Chapter 26: Conditions

Boom—

Ren's figure was sent flying, crashing into several carts laden with teaching equipment. Struggling, he finally adjusted his posture and stood with difficulty.

He glanced at the bamboo sword in his hand, reflecting on the mysteries of the Captain-Commander's previous strike.

"That's enough for today, boy," the Captain-Commander said, draping his wide haori back over his shoulders. He cast a glance at Ren, whose body was covered in wounds. "You should have a good grasp of your shortcomings by now."

Ren stretched his aching body and replied, "I only wish to join the Gotei 13 as soon as possible. I believe only real combat can lead to faster growth."

The Captain-Commander paused mid-step as he was leaving the classroom, then turned back. "So that's what you're after. However, you must know that if you stayed and trained for a few more years at the Spiritual Arts Academy, you could secure a higher position upon graduation."

The gathered students were stunned by the Captain-Commander's candidness—it was practically an open declaration.

Given Ren's talent, he was already the top student in zanjutsu, hakuda, hohō, and kidō. If he stayed to hone his spiritual pressure for a few more years, he could graduate directly into a seated officer position, perhaps even vice-captain.

However, if Ren chose to graduate early through the upcoming final exam, he would be limited by his current spiritual pressure level. At most, he would become an ordinary unseated officer, albeit one who might receive special attention due to his talent.

Ren locked eyes with the Captain-Commander and said, "A fledgling must leave the nest eventually. Only in the skies can it soar higher."

A faint smile played beneath the Captain-Commander's white beard. "Very well. In that case, I'll give you a chance. If you can impress the 'examiner,' I'll allow you to graduate early."

With that, Captain-Commander left the classroom, signalling the end of his direct mentorship of Ren.

Ren walked toward the crowd, murmuring voices erupting around him, and began using Kaidō to treat his injuries.

This was his third sparring match with the Captain-Commander. The title of the strongest Shinigami was no exaggeration—zanjutsu, hakuda, hohō, kidō—the Captain-Commander had no weaknesses. Each was a masterful display of unparalleled skill.

Including hakuda duels, they had a total of seven sparring sessions, and Ren had yet to win a single match. Overcoming an old monster whose very essence and attributes existed on an entirely different dimension seemed an impossible task.

Yet the Captain-Commander's purpose was to teach, deliberately showcasing high-level combat techniques during their battles. This had proven to be a treasure trove of learning for Ren.

The results were evident. His core specialities had all advanced significantly, each increasing by three levels:

Master-level Zanjutsu Proficiency:

Level: Lv.23/40 (+3)

Effect: The explorer has achieved remarkable mastery in zanjutsu, qualifying as a true master. Attacks with bladed weapons now deal an additional 46% damage.

Master-level Hakuda Proficiency:

Level: Lv.21/40 (+3)

Effect: The explorer has excelled in hand-to-hand combat, qualifying as a true master. Unarmed attacks now deal an additional 42% damage.

Master-level Force Dispersion Proficiency:

Level: Lv.24/40 (+5)

Effect: The explorer has developed a heightened sensitivity to the flow of force during combat. The explorer can redirect force when subjected to strong impacts, significantly reducing damage from blunt impacts.

Interestingly, his greatest improvement was in force dispersion rather than zanjutsu or hakuda. This was largely due to the Captain-Commander's overwhelming might—Ren had no choice but to focus on 'enduring blows' if he wished to survive their matches.

After all, facing a master-level combatant in multiple disciplines, he would be crushed instantly without becoming 'tough enough'.

After class, Aizen walked alongside Ren on their way to the cafeteria. "Are you really so eager to graduate, Ren-kun?"

While healing his injuries with Kaidō, Ren grinned. "What's the matter, Sōsuke? Are you afraid of being left alone~?"

"Not at all," Aizen deadpanned. "I just think you could benefit from staying another two years. Improving your spiritual pressure wouldn't hurt. Life as a Gotei officer isn't exactly safe. Missions in the World of the Living can bring all sorts of dangers. If you're unlucky and run into a Menos Grande, that might be the end of the line."

Ren thought to himself, I'd love to stay here and grind attributes longer, but the Endspace isn't that generous with time.

In just two days, the final exam would commence, and his remaining time in this world was down to four days.

"Well, Sōsuke, you know me," Ren said with a laugh. "I'm just itching for some excitement."

He patted Aizen on the shoulder. "If you're going to miss me so much, why not graduate with me?"

"Now you're just joking," Aizen replied evenly. "My zanjutsu, hakuda, hohō, and kidō are far far cry from yours. What basis would I have to graduate early?"

Aizen's calm demeanour concealed a hint of concern. "Besides, judging by what the Captain-Commander said; I don't know about previous exams, but this time, the difficulty for early graduation will be unusually high. If a captain serves as the examiner, there's no way you'll 'pass.'"

Analyzing the situation, Aizen concluded that the Captain-Commander admired Ren and didn't want him rushing onto the battlefield too soon. This was likely a test to make him realize that there were always greater powers and encourage him to stay and refine his skills further before he went on his 'reckless thrill-seeking adventure'.

Given Ren's extraordinary proficiency in zanjutsu, hakuda, hohō, and kidō, a vice-captain wouldn't be a sufficient examiner unless they used overwhelming spiritual pressure. This meant the examiner would likely be a captain. Even with restricted spiritual pressure, defeating such an opponent would be nearly impossible for Ren.

"Still," Ren replied with a grin, "you've already achieved Shikai, Sōsuke. Not many Shinigami accomplish that while still in the academy. You're a bona fide genius yourself. Graduating early shouldn't be too difficult for you."

Ren placed a large bowl of food on the table, ready to replenish his strength. 

"You flatter me, Ren-kun," Aizen said with a hint of resignation. "Since your mind is set, all I can do is wish you success in overcoming the Captain-Commander's challenge and setting a new record for the fastest graduation in the history of the Shin'ō Academy."

Aizen said helplessly. Normally, it wouldn't be difficult for him to graduate early under normal circumstances. Throughout the academy's history, there had been geniuses who completed their training in just two or three years.

Shin'ō Academy didn't rigidly enforce a minimum duration for its most talented students. As long as a student excelled in zanjutsu, hakuda, hohō, and kidō, and possessed remarkable spiritual pressure, they were eligible for early graduation. 

For instance, if a student achieved perfect scores in zanjutsu, hakuda, hohō, and kidō, and reached a spiritual pressure rating of ten, they could graduate immediately. Upon joining the Gotei 13, such individuals would usually be assigned a seated officer position—albeit likely a lower seat.

Currently, Aizen's spiritual pressure was at a respectable level five. If he wanted to graduate early, he was confident he could meet the requirements. The problem was that Ren was being far too conspicuous. This semester, anyone attempting early graduation would likely face the same hurdle as Ren—challenging a captain.

Given these circumstances, and considering his long-term ambitions, Aizen had no intention of joining Ren in this reckless endeavor. The difficulty of this particular early graduation challenge was exceptionally high. It would be better to wait and meet Ren again later, in the ranks of the Gotei 13. 

For now, Aizen would focus on preparing himself, observing the chessboard of fate as it unfolded.