The second round of the Kido aptitude test ended unnoticed. Gilgamesh achieved the best results, with Rukia coming in second.
Now, the candidates who passed the first two tests were heading to the third round, the Zanjutsu aptitude test.
The Zanjutsu aptitude test was held in the outdoor dojo of Shin’o Academy.
The Zanjutsu aptitude test was a highly subjective test. The method involved candidates fighting against an examiner. During the battle, the examiner would evaluate the candidate’s Zanjutsu aptitude based on their mentality, willpower, physical flexibility, reaction time, strength, and speed.
It seemed that having a foundation in Zanjutsu would be advantageous. However, in practice, the examiner would adjust the difficulty based on the candidate’s foundation. If the candidate had a Zanjutsu foundation, the examiner would be stricter, and the test would be harder. Only by making the test harder could the examiner accurately measure the candidate’s Zanjutsu aptitude.
In the surveillance room, the Captains also moved their attention to the outdoor dojo. They didn’t show themselves to avoid distracting the candidates. Instead, they hid in a nearby loft, observing the Zanjutsu aptitude test. More precisely, they were watching Gilgamesh. They wanted to see if Gilgamesh’s Zanjutsu aptitude would be as astonishing as his Reiryoku and Kido aptitude.
There were three testing points for the Zanjutsu aptitude test. Gilgamesh, Renji Abarai, and Rukia were assigned to the same testing point, the third one.
The examiner at the third testing point was the only female examiner among the three points, named Miho Kano.
Most candidates assigned to the third testing point couldn’t help but feel lucky. They believed that a female examiner’s strength wouldn’t match that of a male examiner. Given the subjectivity of the test, they thought they might have an easier time achieving good results.
Renji also felt this way but for a different reason. When he saw the examiner was a woman, he was a bit disappointed, saying, “Why is it a female examiner? I wanted to fight against those male examiners.”
Rukia, hearing this, looked displeased and asked angrily, “Renji, what do you mean by that? Are you looking down on us girls?”
Seeing Rukia angry, Renji was a bit scared but didn’t change his mind, explaining, “I don’t mean to look down on girls, but in terms of Zanjutsu, girls just can’t naturally match boys.”
Renji’s explanation only angered Rukia more and drew the ire of the surrounding girls. A subtle but palpable killing intent surrounded Renji, making him gulp and look to Gilgamesh for help, asking hopefully, “King, don’t you think so too?”
Gilgamesh glanced to the side, a playful smile on his lips, “No, I don’t think so.”
Gilgamesh could sense that the killing intent surrounding Renji came from Miho Kano. Clearly, she had heard Renji’s words and was displeased.
In the loft, the Captains had varied expressions upon seeing Miho Kano as Gilgamesh’s examiner. They knew Miho Kano. She appeared as a scholarly, gentle middle-aged woman with long black hair and glasses. But this was just an appearance. Miho Kano was one of the few instructors at Shin’o Academy with Vice-Captain level strength and was one of the academy’s vice-principals.
She was most proud of her Zanjutsu. Miho Kano usually kept a low profile and was only interested in her Zanjutsu, being a true sword fanatic. Given her personality and position, she typically wouldn’t serve as an examiner for the entrance exams.
Realizing this, the Captains couldn’t help but glance at Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni. Only he could command Miho Kano, not just because he was the head of the academy but also because he had once guided her in her Zanjutsu training. Though he eventually found her unsuitable for his style and stopped teaching her, Miho Kano still revered him as her master.
Knowing Miho Kano was Gilgamesh’s examiner only heightened the Captains’ interest. They eagerly awaited the match between Gilgamesh and Miho Kano.
As they anticipated, the third round of the Zanjutsu aptitude test began.
At the third testing point, Miho Kano, with a gentle expression and a blunt bamboo sword at her waist, addressed the candidates, “The test here is voluntary. If you feel ready, step forward for the test.”
She paused briefly and added, “If no one steps forward within five minutes, all of you will be considered to have forfeited. This rule will always apply.”
Her words caused quite a stir. The constant five-minute rule added an invisible psychological burden on the candidates, creating a sense of urgency. This urgency would transform into intense pressure over time, especially as they realized Miho Kano’s strength.
Those with weak mentality and willpower might break down on the spot.
After speaking, Miho Kano remained silent, waiting. The candidates exchanged glances, none wanting to be the first to step forward. They preferred to let someone else go first to gauge Miho Kano’s strength and better prepare themselves.
Eventually, they all turned their gaze to Gilgamesh. They expected the most dazzling candidate to be the first to take the test. As if confirming their thoughts, Gilgamesh took a step forward.
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