C21 Once Again It Was Difficult to Make a Decision

As they gazed at the name etched onto the wine pot, many clutched their aching foreheads, rendered speechless.

The absurdity of Taku's words was especially hard to believe.

"Hehe, Captain Kyoraku, if I were Captain Kuchiki, I wouldn't just draw my sword, I'd have already invoked my Shikai. To think one could break through by merely drinking—this kid has some nerve," Aizen commented with a genial smile.

Kyoraku Shunsui was so irritated he felt like kicking Aizen.

Taku was already on the brink of losing it, and these trivial remarks felt like adding insult to injury.

Before they could even process what was happening, Taku had poured the wine into Lucia's mouth.

The unexpected turn of events brought a sense of relief.

At least, in Kyoraku Shunsui's view, if they avoided another kiss, the situation might be somewhat redeemable.

Boasting while drunk is one thing, but it should at least make some sense.

Even Kyoraku Shunsui, a seasoned drinker, couldn't believe that alcohol could induce a breakthrough.

Boom!

A ferocious surge of spiritual pressure erupted like a tidal wave, transforming into a hurricane that swept across the area.

Kyoraku and his companions were the first to feel its impact.

They quickly steadied themselves and retreated using Flash Steps.

"Shiba Taku, are you trying to give me a headache? I know you have strong spiritual energy, but if you keep releasing it like this, you'll exhaust yourself..." Kyoraku Shunsui grumbled, clearly annoyed.

But his expression froze when he took in the scene before him.

No, it was more accurate to say that everyone was stunned.

Even his big brother, with his grim expression, was no exception.

They realized that the one releasing spiritual energy wasn't Shiba Taku, but Kuchiki Rukia.

And the intensity of the released spiritual pressure was still climbing.

It felt as though she was on the verge of a breakthrough.

"Has the world gone mad? Getting stronger from drinking? Am I hallucinating?"

"Snap, does that hurt? I need to know if I'm dreaming."

"Hey, hey, why are you hitting me? If you're trying to figure out whether you're dreaming or not, can't you pinch yourself?"

The atmosphere suddenly became electric.

Especially among the examinees present.

They had been training relentlessly to pass the Shinoreijutsuin exam, barely managing to reach the threshold for admission.

Yet here was Lucia, who, after a simple kiss and a sip of wine, had already achieved a breakthrough.

Wasn't this advancement a little too frivolous?

If this was indeed true, many would likely be lining up to kiss Shiba Taku.

"Ah, I told you, just a little bit off," Taku said, spinning around like a top before casually tossing the wine jug back to Zaraki Kenpachi. "Cows wouldn't even drink this water. It's not for me. I thought maybe a drink would do the trick, but no. Since you're my wife, I'll let you have this chance."

Zaraki Kenpachi caught the jug, barely resisting the urge to kick something in frustration.

Just a moment ago, he was claiming the jug as his own.

Now, after the chastisement, he was left with no outlet for his irritation.

However, feeling the surge in Lucia's spiritual pressure, he refrained from smashing the jug. Instead, he treasured it, carefully corking it and tucking it away.

Because he noticed a pair of envious green eyes watching him closely.

"Cough, cough, Brother Zaraki, we've known each other for so long, and I've never asked you for anything. How about lending me some of that alcohol?" Kyoraku Shunsui asked, thickening his skin.

He had already lost a bottle of wine, and now, faced with this peculiar brew, whether real or not, he saw Zaraki Kenpachi, the man of brawn with thick arms and legs, treating it with utmost care.

Kyoraku Shunsui sensed an opportunity.

"Lending you a drink is fine, but you'll have to beat me first. Otherwise, forget it," Zaraki Kenpachi said with a sadistic grin.

Confronted with such a condition, Kyoraku Shunsui instantly dismissed the thought.

He wasn't about to engage in a cutting contest with a lunatic.

"Captain Kyoraku, this isn't the time for drinks. Let's get this mess sorted out," Nanao Ise's voice rang in his ear.

Kyoraku Shunsui snapped back to reality, surveying the chaotic scene with a burgeoning headache.

He knew better than to snatch at such fleeting gains; it could cost him dearly, perhaps even his life.

Yet, considering his role as the chief examiner, Kyoraku Shunsui steeled himself and announced, "Quiet down, everyone. Today, Shinoreijutsuin has not only revealed a prodigious talent, but our own Soul Reaper, Lucia, has also made a breakthrough. This is indeed a momentous occasion."

"However, due to time constraints, let's not linger here. Once the Technological Development Department has replaced the equipment, we'll resume the exam."

With that, Kyoraku Shunsui strode forward, intent on pulling Taku aside.

But just a few steps in, he found his path obstructed once more by Aizen and Ichimaru Gin.

"Captain Kyoraku, as you've mentioned, the Technological Development Department will soon be here to swap out the machines. Why not wait and clarify whether we're dealing with Seven Bamboo or Ten Bamboo Spiritual Pressure? If it's the latter, it would be a tremendous boon for Shinoreijutsuin, an honor unparalleled. I'm sure many would rejoice," Aizen proposed, his smile radiating warmth.

"It's a privilege to witness a student of Ten Bamboo's caliber emerge from Shinoreijutsuin. My suggestion is merely to dispel any doubts or concerns. Should there be an issue with the machines, it could leave many dissatisfied."

"Besides, I believe we're all eager to find out whether Shiba Taku's bold claims hold any truth."

The battalion chief's words resonated throughout the testing hall.

Kyoraku Shunsui was nearly at his wit's end.

He had hoped to gloss over the incident, never anticipating Aizen's relentless pursuit.

Yet Aizen's flawless argument, paired with his amiable grin, left no room for dispute.

As Kyoraku Shunsui scanned the room, seeing the nodding heads of the waiting examinees, he realized he was trapped in a dilemma once more.

"Hmph, Aizen, are you questioning my expertise?"

A soft, feminine voice unexpectedly rang out from beyond the doorway.

The arrival of Kurotsuchi Mayuri caught the examinees on site off guard.

Usually, being graced by the presence of a captain was considered a stroke of good fortune.

Yet here, a simple entrance exam had drawn the attention of five or six captains—half of the esteemed Gotei 13.

Especially telling were the signs that these captains had specifically come in response to the antics of a certain drunkard.

This, without a doubt, subjected the freshmen to a level of pressure they had never before experienced.