaos that had filled the room moments ago.
"Come forward," Yamamoto said in a calm but authoritative voice.
Su Li walked to the center. As he moved, the captains watched him intently. Most showed interest or warmth—some, eagerness.
But not all.
Sui-Feng's gaze was sharp with frustration, as if trying to incinerate him with her stare. Zaraki Kenpachi's eyes were wild with battlelust. Mayuri Kurotsuchi and Byakuya Kuchiki regarded him coldly, with unreadable expressions.
Despite the short distance, the walk felt heavy with pressure. Soon, Su Li stood before Captain-Commander Yamamoto.
"Before we proceed," Yamamoto said, tone softening slightly, "I'd like to ask a few personal questions. You may choose whether or not to answer."
Su Li nodded calmly.
"What caused your sudden growth in power—and such extraordinary talent?"
The captains leaned in slightly, clearly intrigued.
Su Li paused.
"So they've looked into my background…" he thought. Still, he didn't feel violated. Joining the Gotei 13 required a background check. That was only natural.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I choose not to answer that."
It was his greatest secret—how could he share it?
Some disappointment flickered among the captains, but it passed quickly. Everyone had their secrets. They respected his right to keep his.
"Very well," Yamamoto said. "Next question. During your match with Sui-Feng, you used an unknown ability while facing her Shikai. Can you explain that?"
Su Li immediately knew what he meant: Ultra Instinct.
After activating it, his aura and posture had shifted dramatically—it was impossible not to notice.
He'd already prepared a response.
"It's a White Hits technique I developed. I call it Ultra Instinct."
The room gasped.
White Hits—among the Four Basic Techniques—was notoriously difficult to master. Simple to learn, yes. Everyone could throw a punch. But true mastery required intense perception, a deep understanding of one's body, and adaptability under pressure.
An inch too short, an inch too far—close combat was deadly and unforgiving.
Most Shinigami avoided it altogether. Compared to using a Zanpakutō or Kidō, who wanted to risk a face-to-face brawl?
Only the Shihōin clan and the loyal Fūma family maintained the tradition of White Hits. Everyone else had long abandoned it.
Creating a new move in White Hits?
That was genius of the highest level.
No wonder the captains were shocked. Their eyes lit up with new interest.
Even Sui-Feng's gaze shifted. A faint glimmer appeared in her eyes.
"Excellent," Yamamoto said, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "And what does this technique do?"
"Right now, it enhances my speed and reaction time. That's the extent of what I can control. But it has the potential for more—I haven't fully developed it yet."
Sui-Feng's eyes widened. So that's why even my instant-opening Shikai couldn't land a blow. This guy's reaction time had already evolved beyond normal limits. To craft a move like this—perhaps even Yoruichi-sama couldn't do that.
The other captains exchanged looks, their expressions grave. A self-created White Hits technique, and it wasn't even finished yet?
This boy was a monster.
"Amazing," Yamamoto said with open admiration. "To develop your own technique at such a young age... Truly impressive."
Su Li accepted the praise with a calm expression.
But deep down, he was relaxed. Ultra Instinct wasn't really his creation—it was something the frog cub brought back from the Dragon Ball world. Still, what the frog brought was his now. If he said he created it, then it was his.
"Now let's move on to the main matter," Yamamoto said, returning to a serious tone.
"Su Li, which division would you like to join?"
Before he could answer, Zaraki Kenpachi's voice boomed across the room.
"Join the Eleventh! A cub like you belongs in the den of wolves!"
The other captains immediately chimed in, each trying to pull Su Li to their side.
Sui-Feng's expression grew colder and colder.
"Enough! Let him choose!" Yamamoto's voice cut through the noise like a blade.
Silence fell.
All eyes turned to Su Li.
He smiled slightly, no hesitation in his voice.
"I want to join the Second Division."
The other captains sighed in disappointment.
Only Sui-Feng smiled—faintly, but unmistakably.