Genius
"Brother Saikyō."
"Your test result is Tenth-Class Spiritual Power!"
Director Date replied without hesitation.
"What?!"
Upon hearing this answer, not only Saikyō but even the assessment instructor was completely shocked.
Tenth-Class Spiritual Power?
Wasn't that the legendary perfect score?
In the entire history of Soul Society, spanning over two thousand years, there had never been anyone who achieved a perfect score since the founding of Shino Academy of Spiritual Arts.
Saikyō knew very well what this result meant.
"Director Date, are you sure? That's Tenth-Class Spiritual Power!" Instructor Heishi couldn't help but question, thinking he had perhaps heard wrong.
Tenth-Class Spiritual Power!
This kind of result was almost unheard of—a genius among geniuses.
"There's no mistake—it's Tenth-Class Spiritual Power. I know the result, so there's no need to question it." Director Date waved dismissively. Though he had a reputation for being a smooth-talker and pandering when it suited him, there was no way he would dare falsify assessment results.
The basis for this judgment went beyond mere speculation; it stemmed from the fact that the test crystal had actually exploded!
Director Date, who himself once served as an assessment instructor, knew the intricacies of the test crystal's inner structure well.
The crystal was made from a special material with properties similar to that of Sekki Stone—used to suppress spiritual power, with certain isolating effects on Reiatsu.
The fact that Saikyō's Reiatsu had shattered the test crystal was equivalent to a Shinigami destroying Sekki Stone with pure spiritual energy. It was an astounding feat, which led Director Date to confidently declare Tenth-Class Spiritual Power after weighing the situation.
"But achieving Tenth-Class Spiritual Power—something that breaks the academy's historical records—shouldn't we report this to the Gotei 13?" Instructor Heishi said, his expression filled with amazement and uncertainty.
Breaking news even before formally enrolling—such a feat was worthy of pride for a lifetime!
"I'll handle the reporting myself. There's no need for you to concern yourself with that," Director Date said. Then he turned to Saikyō, "Brother Saikyō, take this letter and report to the academy in three days."
"Thank you. I appreciate it," Saikyō responded cheerfully, taking the letter.
He took a closer look and noticed that the material and color of the letter were different from the others. Without needing any further explanation, he knew that this was an admission notice for the "special training class."
"Brother Saikyō, I look forward to seeing you at the academy in three days."
With those words, and under the watchful eyes of the two instructors, Saikyō left the small testing room with the letter in hand.
The small room returned to silence.
"Phew—"
"I really didn't expect to witness something like this—a once-in-a-century genius!" Director Date exclaimed with excitement.
"Director Date, what about the remaining assessments?"
"Let's suspend them for now and continue when the new testing crystal arrives tomorrow."
"Understood, sir!"
And so, the unexpected incident came to a close.
---
Evening.
The Shihōin Mansion.
Upon receiving the admission notice for the "special training class," Saikyō immediately informed Yoruichi and Urahara Kisuke.
Thus, a celebratory banquet was held in his honor.
"Saikyō, I never imagined you'd make a name for yourself in such an impressive way." Urahara Kisuke said, sitting at the round table with a jug of fine wine in his hand.
This was a special celebratory wine he had brought, aged for decades in a cellar. He had never before been willing to open it, but today, he spared no effort for Saikyō.
"Kisuke, I said from the start that Saikyō would not disappoint us." Yoruichi said, cross-legged in front of a wooden case, drinking glass after glass, her happiness for Saikyō evident in her expression.
And then there was Yūshirō.
"Saikyō, with you here, my sister no longer needs to worry about succession." While celebrating Saikyō's success, Yūshirō also seemed visibly relieved.
Yūshirō had an appearance strikingly similar to Yoruichi, though his personality was not quite as optimistic or strong.
Before Saikyō came along, the expectation was that Yūshirō would become the next head of the Shihōin family. But…
Yūshirō, with his gentle nature, wasn't well suited to carry such a heavy responsibility.
To help prepare him, Yoruichi, being busy with her duties as a captain, had entrusted much of the family business to Yūshirō. The pressure on him had been immense.
Now, things were completely different.
With Saikyō's meteoric rise, and his natural leadership traits, it was evident that he was the better candidate to succeed Yoruichi.
And this realization allowed Yūshirō to relax for the first time.
"Yūshirō, Saikyō is still young. Until he fully matures, you'll be in charge of family affairs," Yoruichi instructed firmly.
"I understand, Sister. Don't worry, I will take care of everything," Yūshirō nodded shyly.
Yoruichi raised her glass cheerfully, saying, "Alright, then. Tonight, we celebrate Saikyō's achievement in getting first place! Let's drink until we're all drunk!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Amidst laughter and clinking glasses, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
---
The Next Day.
As the sun rose, the entire Soul Society was instantly abuzz with the spread of news about the assessment.
"Shihōin Saikyō."
"The younger brother of the Flash Goddess Yoruichi, and the young master of the Shihōin family."
"A super genius who achieved Tenth-Class Spiritual Power, breaking a thousand-year record at the Shino Academy of Spiritual Arts!"
...
From Seireitei to Rukongai, rumors about Saikyō spread through Soul Society like wildfire.
Saikyō, previously unknown to most, suddenly became the hottest topic of conversation thanks to this explosive news.
"The First Genius of Shino Academy!"
This was the title the outside world bestowed upon him.
With the blood of the noble Shihōin family running through his veins, combined with his remarkable achievement of Tenth-Class Spiritual Power, Saikyō seemed almost flawless, and his future limitless.
Of course, it wasn't just the nobility of Seireitei or the commoners of Rukongai who were interested. The Shinigami of the Gotei 13 also found themselves captivated by this news.
---
Fifth Division Barracks.
"Captain Hirako!"
"Captain Hirako!"
"Captain Hirako!"
...
In the long hallway of the barracks, members of the Fifth Division respectfully greeted the man walking towards them, their eyes filled with admiration.
"Oh, come on now. You don't need to be so formal," the figure called back in a lazy tone.
He wore the standard black Shihakushō, over which was draped a white captain's haori, and he sported his unmistakable bob-cut hair—often a bit scruffy, looking almost goofy.
That's right!
The figure walking by was none other than the current Captain of the Fifth Division, and future leader of the Visored, Hirako Shinji.
"Did you hear? There's big news from Shino Academy." Hirako Shinji said, stretching with a laid-back demeanor.
In him, there was no trace of the majesty expected of a Gotei 13 captain.
If anything, he seemed like the kind of guy who would skip out on responsibilities and wander aimlessly!