Chapter 7

The sun was setting over the Academy and many students have retired for the evening.

However, the Shin'ō Academy was far from quiet. A majority of the instructors have gathered in the main central chamber, generally reserved for whole-of-Academy-assembly, special guest lecturers or events.

In this case they were organising some last minute logistics for the Final Grading, which are an absolute nightmare to behold. Final Grading was an annual event where students have the opportunity to demonstrate themselves to their juniors, their peers and most importantly, to division representatives. But Final Grading was more than just tests, it was a strange combination of exams, ceremony, networking, and open fair. It is virtually a public holiday. Outside of the Academy, many stalls and vendors were setting up shop with a variety of activities for the whole family. There were a legion of bookies taking bets and setting odds for the various events and trials ahead, including who will get into what Division.

The entire Academy effectively working around the clock to organise it for weeks, right up until Final Grading day, and at the centre of it all was…

"Ōnabara Gengorō! Front and centre!"

"Yes, Captain-Commander Yamamoto." The Chief Instructor hurried over to the leader of the Gotei 13, and beside him was Takaro Seiichiro. Uh oh, Gengorō was filled with dread, this can't be good. But the fact that Takaro Seiichiro is present, with that smug and very punchable face, already told the Chief Instructor what the issue was.

"Who is Yamada Hanatarō?" The elderly shingami asked, ignoring the background chatter from the several dozen staff running around trying to get their forms in order.

"A student." Gengorō responded carefully. "He is part of the upcoming grading."

"Oh please," Seiichiro scoffed, "he's not just a student; he is your student."

"Regardless," Yamamoto interrupted, "I have since been advised this student will be part of the Zanpakutō demonstration, but you have petitioned for Yamada Hanatarō to be exempt from the duelling test. Why?"

"Forgive me, Captain-Commander." Gengorō bowed in apology. "But as I understand it, a student may be exempted from certain examination requirements, especially if there are extenuating circumstances."

"True, and such exemptions are accepted without review." The Captain- Commander acknowledged. "Unless of course such an application is challenged," the elder Shinigami nodded towards Seiichiro, "which has just occurred."

"I see." It took Ōnabara Gengorō every ounce of will power not to try and strangle Seiichiro.

Yamamoto prodded. "So what are these extenuating circumstances?"

"Significant risk of injury and collateral damage."

"This is the Shin'ō Academy, not kindergarten." Yamamoto frowned. "Risk of injury is a reality for Shinigami, Instructor Ōnabara."

"True, but the risk is not for Yamada Hanatarō, but for the opponent." Gengorō puffed out his chest. "The risk of injury is not only great, but also grievous and irreparable."

The Captain-Commander shifted his gaze, his interest piqued. "Why is that?"

"It is due to the nature of his Zanpakutō." Ōnabara Gengorō explained. "I have no doubt the examiners, including yourself would be most impressed with its abilities. However, in an actual duel the risk of injury to an actual opponent goes beyond simple cuts or scratches."

The Captain-General remained impassive. "Explain."

"It is an acid constant-release Zanpakutō, its name is currently unknown." Gengorō clarified. "It has demonstrated a number of strange abilities that go beyond simple acid. I am relatively certain it is a biological or living type."

"Acid?" Yamamoto raised a brow. "Wait, isn't this the one who caused the damage to the 4th division barracks nearly a year ago?"

"Yes, sir." Gengorō nodded. "He's under Captain Unohana's care."

"So he's the one that has acid for blood." Yamamoto stroked his beard. "Truly a unique set of abilities. I can see why he would be exempt."

"Exactly." Gengorō seized the opportunity. "The only key difference between the Zanpakutō demonstration and the duel exams is control. Under the demonstration, you can observe his skills in a controlled environment. However duel provides the additional factor of unpredictability, naturally collateral damage is inevitable, especially in the Yamada's case."

"Hmm." Yamamoto remained impassive. "Instructor Takaro, what say you to this?"

"I would say three things." Takaro Seiichiro sniffed. "One: even in cases of exemption, it is very rare for a student to submit to a Zanpakutō demonstration, but not a duelling test. Usually one comes with the other."

"But not unheard of." Yamamoto tested.

"True, but if I remember correctly those circumstances were limited to students that were applying to Onmitsukidō or the Kidō Corps. My understanding is Yamada Hanatarō has not applied or shown interest to either one." Takaro Seiichiro continued. "If Hanatarō was just pursuing an exclusive career in medical kido, I would not have batted an eye if he requested exemption from the Zanpakutō demonstration and the duel exams. But he isn't; he is being examined as a generalist under the Gotei 13."

While the Gotei 13 is the primary choice for Academy graduates, those that wish may apply to the Onmitsukidō or the Kidō Corps. However both sister organisations have their own curriculum and tests. Provided someone passed, they would be subject to several additional years of specialised training. To join such organisations provide a very unique, interesting and highly secret career. Naturally it would come at the cost of fame and glory which is almost exclusively reserved for the Gotei 13. Yamamoto said nothing, inviting further input.

"Second, the Zanpakutō demonstration is effectively a glorified dance. We all know this. As Hanatarō is being examined as a generalist, the duel test has always played an integral role in the final grading."Takaro smirked. "Instructor Ōnabara is taken with Yamada Hanatarō. This could be nothing more than an attempt to protect his precious golden child from failure or injury, lest it embarrasses him."

"How dare you, Seiichiro!" If Gengorō carried his sword he would have drawn it. "You lorded Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō over us for years. You are just angry that you could not get your hands on Yamada Hanatarō."

"Which brings me to my third point." Seiichiro's smug smile lessened just a little, but nonetheless remained. "Instructor Ōnabara would have us believe that Yamada Hanatarō is effectively the next 'prodigal student', which may be true. If Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō participated in the duel test, surely Yamada Hanatarō should as well. Unless of course you are suggesting his Zanpakutō is somehow far more dangerous."

The light-hearted and partly mocking laughter only obscured Gengorō's true concerns, which was exactly what he thought. Not necessarily by power; Hanatarō's Zanpakutō cannot be mistaken for the walking blizzard that was Hyōrinmaru, nor was it as precise or quick as the infamous Shinsō.

But Hanatarō's Zanpakutō was on a different level when it came to lethality and viciousness. This fact, coupled with Hanatarō's ever growing list of passive abilities results in a highly versatile, resilient, formidable and most importantly, deadly Shinigami.

"There is an issue of an opponent." Instructor Ōnabara explained. "Procedure for the duel test requires participants to be of equal strength."

"And you bring about an interesting point." Seiichiro smiled like the snake he was. "I think I found your star pupil a worthy opponent: Ikkanzaka Jisanbō."

"Jisanbō?!" Gengorō nearly laughed. "He's a moron!"

"Fortunately, intelligence is one of the six components that forms part of a Shinigami's battle data." Instructor Takaro deflected. "His data in other areas is most impressive, he's likely going to graduate with honours. I'm sure he can provide Yamada Hanatarō a worthy challenge, provided of course your star pupil lives up to the hype."

Ōnabara Gengorō is not stupid, he knew which way the wind is blowing. The facial expression on the famed Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni said much. There was a time to fight and a time to retreat. "I am happy to defer to your wisdom Captain-Commander, but I would appreciate if you note by strongest objections to forcing Hanatarō into a live combat situation."

"So noted." The ancient, but no less deadly Shinigami finally spoke. "I appreciate your concerns Instructor Ōnabara, but if Yamada Hanatarō was applying exclusively for medical kido I would not be concerned. But as he is apply as a generalist and the nature of his grading, I am disinclined to allow this exemption. Yamada Hanatarō must undertake the duel exam."

"Understood sir." Instructor Takaro and Ōnabara nodded and separated themselves from the leader of the Gotei 13. "Well Gengorō, it's time to see if this precious student of your is really worth the hype. If not, perhaps his obviously deficient training can be remedied under my tutelage."

"I would be more worried about yourself, you smug prick." Ōnabara Gengorō spat. "You have turned Hanatarō's training into a political feud, and you have tied yourself to Jisanbō. Whatever happens to him will be on you, and I will make damn sure that every instructor, student and Shinigami in Seireitei knows it. No one will ever trust you again; much less want to train with you."

Gengorō savoured the look on Seiichiro's expression; like he was slapped in the face. But he recovered with an irksome glare. "Perhaps. If Jisanbō loses."

"Yes…if." Ōnabara Gengorō muttered the words with dread.

0o0o0o

The much anticipated and dreaded Final Grading Day had finally arrived. It was a bright, sun-shiny day, without a cloud in the sky. To call the main central chamber packed was an understatement. Half of Seireitei had crowded into the seats.

At the very centre of the chamber was a large ring the size of a football field, overlooked by spectators. Infamously known as the duelling arena; it was the place where the most anticipated event of the day takes place.

Those ready for the final grading were upfront, many standing tall and proud. Nearby were the many academy instructors who looked upon their charges with pride.

For most, it was a day of activities, but for the graduates it was a day of frayed nerves. The consequences for failure or success were great. The ones that fail will be sent back for remedial training. In worse cases, they may be kicked out of the Academy altogether and sent back to the Rukongai.

The ones that pass may receive offer to join one or two of the Gotei 13. However more often than not they would be assigned to one of the Divisions, to be determined by a separate committee.

The ones that stand out, may have the opportunity to choose which of the Gotei 13 they may apply to. Those with a specialised skill or characteristic may be actively poached by a specific Division, and perhaps an offer of a low-level seated position in extremely rare cases.

However every now and then someone truly great appears, those that are with limitless potential. When those show up, inter-division politics between divisions rears its ugly head. Those can become metaphorical battle, a desire to promote and expand the legacy of one of the 13 divisions. It can become a bidding war of the highest and most flattering of proportions, with competing offers for high-level seated positions.

So no pressure.

Naturally, Yamada Hanatarō's already high stress levels soared into overdrive. Especially when he heard the bad news.

"But sir." Hanatarō's pale sickly features were even more pronounced. "I thought you said it was too dangerous to duel, especially with my Zanpakutō."

"I know what I said." Gengorō muttered. "But the powers-that-be have made their decision. I can't overrule them."

"And Jisanbō of all people…" A wave of nausea flowed through Hanatarō. If the Academy was hell, then Ikkanzaka Jisanbō was the younger Yamada's own personal demon. That glorified bully had been a thorn in his side since he started. Not even his recent fame changed that. If anything, it made it worse.

"Look at this way, Hanatarō." His instructor revealed a half smile, a poor attempt at lightening the mood. "Now you will have the opportunity to really cut loose, and show all of them all who you are."

"I never wanted any of this." Hanatarō rubbed his forehead, soothing his growing headache. "All I ever wanted was to finalise my medical kido and join the 4th Division."

"Perhaps." Gengorō admitted. "But I will be dammed if I let you waste your potential as a simple medic. If you had been born with a different Zanpakutō, you might have got your wish. But you didn't, so here you are. Besides you have aced every class. Even Instructor Tachiro will acknowledge your potential, and he was arguably your fiercest opposition. You'll be fine, Hanatarō. Good luck." The Chief Instructor put a comforting hand on the Yamada's bony shoulder before heading off to join his colleagues.

Hanatarō felt sick. His focus had been thrown off and his mind was caught wandering; this was everything he dreaded.

But his Zanpakutō had a very different opinion. Hanatarō could feel this biting, gnawing desire emanate from his sword and through his stomach, making his nausea even worse. Hanatarō never had the desire to take revenge on that thug, merely the overwhelming urge to be as far away from as possible.

But Satsujin Dorobō; oh she very much had that desire. Which in itself told Hanatarō that maybe, just maybe, he was not as kind as he wanted to be.

Finally, she whispered from the heart of Hanatarō's inner world.

He's stronger, and faster. Hanatarō ran through the pros and cons of the inevitable duel. Worse still, I have never seen his Zanpakutō. But he definitely knows mine.

Oh he knows nothing about me. She whispered in the dark. And thus nothing about you.

People die during the duel. Hanatarō felt like was going to vomit.

Great for us. Satsujin relished. I am tired of practising on dummies. You follow my lead, and do what I say. I will carry us through.

His Zanpakutō vanished as quickly as she arrived. The young Yamada felt the quiet weigh on him like a wet blanket.

"Hey Hanatarō! Are you listening?" Never had the younger Yamada been glad to have his thoughts interrupted by his self-proclaimed rival.

"Hi Asuka." Hanatarō muttered weakly.

"You look sick…well sicker than usual." Asuka patted the Yamada on the head. "Something wrong?"

"It seems I'm up for the duelling test." Hanatarō gulped, but Asuka just looked amused.

"The duel? Really? Jeez, I'm glad it ain't against me." Asuka quipped, half joking, half deadly serious. "I hope whoever you are fighting has their affairs in order."

"Very funny." Hanatarō snarked. "What am I going to do?"

"Do your best, and keep your guard up." Asuka advised. "You have had nowhere near as much duelling experience as the rest of us; but your abilities are on another level."

"Can't I just not participate?" The Yamada hoped for an affirmative response.

"Pretty sure, Instructor Ōnabara will kill you." Asuka replied with a wry smirk. "Just be very careful, while rare, graduates have been known to die in the duel. But it is an expected part of Shinigami life."

The audience around them was quieting down. A sign that Gotei 13 representatives were on their way.

"Look, I got to head back that way." Asuka jerked his thumb further up the graduate line. "Good luck, Hanatarō."

"You too Asuka." The Yamada smiled weakly, watching his fellow graduate move into the crowd of overeager students.

"Hey Hanatarō!" The Yamada's ears found the source of his name in Hinamori, who naturally was hanging next to Renji and Kira. "There's room here. Come on!"

The Yamada gingerly followed, his mind looking for any source of distraction to his strange predicament.

0o0o0o

There we are fellas, another chapter down.

Hope you enjoyed it.

For context, with respect to the battle data components I am using the generic six criteria you can find in the data book: Offence, Defence, Mobility, Kidō/Reiatsu, Intelligence, and Physical Strength.