An Opportunity None Could Afford to Miss

It was an event whispered about for weeks in advance—an occasion so rare and prestigious that no student at the Shin’ōreijutsuin Academy could ignore it.

Four Captains, pillars of the Gotei 13, had arrived on campus for their annual inspection. Their presence alone stirred a current of anticipation through the academy’s halls, elevating even the air itself into something tense and electric.

The Captain-Commander and revered Zanjutsu master — Kyōraku Shunsui. The unparalleled Shunkō expert and Commander of the Onmitsukidō — Sui-Feng. The gifted healer and compassionate Captain of the 4th Division — Kotetsu Isane. And the stoic prodigy of Kidō and swordsmanship, Captain of the 6th Division — Kuchiki Byakuya.

It was said—by those who claimed to know—that if fortune favored you, you might exchange words with a Captain… perhaps even cross swords with one. Yet, such claims were usually passed around by the boastful and the vain. Most knew better than to hope.

Though the visit was annual, it never ceased to be treated like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Students pushed themselves harder, stood straighter, and practiced longer in the hopes of catching a Captain’s eye. To impress was to gain recognition—and recognition could change the course of a life.

You, however, were just a first-year. A name barely known, a presence barely noticed. Not of noble blood. Not a so-called prodigy. Merely… there.

Rumors swirled that this year would be no different—the favored few, the children of noble clans, and the overachievers would command all attention. You would observe from the periphery, as usual.

To your misfortune, the Captains had scheduled their visits during the morning sessions—when your Kidō and Zanjutsu classes were held. Six classes each morning for first to third years, six more in the afternoon, followed by a monotonous end-of-day assembly.

Your first class was Kidō, overseen by none other than Captain Kuchiki. You were careful, quiet. You kept your eyes low, your movements minimal. And it seemed to work. You believed you'd managed to avoid his gaze entirely… or so you thought.

Then came the second class—Zanjutsu. Under the observant eye of Captain Kyōraku himself.

Unlike Captain Kuchiki’s silent appraisal, Kyōraku was anything but passive. He watched every student with a discerning eye, offering a friendly smile that barely veiled the sharp intellect behind it. His voice rang out, casual yet commanding:

"Let’s see what you’ve all learned… how about a little sparring?"

Your stomach turned. Not because you feared the clash of wooden swords—but because you despised the spectacle. You hated fighting others, not out of weakness, but out of sheer distaste for the violence and attention it brought.

Students began pairing off in eager excitement. You, however, were left unchosen. An odd one out—until Captain Kyōraku gently instructed you to join an already-formed duo. Two students who were clearly close friends, accustomed to fighting in sync. Now, you were expected to face both of them… alone.

You gripped your wooden training bokken—a crude stand-in for the Asauchi real Shinigami carried—and readied yourself.

"Three… Two… One… Begin!"

They lunged. Twin blurs of motion converging on your position. Your mind surged with calculation and reflex. A step to the side—graceful, practiced, evasive.

And then the real question struck:

How do you survive this... without being seen?