Yan Mo

"That's because..."

"The Captain plans to conduct a personal assessment on you!"

Facing Saikyō's question, Hiyori quickly provided the answer.

"Really? The Captain's personal assessment?"

Saikyō's feelings became complex in an instant—surprise, excitement, and even a hint of anticipation.

In his memory, throughout the Gotei 13, there were very few assessments where the Captain personally intervened. The most notable among them was the Captaincy Proficiency Test!

There are three ways for a Shinigami to be promoted to Captain in the Gotei 13. One of them is to pass a Captaincy Proficiency Test, overseen by the Captain-Commander and at least three other Captains.

With this thought...

Saikyō couldn't help but entertain a bold idea—could he be on the path to becoming a Captain?

"No way, I'm overthinking it."

Saikyō shook his head, smiling wryly to himself, quickly dismissing the idea.

As a new student, being directly promoted to Captain would be an unprecedented feat in Soul Society's history. Besides, with the Captain-Commander's conservative nature, he would surely not allow such a thing to happen. The Central 46 would certainly oppose it too.

This assessment had to be something else.

After contemplating for a moment, Saikyō asked quickly, "Hiyori-san, what kind of assessment is it? Why does the Captain-Commander need to be involved personally?"

"You wouldn't expect it, would you?" Hiyori grinned mysteriously. "Due to your outstanding performance during the field training, after the higher-ups of the Academy reviewed the reports, you've earned the qualification to graduate early. The Captain-Commander will personally evaluate you!"

Hiyori's words left Saikyō extremely surprised.

"Graduating early?"

"Graduating already?"

Saikyō calmed down slightly after taking a moment to digest the information.

While this result was unexpected, it wasn't unreasonable.

After all, his original goal was to graduate from the Shin'ō Academy within a year—at the latest, one year; at the earliest, half a year—with record-breaking results.

Now, it seemed this goal had not only been achieved but done so well ahead of schedule!

"You should feel confident, right?"

Hiyori looked at Saikyō with a proud expression and encouraged him, "Saikyō, you must seize this opportunity. Being recognized by the Captain-Commander is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

"Of course I know this, Hiyori-sensei. Don't worry, I'll do my best," Saikyō nodded with confidence.

Currently, he had already reached the threshold of high-level Kidō. After the journey through Rukongai, he had successfully awakened his Zanpakutō, Yan Mo, and his strength had reached a perfect balance in all aspects.

Without exaggeration, with his current abilities, Saikyō could not only hold his own against vice-captain-level Shinigami but could confidently defeat them.

This was the growth brought about by the upgrade in his skills!

"That's good to hear. I'm looking forward to your performance in the assessment," Hiyori smiled knowingly. She then led the way, and the two of them soon arrived at the designated location.

---

Soon After

Inside a hidden venue within Shin'ō Academy...

"We're here."

"The Academy's higher-ups, along with the Captain-Commander, are already inside waiting."

Hiyori and Saikyō stepped inside.

Upon entering, Saikyō immediately spotted the Captain-Commander among the crowd.

Despite his seemingly frail appearance, his presence was overwhelming, like a dormant volcano, ready to erupt at any moment. His mere breath could alter the atmosphere in the room.

This was the might of the Captain-Commander!

"Captain-Commander!"

Upon reaching the center of the room, Hiyori became noticeably more formal in the presence of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

"Hmm... is this the one?"

The Captain-Commander's strict gaze swept over Hiyori before resting on Saikyō.

After just a few moments of observation, the Captain-Commander nodded in approval. "So, you're Saikyō, correct? Your condition is better than I anticipated. No wonder you have such excellent combat strength."

"Captain-Commander!"

Saikyō and the old man's gazes met.

If it had been any other Shinigami, even a veteran Captain with centuries of experience, Saikyō would have remained composed. However, standing before Yamamoto Genryūsai, the strongest Shinigami in a millennium, even Saikyō felt a bit tense.

For over two thousand years, the Captain-Commander's power had been the symbol of Soul Society itself. If this old man ever unleashed his full wrath, both the Seireitei and Soul Society would be devastated beyond repair.

No one dared to provoke him. Even Yhwach, the Quincy King, had waited to strip Yamamoto of his Bankai before leading his forces to attack Soul Society.

The strength of this ancient Shinigami was beyond comparison.

Of course, besides the Captain-Commander, several other high-ranking Academy officials were present as well. But compared to him, they seemed insignificant.

"Saikyō, it's been said that you fought a group of Menos Grande in the 80th District?" the Captain-Commander asked in his deep voice.

"Yes, and among them were two Menos Grande close to becoming Adjuchas," Saikyō responded truthfully.

Though all were Menos Grande, there were levels to their strength. The two he had encountered were on the verge of evolving into Adjuchas.

"I see..."

"And it's also been said that you've already awakened your Zanpakutō?"

The Captain-Commander's gaze shifted toward the Asauchi hanging at Saikyō's waist.

"The assessment is simple: demonstrate the power of your Zanpakutō before everyone present," the Captain-Commander stated, cutting straight to the point.

"Demonstrate the power of my Zanpakutō?"

After a brief moment of consideration, Saikyō nodded confidently.

With the full attribute abilities of Yan Mo, passing this test should be a straightforward task.

Of course, he also held back a little to be cautious.

Facing the eyes of everyone present, Saikyō slowly unsheathed his Zanpakutō from his side.

Shing—

The blade gleamed with a radiant light.

Even in its normal form, Yan Mo revealed an unusual presence.

"Captain-Commander, everyone, my Zanpakutō is named Yan Mo!"

Saikyō held his Zanpakutō with a firm grip, his Reiatsu radiating from his body.

Then, the words of release resounded.

"Servant of the evil god, exhaust yourself in battle."

"Yan Mo, Dark Scythe!"

With Saikyō's commanding words, the Zanpakutō in his hand emitted a deep, dark light as it transitioned into its Shikai.

Yan Mo's release astonished everyone present, as its power spread throughout the room!