Kapitel 5: Chapter 4
"Oh, is this the new recruit for our squad this year? Quite an interesting young man, sensing my presence and reacting instinctively. With your level of talent, you could easily join other squads. Why choose Squad Four?"
Facing the elegant black-haired beauty with a Yamato Nadeshiko temperament, Gin felt a chill down his spine despite her gentle smile.
Beware of those who squint! Don't be fooled by her gentle, big-sisterly appearance.
Gin knew this black-haired beauty as Unohana Retsu, one of the longest-serving captains in the Gotei 13 and one of the original members assembled by Yamamoto.
Retsu was once known as the most notorious villain in Soul Society's history!
Despite her current gentle demeanor, she has slain enough people in the past to circle Soul Society.
Had she not met a fellow monster in her youth, Retsu might still be the most formidable and ruthless Kenpachi.
"Answer my question, young man. With your level of skill, Squad Eleven would suit you better. Why choose Squad Four?"
Retsu maintained her gentle smile as she questioned Gin, but anyone could see that her powerful spiritual pressure was now pressing down on him.
Gin had suppressed and sealed his spiritual pressure to a degree that would be undetectable by most Shinigami. However, for the former strongest Kenpachi, his tricks were useless.
Unohana could sense that Gin was hiding his true strength, but she didn't know the extent.
However, his reaction to her sudden appearance confirmed that his swordsmanship was far above the "mid-high" standard listed in his records.
"I've always dreamed of joining Squad Four, so I specifically practiced Kaidō at Shin'o Academy. As for why, I've always admired the lifestyle of Squad Four and have great respect for Captain Unohana. That's part of the reason.
As for my strength, please trust me, Captain Unohana. I have no ill intentions, just a desire not to draw too much attention. If you don't believe me, you can take me to the Research and Development Institute for a spiritual pressure test or surveillance."
As soon as Gin finished speaking, the immense spiritual pressure retreated like a tide. Gin, drenched in cold sweat, found his feet sunk deep into the ground from the intensity of the pressure he had endured.
Beside him, Kiyone was completely collapsed on the ground. Although the pressure wasn't directed at her, just feeling the immense force from Captain Unohana was enough to render the rookie powerless.
"You've not only hidden your swordsmanship but also your spiritual pressure. To withstand the pressure I just released, your spiritual pressure must be quite substantial. What level have you reached?"
Unohana, accepting Gin's explanation, decided to believe him.
It's not because Gin was particularly handsome, winning her favor at first sight, but because Unohana believed that if Gin were a spy from Hueco Mundo or elsewhere, they wouldn't send someone with such weak skills. Having lived for millennia, Unohana trusted her judgment in reading people and detecting lies. She saw no major inconsistencies in Gin's story.
"I have some confidence in my swordsmanship, though it can't compare to Captain Unohana's. As for my spiritual pressure... I achieved Shikai a year ago."
Hearing Gin's admission, both Unohana and Kiyone, who was still on the ground, showed expressions of extreme surprise.
Shinigami possess Zanpakutō, which are extensions of their souls and crucial in combat.
Initially, a Zanpakutō appears as a regular long sword, but this is not its true form.
Known to be part of a Shinigami's soul, each Zanpakutō is unique.
Shikai is the first stage of a Zanpakutō's release, granting unique abilities and enhancing a Shinigami's spiritual pressure.
Among the thousands of Shinigami in the Gotei 13, fewer than ten percent can achieve Shikai.
Shinigami who can achieve Shikai are considered elite, qualified to serve as seated officers within the Gotei 13.
Usually, it takes hundreds of years of experience for a Shinigami to reach Shikai, yet Gin achieved it before even graduating from Shin'o Academy.
"No wonder you wanted to hide your strength. With such talent, you would attract significant attention in Soul Society. Are you sure? With your potential, you could rise quickly in other squads. I could even recommend you to join Squad One, bypassing the usual requirements."
A Shinigami with Gin's talent had not appeared in Soul Society for centuries. While Squad One had high standards, Unohana felt confident Gin could join without issues.
"Thank you for your offer, Captain Unohana, but I wish to stay true to my original goal. I want to join Squad Four and become a..."
"Gin!, the person Ikkaku mentioned, really here?"
Before Gin could finish his sentence, an excited and rough male voice came from outside the Squad Four recruitment tent.
(End of Chapter)
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein