The faculty gathered in the dimly lit staff room, a traditional space lined with scrolls, calligraphy, and a giant board listing students' names and performance scores. The summer heat clung to the walls, but the room felt cold with tension.
Headmaster Ryosei sat at the head of the table, calm and unreadable. On either side of him were the key instructors: Sakazuki, Kazuki, Hana, and a few senior representatives from the Gotei 13, invited for placement discussions.
Stacked folders—each representing one student—rested in front of every teacher. They had just finished reviewing the results of all four placement tasks.
But one name hovered in the air like thick smoke: Mohit.
Sakazuki's Voice Cut Through the Silence
> "I don't need to open his folder. You all saw it. He didn't just pass—he adapted. And without eyes."
He leaned forward, elbows on the table, his one visible eye intense.
> "Mohit coordinated a multi-angle attack against me. He nearly forced me to draw Shikai. If it weren't for time limit—"
Kazuki interrupted with a sharp voice.
> "But he didn't. And that's the point. He's strong, yes, but unpredictable. He's a blind student who scored zero in stealth and lost the duel. Those weaknesses could be deadly in the field."
Hana nodded, her arms folded.
> "We're not questioning his courage or raw potential, Sakazuki. But you saw the data. His weaknesses are real. Do we really want to send him out when the Gotei 13 squads are dealing with rising Hollow incidents? He could get himself—or others—killed."
Ryosei Intervened
The headmaster's calm voice silenced the tension.
> "Then let us talk honestly. Is the issue that he is blind... or that he succeeded despite it?"
Silence. No one answered immediately.
> "He can no longer see. But in place of that sight, he's developed something more dangerous—spiritual awareness so refined that he fought two Hollows alone and finished in record time."
He opened Mohit's file. His hand rested on the line:
Hollow Hunt: 3 minutes. Fastest in class. Zero injury.
> "There is no room for pity here. Nor favoritism. Just results."
Hana's Concerns
Hana sighed, glancing at her notes.
> "I'm not opposing Mohit's growth. I'm worried about his mental state. This is the same student who stabbed his own eyes out during the second year. Has that been resolved?"
Kazuki added quietly:
> "He never gave a clear answer… 'It was necessary,' was all he said. Necessary for what?"
Ryosei glanced at Sakazuki.
> "And yet, you stood by him."
Sakazuki didn't blink.
> "Because I've seen his resolve. I trained him myself. He didn't beg for shortcuts. He bled and rebuilt his style from scratch. That's more than I can say for half the students here."
Consensus Begins to Form
Eventually, the conversation turned toward placement.
Love, Rose, Arthur, Shinji—all had decent performances and would likely get considered by different squads. But Mohit was a question mark, a name that divided the room.
Ryosei looked up.
> "Let's be strategic. A direct combat division like Squad 11? Too reckless. Squad 2? Not yet—the stealth failure is too big."
Kazuki agreed.
> "He's more analytical, perhaps Squad 5 or Squad 8. Something that allows him to fight, but also observe."
Sakazuki added:
> "Or Squad 9. Surveillance. Field testing. They rely more on awareness than sheer sight. He could be an asset there."
After an hour of debate, Ryosei finally marked a temporary note on Mohit's record:
> "Candidate for advanced placement testing – Squad 9. Awaiting psychological review and further evaluation."
The Academy buzzed with tension. After the early placement exams, the reports of every promising student were sent to the 13 Squad Captains for review. It had been three days of agonizing silence.
On the fourth morning, a sealed butterfly entered the headmaster's chamber. It was from Squad 2—the first reply had arrived.
Squad 2 – Captain Yoruichi Shihōin
Her reply was brutally brief:
> "Stealth level at the Academy is insufficient. None qualify."
A stunned silence fell over the staff room. Not a single student had passed her threshold.
Sakazuki sighed.
> "As expected. Her standards haven't changed in decades."
Squad 3 – Captain Ayame Tokinaga (Noble)
The next message was elegant, written with care. Captain Ayame had personally selected two students:
Shinji – for his calm precision in battle.
Love – for raw potential and adaptability.
> "While none were exceptional by noble standards, these two show refinement that can be shaped."
Hana noted with a wry smile,
> "At least someone sees value beyond status."
Squad 4 – Captain Retsu Unohana
Unohana's reply was firm and dismissive:
> "Healing is an art of will, not aggression. No applicants suitable. Test methods irrelevant to our path."
Kazuki lowered the message slowly.
> "Didn't even bother to write names…"
Squad 5 – Captain Mizuku (Noble Family)
Mizuku's message arrived next. Composed and formal, it acknowledged Shinji for his analytical mind and composure during combat.
> "A balanced blade and mind. Recommend further evaluation for Squad 5 duties."
Squad 6 – Captain Ginrei Kuchiki
The head of the Kuchiki Clan sent a concise reply—but it stunned the room:
> "Candidate of interest: Mohit.
Adaptation under blindness. Excellent coordination. Efficient Hollow execution. Worth observing."
Hana raised an eyebrow.
> "The Kuchiki head doesn't amuse easily."
Sakazuki smirked.
> "Told you he'd notice."
Squad 7 – Captain Locart (Noble)
Locart's message was cold:
> "No student demonstrates qualities suited to leadership or service in Squad 7."
As expected.
Squad 8 – Captain Shunsui Kyōraku
Kyōraku's letter was written in poetic form—playful and philosophical.
> "A boy who walks in darkness, yet cuts the path clear... curious. Blind but not lost. Mohit.
Put him on the list. A warrior who's already faced himself once."
Kazuki frowned.
> "He's romanticizing it."
Sakazuki shook his head.
"No. He's recognizing resolve."
Squads 9 & 10 – No Response
Neither squad sent a reply within the deadline. Typical
Squad 11 – Captain Kuruyashiki
Kuruyashiki, known for valuing brute strength, made only one selection:
Arthur – for raw power and potential to develop into a battle-hardened soul reaper.
> "He's rough. But with the right push, he'll be a beast."
Squad 12 – No Selection
(No comment was ever received.)
Squad 13 – Captain Jūshirō Ukitake
Ukitake's reply was measured and wise. But even he seemed intrigued:
> "The blind boy, Mohit. Exceptional awareness. Discipline and restraint. Potential for command—if his heart stays aligned. I request further observation under Squad 13."