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Nanatsuki drew the second name—Kotetsu Isane.
"Katori-sensei has drawn Kotetsu Isane!" Danmu Zōsuke announced excitedly. "The matchups for the semi-finals are now decided: Aizen Sōsuke vs. Kotetsu Isane, and Komamura Sajin vs. Yadōmaru Lisa!"
The audience erupted in discussion over the draw results.
Most of the Shinigami present hadn't watched the quarter-finals, so the ones sitting near the student section began asking the students nearby.
"What are these contestants like in terms of strength?"
"That announcer said Aizen Sōsuke is a top contender—does that mean he's the strongest?"
"They're all students of Katori-sensei, and they're all incredibly strong!" one enthusiastic student explained. "But saying Aizen is the favorite to win is kind of an exaggeration!"
"Yeah, yeah, I voted for Lisa Yadōmaru. She's the cold and cool goddess! That Thunder Spear of hers was so badass! If I could get pierced by Lisa's Thunder Spear just once, I could die happy!"
"If you got hit by that, you'd be more than happy—you'd be dead. He's asking about strength!"
"I think... Komamura Sajin is the strongest. His technique was terrifying. Even through the spiritual barrier, I felt like I couldn't breathe."
"Yeah... those large-area attacks... Aizen's fast Shunpo won't help him much there."
"Aizen only won by relying on his fast Shunpo and that 'Dankū' technique. He just wore down Shiba Isshin's stamina and spiritual pressure—he's way overrated!"
"But if he can use Dankū, doesn't that already mean he's really strong? Can Komamura Sajin or Lisa Yadōmaru even break his Dankū?"
"Of course they can!"
The students began arguing loudly.
The surrounding Shinigami grew more and more confused as they listened.
Still, they picked up on one thing—Kotetsu Isane, who barely got mentioned, was likely the least favored to win.
"Kotetsu Isane... she's the daughter of Principal Kotetsu, right?"
The same Shinigami who asked earlier followed up.
"Yep. She's really strong too. Her Zanpakutō has an ice-based ability, which actually counters Aizen's water-type Zanpakutō. And I heard she's been training under Katori-sensei even longer than Aizen. She definitely has a chance."
The student answered enthusiastically.
"Hmm… Aizen doesn't sound that amazing after all. I should bet on Kotetsu Isane to win—fortune favors the bold!"
The Shinigami patted the newly issued pay in his pocket and left his seat with a decision made.
After finishing the draw, Nanatsuki returned to his seat in the guest section.
The conversations in the guest area were entirely different from those among the students.
Everyone seated here was at least vice-captain level, and they could clearly assess Aizen Sōsuke's previous performance.
"Katori-kun, you really gave Isane the worst matchup possible." Principal Kotetsu sighed.
"Aizen Sōsuke's strength is probably already at vice-captain level." Kyōraku Shunsui saw it as a one-sided battle.
He was more interested in the next match. Komamura Sajin and Yadōmaru Lisa had only shown superficial glimpses of their power.
It was still hard to say which of the two was stronger.
"I have an idea." Kuruyashiki Kenpachi pointed at the man with the shaved topknot seated beside him. "The champion is supposed to challenge an official Shinigami, right? Let Vice-Captain Gojō step up. If the winner can defeat him, they'll be promoted to vice-captain!"
Kenpachi wanted to put some pressure on his own vice-captain.
"Challenge me? These kids don't look easy to deal with!" Gojō rubbed his head helplessly.
How did coming to watch a match suddenly put his job at risk?
"That's a bit too fast of a promotion. Becoming a vice-captain isn't just about strength." Ukitake Jūshirō was cautious about the matter. He believed a student needed some experience before joining the Gotei 13 as a vice-captain.
"I'm planning to retire soon. If someone can beat Vice-Captain Gojō, I'll let them take my place. I can still guide them for a while before I step down," said the vice-captain of the 5th Division with a warm smile.
"If Vice-Captain Genhara is overseeing it… I have no objections," Ukitake nodded. He respected the old deeply.
Everyone turned to Yamamoto, waiting for his opinion.
"If someone defeats Vice-Captain Gojō, they may be appointed as 3rd Seat of the 5th Division." Yamamoto declared.
He, too, approved.
The 5th Division currently had no captain, and its affairs were being handled by the vice-captain.
But Vice-Captain Genhara was already old and nearing retirement.
So, it was urgent to cultivate someone capable of supporting the division's responsibilities.
'Looks like Shinji's plan is going to fall apart…' Nanatsuki thought.
A few years ago, Hirako Shinji had chosen the 5th Division because he saw great opportunity for advancement.
Vice-Captain Genhara had even promised him that he wouldn't be in the position much longer.
There was a high chance that once Genhara retired, Hirako Shinji would become vice-captain.
And if he reached captain-level strength, he'd naturally take over as captain later on.
Unfortunately, his growth wasn't as fast as Aizen Sōsuke's.
Aizen had already reached vice-captain level ahead of him.
'So that means Aizen might become Shinji's captain one day? How amusing…'
Nanatsuki suddenly realized that, at this rate, Aizen would still reach captain-level before Shinji.
One step ahead meant always ahead—and when the time came, Aizen would be Shinji's superior.
Aizen Sōsuke and Kotetsu Isane stepped onto the stage.
"Just treat this as regular training. No need to be nervous," Aizen said with a smile.
"I know I don't have much chance of winning, but I'll give it my all!" Isane replied seriously.
"Then let's begin." Aizen nodded. "I'll also give it everything I've got."
He drew his Zanpakutō, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint smirk.
"Shatter—Kyōka Suigetsu."
In an instant, most of the audience fell under the influence of Kyōka Suigetsu.
Aizen glanced subtly toward the noble seats.
They were seated right at the front—no need to look at the screen to see the stage clearly.
The Tsunayashiro family members were all watching intently.
The hypnosis had worked.
All of the main members of the Tsunayashiro family had fallen under Kyōka Suigetsu's illusion.
On the other side, Kotetsu Isane also drew her Zanpakutō.
"Hashire— Itegumo!"*
Her blade split into three segments.
Immediately afterward, a wave of icy mist spread from her Zanpakutō.
After a few days of practice, she had improved her mastery of Itegumo, now able to emit ice mist through her Zanpakutō.