The next day, news of Su Li mastering Double Bone in a single day spread like wildfire throughout the 13 Court Guard Squads.
This was clearly the handiwork of the blabbermouth, Kyoraku Shunsui.
Each captain reacted differently to the shocking news.
Zaraki Kenpachi
"This brat's got some fight in him. Really makes me wanna go at him... Heh." Hungry grin.
Ichimaru Gin
"Vice-Captain Su Li... how interesting." Serious face, sly eyes narrowed.
Komamura Sajin
"What?! You mean White Hits unique technique from the Head Captain? One bone and two bones?! How the hell can that be trained? Is he not human or am I not?!" Punches floor lightly in frustration.
Kurotsuchi Mayuri
"Pointless. Nemu, come here. I need to inspect your core systems." Voice twitching with manic disinterest.
Byakuya Kuchiki
"Though his manners are coarse, his talent is exceptional. He may well become a valuable asset." Expression unmoved.
Aizen Sōsuke
"Fascinating development." Eyes glint subtly, a quiet smile forming.
Sui-Feng
"Get out." Slams the door.
Most captains were stunned, either shocked or silently acknowledging Su Li's terrifying growth.
The division members had even more intense reactions. Chatter filled the barracks, voices full of admiration and awe.
Eyes glowed with longing—some even considered applying for transfer to Squad 2 just to serve under Su Li. A few high-ranking seated officers were among them.
---
Squad 6 Training Ground
Abarai Renji clenched his fists tightly. His flushed face revealed a mix of frustration and drive.
"Damn it... If this keeps up, the gap between us will just keep growing…"
"No! I've got to push harder! I can't let him hog all the glory!"
He wiped off sweat, gripped his Zanpakutō tightly, and resumed his training with double the intensity.
---
Across every squad's training fields, discussions circled back to one person—Su Li.
But Su Li himself was oblivious.
At that moment, he was in his courtyard, fists driving relentlessly through the air.
The ground was drenched with sweat.
Everyone recognized his terrifying natural talent, but few knew of his iron will.
Even after activating his unique system, he trained daily with brutal intensity.
His sheer discipline made him unmatched—even among other gifted Shinigami.
He had already mastered the flow of Zizi Jiyi, his open-door state becoming more stable and lasting much longer. The Double Bone technique, just learned yesterday, was already flowing smoothly.
After completing ten thousand punches, he wiped down his sweat and sat on the steps.
Just then—
"Ding dong! Delivery!"
Su Li opened the door.
Inside the package was a graduation certificate from the Spiritual Arts Academy.
"Most Outstanding Graduate"
He glanced at the golden lettering and chuckled lightly before tossing the certificate aside.
Now that he was vice-captain of Squad 2, that certificate no longer mattered.
Tomorrow, he'd head to the World of the Living for his internship.
The sooner it was completed, the sooner he could return and apply for the Captain's Assessment.
After all, vice-captain was never the end goal.
To execute his future plans, he needed a seat at the top.
He shook off distractions, cleared his mind, and resumed his training.
---
As the sun set, Aunt Inoue returned home.
Seeing the casually discarded certificate, she frowned in distress, picked it up, and framed it in the finest glass she could find. She wiped it multiple times, placed it in the most visible spot in the house, and smiled with heartfelt pride.
---
The Next Morning
Su Li arrived at the gathering plaza.
New Shinigami from various squads had already assembled, excitement and tension on their faces.
Wearing his vice-captain armband, Su Li stood out immediately.
In the distance, Renji, Kira, and others kept stealing glances.
Others whispered around him, keeping their distance while eagerly discussing his feats.
Then the staff began announcing the internship rules. The plaza grew silent.
As the regulations were read, faces turned grim. Going to the World of the Living marked the transition from training to true duty.
No more bright classrooms or lazy routines.
Beyond the gate lay real cities—haunted by monstrous Hollows.
Soulless and full of hunger, hatred, and bloodlust, Hollows devour human souls—and Shinigami are their most prized feast.
If any intern let down their guard, they'd be consumed without mercy.
Most recruits felt that tension in their bones.
But not Su Li.
To him, this internship felt more like a sightseeing trip.
The World of the Living's Hollows were laughably weak.
At best, they were top-ten ranked Menos Grande.
Against Su Li's current strength? Not even a warm-up.
If he accidentally went all out, they'd be running home to mama in tears.
All he wanted now was to wrap this up and get back in time for the Captain's exam.
---
The gate of transcendence opened with a hum, and a new figure stepped out.
"No way! The squad leader this time is Matsumoto?!"
"It's Vice-Captain Rangiku! My goddess!"
"Those legs! That uniform! Wooooo!"
Crowds of male recruits erupted with excitement as Matsumoto Rangiku stepped into view, her curves causing a ruckus.
She scanned the crowd with her soft lips pursed, standing tiptoe. Then her eyes lit up.
Spotting someone, she ran forward, the fabric of her shihakushō bouncing with each step.
All eyes followed her.
She stopped right in front of Su Li.
"You're here, Vice-Captain Su Li!" she panted lightly, smiling warmly.
"Uh... Hello…"
Su Li averted his eyes, trying hard not to look down.
"I'm Matsumoto Rangiku, Vice-Captain of Squad 10. I'll be leading the team for this internship!"
She gave a bright smile, then glanced mischievously around at the drooling boys.
"Hello... I'm Su Li, reserve Vice-Captain of Squad 2. Just another intern today."
He rubbed his neck awkwardly.
"Hehe~ You're famous now! Everyone in the Gotei 13 knows Su Li!"
She wagged a playful finger.
Su Li smiled awkwardly, unsure where to look.
"He really doesn't know how to flirt…" Rangiku murmured, leaning closer, her curious eyes locked onto his.
Su Li was ready to flee—
BZZZ!
A piercing alarm split the morning air.
"Emergency Alert! Emergency Alert!"
"Close all gates immediately! All squads return to base!"
"Internship cancelled! Mission suspended!"
"All personnel enter combat readiness!"
---
Rangiku bit her lip softly, let out a long sigh, and whispered with a playful smile:
"Thanks to 'Knight of Heavenly Energy' for the big monthly pass!"
"Thank you, 'Long Ye,' for the big monthly pass!"