Zanjutsu class ended, and Sombravida returned to the dormitory with Nakai.
Of the four foundational disciplines — Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō — only Hohō remained to be formally taught.
He had already grasped the essentials of the others.
At this point, Sombravida could have passed most Academy assessments without difficulty — except Kidō incantation casting.
But he chose to remain.
To accumulate.
To refine.
To awaken his Zanpakutō properly.
Joining the Gotei 13 prematurely would only expose him.
Strength first.
Position later.
Morning — Hohō (Flash Step)
Six instructors stood on the training grounds.
All bore the insignia of the Second Division.
As expected.
Hohō — particularly Shunpo — was a specialty of the Onmitsukidō and Second Division.
While other divisions certainly used Shunpo, formal instruction traditionally fell under their expertise.
The instructors demonstrated:
Reiryoku concentration in the legs
Instantaneous propulsion
Reappearance stabilization
Silent landing control
Unlike Sonído, which tore space violently through Hollow reishi discharge, Shunpo was refined.
Controlled.
Precise.
A flash between points.
Sombravida observed carefully.
His Hollow-era mobility experience made adaptation easier, but Shunpo required suppressing explosive instinct in favor of controlled compression.
A different philosophy.
More subtle.
More elegant.
The Proposal
Midway through drills, one of the instructors approached Sombravida.
Small mustache.
Sharp eyes.
"Hinamori Tsukishiro?"
"Yes."
"I've heard about you. You learn quickly."
Sombravida gave a modest nod.
The instructor folded his arms.
"It's a pity you're a first-year. Otherwise, I'd have registered you for the Academy Ranking Tournament."
Sombravida tilted his head slightly.
"Ranking Tournament?"
The instructor explained:
Each year, one month after term begins, the Academy holds intra-grade ranking matches.
Individual brackets
Four-person team brackets
Upper-year divisions only
First-years are excluded — officially.
However—
"When the competition narrows to the Top 64," the instructor continued, "first-year students may issue challenge requests."
Sombravida remained silent.
The instructor leaned closer.
"If you defeat an upper-year student, you inherit their ranking. Rewards scale upward with difficulty."
"Rewards?" Sombravida asked calmly.
The instructor smirked slightly.
"Spirit-tech equipment from the Twelfth Division. High-grade reishi enhancement plants. Specialized training vouchers. Resource privileges."
Now that was useful.
Sombravida's mind worked instantly.
Reishi plants could improve soil quality.
Enhance cultivation.
Support long-term growth.
He showed no outward excitement.
"How does one register?"
"No registration. Raise your hand during the challenge window."
The instructor's tone grew slightly more casual.
"The higher the year you challenge, the greater the reward. But once you take a position, others may challenge you."
Ah.
Now it made sense.
Sombravida's perception sharpened.
"You're running side bets," he said calmly.
The instructor stiffened.
"Careful what you imply."
"Upper-year odds. First-year longshot challenger. You want volatility."
The instructor gave an awkward laugh.
Unofficial betting around the Academy was not unheard of — especially among certain Second Division personnel.
Technically prohibited.
Practically tolerated.
As long as it didn't disrupt order.
Sombravida bowed slightly.
"I'm new. I prefer not to participate this year."
The instructor frowned faintly but said nothing more.
Sombravida walked away.
He would participate.
Just not through someone else's scheme.
A Different Approach
Instead of returning to training, Sombravida purchased tea and sweets from the commercial district.
He walked toward the Fourth Division barracks.
Two guards blocked his path.
"This is Fourth Division territory."
"Hinamori Tsukishiro, first-year Academy student," Sombravida said respectfully. "I request an audience with the Seventh Seat."
After brief waiting—
Mizuiro emerged.
Blue-green hair.
Calm expression.
Eyes sharp beneath relaxed demeanor.
"You came personally?" she said evenly.
"To thank you for the reishi-embedded texts," Sombravida replied, presenting the tea and pastries.
She gestured him inside.
Inside Fourth Division Barracks
The moment the door closed, Mizuiro dropped her formal posture and reclined lazily.
"So. What does the Academy prodigy want?"
"I learned about the Ranking Tournament."
Her eyes flickered.
"And?"
"I intend to participate during the challenge phase."
Mizuiro raised a brow.
"Bold. First-year students rarely survive those matches."
"I don't intend to rush recklessly."
He continued calmly.
"I require information."
She leaned forward slightly.
"Information costs."
"I'm aware."
Sombravida laid out his proposal.
She would provide:
Injury history
Fighting tendencies
Zanpakutō release types (if known)
Division affiliations
Recorded strengths and weaknesses
In return—
She would place bets privately.
Through safe channels.
Using intelligence advantage.
Profit would be split.
She studied him.
"And if you lose?"
"Then you bet against me when appropriate."
A pause.
She smiled faintly.
"You're calculating."
"I'm cautious."
She crossed her legs, considering.
"How do you intend to climb?"
"Gradually. I'll challenge strategically — not the strongest immediately. I'll build momentum. Assess adaptability. Avoid unknown Bankai-level threats."
"Ambitious for a first-year."
He remained composed.
"I don't intend to be unprepared when the world shifts."
She watched him carefully.
Then:
"How do we split?"
"Three for me. Seven for you. Tournament rewards are mine."
She chuckled softly.
"You negotiate like a seated officer."
"Then adjust the ratio."
"Two for you. Eight for me."
"Accepted."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"One more question."
"Why choose me?"
Sombravida's lips curved subtly.
"My lady wouldn't want an investment she personally nurtured to end up strengthening another division, would she?"
Silence.
Then a slow smile.
Interesting child.
Very interesting.
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