Chapter 220 – The Choice

Chapter 220 – The Choice

But... as Kitada Yōsuke reflected on his recent actions, he felt guilty. When had he strayed so far from his childhood dream?

Boom!

While Yōsuke was lost in thought, the Hollow finally noticed him lying on the ground. It slammed its fist down, sending a shockwave that ripped through Yōsuke's body, scattering his remains across the pavement. His eyes, once brimming with ambition, were now dull and lifeless.

Screech!

Having dispatched Yōsuke, the medium-sized Hollow turned its attention to Ailin, letting out a shrill cry as it leaped towards him.

“Another fool..." Ailin muttered, shaking his head.

"Hadō #54 - Haien!"

With a flick of his wrist, a crescent moon of yellow flames shot from his hand, striking the Hollow mid-air.

Before the creature could even land, it was engulfed in flames and reduced to ash.

After confirming the Hollow's demise, Ailin turned and walked away. Behind him, the dense forest bore witness to the battle’s aftermath. Several towering trees had been snapped in half, their broken trunks surrounded by a swarm of buzzing insects.

...

In the end, less than twenty students survived the month-long ordeal, successfully completing the graduation exam. However, due to the unprecedented difficulty of the assessment, those who passed had all achieved a level of strength comparable to that of ordinary Shinigami. Within a decade or two of training within the Gotei 13, most of them would likely ascend to the rank of elite Shinigami.

Back in the Soul Society, within the Kuchiki Manor, Ailin’s main body opened his eyes as his clone returned. He watched Rukia diligently practicing her swordsmanship beneath the cherry blossom tree, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

Five years had passed, and Rukia had built a solid foundation in "Data Kendo." Moreover, during those five years, she had also successfully manifested her Zanpakutō, learned its name, and achieved the strength of a seated officer.

Unsurprisingly, Rukia’s Zanpakutō was Sode no Shirayuki, renowned as the most beautiful Zanpakutō in the Soul Society.

“Rukia,” Ailin called out.

Rukia, hearing her teacher's voice, sheathed her Zanpakutō and approached him respectfully.

“Teacher.”

“Rukia, today is the day the sixth-year students of the Shin'ō Academy complete their graduation exams. Many divisions will be there to invite new recruits. If I'm not mistaken, this year’s graduating class should be your peers from the academy.

So, Rukia, have you decided? Will you participate in the division selection with the graduating students, or will you use my and Byakuya’s influence to join the 6th or 11th Division?”

“No, Teacher. I’ll participate in the division selection. Those problems you mentioned only arise because of my lack of strength. Moreover, I’m actually looking forward to them trying to make things difficult for me.”

“Oh?” Ailin raised an eyebrow, surprised by Rukia’s statement. When had she become so eager to be challenged?

Seeing her teacher's surprised expression, Rukia blushed slightly. After all, this tactic of deliberately provoking others to gather information seemed a bit "devious" to her.

Fearing that Ailin would misunderstand her intentions, Rukia hurriedly explained, "Teacher, it's not what you think...

Through my training in 'Data Kendo,' I've come to realize that I need to gather more information if I want to improve further. I feel uncomfortable asking others to spar with me just so I can collect their data. But if they’re actively trying to provoke me, I have no qualms about gathering their information.”

The more Rukia trained in "Data Kendo," the more she understood its terrifying power. She had also learned that information itself could be a formidable weapon.

In Rukia’s view, personal data was a private matter. Once she had gathered all the necessary information about an opponent, unless their strength significantly exceeded hers, they wouldn't stand a chance against her.

However, to further develop her "Data Kendo," she needed to collect a vast amount of information, using it to refine her swordsmanship.

“No, Rukia, you don’t need to feel uncomfortable." Even without her explanation, Ailin understood Rukia’s thought process.

After all, she was different from him.

Ailin, possessing the "Innate Domain: Unlimited Blade Works," was a walking database of countless swordsmanship techniques.

Comparing Rukia's "Data Kendo" to Ailin’s was like comparing a child's counting sticks to a supercomputer.

"Data Kendo" relied heavily on information.

"The more information you gather, the stronger you become. When you can instantly analyze most of someone's information, your 'Data Kendo' will have reached a level of mastery.”

"Yes, Teacher." Rukia nodded.

Unlike herself, who had joined their teacher later, Toshiro Hitsugaya had already been a member of the 10th Division for three years. He had even become the third seat of the division. Unlike most individuals who joined a division midway, Hitsugaya was quite popular within the 10th Division.

He was a mature young man with remarkable strength. As Ailin's disciple, he had lived up to everyone's expectations.



Thank you for the Ratings/Likes.

If you like the story, please support. Thank you.