C15 It Added Another Halo to the Heart of a Man with a Broken Body

The vast testing grounds were enveloped in an eerie silence.

For Lucia and Abarai Renji, it felt as though the entire world had suddenly plunged into a hush.

Surrounded by piercing stares, they were struck by an absurd notion, shaking their heads in denial, desperate to dodge the destiny laid before them.

But fate has a way of mocking our desires—the more we wish to avoid something, the more likely it is to occur.

"Esteemed Reaper, I am a candidate from the East Universe Clan. During my last attempt, my spiritual pressure was a mere four bamboo, insufficient for the standards of Shinoreijutsuin. After a year of dedication, I return to face the exam, my heart fraught with anxiety, lacking even the courage to proceed."

"Yet, witnessing this candidate's unyielding spirit despite his battered condition, we've all found inspiration."

"Observe how he's swathed in bandages—mouth, hands, feet—bearing his injuries with grit, refusing to relinquish his chance to test. The furrowed brows, the agony etched on his face, it speaks volumes of the pain he endures."

"To expedite the assessment for this steadfast soul and allow him an early reprieve, I've conferred with my fellow candidates and we've ceded our hard-earned queue positions, offering you the opportunity to test first."

A youth clad in the garb of a lesser noble seized Taku's bandaged hand, his words tumbling out with fervor.

Concluding his plea, he stepped aside, gesturing graciously for Lucia and Abarai Renji to proceed.

Following their gaze, the once lengthy line had parted, revealing a verdant corridor leading straight to the testing arena.

Overwhelmed by the multitude of eyes fixed upon them, Lucia and Abarai Renji harbored thoughts of escape.

They had merely sought a quiet corner to await Shiba Taku's sobering, never anticipating they'd become the center of attention.

The bandages were but a precaution to prevent a drunken Shiba Taku from mistaking others for his spouse—a simple measure never meant to inspire such resolve in their fellow aspirants.

The entire examination hall was buzzing with excitement.

"Don't be shy, seniors," the plump youth from the Dongyu family reassured, "We've already cleared it with the head examiner. Just after the first ten candidates finish, our brother here, despite his injuries, will have his turn. The exam won't take long, so there's no need to worry about it interfering with his recovery." He continued to rally the crowd with his words.

Lucia and Abarai Renji were itching to give him a piece of their mind for taking matters into his own hands.

Their actions had drawn the gaze of the observing captains, leaving them in a tricky situation.

"Look there! Isn't that the crest of the once-great Shiba Clan? No wonder he's pushing through his injuries to take part in the assessment. He's shouldering the noble task of restoring his family's honor. As someone from a lesser noble house, I'm inspired. What do we have to fear about the assessment when we see such determination?" Dong Yu remarked, noticing the noble crest on Taku's attire.

The revelation of his identity as a member of a declining noble family, coupled with his unwavering spirit, seemed to add an aura of respect around him.

To many commoners and lesser nobles, he was a beacon of shared heritage and an inspiration of duty and destiny.

Overwhelmed by the wave of support, Lucia and Abarai Renji found themselves in a bind.

They wished they could turn back time or sprout wings to escape the situation.

"Is he from the Shiba Clan? I heard he was attacked by a mutated evil spirit on his way here. I assumed he'd miss the assessment, but it seems I was wrong."

A cultured and scholarly voice suddenly echoed from the entrance.

"Yes, that's Captain Aizen from the Fifth Division and Vice Captain Hinagiku. It's unexpected to see captains attending the event."

"No, you're looking at it the wrong way. This Shiba Clan brother's resolve is commendable. Despite the evil spirit's attack, he didn't forget his duty to take the assessment. He's earned our respect."

"Exactly. The fact that the captain is aware of his ordeal speaks volumes. The evil spirit must have been formidable. For this brother to survive, even with his disabilities, he deserves our utmost respect."

"Let's move aside!"

Aizen's confident declaration reignited the already bustling scene.

Lucia and Abarai Renji exchanged a bitter look.

This wasn't just a difficult situation; it was like trying to dismount a dragon.

The thought of Shiba Taku getting drunk during the assessment made them want to laugh.

The outcome of the Three Bamboo Spiritual Power assessment would likely make them the butt of jokes in the Court of Pure Souls for centuries to come.

They feared that the sight of bandages would forever remind others of their indomitable spirit.

"Lucia, you're from the Kuchiki Clan, aren't you? What seems to be the problem? Everyone here is quite hospitable. Are you concerned that the other captains and examiners might object?" Aizen inquired, his smile radiating warmth.

"Don't worry. To ensure this candidate completes the assessment promptly, I'll pull a few strings. I'll see to it that he's allowed to go first. After all, no one here minds, and I'm confident the other captains and examiners won't either."

His words once again garnered agreement from those gathered.

Aizen's genteel demeanor earned him a wave of praise.

Indeed, his speech had cast a spotlight on the unyielding spirit of those present, thoroughly captivating the audience.

Shiba Taku, still deep in slumber, became the focus of everyone's attention.

Under the weight of so many eyes, Lucia and Abarai Renji could only march toward their fate with faces etched in bitterness.

No, not to their fate—to the examination hall.

If each onlooker were to offer Shiba Taku a white rose, one might truly mistake him for a great martyr who had died in the line of duty.

"Captain Aizen, you remain as considerate as ever, always looking out for others. It's no wonder your team holds you in such high regard," a silky voice chimed in abruptly.

As the silver-haired, narrow-eyed Ichimaru Gin appeared, the crowd of onlookers instinctively gave way.

In contrast to Aizen's calm sophistication, Ichimaru Gin, with his slit-like eyes, exuded a serpentine aura that left an unsettling impression.

"Captain Ichimaru, you flatter me. Had you arrived earlier, you might have felt a similar compassion for the examinees who persevere despite their hardships," Aizen responded, his smile as warm as ever.

"I believe it's not just me; the other captains and the examinees are likely just as curious to find out whether this student, who persevered through the attack of the evil spirits with his determination intact despite his injuries, has the ability to pass the entrance exam and alter the destiny he's been burdened with."