Maybe it was because he'd been an old-school gamer in his past life. Maybe it had something to do with his Zanpakutō. Or maybe it was something else altogether.
After Moyu finished reviewing the newly comprehended sword style, a familiar thought naturally surfaced in his mind.
Because this new kendo school... was almost a perfect match for the explosive swordsmanship he remembered from his past life.
Whatever the reason, his swordsmanship had clearly surpassed the bounds of standard kendo progression.
"Kendo should never be bound by rigidity," Unohana Retsu said softly, her tone calm yet absolute. "The Zanpakutō in our hands carries its own soul."
"In my eyes, swordsmanship is no different."
Moyu absorbed every word.
"Is this... the so-called Way of the Sword?"
Your kendo has been greatly enlightened after listening to Unohana Retsu's explanation, and you have comprehended the advanced skills of a new kendo genre.
"It's real," Moyu muttered with quiet awe.
He couldn't help but feel admiration. This ferocious, dynamic style of swordsmanship suited him perfectly.
"Kendo class ends here today," Unohana Retsu said, bowing slightly. "After graduation, if you're willing, join the Fourth Division. Our unit has very few restrictions when it comes to member selection."
She glanced in Moyu's direction. Her eyes, calm as a still lake, shimmered with something unspoken. Then, without another word, she turned and left the kendo hall.
"Wait... what?"
"She's not holding me accountable?"
"What's this woman thinking...?"
Moyu stood frozen, completely unsure of what Unohana truly intended.
Just then, Rukia walked up with a worried look, speaking in a low voice, "Brother Moyu... Captain Unohana seemed like she was about to kill you. Should we tell Brother Byakuya...?"
Before she could finish, Moyu covered her mouth.
"Mmph!"
Her cheeks flushed red.
"Didn't I warn you before?" Moyu whispered. "I'm trying to hold on to my peaceful life here."
Rukia nodded frantically. She looked like if she didn't, she might actually pass out from suffocation.
"Haa..."
Rukia took a sharp breath. "But Brother Byakuya will find out sooner or later."
She glanced around the hall and spoke seriously. "There were too many witnesses."
Indeed, the clash of Reiatsu between Moyu and Unohana was impossible to ignore. These students weren't blind.
Moyu paused. That... was a good point.
If these students couldn't keep their mouths shut, the entire incident would reach Byakuya's ears in no time.
And once that happened, he might be forced to graduate early. Or worse—be thrust into succession as the head of the Kuchiki clan.
"What a pain..."
Moyu glanced at a classmate who was heading for the exit.
Reiatsu, release.
A bluish-white wave exploded across the room in an instant. The pressure descended like a collapsing mountain, suffocating and immense.
Everyone hit the ground at once, groaning, their faces twisted from the overwhelming force.
"Oops. Might've overdone it," Moyu muttered, but didn't sound too bothered.
"Everyone," he said, stepping calmly to the front of the room, "what happened today—please keep it to yourselves."
His captain-level Reiatsu was more than enough to make these ungraduated students buckle. Some were even beginning to black out.
"No objections? Then I'll take that as a yes."
He reached the door, voice quiet but sharp. "Even if you won't kneel to strength... you will kneel to power."
"The Kuchiki family's reach goes far beyond what any of you can imagine."
With that, he left the room without looking back.
Rukia stared at his departing figure, a strange glint in her violet eyes.
"Brother Moyu..."
Inside the classroom, everyone exchanged glances, the fear on their faces plain to see.
From today onward, the hierarchy of this class had been rewritten.
---
Your Reiatsu is radiating divine authority. Under the surge of emotion, your cultivation efficiency has greatly increased.
Moyu didn't know how to respond to a Reiatsu that was this... on the nose.
Still, judging by his current trajectory, it wouldn't be long before he could establish himself not just in the Soul Society—but across the entire Three Realms—through strength alone.
But until that day came, he had to keep a low profile.
"Soon... I hope that day comes soon."
Walking the long corridor back toward the dormitories, Moyu thought quietly to himself.
Kendo class had been the final period of the day.
Because male and female dormitories were located on opposite ends of the Spiritual Arts Academy, he wasn't walking with Rukia.
He slid open the shoji door to his dorm room—
And froze.
A familiar figure sat cross-legged in the center of the room, waiting in silence.