At this point, Shigure had already sheathed his sword and ended his Bankai demonstration.
However, the three people around him still stood in place. Not one spoke.
A gentle smile appeared in Shigure's eyes.
Previously, he had entered his Zanpakutō's inner world during sword meditation.
He'd practiced this Bankai called "Azure Star Candle Dragon."
But this was his first time using it in reality.
Plus, Unohana had said the Shihōin family's Silver Radiance artifact was strong enough.
So he hadn't thought to deliberately suppress his power just now, causing this situation.
After a long while, Genryūsai slowly straightened up, leaning on his staff with a grave expression:
"Indeed... an unbelievable Bankai...!"
Just now, he'd had to intervene and directly interrupt Shigure's Bankai demonstration.
Because this power no longer needed further demonstration to prove itself.
The collapse of Silver Radiance already said too much.
Not to mention, even under their combined spiritual pressure suppression, they couldn't shake it. They barely managed to prevent the power from spreading outward.
Only then did Unohana slowly restrain her spiritual pressure.
"Shigure, this Bankai... is too reckless..."
Her face still showed lingering shock.
Byakuya also silently raised his hand, sheathing Senbonzakura.
Then he closed his eyes, exhaled lightly, and said calmly:
"Without question, absolutely first-class level."
Hearing this, Shigure's eyes moved, while Unohana beside him suddenly smiled.
The usually proud Byakuya had actually given such high praise from his heart.
"Please return to your seats, Captain Unohana, Captain Kuchiki."
Genryūsai spoke quietly, then walked toward the seats.
Unohana and Byakuya bowed their heads slightly and followed to sit down.
Moments later, Genryūsai had resumed his composed posture, saying evenly:
"Regarding the 'Bankai' evaluation... Shigure, you pass."
"Next, we will ask you questions."
"All answers must be given without hesitation."
"Any lies or evasive statements will be considered failure."
"Are you ready..."
Hearing this, Shigure raised his head and answered without hesitation:
"I'm ready. Please ask."
Actually, he understood this was just going through the motions.
Once his Bankai demonstration ended, the evaluation was basically over.
At this time, outside the evaluation room in the 1st Division barracks.
"It's been so long, aren't they done yet... I'm getting sleepy..."
Shunsui said while yawning.
Ukitake beside him chuckled softly: "After all, captain evaluations aren't just about seeing a Bankai."
Just then, the evaluation room door opened.
Genryūsai, Unohana, and Byakuya walked out.
Shigure followed last, closing the door behind them.
When he saw the people waiting ahead, his eyebrows raised.
He instantly understood that his earlier commotion had been too big and drawn them over.
Genryūsai kept his eyes lowered, walking while saying:
"Everyone gathering here is improper. Disperse."
Then he looked at Chōjirō beside him:
"Chōjirō, notify the other captains and vice captains. Hold the ceremony in half an hour."
"Yes." Chōjirō bowed his head slightly.
Genryūsai nodded lightly and left without looking at anyone else's expressions.
Byakuya also resumed his usual indifferent expression, walking forward.
When he reached Rukia's side, he stopped and said calmly:
"Go back. Whatever you want to say can wait until after the ceremony."
Hearing this, Rukia immediately showed a hesitant expression, but then nodded gently: "Yes, big brother."
After the Sōkyoku incident, their relationship had improved considerably.
Byakuya stepped forward to leave, while Rukia glanced at Shigure before following.
"Hey, Shigure, taking so long isn't like your usual style?"
Shunsui said with a smile.
Shigure looked over and replied with a light laugh:
"Well, I made a small request to the Head Captain and others at the end, so it took some extra time."
Everyone was stunned.
Actually daring to make requests during a captain evaluation took real nerve...
At this point, Unohana smiled gently: "They were very reasonable requests, so there's no problem."
"Well then, everyone should leave here first, so we don't make the Head Captain unhappy."
Unohana smiled and walked out, with Shigure immediately following.
Shunsui, Ukitake and the others naturally had no reason to stay either.
They'd come out of curiosity about Shigure's Bankai and the 1st Division's situation, but were blocked outside.
Meanwhile, on the way to the 6th Division.
Byakuya and Rukia walked one behind the other in silence.
Rukia kept her head down, biting her lip, lost in thought.
As they neared the 6th Division entrance, Byakuya suddenly stopped.
Rukia wasn't paying attention and walked straight into his back.
Realizing this, she immediately stepped back in panic:
"S-sorry... Brother Byakuya!"
Byakuya slowly turned around, looking at her peacefully:
"It's fine, Rukia."
"I'm just curious what you're thinking about right now."
"Eh?"
Hearing this, Rukia was stunned.
Such words from someone like Byakuya made her wonder if she'd misheard.
But Byakuya didn't get angry. He lowered his eyes slightly and said calmly:
"I noticed when I saw you at the 1st Division just now."
"Rukia, your eyes have changed."
"No longer the timid, weak inferiority of before."
"Is it Shigure..."
"Did he make your eyes become so determined and full of strength?"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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