Bleach: Soi-Fon's Challenge Begins with Ultra Instinct

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A month passed in a flash. During this time, Soul Society remained peaceful without any major incidents. At noon, Su Li arrived early at the martial arts arena reserved for the Gotei 13. Today was his long-awaited captain-level promotion assessment. One by one, the captains began to arrive. Zaraki Kenpachi, Shiba Isshin, Unohana Retsu, and their vice-captains appeared first and took their seats. Soon after, Kyoraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jushiro, and Komamura Sajin arrived, having fully recovered from injuries sustained during the previous battle. Following them, the remaining captains entered one after another. Last to arrive was Captain-Commander Yamamoto, accompanied by his vice-captain, Chōjirō Sasakibe. With the exception of Second Division Captain Sui-Feng, all twelve captains and their lieutenants were present.

Since captain-level assessments were considered high-level classified matters, only captains and vice-captains were allowed to attend. Looking at the twenty-four seated officials, Su Li was mildly surprised. Sui-Feng didn't show up? Normally, a captain is expected to be present when a subordinate undergoes captain assessment. Could she still be recovering?

The answer soon came. "All captains and vice-captains present, except for Second Division Captain Sui-Feng, who is still hospitalized and has delegated her assessment duties to other captains," Sasakibe announced with his usual stern formality. Su Li nodded thoughtfully. So her injuries really haven't healed... I'll have to visit her sometime. Still, her absence didn't affect the outcome. As long as the assessment proceeded normally, that was enough.

"Begin the assessment," Yamamoto ordered calmly, leaning on his cane.

"Now announcing the criteria for promotion," Sasakibe stepped forward. "First, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to use Bankai. Second, the candidate must receive approval from at least seven captains. Third, the candidate must defeat the current seated captain. A candidate must fulfill any two of these three conditions to be promoted."

Su Li let out a small breath of relief. He'd feared that demonstrating Bankai might be a requirement. But as long as he could pass two out of three tests, that was enough.

"Commencing the first assessment. Vice-Captain Su Li, please demonstrate your Bankai!" Sasakibe's voice rang out as the crowd turned their attention to Su Li with curiosity and anticipation. Until now, Su Li had never publicly revealed his Zanpakutō. No one knew its name, type, or abilities.

Su Li responded calmly, "I abstain from this assessment."

A wave of murmurs spread through the captains. "Xiao Jian, do you think he's like you? Not even released his Shikai?" Yachiru bit her finger and looked at Zaraki Kenpachi excitedly. "If he's like that, he's made for the Eleventh Division!"

Zaraki Kenpachi grinned wide, clearly thrilled. It was widely known that Su Li seldom used his Zanpakutō, and now some captains suspected he might not have released it at all. "Even geniuses have weaknesses," Ichimaru Gin commented with a sly grin. "Hehe, Captain Gin, it's best not to jump to conclusions," Aizen replied gently. "Perhaps Su Li's Zanpakutō is simply too powerful, and he avoids using it unless necessary."

Sasakibe cut through the chatter. "Silence. First assessment: failed." His eyes narrowed. "Vice-Captain Su Li, please be aware you must now pass both remaining assessments to qualify for captain."

Su Li nodded. "Understood."

The second assessment began. This test was a democratic vote. "Captains, please state your stance on whether Su Li qualifies as captain," Sasakibe declared. "I agree," Kyoraku Shunsui said with a playful wink. "I agree," Ukitake followed, warm and encouraging. "I agree," Unohana Retsu, Komamura Sajin, and Shiba Isshin all nodded their approval. The remaining captains soon voted as well. Of the twelve captains present, eleven voted in favor.

Only one vote opposed—and it was, as expected, from Zaraki Kenpachi. Su Li met Kenpachi's glare with a smile. He knew exactly what that vote meant. If Su Li failed, Kenpachi still had hopes of pulling him into the Eleventh Division. But if he passed, that opportunity would vanish.

"Second assessment: passed," Sasakibe announced, eyes showing satisfaction. With the recognition of nearly all captains, Su Li had proven both his strength and popularity.

"Now for the third and final test: defeat the current seated captain in combat!" Sasakibe continued. "Since Captain Sui-Feng remains hospitalized, she has authorized another captain to act in her place. Vice-Captain Su Li, you may choose any captain present as your opponent. If you win, you will be appointed Captain of the Second Division."

At that, the captains stirred. Most looked toward Su Li with eager anticipation. Such a rare talent didn't come often. Many wondered just how powerful this teenager really was. Some were curious, others battle-hungry. Even Aizen, silently observing behind his glasses, seemed intrigued.

Before Su Li could even respond, a shadow shot down from the stands. Zaraki Kenpachi landed with a thunderous impact, wild grin plastered across his face. "Finally! This is the day I've been waiting for!" His battle-hungry eyes burned like wildfire.

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