"So, Shinya-kun. Did you manage to learn anything?"
Seeing Arima Shinya regain some awareness, Aizen spoke in a soft voice:
"Forgive me. I really didn't want to interrupt your state of concentration, but… there's no other option. Considering the veterans' disappointing performance, it's very likely that Miss Yoruichi will leave soon."
— Eh? That quickly?
In the next moment, they heard Yoruichi's shouts echoing not far from there.
"You're terrible! Come on, aren't you the students about to graduate under the old man's command? At this level, if you see a Hollow, your legs will shake like twigs!"
I take back what I said.
She really seemed about to drop a "how embarrassing, I'm leaving."
But… there wasn't much to do.
After all, no one there could spark the slightest interest in Yoruichi.
Considering how busy she was, this "recreational activity" with the students wouldn't last long — and probably shouldn't.
It was just a little pastime between work, after all…
While Arima Shinya lamented how much he had already learned in a single day, Aizen's voice sounded at his side:
"Shinya-kun, aren't you going to try it yourself?"
"…"
The surprise was so great that Arima himself couldn't react immediately.
He turned his face, astonished, pointing at himself.
"Me… me?"
Aizen nodded firmly.
"Yes, Shinya-kun."
With his hands hidden in his sleeves, Aizen's smile was difficult to read — a mix of expectation and encouragement.
But the tone of his voice, both gentle and firm, sounded more like a request than an order.
"If I'm not mistaken, Shinya-kun, you possess an extraordinary learning capacity. I don't know the exact reason, but it is precisely one of the reasons I recognize your talent."
Then—
"Do not doubt yourself. Face a true opponent. That, too, is a valuable experience, don't you think?"
Arima's gaze wandered for a moment, but a light touch on his shoulder brought him back.
Aizen smiled, as if encouraging him.
"Have courage, Shinya-kun. Talent is a raw ore — before it is polished, it is just a piece of stone.
Show the power that lies within you. As your instructor, I will be watching."
With those words, refusal was impossible.
And, let's be honest — Aizen had an incredible talent for reading people.
Shinya knew the other could suspect his abilities, but never imagined he could understand them with such precision.
It was almost as if he were completely bare before him…
Taking a deep breath, Arima slowly stood up.
At this point, there was no turning back.
If he was going to get beaten, let it be an instructive beating.
After all, he had come to the Academy precisely to grow stronger.
No matter how tortuous the path seemed, it all led back to the basics: training, sweat, and determination.
— Come, Shihōin Yoruichi!
Advancing with firm steps, Shinya reached the edge of the dojo.
The class instructor, who had been coordinating everything, seemed about to say something upon noticing the new challenger — but Aizen was quicker, approaching him and exchanging a few words quietly.
No one knew what was said.
But soon after, the teacher fell silent and chose to observe from afar.
Such enviable persuasive power…
Exhaling slowly, Shinya calmed his heart.
No nervousness, no fear — it was just a friendly match. He only needed to do his best.
The sound of his steps was almost inaudible, but enough to make Yoruichi turn around.
The woman with brown skin and an athletic body wore an interested smile.
Her golden eyes sparkled, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
"Hee…"
Her voice sounded teasing.
"Look at this rhythm, this stance… you even understand a little of it, don't you?"
"Then why did you pretend you didn't know anything earlier? Were you acting like a rookie to try and copy me, is that it?"
Arima remained silent.
After all… she was absolutely right.
He really was copying — and as a bonus, doubling the learning.
Unable to respond, he kept a neutral expression and took his position.
"First-year student, Arima Shinya. I ask for your guidance."
Yoruichi crossed her arms, accentuating her curves, and ran a hand across her face.
Her slender fingers glided along the side of her face, and her golden pupils contracted.
Like a panther sizing up its prey, her entire body exuded danger and tension.
"Hah… a rookie with this kind of presence? Not bad! I'll give you a chance."
Rotating her wrist, two fingers rose like candles in the wind — the gesture radiated pure combat will.
"Two techniques! If you can withstand two of my strikes, I will personally admit you into the Secret Operations Division!"
— That's too unfair! — someone on the ground tried to protest.
But another comrade quickly covered his mouth, eyes deadly.
"You idiot! Do you think this is a prize for him? For Yoruichi-sama, two or three techniques make no difference at all!"
Because she had already decided.
With just two strikes, she could defeat him.
That simple.
Shinya didn't respond. He simply continued breathing, repeating the cycle to relax his tense body.
Sha…
The soft sound of his steps sliding across the floor stained with sweat and blood echoed quietly.
His opponent was a true master — a pioneer in hand-to-hand combat.
He had no advantage, so he had to change strategy.
The 12 points in "Hand-to-Hand Combat" accumulated fused within his mind, overflowing as knowledge and instinct.
Like a current of living energy, it flowed through his body in sync with his heartbeat.
No guidance, no warning.
Just pure instinct.
He raised his arms forward and turned his body slightly sideways — a precise, fluid, natural defensive stance.
Yoruichi's smile widened.
"Oh? A modern fighting style, huh? Interesting.
After all, the old man doesn't teach this kind of thing at the academy."
Sincerely, she admitted:
"You really caught my attention, boy."
But before she could finish speaking, Yoruichi vanished.
Without hesitation, she launched forward — fast, brutal, impossible to follow with the naked eye.
She came!
Even with his enhanced body, Shinya only saw flickering shadows before his eyes.
Neither the movement nor the attack — nothing was visible.
But he did not panic.
He pressed his lips together, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and tensed every muscle in his body.
A human thunderbolt materialized before him.
Yoruichi lifted her right leg, whipping the air with devastating force.
Shinya could swear even the air itself had split in two.
Pah!
The precise impact struck his forearm.
"Guh…!"
The boy's face contorted in pain; the shock coursed through his body like electricity.
The force pushed him back several steps — he almost fell.
But he endured!
Even trembling, Shinya couldn't suppress a smile.
Yoruichi was surprised — and that was enough.
So this was it… observing up close really paid off!
He remembered: Yoruichi loved to use kicks in combat.
Unable to predict her movements, he went all in — and won the bet.
Ignoring the pain, he took a step forward.
There was no turning back now!
If she made the next move off-pattern, he wouldn't stand a chance.
So the only option was to attack first, forcing his body to collide with hers.
His heart raced. His breathing grew uneven.
The 12 points of Shunpo also dissolved, infiltrating his muscles.
His body became lighter, his feet more agile.
Perfect… I can get closer!
The world seemed to slow down.
The elastic impact from before still vibrated in his hand — but he didn't care.
He entered Yoruichi's range.
Her eyes widened, surprised.
"You…!"
Before she could finish, Shinya grabbed the collar of her uniform.
Total audacity!
In any other situation, that would have earned him a monumental scolding — but now, there was no time to think.
He took a deep breath, twisted his hips, and applied a perfect lever, trying to throw her.
However…
The expression of the 2nd Division captain changed.
The corners of her lips lifted in a sharp smile; her feline eyes narrowed, and a low sound escaped her throat.
"Hooh…"
Unknown, unpredictable.
The boy Aizen had brought here had truly managed to awaken something in her.
— Interesting.