Two weeks had passed in the blink of an eye.
Shigure Segawa had proven to the instructors at the Shinō Academy that he had no need for unnecessary classes, relying solely on his own abilities. As a result, the only thing he dedicated himself to each day was Zan Meditation.
It had to be said—the power of the dragon was both eerie and formidable.
Every time Shigure began to adapt to the storm's force, the dragon would suddenly unleash hundreds of lightning spears from its gaze, surrounding him. And just when he thought he had mastered countering the lightning, walls of wind and arrows of air would emerge, disrupting his rhythm.
For days on end, Shigure engaged in relentless combat with the dragon.
He had even attempted a gentler approach, trying to communicate with the dragon through words. But clearly, it was to no avail.
The dragon's temperament was extremely volatile and unpredictable. At times, it would speak a few calm words with Shigure; at others, it would attack him fiercely without a moment's notice.
Today, as usual, Shigure emerged from his Zan Meditation, exhaling slowly. Yet, there was a tinge of regret in his expression.
During the most recent battle, he realized he had finally begun to adapt to facing both forces simultaneously. Moreover, there was a fleeting moment when he felt as though he and the dragon were beginning to connect on a deeper level.
But it was just that—a fleeting moment. The feeling vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Shigure was certain it wasn't a mere illusion. It felt as though there was some missing key, a catalyst for understanding between him and the dragon.
Despite racking his brain, he couldn't figure it out. Even consulting the system yielded no answers.
However, today, Shigure had no plans to continue his meditation.
There was something more important on the agenda.
The sixth-year students' Soul Burial Training... was about to begin.
Two weeks ago, after Captain Shunsui Kyōraku's visit, Shigure had submitted his application to participate early. Thanks to the captain's recommendation, the academy approved without hesitation and informed him of the training schedule.
Pushing open the dormitory door, Shigure stepped outside.
Along the way, many students greeted him.
"Segawa-kun!"
"Hey, Segawa!"
Shigure responded with a warm smile but didn't stop walking, heading directly toward the sixth-year campus.
Rumors had already spread throughout the academy that Shigure Segawa had applied to participate in the Soul Burial Training ahead of schedule on his very first day. Many had initially dismissed it as a joke, but seeing his destination today left them speechless.
"Wow, Segawa really did apply for the early Soul Burial Training... That means he'll have to compete with sixth-year students!"
"You idiot! Just because they're older doesn't mean they're stronger than Segawa. Don't forget—he's been outperforming the instructors in every class!"
"Oh, right…"
In the first four days of classes:
On the first day, during the swordsmanship lesson, Shigure easily deflected Instructor Mikazuki's strikes and, with a single counterattack, cut through his clothing, claiming victory.
On the second day, during the flash step lesson, Shigure outpaced the graceful Instructor Seiko by a full three seconds, reaching the finish line ahead of her.
On the third day, during the hand-to-hand combat lesson, Shigure held his ground against a coordinated attack by both Instructors Fujiki and Hosoda, emerging unscathed.
On the fourth day, during the Kido lesson, he unleashed Hado #73: Soren Sokatsui and Bakudo #79: Kuyō Shibari with such extraordinary precision and power that the entire class was left in awe.
As a result, the name Shigure Segawa resounded throughout the Shinō Academy.
Even some senior students had wanted to challenge him, but Shigure had remained behind closed doors, leaving them with no opportunity.
Beyond the academy, word of his feats began to spread within the Seireitei.
The head of the Segawa family, Shigure's father Ryuichi Segawa, was utterly dumbfounded. He could hardly believe that his once frail son had transformed into a prodigy renowned across the Seireitei.
Meanwhile, members of the 13th Division were abuzz with discussions. After all, Shigure was the first person to become a household name within the division even before officially joining.
As for Shigure himself, he remained calm and composed.
His goal today was simple: to pass the sixth-year students' test and select Karakura Town as his destination for the Soul Burial Training. Afterward, he planned to visit Urahara Shop to complete a system sign-in.
Truthfully, he had been itching with anticipation.
Every previous sign-in had yielded rewards tied to the location. For instance, the Shinō Academy had granted him mastery over Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kido, while the Asauchi Chamber had bestowed upon him his Zanpakutō.
What treasures might the Urahara Shop hold?
As Shigure pondered this, a rough voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Hey! First-year! You lost or something?!"
The voice was gruff, like metal scraping against metal.
Looking up, Shigure saw a young man with purple hair.
Not one to waste words, Shigure replied directly, "I'm here to take the test for early participation in the Soul Burial Training."
"Hah?!" The purple-haired youth let out a strange cry, then widened his eyes. "You're that 'Segawa,' aren't you?!"
"That's correct," Shigure nodded.
The youth straightened up, rubbing his chin as he circled Shigure, scrutinizing him. Finally, he smirked and said, "You don't look that tough. With that scrawny frame, I could crush you with one hand!"
Shigure smiled faintly. "Is that so?"
As he spoke, he quietly released his spiritual pressure, letting it envelop the youth.
The sudden, overwhelming force caused the youth's face to pale instantly. His eyes widened in shock as if an invisible hand was pressing him down, forcing him to bow involuntarily.
Even more terrifying, the pressure continued to intensify!
What… what was this horrifying sensation?
Was this… spiritual pressure?!
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