"Kyōraku Callum's Crushing Victory"
Fortunately, Abarai Renji's reflexes were lightning-fast; a quick sidestep barely saved him from Kyōraku Callum's attack.
But when he recovered, the atmosphere in the training ground had dramatically shifted.
"Impossible?!"
"Is that the talent of a high-ranking noble?"
"He's mastered sword intent right after entering the academy!"
"Incredible!"
Among the onlookers were many experienced students.
The academy had a higher proportion of nobles compared to commoners from Rukongai.
Aware of the change in Kyōraku Callum's aura, Abarai Renji gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with defiance.
"So what if you have sword intent?"
He roared, charging at Kyōraku Callum, "I won't lose!"
Kyōraku Callum maintained a gentle smile. His wooden sword spun, his foot moved forward, and he launched a direct strike.
A sharp sword intent enveloped his wooden sword. Remarkably, without using spiritual pressure, a powerful pressure emanated from the weapon!
Crack!
The two wooden swords collided, producing a sharp, resonant sound.
Kyōraku Callum's sword paused momentarily, then swiftly severed Abarai Renji's sword.
The concentrated pressure, clinging to Kyōraku Callum's sword, hurtled towards Abarai Renji's throat!
Cold sweat broke out on Abarai Renji's face.
He felt that pressing against his throat wasn't a wooden sword, but a lethally sharp weapon!
"It seems the outcome is clear,"
Gengorō Ōunabara intervened, ending the match.
Kyōraku Callum sheathed his sword, nodding slightly.
Abarai Renji finally broke free from the intense pressure of the sword intent.
He felt his uniform was soaked through with sweat.
"Thank you,"
Abarai Renji whispered, his tone sincere.
He had recognized the immense gap in their skill. If Kyōraku Callum hadn't held back, he would have been injured.
This realization, however, didn't discourage him. Instead, the battle ignited his competitive spirit.
After a brief moment of disappointment, he looked at Kyōraku Callum with renewed determination.
"I will defeat you!"
Kyōraku Callum chuckled, offering advice,
"You'd be better off choosing a different goal. Those I defeat... even with time, the gap will only widen."
Abarai Renji refused to be discouraged; his eyes burned with unwavering resolve.
He silently picked up the broken pieces of his wooden sword and returned to the other students.
"Your kendo is exceptional,"
Gengorō Ōunabara, clearly impressed by talent, commented.
"You're one of the few students I've seen who've grasped sword intent upon entering."
Gengorō Ōunabara's words sparked another wave of excited chatter among the students.
"He actually possesses sword intent! Is this the difference in natural talent?"
"Is he from the Kuchiki family?"
"No, you idiot! Didn't you hear his introduction? Kyōraku Callum, a high-ranking noble."
"I heard the 8th Division Captain is also from the Kyōraku family. Could he be…"
Sword intent was undeniably crucial for a Shinigami.
Amidst the buzz of compliments, Kyōraku Callum quietly slipped back into the crowd.
He then heard the familiar system notification.
[Check-in complete. Reward distribution in progress.]
[Congratulations, host, for obtaining drawing-sword technique!]
A surge of kendo knowledge flooded Kyōraku Callum's mind.
Unlike One Sword Style Kendo, drawing-sword technique, besides its inherent style, contained a vast array of techniques.
These seemingly simple techniques held the deep spirit of the style.
drawing-sword technique originated from Iaidō.
It emphasized the decisive moment of the drawn sword.
The moment the sword leaves the sheath, life or death is decided!
Kyōraku Callum closed his eyes, diligently absorbing the knowledge, refining his kendo skills.
Gengorō Ōunabara had begun his lesson, starting with the fundamentals of Zanjutsu.
As he reached a crucial point, he paused, a look of astonishment on his face.
He glanced towards Kyōraku Callum, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"A new sword intent?!"
"Unlike the previous overt sharpness. This is... refined, yet deadly. He grasped a new sword intent from a single battle?"
"Truly a remarkable young man."
Gengorō Ōunabara thought, continuing his lecture.
Abarai Renji, along with the other students, also seemed to sense the emergence of this new sword intent.
He watched Kyōraku Callum's back with a mixture of bitterness and awe.
"This... is the difference."
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