Bleach: I'm picking up attributes in Seireitei

"Um..." She cleared her throat, trying to hide her awkwardness, "This ramen is delicious. How did you find this place?"

"The head chef and I are old acquaintances," Wang Xun said simply. "If you like it, you can come often. Mention my name and you'll get a 20% discount."

"Really?" Kukaku's eyes lit up. "It's a deal!"

After leaving the ramen shop, Kukaku followed Wang Xun for a walk along the roadside in Rukongai.

"Speaking of which, Haiyan is very talented."

Kukaku nodded, a proud smile on her face.

"Big brother will definitely be fine. With his abilities, he might even be able to skip a grade."

The two walked and talked, and soon arrived at the fork in the road.

"That's enough for now," Wang Xun stopped, "Thank you for your help today."

Kukaku waved her hand, then hesitated for a moment.

"Um... can I come see you again sometime? I mean, if I want to eat ramen..."

"sure."

Seeing that Kong He was somewhat incoherent, Wang Xun responded with a smile.

"I spend most of my time at the Spiritual Arts Academy, but I sometimes come out on weekends. If you need to find me, you can have your brother let me know."

"Okay, I'll come back to find you!"

Kong He smiled happily. She turned and left, but after a few steps, she turned back and waved to Wang Xun.

Wang Xun watched her walk away before turning and heading towards Seireitei.

After a long time, Wang Xun finally returned to the familiar campus environment, and his mood relaxed a little.

But he knew that some things had changed.

From now on, I must be more cautious.

Conceal your strength and keep a low profile.

This should be the case, at least until one has sufficient means to protect oneself.

......

As the setting sun slowly sank below the horizon outside the window, the lights of Seireitei were lit once more.

Inside the Fifth Division barracks, Aizen Sousuke sat at his desk, handling today's paperwork.

His movements suddenly stopped.

On the table, there was a list of students from the True Central Academy of Spiritual Arts.

Aizen's finger slowly traced a name on the list.

"Wang Xun... a fifth-year student, an elite class student, with above-average grades in all subjects, and no record of special performance."

He pushed up his glasses, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

Aizen put the list aside and continued processing the documents.

It was as if the pause just now was just an ordinary break during work.

As night deepened, Seireitei fell into silence.

The next morning, Wang Xun went to the library as usual.

It hadn't been long since he last went to the training ground to collect fragments, so he planned to save them up for a few more days before going again.

The entrance exams for new students are about to end, and the new academic year is about to begin.

In a corner of the library, Ise Nanao's petite figure sat there as always.

Today, Qixu was dressed in a neat spirit magic academy uniform, her short black hair gleaming softly in the morning light.

She was intently flipping through a thick book, but for some reason, her gaze behind her glasses was somewhat unfocused, glancing towards the door every now and then.

It wasn't until she caught a glimpse of that familiar figure out of the corner of her eye that a hint of joy flashed in her eyes, but she quickly turned her head away.

Wang Xun walked over quietly and sat down opposite her.

Good morning, Nanao.

Qi Xu didn't even look up, just gave a soft "hmm" and continued turning the pages of the book.

Wang Xun noticed something was off; the little girl's reaction today seemed rather cold.

"What's wrong?" Wang Xun asked tentatively. "Didn't you sleep well last night?"

"fine."

Nanao gave a brief answer, but her turning of the page was a little more forceful than usual.

Wang Xun blinked, took out the souvenir he had brought back yesterday from the cloth bag he carried with him, and gently pushed it in front of Qi Xu.

"I went to Rukongai yesterday and found some nice sweets. I brought them back for you to try."

Nanao's gaze finally shifted from the pages of the book to the pastries.

She adjusted her glasses, her tone calm.

"Did you go shopping with that girl from the Shiba family?"

Ah, this...

Wang Xun felt a sense of foreboding, but on the surface he remained calm.

"What are you saying? I only bought it for you separately."

"real?"

Qi Xu looked at Wang Xun suspiciously.

"Why would I lie to you?" Wang Xun smiled and picked up a pastry. "Try it, you should like it."

Nanao stared at the pastry for a while, and finally reached out and took it.

She took a small bite, and the rich milky aroma melted in her mouth. It was sweet and delicious without being cloying, and tasted exceptionally good.

"It tastes good... thank you."

Nanao ate in small bites, her tone finally softening somewhat.

She paused, then looked at Wang Xun: "Was the trip smooth sailing?"

"Well... there were a few minor issues, but things went relatively smoothly; we just didn't discover anything."

"yes."

Seeing that Wang Xun was unwilling to elaborate, Qi Xu lowered her head and continued flipping through the book.

The library fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of pages turning.

"By the way," Nana suddenly spoke, her voice regaining its usual calm, "the schedule for the beginning-of-term assessments for the new semester has been released."

"Oh? When?"

Next Wednesday.

Every major exam at the end of the school year is a time when Wang Xun can collect fragments on a large scale.

Unfortunately, as his level increased, his efficiency in gaining experience decreased.

However, for Wang Xun, it was ultimately good news.

Qi Xu pulled a notification form out of her bag and pushed it in front of Wang Xun.

"This test is as important as ever; it will determine the personnel adjustments for the elite class, and..."

She paused, then lowered her voice.

"It is said that those who perform exceptionally well have the opportunity to apply for the team's entrance exam in advance, but it seems that no one has achieved this in recent years."

"Perhaps someone will achieve it in the next two years. That kid named Shiba Kaien, with his talent, he certainly won't obediently finish six years of schooling."

Wang Xun took the notification and quickly glanced at it.

The opening test consists of two parts: a theoretical assessment and a practical assessment.

The theoretical assessment includes written tests on the burial of souls in the present world, the history of the Soul Society, the characteristics of Hollows, and some cultural topics.

The practical assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the four basic abilities of cutting, punching, walking, and ghost-fighting.

"My shallow katakana technique hasn't changed to this day."

"Seven Threads said softly."

Although her talent in the Ghost Path was among the best in the entire Spiritual Arts Academy, and her practical achievements were consistently number one.

However, awakening her Zanpakuto was indeed a challenge for her.

"I've been thinking about it, and I'm planning to try my luck with the Ghost Path Sect next year."

Wang Xun looked at Qi Xu, whose brows were furrowed with a hint of sorrow.

"Don't worry," Wang Xun said seriously. "Zanpakuto is important, but it's not everything. Your talent in Kido is so strong that you'd be an excellent Shinigami even without a Zanpakuto."

"But..."

Nana bit her lip.

"Okay, stop overthinking it."

Wang Xun picked up a pastry and held it to Qi Xu's lips.

"There are still a few days until the test, so hurry up and prepare. I can train with you if needed."

Nana looked at the pastries handed to her, her face slightly flushed. She instinctively wanted to open her mouth, but hesitated for a moment.

She glanced around furtively, and only when she realized no one was paying attention did she gently bite it with her mouth.

"Um."

The two chatted for a while about the specifics of the test, going over the possible questions in advance.

Looking at her focused profile, Wang Xun secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

This girl, at such a young age, already gets jealous and throws tantrums.

When they grow up, they'll be something else entirely.