Which Squad Will You Chose?
Facing everyone's gaze, Saikyō spoke the Shikai release command for his Zanpakutō.
"Servant of the evil god, exhaust yourself in battle."
"Yan Mo, Dark Scythe!"
Saikyō's words echoed throughout the room.
The Zanpakutō in his hand began emitting a dark light as he finished speaking.
Shing—
A sudden and striking scene immediately drew everyone's attention!
"This is..."
Captain Yamamoto's usually composed face showed a rare change in expression upon witnessing the release of Yan Mo's Shikai.
His eyes seemed to glimmer as he observed the black light flickering around Yan Mo. Relying on his sharp Reiatsu perception, the Captain-Commander could sense various kinds of energy fluctuations within the weapon.
At that moment, the black light slowly dissipated, and the true form of Saikyō's Zanpakutō was revealed.
It was an enormous scythe adorned with black and white patterns along its length. The end of the handle was dark red, and the blade itself was shaped like a crescent moon, glowing with a brilliant white light.
This scythe exuded an aura of death, with an imposing presence that carried a mysterious atmosphere.
This was Yan Mo, Dark Scythe—a rare, full-attribute Zanpakutō!
---
"This looks like a Zanpakutō of the physical type, doesn't it?"
Even Hiyori, standing beside him, couldn't help but blurt out her reaction, looking at the gigantic form of Yan Mo.
The scythe emanated an aura of murderous intent, and in an instant, Saikyō transformed into the image of a reaper—a true Shinigami!
"What a unique energy..."
Apart from the Captain-Commander, the other high-ranking Academy officials couldn't help but comment as well.
From Yan Mo, they could feel an unmistakable aura of ferocity, as though they were standing before an evil god.
Yan Mo's release had immediately astonished everyone present!
"Captain-Commander, this is my Zanpakutō, Yan Mo," Saikyō declared confidently, raising the scythe in one hand. Its dark, ominous tones contrasted sharply with his white student uniform, giving him a unique and intimidating aura.
His usual elegance now seemed touched by a dangerous edge, adding an unseen charm to his presence.
"Yan Mo, huh? It's a very unique name, but it doesn't seem to be a Zanpakutō of the physical type," Captain Yamamoto observed, dismissing the assumptions of the others.
"You're correct, Captain-Commander. Yan Mo only outwardly resembles a physical-type Zanpakutō," Saikyō explained, resting the scythe on his shoulder and deliberately injecting more Reiatsu into the weapon.
"In reality..."
"It's a Thunder-type Zanpakutō!"
As Saikyō spoke, Yan Mo's black surface suddenly crackled with a bright light.
Crackling—
Visible arcs of lightning danced across the scythe, illuminating the entire room.
Thunder rumbled loudly, deafening those present.
Yan Mo revealed its terrifying power of thunder!
---
"A Thunder Zanpakutō?"
"Wow, that's quite rare. There aren't many Zanpakutō in the Gotei 13 with thunder abilities."
"Isn't the most powerful thunder-type Zanpakutō supposed to be Gonryōmaru, wielded by Vice-Captain Sasakibe?"
The other Shinigami in the room whispered amongst themselves.
Through Saikyō's deliberate display, they gained a clearer understanding of Yan Mo's powers.
Thus, the "Thunder-type" assumption was solidified in their minds.
Saikyō had used this opportunity to deceive them all perfectly.
---
"A Thunder Zanpakutō..."
Only the Captain-Commander's face remained unchanged. His deep, dark eyes seemed to glow with a strange light, as though contemplating something in silence.
"Could I have fooled him?"
Saikyō had prepared for the possibility that the Captain-Commander might see through his deception. If that happened, he had other explanations ready to use.
But under the old man's gaze, Saikyō still felt nervous, hoping no unnecessary complications would arise.
The atmosphere grew tense.
The Captain-Commander and Saikyō exchanged a glance, as if engaged in some silent contest.
Thankfully...
The old man ultimately chose to let it pass.
Although he had noticed some subtle inconsistencies, the Captain-Commander did not press the issue. Instead, he moved on from the topic entirely.
"Saikyō, a Thunder Zanpakutō falls into the rarest category. It holds unlimited potential and room for growth."
The Captain-Commander, despite his strict demeanor, didn't hesitate to offer praise.
Through the display of Yan Mo's Shikai, the Captain-Commander had gained a deeper understanding of Saikyō's abilities. As a rising star, the old man's sharp eyes could already see great potential in him!
---
Saikyō breathed a sigh of relief, a cold sweat forming on his back as he thought to himself, "Maybe the old man isn't as harsh as the legends say."
The subtext of the Captain-Commander's words was clear—Saikyō had passed the assessment!
"The Captain-Commander is too kind. It's thanks to Hiyori-sensei's guidance and the Academy's support that I've been able to make this progress," Saikyō replied humbly.
---
"From this moment, you are officially graduated. You will become a reserve member of the Gotei 13 until you decide which Division you wish to join," the Captain-Commander announced, once again stirring the room with his words.
---
"I get to choose the Division?"
Saikyō was genuinely surprised.
Under normal circumstances, newly graduated Academy students had no choice in which Division they would join. They would typically undergo a new round of screening, waiting for a Captain to select them, or be randomly assigned to a Division.
In the past, very few graduates had ever been given the privilege to choose.
This was proof of how much the Captain-Commander valued him!
---
"That's right. From the First Division to the Thirteenth Division, you may choose any team you wish to join. I will inform the respective Captain afterward," the Captain-Commander confirmed.
"I understand."
Saikyō's eyes lit up with excitement.
Each Division had different responsibilities and offered varying opportunities for growth.
For a new Shinigami, selecting the right Division was crucial. With the right choice, one could even change their fate.
---
"The First Division is the best option, but if I'm under the Captain-Commander's direct gaze, it might cause unnecessary attention toward my abilities."
"The Second Division is completely out of the question..."
"The Third Division doesn't seem to stand out, and as for the Fourth Division..."
Saikyō's eyes sparkled when he considered the Fourth Division.
Though the Fourth Division was primarily focused on medical care and logistics, it had little connection to combat.
However, its Captain, Unohana Retsu, possessed unparalleled strength.
The title of the First Generation Kenpachi.
That name alone was enough to confirm Unohana's power.
In truth, she was one of the most powerful Captains, surpassed only by the Captain-Commander and possibly Aizen.
What intrigued Saikyō the most, however, was Unohana's mastery of the Yachiru Kenpachi sword style.
With this in mind, he considered the possibility of joining the Fourth Division to learn from her.