Chapter 5: Defeat Omaeda and challenge Soi-Fon!

As the second division had never witnessed anyone opting for their assessment, its members had remained mostly idle and observant. This prolonged spectator role could be a tad monotonous and tedious.

As time passed and more remarkable candidates were absorbed by other divisions, unease grew among the second division members.

Hence, when Su Li declared his choice for the second division, Omaeda's eagerness propelled him into action.

Even Soi-Fon, who had previously exhibited indifference, now perked up. As the captain, she naturally became more involved when the second division's interests were at stake.

"Seriously, the vice-captain is here to conduct the assessment? Seems a bit too formal, doesn't it?"

"Hmm, this guy might be overly confident. He's facing the vice-captain, and I doubt he'll last even a minute!"

"Su Li? The name rings a bell. Wasn't he the bottom of the first class? How did he make it to the second round?"

"Come on, buddy, you're behind the times. They got full marks in White Hits and Shunpo! They're a big deal!"

"Quit with the exaggeration. Full marks? No one in the history of the academy has ever scored that high. Stop messing around!"

"It's true. If you don't believe me, go check the bulletin board yourself. Corpse souls don't lie to each other!"

Conversations flowed through the audience as the discussion rumbled on.

For those who hadn't yet seen the detailed results, they couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic for Su Li, considering he was up against the second division's vice-captain.

After all, being part of the second round of assessments signified elite status among the graduates. Successfully navigating this phase and securing a spot among the top ten seats was a prestigious accomplishment.

The invigilator stepped forward, providing Omaeda with the candidate information. Oddly, Omaeda didn't even glance at it, his eagerness bubbling over.

Having remained on the sidelines for an extended period, his restlessness had reached its peak. In a swift motion, he unsheathed his Zanpakutō.

"Alright, kid, draw your sword. Let's see if you've got what it takes to join the second division!"

But Su Li's response left Omaeda bewildered.

"I won't be using a sword."

Su Li's words struck Omaeda with surprise and confusion.

"No sword? How do you intend to fight me, then?"

Su Li took a moment to gather his thoughts before posing a question in response.

"I recall that Gotei 13 has a rule allowing subordinates to challenge their superiors if they are dissatisfied, correct?"

"And if the challenge is successful, the challenger can take the superior's position, is that right?"

Omaeda, puzzled, scratched his head.

"Kid, what's your point?"

Su Li's smile remained subtle, exuding confidence and calmness.

"I want to challenge Captain Soi-Fon."

The declaration hung in the air, leaving the entire arena in stunned silence. Mouths hung agape as the shock reverberated.

Does he even know what he's suggesting? This isn't just about self-assurance anymore. It's borderline insanity!

Omaeda erupted in fury, yelling,

"Do you even understand what you're saying?!"

"I want to challenge Captain Soi-Fon for the position of the second division's new captain."

Su Li repeated with unwavering calmness.

"Baka!! Utterly arrogant!!"

"You brat! I'll teach you a lesson today, so you understand your place beneath the heavens!"

"Come on! Draw your sword! Fight me!"

Recalling the previous year, Omaeda's rage triggered him to unsheathe his Shikai directly.

Amidst the audience, the sight of Omaeda wielding his formidable meteor hammer frightened many, causing them to shut their eyes. It was as if they could already visualize Su Li being pounded by the five-shaped head.

"As I said, I won't be using a sword."

Su Li's words drifted in the air with a casual demeanor.

"Then perish in hell! Baka Yalu!"

Omaeda's bellow filled the arena, and the invigilator barely had time to intervene.

Beneath the stage, numerous students averted their gazes, unable to witness the impending sight of Su Li getting pummeled by the meteor hammer.

"Oh, what a fool. Why is he so conceited?"

Abarai Renji couldn't bear to watch any longer.

In the eyes of many, Su Li was seconds away from becoming a human trampoline, blood and debris flying across the field.

After all, Omaeda held the rank of vice-captain, and in the face of overwhelming power, all else seemed pale.

In the VIP section, Soi-Fon had risen to her feet, her expression grave, prepared to intervene at a moment's notice.

he graduation assessment had strict rules against causing serious injury or death to candidates. Omaeda's impulsive nature led him to take the youngster's bold declaration at face value. However, in the blink of an eye, a deafening crash filled the air.

Bang!

Omaeda was sent hurtling off the field, colliding forcefully with the stadium wall. The meteor hammer he wielded shattered into pieces, scattered on the ground. Blood spewed from Omaeda's mouth, and he crumpled, unconscious.

An audible hiss swept through the crowd, the silence almost tangible. No one could fathom this turn of events—how could such a one-sided match end with Su Li defeating Omaeda?

Su Li brushed dust off his trousers, his demeanor casual.

"Hey, Omaeda, cut the act!"

Soi-Fon, being the first to react, called out to her adjutant lying on the ground.

Familiar with Omaeda's character—greedy, lustful, cowardly—Soi-Fon suspected he was feigning injury. Wasn't he supposed to extort money from this kid? Then why was he unconscious?

Her voice grew cold as she leapt from her seat and approached Omaeda. She kicked him forcefully.

Still, Omaeda remained unresponsive.

Soi-Fon's hand sought his pulse, her expression shifting through disbelief. After a while, her face revealed astonishment.

"He's really unconscious!"

Her voice traveled gently across the eerie quiet, like a stone disturbing a still pond.

Boom!

Suddenly, an explosion of reactions erupted from the audience.

"Oh my goodness! Is this for real? He didn't even need his Zanpakutō?! He took down the vice-captain in a single strike?"

"Without a sword? He kicked away the vice-captain's Shikai with a single leg? What kind of leg strength is that? Can someone explain?!"

"It's terrifying! Is this the power of full marks in White Hits? It's unbelievable!"

"Damn it, I thought he was pretending by not drawing his sword. Only now do I realize I was dead wrong! He was truly acting!"

"Wow, so impressive!!!! Forgive me, forgive me, I thought you were just a better kind of loser."

"With Su Li's strength, he could practically be the vice-captain, right? Or is he really serious about aiming for the captaincy?!"

"Damn!! A 16-year-old captain! Just the thought is mind-boggling!!"

"Silence!"

The invigilator's roar cut through the buzz of conversation.

Gradually, the noise subsided, but hushed discussions continued.

"Get him to the infirmary," Soi-Fon said coldly, casting a glance at Omaeda, still unconscious on the ground.

Then she turned her attention to Su Li on the martial arts stage.

"As for you... well done," she stated.

Soi-Fon stepped onto the stage, her eyes icy.

Her adjutant's injury had lit a fire under her. She picked up the candidate's profile from the ground and perused it.

"Hmph, this fool Omaeda didn't even recognize his opponent."

"Zero points in sealed state, five points in Kidō, and full marks in White Hits and Shunpo?!"

"Fascinating, truly fascinating!!" she exclaimed.

Soi-Fon's words brought the students in the audience back to silence. The news that Su Li had achieved perfect scores in both subjects was finally sinking in.

All the candidates remained profoundly shocked, unable to recover for a while. However, the greater astonishment was yet to come.

With a deliberate motion, Soi-Fon removed her captain's coat, her expression tinged with a sneer.

"I don't know why you're unwilling to draw your Zanpakutō, but it doesn't matter to me."

"You're remarkably strong, like someone I know."

"Though the rules you mentioned earlier are specific to the eleventh division and don't apply to others, I don't mind."

Soi-Fon flicked her hand, and the captain's coat billowed momentarily before settling on the stage floor.

A faint smile curved her lips as her fighting spirit ignited.

"I accept your challenge!"