The first light of dawn broke over the training grounds of the Shin'o Academy.
Hasumi Ren stood at the edge of the training field, practicing alongside the other students.
Aizen's appearance had placed a significant amount of pressure on him.
Personal training could also grant experience points. Although the gains were lower, the efficiency of collecting fragments on campus had dropped so much that training was no longer a negligible source of experience.
Unfortunately, he couldn't go all out at the school's training ground. He had to suppress his power and stick to basic exercises.
Beneath his loose academy uniform, Ren had strapped several steel bars to his body for weight training while running laps with the other students.
After half a day of training, system text flickered into view.
[SYSTEM: Gained Shunpo insights, Shunpo EXP +5]
The system panel expanded in his mind, clearly displaying his data.
[SYSTEM: Name: Hasumi Ren]
[SYSTEM: Spiritual Power: Grade 9 (EXP: 505/5000)]
[SYSTEM: Kendo: Lv3 (EXP: 55/3000)]
[SYSTEM: Hakuda: Lv3 (EXP: 20/3000)]
[SYSTEM: Shunpo: Lv3 (EXP: 10/3000)]
[SYSTEM: Kido: Lv3 (EXP: 1755/3000)]
[SYSTEM: Zanpakuto: Asauchi Resonance 91%]
[SYSTEM: Special Abilities]
[SYSTEM: Hollowification: Lv1 (EXP: 10/1000)]
[SYSTEM: Hogyoku (Awakening: 0.05%)]
Since his Shunpo experience lagged behind, he had focused his efforts there, finally bringing it on par with his other skills.
Some time had passed since the mid-term exams. During this period, Ren had finally raised Zankensoki—the four combat arts—to level 3. It felt like a natural, fluid mastery of the basics.
Furthermore, while the increase in spiritual pressure was slow, it was rising steadily.
If he were to apply for early graduation based on his current true strength, he would pass without a doubt.
He would likely be assigned a seated officer position right after joining a squad, perhaps around the 8th or 9th seat.
Beyond that, the most pleasant surprise was his Zanpakuto resonance.
As his overall power increased, especially after breaking through to Grade 9 spiritual power, he could feel the slumbering will within the Asauchi at his waist more clearly.
It was a hazy response—vague, but undeniably there.
He wondered what his Zanpakuto's ability would eventually be.
Exhaling a slow breath of air, Ren gradually came to a halt and walked to the sidelines, panting.
As he was wiping away sweat with a towel, a familiar voice drifted over.
"Are you actually training hard today?"
Nanao's tone was laced with obvious surprise.
She was clutching several books, looking as though she had just come from the library and was passing by the training ground.
Ren turned around to see Nanao adjusting her glasses, eyeing him up and down as if he were a rare specimen.
"Graduation is approaching, so I'm feeling the pressure."
Ren chuckled, unscrewing his canteen to take a sip.
"By the way, has the schedule for this year's World of the Living Konsō field trip been released?"
"Mm-hmm." Nanao walked over to the steps beside him and sat down, resting her books on her lap. "It's in two weeks. Since we're fifth-year students this year, we're responsible for leading the lowerclassmen. The group assignments should be announced next week."
Ren nodded.
For this Konsō field trip, as a member of the elite class, he would be paired with Nanao and another fifth-year to lead three lowerclassmen in a group, providing guidance on the procedure.
It would be the same when they reached the sixth year.
This 'senior leading junior' model was a tradition at the Shin'o Academy, designed to give upperclassmen in the elite class practical team experience before graduation.
Images of his previous trips flashed through Ren's mind.
Narrow machiya streets, the dim yellow glow of kerosene lamps.
Pedestrians in traditional kimonos or modern attire walking along the streets, and massive chimneys in the distance belching thick black smoke.
It was an era where tradition and modernity clashed fiercely; electricity was starting to spread, and horse-drawn carriages remained the primary mode of transport, yet Western culture was already impacting the ancient traditional society.
The clothing, speech, and even the lingering attachments of the deceased souls bore the deep marks of that period.
By comparison, the Soul Society of this time actually seemed more developed and advanced.
"We're going to the same place as last time, so it should be just like last year."
Nanao pulled out a small map tucked into one of her books. Ren took it and looked at the introduction and instructions for their destination.
At the same time, he had other concerns.
Ever since Aizen's seemingly casual inspection, the days had been abnormally quiet.
Aizen hadn't appeared again, as if that conversation really had been nothing more than a typical Vice-Captain encouraging a student.
But this did not dispel the unease in Ren's heart.
Given Aizen's personality, if he truly had become interested, he wouldn't stop at just one meeting.
This calm felt more like the oppressive stillness before a storm, or a hunter patiently waiting while observing the habits of his prey.
The field trip to the World of the Living—away from the direct surveillance of the Seireitei, in a complex environment where Hollows occasionally appeared—was the perfect stage to manufacture an 'accident.'
He had to be on his guard.
"Ren?"
Nanao's voice pulled him back from his thoughts.
"What are you thinking about? You've seemed preoccupied lately, and you've been training a lot faster. Did something happen?"
Looking into Nanao's concerned eyes, Ren felt a flicker of warmth.
But there were some things he couldn't tell anyone yet.
"It's nothing big. I'm just feeling more responsible since I'll be leading a team this year. Speaking of which, we haven't been in the same group for the past few years. Maybe we'll have a chance to be together this time."
Nanao's face flushed slightly at his words. She looked away and whispered, "What are you talking about? Who wants to be with you...?"
Ren looked at her teasingly, but Nanao had already averted her gaze, pretending to tidy the books on her lap.
Just then, a vibrant voice called out from a distance: "Senior Ren!"
The two turned to see Shiba Kaien walking over with long strides, a signature boisterous grin on his face.
He had fully integrated into academy life and was becoming quite popular among the new students.
"Kaien, finished with training?"
Ren stood up.
"Just finished," Kaien said, patting the dust off his clothes. "Oh, Senior Nanao is here too."
He looked at Nanao and nodded politely.
Nanao gave a slight nod. "You two talk. I'll head back first."
She picked up her books and said to Ren, "Don't forget the notes for tomorrow afternoon's Kido seminar."
"Got it."
Ren replied.
Watching Nanao's petite figure disappear at the training ground's exit, Kaien leaned in a bit closer, lowering his voice with an embarrassed expression.
"Senior Ren, it's like this... My sister Kukaku has been pestering me, saying she wants to properly thank you for your help. After eating your ramen so many times, she feels she has to treat you to a meal."
He scratched his head. "So, she asked me to invite you. If you're free this weekend, would you like to come over for a simple home-cooked dinner? It's not far from West Rukongai. Of course, Senior Nanao is welcome to join if she wants."
Ren's heart stirred at the invitation.
'Kukaku, huh...'
However, at this moment, Ren was more interested in the man standing before him.
Currently, Kaien, with his Grade 6 spiritual power, was significantly stronger than Ren.
If he could use Kaien as a sparring partner, his experience points would likely see a massive surge.
With that thought, Ren responded with a smile.
"You're too kind. Since you've invited me, it would be rude to refuse. Saturday works perfectly."
"As for Nanao... I'll ask her, but don't get your hopes up."
Kaien clapped his hands happily.
"Then it's a deal. Saturday afternoon, I'll wait for you at the academy gates."