Chapter 3: Keep Learning, Stay Breathing

Giro Hando. Naru Jurinna. Maiko Tokishima.

<param=player_first_name> <param=player_family_name>, too. You're all here.

Yes ma'am!

Good energy! You're up, Captain.

We had originally planned to give you some real combat experience in the World of the Living, but the situation has changed.

The Department of Research & Development detected an abnormal Spiritual Pressure in the Dangai, also known as the Precipice World. We're being sent to investigate.

Captain Hitsugaya and I were supposed to tackle this mission alone,

but at the Head Captain's request, we'll be taking you along to get some experience in the Dangai.

The Dangai... We still don't know much about it. Is it safe?

No. There are no certainties when it comes to the Dangai.

Don't fret. We just need you guys to restart the Barrier Regulation Devices installed in the Dangai.

Oh right, I think I remember hearing that the Department of Research & Development needed to update some control programs after they redesigned their equipment.

You're well-informed.

If you can restart the devices, we'll consider it a passing grade.

Damn, I was hoping for a challenge.

Oh, someone's eager. Don't worry, I think simply breathing in the Dangai is going to be enough of a challenge for you. Right Captain?

Yeah. Hando, if you still have that confidence after we get back, I'll happily sing your praises.

I'll hold you to it.

We'll leave as soon as you're all ready.

Yes sir!

...So this is the Dangai...

It's kinda hard to breathe... Everything's, like...super heavy...

Speak...for...yourself...

Heh.

This place is even harsher than I expected.

Why is it like this...?

Oh dear, did you not learn about the Dangai in your lessons?

The Dangai exists in the space between Soul Society and the World of the Living.

To protect against incursions by enemies such as hollows, it's filled with a "Restrictive Current", a kind of air current that entangles spirits.

Yikes... So this feeling is us being...entangled...?

You can't carry out missions with just information and theories.

It's important to experience things firsthand with your own senses in order to fully understand them.

Finding yourself in unforeseen situations tends to be the norm, rather than the exception. You should take this chance to soak up as much experience as you can.

That's good to hear!

We are studying properly, you know!

Knowledge alone cannot prepare you for the unpredictability of reality.

Get ready to learn firsthand.

Yes sir!

Restarting the Barrier Regulation Device.

The border intensity level is reaching equilibrium. Restart complete.

Alright, on to the next one.

Finished restarting the regulation device.

Yep, the border intensity looks good over here. Let's keep it up!

Yes ma'am. I gotta say though, my body feels SUPER heavy...

Let us know if it gets to be too much. We're here to test you, not flatten you.

Thanks, I'm still good for now.

(Both the Captain and Lieutenant are completely unfazed. They're on another level...)

(Dammit, Why won't my stupid body move right?)

This Spiritual Pressure...

An Arrancar?!

I've seen that one before, but something's off...

You're right. And his Spiritual Pressure doesn't feel quite like an Arrancar's...

The Arrancars should still be bound to the ceasefire agreement.

That's assuming they haven't decided to break it. Don't let your guard down.

Right. Anything could happen in the Dangai, or in a Valley of Screams.

Matsumoto and I will handle this. Focus on protecting yourselves.

Yes sir!

Let's go, Matsumoto.

Yes, Captain!

They did it! That's so hype!

No way...

Fall back, Matsumoto.

Bankai, Daiguren Hyorinmaru!

Hyoryusenbi.

Is everyone alright?

Yes ma'am.

This must be the first time in recorded history where an Arrancar gets blown up and turns into glowing light clones!

Almost makes one suspect that wasn't actually an Arrancar.

Then what was it?!

No idea. Neither the Dangai nor the Valley of Screams obey what we consider "common sense".

Sounds like a treasure trove of mysteries, a researcher's paradise!

This experience has further kindled my drive to collect and analyze data!

Hey, <param=player_family_name>. Captain Hitsugaya's Bankai... It was somethin' else, huh?

Yeah... That Spiritual Pressure, the sheer power of his techniques... So that's captain-level strength.

I wonder what kinda techniques our Bankai will have...

...I can't even imagine. Although we should probably focus on being able to use Shikai first.

I-I know that!

Glad you still have some energy left over. We're double-timing it to the next device.

Yes sir!

Restart complete.

Border intensity looks okay too.

Good work. That was the last device that needed restarting.

Phew. Feels like I've finished a good workout.

Right?

Matsumoto, now's as good a time as ever.

Yeah, looks like everyone's acclimated to the Dangai.

I don't see anyone struggling to catch their breath.

Then, they all graduate.

That they do.

Huuh?! You mean this trip was a surprise graduation exam?!

Graduate from getting handled with kid gloves, I mean.

You lost me...

In other words, we've decided you can fight without two captain-level Soul Reapers protecting you.

So let's keep going!

Hando, Naru, you two come with me.

Yes ma'am!

See you later, Captain♥

Tokishima and <param=player_family_name>, follow me.

Yes sir.

Groooowr...

*pant*... *pant*...

Even though we've acclimated, fighting under these conditions is no joke...

Can you continue? As I said, you can tell me if it's too much for you to handle.

Thank you for your concern...but I want to keep going till the end, no matter what.

?

I want to become as strong as you.

The stronger I become, the more people I can protect.

......

<param=player_family_name>...

If I can't even protect myself after pushing my limits a little bit, how could I even dream of protecting anyone else?

.........

So basically you're saying you can't rely on me, right?

Ah, no, I didn't mean,

Relax, I'm joking.

Hyorinmaru's Bankai excels in both offense and defense. I should have no problem looking out for one particularly motivated student.

Th...Thank you sir!

(You really do remind me of him.)

Um, is there something else...?

No. Keep up the enthusiasm.

...Yes sir!

Phew...

Tired, <param=player_family_name>?

Yes...but compared to when we started, my body feels a lot lighter.

Not pushing yourself too hard?

Only a little bit. If I don't do that much I'll never reach your level. Plus...

Plus...?

Manju taste ten times better when you're exhausted.

So you do have some sense. When we get back I'll tell you about the best manju store in the Seireitei.

...Yes sir!

Groaaarrr...

The hollow escaped!

...That was...

Should we pursue, Captain Hitsugaya?

(This might be our best chance to discover the true nature of that hollow...no, that hollow imitation.)

(And these two are strong enough to escape if things go sideways.)

Let's go.

What is this place...?

A Valley of Screams, a place within the Dangai where souls cast out of the cycle of rebirth gather.

Ooh, I see. This kind of atmosphere is something you really have to experience to understand, I can't describe it in words.

This could become a worthwhile research topic.

Ahh! What happened here?!

Is this the work of that hollow imitation...? Be careful, you two.

Oh, Matsumoto. You guys made it here too?

.........

Wha...

<param=player_family_name>!

Uurgh...

Ngh!

.........

M-Matsumoto?!

...No, something's off. Her Spiritual Pressure is mixed with that of the Arrancar-like creature from earlier!

[<gender ...<param=player_family_name>, fall back! This is not an enemy you can fight!/...<param=player_family_name>, fall back! This is not an enemy you can fight!>]

Run! ...Ghrk!...

...I won't run.

<param=player_family_name>...

...I want to protect them...

[<gender I...WILL protect them!/I...WILL protect them!>]

*pant*, *pant*... Why are we fighting? We're supposed to be allies...

.........

Growl "Haineko".

!

Neko Rinbu.

AAAAAAAGHHH!

Aaargh...ngh...

...

.........

?!

.........

This Spiritual Pressure...?!

...

...*pant* ...*pant*...

.........

Captain!

Mai-pie!

<param=player_family_name>!

Huh...? Two...Lieutenant Matsumotos...?

...I see. So you blacked out during the fight, and can't recall how you defeated your opponent?

Yes...

...Understood. In that case, I'll figure out something to write for my report.

...I'm sorry.

Don't apologize, you're the one who saved us back there.

Um...about that enemy...

According to Matsumoto's report, the fake disappeared after the battle. Its true identity remains unknown.

The Department of Research & Development believes it was an amalgamation of stagnant soul fragments from the Valley of Screams.

I wonder if that fake Arrancar was the same.

We can't be certain, but I think that's very likely.

The Valley of Screams is still largely a mystery to us. But enough about that.

Squad 12 will handle further analysis and investigation.

Okay...

Moving on, I have one last thing to say to you, <param=player_family_name>:

Well done.

Ah, thank you, sir!

congrats on surviving the cross-examination!

Cross-examination...? I'm not on trial, you know.

Did you tell Captain Hitsugaya everything?

Of course.

Including that technique?

[<gender What technique...? Tokishima, did you see something?/What technique...? Maiko, did you see something?>]

I saw, well, I was kinda on the verge of death so I didn't exactly get the best look. But even so, it was pretty plain to see...

...That was Daiguren Hyorinmaru, the Bankai of Captain Hitsugaya's Zanpakuto, Hyorinmaru. An exact copy.

If you ask me, it looked like you used Daiguren Hyorinmaru.

What? ...No way, that can't be right! Besides, Captain Hitsugaya was,

He was captured right alongside me, and I didn't feel any fluctuation in his Spiritual Pressure.

[<gender Are you sure you weren't just seeing things?/Are you sure you weren't just seeing things?>]

I wasn't... Look, I know it's not very scientific of me to make a claim without evidence, but...that was definitely Hyorinmaru.

Still, using the ability of someone else's Zanpakuto...and their Bankai no less...

Yeah. It completely defies comprehension. Which is why...!

<param=player_family_name>, I'm begging you!

Could you take on some crazy powerful enemy again? Preferably when I'm able to safely observe from a distance.

Easy for you to say... Besides, what am I even supposed to do to activate it again...?

Fair enough... For now, how about we keep this our little secret?

Huh...?

After you are officially assigned to the Court Guards, I will examine you thoroughly and in accordance with procedure. No objections!

...Fine.

Excellent. Now all we need to do is graduate.

You have all learned, trained, and grown together at this Academy for the express purpose of becoming a Squad member.

Class 1 in particular has always been comprised of excellent and promising students.

I hope that you realize your potential and pass your exams with flying colors.

Alright, the written exam will start shortly. Most of these questions should be common knowledge to any Soul Reaper living in the Seireitei.

I don't expect anyone to fail, but don't get complacent. Do your best.

You may begin!

What is the name of the spiritual art activated by reciting a predetermined incantation, followed by the spell's name?

What is the name of the dimension between the World of the Living and Soul Society filled with Restrictive Currents that ensnare spirits?

The Four Basic Combat Methods of a Soul Reaper are Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Kido and which of the following?

Name the Bankai of Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto, who was killed in action during the last war.

What is the name of the uniform that Soul Reapers wear?

Where do souls sent from the World of the Living by Soul Reapers end up?

Complete the incantation for Hado Number 31: Shakkaho: "______, the mask of blood and flesh, all things of the universe fly".

The three worlds born from the Primordial Sea are the World of the Living, Soul Society, and which of the following?

How many subdistricts are there within the Rukon District?

Of the three types of Menos Grande, which is the most powerful?

I heard there was an utter moron who managed to score a zero, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it to be you... I'm completely speechless.

At this rate, you will be known as the most foolish idiot ever enrolled in the history of the Soul Reaper Academy! Is that truly fine with you?!

Start again from the fundamentals! Do you understand me?!

This result... Were you not listening to a SINGLE word in class? No, perhaps there were flaws in our teaching methods...

A passing grade. However, you shouldn't get complacent. Compose yourself and make greater efforts henceforth.

You did well. Keep up the good work.

Every question correct...very impressive. Students like you are proof that teaching is never done in vain.

As a reward for this achievement, I'll give you a Chappy stamp. Come on, put out your hand.

That concludes the written exam.

Next up is the practical exam. Make use of everything you learned during your training, and give it your all.

Yes ma'am!

Pass or fail, this will be your final test.

The practical exam will consist of a mock battle.

The examiners acting as your opponents will be active duty members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

Who're we fighting?

Fool! You won't have the luxury of knowing your opponent in advance when you're a Court Guard.

There are four exam halls, each with their own examiner.

Once your hall number displays on your Soul Phone, head there to take your exam.

I'm so nervous! Am I gonna be okay? What if I fail...?

It hasn't been long since the war ended and they need every pair of hands they can get. Unless you royally mess up, even YOU shouldn't have any problems passing the test.

Good point! ...Wait. Did you have to say it like that?

I recommend tuning out our charming friend's snark.

Show off enough skill against an active Court Guard and we might get enlisted right there and then.

It might be a test, but it's still a valuable learning experience. I'm looking forward to what kind of data I can gather.

I look forward to it myself. Cut or be cut... A true battle to the very end.

...It's here. Number one.

I'm...hall number three.

Two for me. I'm off to Tasuku's Final Task...has a nice ring, doesn't it?

...Number four.

Our first challengers step forth to face an unknown fate! Good luck!

I'll remember to cry at your funerals.

You got this, guys!♪

Welcome!

I'm the examiner of hall four, Renji Abarai.

<param=player_first_name> <param=player_family_name>! Reporting in, sir!

The higher-ups talked my ear off, telling me to test for abilities and to check your progress and all that, but I'm gonna level with you...

I don't care about any of that.

.........

You wanna pass? There's only one thing you need to do: make me take you seriously. That's it.

...Yes sir!

Not bad,<param=player_family_name>!

Thank you, sir!

All right then, we're gonna step it up a notch. Show me how you handle this!

Roar! Zabimaru!

Shikai...!

Take this!

Ngh...!

Nice reflexes!

Raaaagh!

Too slow!

.........

No fear in your eyes, even when facing down Zabimaru! I like it!

But you'll never win a fight by staying on the defensive!

Raaaaaagh!

!

...He blocked it!

Course I...DID!

Argh!

You got promise. Not bad.

Alright, the exam ends here. Can you stand,

Ah, Lieutenant Abarai,

Jeez... The exam's over.

Understood... Thank you, sir.

You passed out at the end there, right? Your determination's impressive, but it's a double-edged sword.

...You said I had to make you take me seriously...and if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to pass. So...

I see. You had to push yourself 'cause this exam is that much of a big deal to you.

In that case, you made the right call!

Huh...?

<param=player_name>. You pass.

Yes sir! Thank you, sir!