"Hmm, Hasumi Ren, applying for early graduation... I see your overall grades aren't exactly high. And what's with all these recorded absences?"
"Besides, it's not even time for graduation yet. Applying in the middle of the semester doesn't align with our approval process."
"What do you mean the Squad 2 Captain specially recruited you?"
"And who is this person behind you? The Third Seat of Squad 2? You even have a personal letter from Captain Shihoin?!"
"So it is Third Seat Urahara! It's an honor to meet you, truly!"
The application process for early graduation was more streamlined and efficient than expected, especially after Kisuke Urahara presented the official letter sent by Squad 2.
A few days later, on the graduation exam grounds, only a handful of proctors were present, alongside Urahara Kisuke representing Squad 2.
"Sigh, why did Captain Yoruichi send me? Ren, you'd better put on a good performance."
Urahara Kisuke scratched his head, acting as a witness with visible reluctance.
The academic portion was treated as mere extra credit; Ren provided standard, unremarkable answers.
However, during the core evaluation of the four basics—Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, and Kido—he demonstrated a level that far exceeded the Academy's graduation standards.
Under the astonished gazes of the instructors, he passed every category with an excellent rating.
Finally, it was time for the Zanpakuto assessment.
"Hasumi Ren, have you established a resonance with your Asauchi? Do you know its name?"
The proctor asked as a matter of routine.
Ren didn't say a word; he simply reached for the hilt at his waist and slowly drew the blade.
The moment the steel left its scabbard, the unique lotus-shaped guard and the faint aura of Spiritual Pressure caused every instructor present to focus intently.
Ren softly whispered the release command, and light flowed across the blade as its form began to shift.
Silver-white chains wrapped around his wrist, and the hollowed lotus guard hummed under his Spiritual Pressure, emitting a concentrated and unique aura.
"Shikai!"
Muffled gasps of shock rippled through the sidelines as the Soul Reaper instructors saw the disbelief in each other's eyes.
Students who could achieve Shikai before graduation were rare, appearing perhaps once every few centuries.
Afterward, the Soul Reaper in charge recorded Ren's results and pressed a seal onto the document.
"The assessment is passed. Early graduation is approved."
He announced, handing a folder to Ren.
"This is your graduation certificate. According to your preference and Captain Shihoin's recommendation, you will be assigned to Squad 2."
"Please report to the Squad 2 barracks within three days for your induction test."
"I'm sure you don't need us to explain the rest of the procedure."
Ren accepted the file, feeling its weight in his hands.
Over the next few days, he packed his few belongings from the Academy and sent them back to his home in the Rukongai.
Three days later, early morning.
Ren stood before the towering gates of the Squad 2 barracks.
Looking at the familiar entrance, he realized he had already become quite accustomed to the route.
Ren had swapped his Academy robes for practical, dark-colored clothing, with his Zanpakuto secured at his waist.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside to report.
After verifying his identity, an expressionless squad member led him deep into the compound toward a training room.
"This is the training room for the Punishment Force reserves. All the candidates are inside."
"Your induction test will be held here."
With that, the squad member turned and departed.
Ren stepped into the room.
About twenty people were scattered around, all dressed in the black training uniforms of the Punishment Force reserves.
They were mostly young men with sharp, disciplined auras and keen, observant eyes.
As Ren entered, twenty pairs of eyes locked onto him simultaneously.
Some looks were curious, others were scrutinizing, but many were filled with blatant coldness and contempt.
"So you're the one joining through special recruitment today?"
A mocking voice cut through the air.
The speaker was a tall, lanky youth.
He had short chestnut hair and the arrogant expression typical of a noble.
He stood with his arms crossed, eyeing Ren's civilian clothes and the sword at his hip.
"I heard he hasn't even graduated from the Academy, yet Lady Yoruichi recruited him personally? Some people have all the luck."
Another voice chimed in, equally dismissive.
Ren knew a bit about the Punishment Force; most members were recruited from lower-ranking noble families loyal to the Shihoin house.
In the Seireitei, they were considered the pure-blooded elites, benefiting from specialized family training.
Someone from the Rukongai who used a special shortcut to enter was naturally going to be ostracized.
Ren remained composed and walked to the side of the room, choosing to ignore the taunts.
Seeing that Ren wouldn't be provoked, the group exchanged glances and snorted, but they didn't push any further.
"Is he here yet?"
A cold, female voice drifted in from the doorway.
Every person in the room stiffened instantly, snapping to attention and facing the door with deep respect.
Soi Fon stood there, her short black hair perfectly in place, her form-fitting outfit making her appear remarkably sharp and poised.
Her eyes scanned the room before settling on Ren in the corner.
"Soi Fon?"
Ren looked at her, surprised.
Soi Fon's expression remained neutral, her voice devoid of any warmth.
"Follow me."
She turned and walked toward a side door on the other side of the training room.
Ren stood up and followed.
The gazes the reserves cast at Ren grew more complicated—filled with shock, confusion, and a newfound sense of wariness.
Soi Fon had already joined the direct guard for Yoruichi Shihoin, the Commander-in-Chief. Her status and power were unquestionable.
Was she actually here to oversee this newcomer's test?
What kind of level did he have to deserve an evaluation of this caliber?
Watching Ren leave with Soi Fon, the group couldn't help themselves; they began following stealthily, eager to see the show.
Passing through the door, the two arrived at an outdoor clearing.
"This is one of the training grounds for the Punishment Force reserves."
"I will be personally responsible for your induction test."
Soi Fon walked to the center of the field and turned to face Ren, slowly wrapping bandages around her right hand.
"Lady Yoruichi has shown me your file," she said as she worked.
"Slaying a Gillian in the World of the Living, the battle in the Maggots' Nest, and defeating two veteran assassins alone a few days ago..."
"To be honest, given your age and background, that record is quite impressive."
She finished the bandages and flexed her fingers, her sharp gaze locking onto Ren.
"Therefore, I won't treat you like a standard recruit. The usual testing standards for reserves are a waste of time for you."
Soi Fon raised her hand and pointed at him.
"Your test is simple: last as long as you can against me."
"You can use any technique at your disposal—Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, or Kido. I, however, will only use Hakuda and suppress my Spiritual Pressure to a level close to yours."
Her eyes sharpened like blades, her aura rising steadily.
"I will use the ways of the Punishment Force to see if you truly have what it takes to join us."
"Are you ready?"
Ren exhaled slowly, his Spiritual Pressure beginning to rise in response. Garenge vibrated in its scabbard, seemingly eager for the coming battle.
He could sense that even with her power suppressed, Soi Fon's killing intent and experience were on a completely different level from anyone he had ever faced.
Ren loosened his muscles, his face hardening into an expression of intense focus.
"I am."