"How far have things progressed?"

"You know, nephew, the entire future of the Kyōraku household now rests on your shoulders."

Kyōraku Shunsui had become incredibly nosy.

Shimo shot a glare at his shameless uncle and replied with a snort of disdain.

"If the Kyōraku family's future depends on you, then we're screwed."

That line alone turned Shunsui's face a noticeable shade of red.

"…Let's talk business."

"I'm here today to discuss your assignment to a division."

To cover up his failure at probing into Shimo's love life, Shunsui hastily shifted the topic.

"Originally, getting into Fourth Division shouldn't have been difficult."

"But... there's been a minor hiccup."

At this point, Shunsui looked more and more awkward.

As the head of the Kyōraku family and the Captain of Eight Division, why did he always end up with zero dignity in front of his nephew?

Shimo had expressed his desire to join Fourth Division quite some time ago.

Everyone assumed it would be a formality.

But when the time came to actually process it—unexpected trouble arose.

"…Or, how about joining Eight Division instead?"

Shunsui tested the waters. "We've saved the Third Seat for you."

"If Nanao doesn't mind, you could even be my Lieutenant."

Shimo carefully packed his Rabbit Chappy plush into his luggage. He was about to leave the Shin'ō Academy, and this was something worth taking with him.

"Then what? Take over your job?"

"You've already neglected the Kyōraku family's affairs, and now you're trying to offload the Eight Division's responsibilities too?"

Shunsui leaned against the doorframe with a resigned sigh.

"Aww, busted already…"

"But yes, there is indeed a slight issue with Fourth Division."

Shimo continued packing without looking up.

"What kind of issue?"

Shunsui let out a deeper sigh and replied,

"Fourth Division's Lieutenant—Yamada Seinosuke—seems to suspect your intentions."

"He thinks you're a pampered noble, a star student who graduated early from Shin'ō Academy, trying to sneak into the logistics division for less-than-pure reasons."

"He's demanded a practical test of your Kaido skills."

At that, Shimo finally looked up, his eyes narrowing in recollection.

At this point in time, Kotetsu Isane hadn't yet been promoted to Lieutenant. She was likely still a seated officer or even just a regular member.

So the current Lieutenant of Fourth Division was... Yamada Seinosuke.

From what Shimo remembered, he was a gloomy—if not outright sinister—figure.

His only redeeming quality might be his loyalty to Fourth Division's Captain, Unohana Retsu.

Still, Shimo was certain—he'd never crossed paths with this man before.

So why was he suddenly being targeted?

"…Maybe he's worried you'll replace him."

Shimo turned his head and saw Shunsui watching him with lazy eyes, though a glimmer of insight shone beneath the relaxed expression.

"A test or a power play, huh?"

Shimo murmured to himself, then smiled slightly.

"Looks like someone hasn't realized their mistake."

Behind his calm gaze, a sharp glint flickered into existence.

Shimo had never been the forgiving type.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to learn that alternative sword path within the Limitless Sword.

"…So you've made up your mind," Shunsui said softly, a rare look of admiration flashing in his eyes as he studied his nephew.

Clearly, he was proud of Shimo—both in temperament and in talent, the boy was flawless.

"I have."

Shimo tightened the straps on his heavy pack and set it on the tatami mat beside him.

"If he's thrown down a challenge, how could I refuse?"

"In the Kyōraku household, the word 'retreat' doesn't exist."

Hearing that, Shunsui stretched and stood up with a chuckle.

"Good. Then I won't keep bothering you."

"I've got the editorial department from Seireitei Bulletin hounding me again anyway."

With that, he left the Shin'ō Academy.

---

The Next Day

A group of Fourth Division Shinigami, led by Lieutenant Yamada Seinosuke, arrived at Shin'ō Academy.

This was the first official meeting between Shimo and the liutenant.

Seinosuke's narrow face and slit-like eyes exuded a cold, sinister air.

His expression practically had the word "hostile" carved into it.

"So you're Kyōraku Shimo—the one who wants to join Fourth Division?"

Seinosuke's gaze scrutinized him like he was inspecting a contaminated object.

"Given the current surplus in Fourth Division's personnel, I've decided to personally evaluate each applicant."

"Those who don't meet the standard… will be eliminated."

That last sentence was spoken with a venomous hiss, each word dripping from clenched teeth.

The barely veiled hostility only deepened Shimo's dislike for this so-called liutenant.

"And what exactly is this test?"

Seinosuke grinned.

That grin revealed a mouthful of white teeth that somehow made him look even more chilling.

"Simple—Kaido proficiency. A live demonstration."

----------------///

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