After all, his academy uniform was shredded and caked in blood; it was beyond salvaging.
Once the Squad 4 members finished their examination, Ren changed into the new clothes sent by the Squad 2 members and returned to the Shin'o Academy.
He returned his Zanpakuto to the dormitory, tidied up a bit, and changed back into a spare academy uniform.
Then, he headed to the library.
The air was thick with the scent of old paper—quiet and familiar. It brought a sense of peace to Ren's heart.
Ren found Nanao in her usual spot by the window.
She was still hunched over a thick volume on Kido theory, her full attention focused on the notes she was writing.
Sunlight danced across her short black hair and long eyelashes, creating a serene and tranquil scene.
Ren quietly pulled out the chair opposite her and sat down.
Sensing movement, Nanao looked up. When she saw Ren, her eyes widened slightly behind her glasses.
Her expression was a complex mixture of surprise, joy, and a lingering trace of worry.
"Ren?"
She set down her pen and looked him over carefully.
"Where have you been these past few days?"
"Well... it's a bit complicated. I spent quite a while at Squad 2, then stayed a day at Squad 4. But don't worry, everything's fine now."
Nanao seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, though her brow soon furrowed again.
"You were at Squad 4 again? Were you injured?"
"Was it because of that conflict with the Tsunayashiro clan? You didn't get caught up in something dangerous again, did you?"
"Don't worry, it's all over. Captain Kyoraku's been backing me up."
"Kyoraku... the Captain of Squad 8? When did you get involved with him?"
"Well... you'll understand in the future."
Watching Ren play coy, Nanao puffed out her cheeks and gave him a light kick under the table.
"Whatever it is, you shouldn't be keeping secrets from me."
"I'm not keeping secrets, it's just really hard to explain."
Ren chose to skip past the subject.
His expression turned serious. Looking into Nanao's clear eyes, he spoke softly.
"Nanao, I came today because I have something to tell you."
Hearing his tone, Nanao seemed to sense what was coming. Her fingers tightened instinctively around her quill.
"I'm going to apply for early graduation."
Ren's voice was calm, yet carried an unwavering determination.
"The paperwork is already being prepared. In a few days, I'll officially apply to join the Gotei 13."
Silence fell over the library, broken only by the faint sound of pages turning in the distance.
Nanao stared at him blankly. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no sound came out.
She lowered her head to look at her open notebook, her fingertips turning white from the pressure.
After a long silence, she finally whispered.
"Where are you going? Squad 2?"
"Yeah, Squad 2. The Stealth Force."
Ren nodded.
Nanao looked up. There was no surprise in her eyes, only a trace of worry and reluctance.
Although she had known this day would come, she hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
"Will it be dangerous?"
"There's always some danger."
Ren offered a gentle but firm reassurance.
"But you don't need to worry. You know I'm strong."
"Maybe by the time you graduate, I'll already be a seated officer."
Ren spoke lightly, trying to ease the heavy atmosphere.
Nanao watched him, her gaze lingering on his face as if trying to etch his current appearance into her memory.
Finally, she let out a soft sigh—one that carried a level of maturity and understanding beyond her years.
"I understand."
She pushed up her glasses and straightened her back, her face regaining its usual composure.
"Since you've made your decision, I'll support you. But..."
She paused, her voice softening yet remaining crystal clear.
"You must be careful. Keep yourself safe."
As she spoke, she turned her gaze toward the window.
"I'll finish my studies properly and graduate as soon as possible. When that time comes, perhaps we'll have the chance to fight side by side."
She turned back to look at Ren, her eyes clear and resolute.
"So, until then, you have to take good care of yourself. Do you hear me?"
A warm feeling swelled in Ren's heart, and he nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry, Nanao."
"Besides, it's not like we'll never see each other again. I'll come back to visit whenever I have some time off."
The corners of Nanao's mouth curved into a very faint smile as she gave a slight nod.
The next day, at the training grounds.
Shiba Kaien was practicing in the kendo hall. Sweat trickled down from his temples, but his expression remained as focused as ever.
Soon after, he finished his current round of training and looked over to see Ren standing by the side.
Kaien's eyes lit up. He set his shinai aside and strode over.
"Ren-senpai, it's been a while. What's up? Did something happen again?"
As he spoke, a trace of gravity entered Kaien's gaze.
"I heard from Ganju that some people were messing with your shop. Is there anything you need help with?"
"Yeah, there were some minor issues, but it's all settled now. Don't worry about it."
Ren replied.
Seeing Ren's calm demeanor, Kaien's worry gradually faded.
"In that case, that's for the best. If you ever need anything, just say the word."
"Don't worry, Kaien. I don't treat you like a stranger. I'm here today to tell you something."
Kaien looked curious.
"What is it?"
"I'm going to apply for early graduation."
Ren said calmly.
The smile on Kaien's face slowly faded. He stared at Ren for a few seconds, his expression shifting toward surprise.
After all, based on their previous interactions, Ren had always been the type to keep a low profile.
For him to suddenly change his attitude...
'It seems Ren-senpai has been through a lot lately.'
"It's a bit sudden, but with your skills, I'm sure it'll be a breeze. By the way, which squad are you planning to join?"
"Squad 2."
"Squad 2?"
Ren met Kaien's surprised gaze.
"That's right. I've had some discussions with the Captain of Squad 2 before, so it was actually decided a long time ago. I've just decided to speed up the process due to recent events."
Kaien rubbed his chin. He hadn't expected Ren to have a connection with Yoruichi Shihoin.
Then, he suddenly remembered the night Yoruichi had come to visit their home.
Wasn't that the same day they had gone out to eat with Ren?
'It seems Yoruichi's visit wasn't just a whim after all.'
Kaien fell silent for a moment before suddenly breaking into a grin. There was less casualness in his smile now, replaced by a sense of solemnity and recognition.
"Actually, I've been planning to apply for early graduation too, but I still need to put in some work on the academic side."
He threw an arm around Ren's shoulder, his voice lighthearted.
"Senpai really is Senpai. I thought that if I applied early next year, I might join the Gotei 13 before you."
"Squad 2 has a lot of rules and the missions are dangerous, but since you've made up your mind, you must be ready. I wish you luck in battle."
Ren gave a slight nod.
"Thanks, Kaien."