Upgrade

In the following days, the course at the Shin'ō Academy progressed smoothly.

Under Hiyori's guidance, the students in the special training class systematically practiced the four core Shinigami techniques: Zanjutsu (swordsmanship), Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat), Hohō (agility techniques), and Kidō (demon arts).

Of course, the training was kept at an introductory level. In the Soul Society, a few years, or even decades, are not considered a long time for Shinigami, so the curriculum at the Shin'ō Academy wasn't rushed.

---

Nightfall.

As night descended and the stars dotted the sky, Saikyō stood in Training Ground No. 12 of the Shin'ō Academy.

"Saikyō... compared to the other students, you're already far ahead. Even the senior students can't match you," Hiyori remarked loudly, her voice cutting through the stillness of the night.

"Ms. Hiyori, let's skip the flattery and get straight to the point," replied Saikyō, standing confidently in his white academy uniform.

Lately, Saikyō had been at the peak of his form. His strength had improved considerably, and he felt fully in control of his training. By his own calculations, he had already reached the level of a seated officer in the Gotei 13. His rapid progress was undeniable.

"Less than half a month, and you're already so sure of yourself," Hiyori's tone was sharp as ever, though tinged with a hint of amusement.

"Tonight's special training... it's combat-focused, isn't it?"

Saikyō glanced at the Zanpakutō hanging by Hiyori's waist—Kubikiri Orochi, a physical-type Zanpakutō. Upon Shikai, its blade transformed into a large sword with clean, sharp notches on both sides, perfect for close-quarters combat.

"That's right. You've moved beyond the basics, so it's time to increase the intensity!" Hiyori declared, drawing her Zanpakutō.

"I'm ready," Saikyō responded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He was eager for the battle to begin.

"Don't get too cocky, baldy. I won't hold back," Hiyori warned, her expression turning serious as her Reiatsu flooded the training ground.

---

The training battle that followed was nothing short of brutal, with Hiyori berating Saikyō at every opportunity.

"No, no, your speed's too slow! You're moving like a snail!"

"If I had killing intent, you'd be dead a hundred times by now."

"Your sword swings are terrible! Did you forget to eat today?"

"Pathetic! Your swordsmanship is completely inferior compared to your Kidō."

Hiyori's relentless criticisms echoed through the air as she launched one attack after another, giving Saikyō no room to catch his breath. She swung her Zanpakutō with ruthless precision, her onslaught unrelenting.

Clang!

After yet another fierce clash, Saikyō and Hiyori pulled back, separating momentarily.

Saikyō's hand clenched tightly around his sword, his face dripping with sweat. The intensity of the fight was clear from the strain on his body. Hiyori, on the other hand, rested her Zanpakutō casually on her shoulder, barely winded and looking as confident as ever.

"Saikyō... do you understand the gap between us now? If you can't handle it, I can dial down the intensity," Hiyori said smugly, mistaking Saikyō's silence for defeat.

But she was wrong.

"Ms. Hiyori, I've figured it out. Let's start the real special training now," Saikyō declared.

Hiyori blinked in surprise. What did he mean by that?

Even though he had been on the defensive, Saikyō's demeanor remained calm, composed, and unshaken.

"Wait, were you... testing me?"

As a vice-captain, Hiyori was sharp enough to piece it together quickly. His words, his demeanor—it all suddenly made sense. Saikyō had been holding back!

"Ms. Hiyori, you're correct. I've been observing your fighting style," Saikyō admitted.

Without any hesitation, he made his move. Using Shunpo, Saikyō closed the distance between them in an instant, his blade flashing through the air with newfound power.

"What... a powerful slash!" Hiyori's eyes widened in shock as she felt the force behind his attack.

The same movements, the same techniques—but now, Saikyō's strikes carried more strength than even her own!

"What... what is this?"

Hiyori was stunned. How could Saikyō replicate her slashing techniques with such perfection, and even surpass her strength?

"Ms. Hiyori, you were careless this time."

Before Hiyori could react, Saikyō's blade was already right in front of her. She managed to block his strike just in time, but the force behind it sent her staggering back.

Saikyō had taken control of the fight!

"So, you've been toying with me this whole time?" Hiyori growled, gripping her Zanpakutō tightly, her temper flaring.

Saikyō shrugged nonchalantly. "No malice intended, Ms. Hiyori. I hope you won't take offense."

While the duel had been intense, Saikyō's thoughts were elsewhere—focused on his skill development.

Over the past days of special training, Saikyō had made a fascinating discovery. In addition to mastering Kidō, Hakuda, and Shunpo, as his attributes improved, his proficiency in Zanjutsu and his control over Reiatsu had also grown significantly.

In other words...

Saikyō was on the verge of leveling up!