A back throw wasn't a complicated move.
As long as you found the right way to generate force and broke the opponent's balance, you could complete it cleanly.
They'd be thrown, then their own weight would drag them into a humiliating fall…
The strategy was straightforward—almost too simple.
But it was the best countermeasure Shizuya could come up with.
Just throw her!
The thought had barely surfaced when the expected resistance never came.
He felt his hands go suddenly light.
What—?
As if reacting a beat too late, Shizuya flung his arms out—
And realized all he was holding was a thin short shirt.
She was gone.
Only the clothing remained.
"This is one of the Shunpo techniques of the Onmitsukidō—Shihoin's Four Maple, the third form: Utsusemi."
Yoruichi's voice came from behind him.
Every hair on Shizuya's body stood on end.
Getting taken from the back was a fatal mistake in close-quarters fighting.
He instinctively tried to turn and strike behind him, but before the motion could even form, a pair of arms slid up his neck with unsettling intimacy.
His throat was wrapped completely.
"You really are… a little different."
Her voice was light and fine—like a whisper brushed against his ear, like the soft murmur shared only between lovers.
But Shizuya had no room to savor any of it.
Because the tightening bind—like a constricting serpent—stole his right to breathe in an instant.
Yoruichi's right arm locked Shizuya in place, pinning him tight into the crook of her elbow.
As she drew it in, her left hand came in to secure and reinforce the hold—
Damn. It's a rear naked choke!
"Ghk…!"
He could feel Yoruichi's full weight pressing down onto him.
Shizuya's vision began to dim. He clenched his teeth, his face twisting.
I don't want to lose—especially not like this!
Damn it! This is supposed to be a simple spar! You're using a secret technique on me?!
But no matter how he struggled, it was useless.
Once that hold was set, there was almost no way out.
It would compress nerves and blood flow, starve the brain of oxygen, and in seconds—
He'd lose consciousness.
He had, at most, a few seconds left before defeat.
Am I… really going down like this?
No—damn it!
Shizuya flailed, trying to make one last resistance—his hands reaching behind him—
And at the final moment, he managed to touch the figure behind him.
A soft, springy sensation filled his palm.
A faint gasp reached his ear.
And then Shizuya fell into darkness.
His consciousness vanished.
...
...
...
"H—!"
Shizuya sucked in a sharp breath and bolted upright from the floor.
He instinctively tried to look around—
But a familiar, teasing tone drew his gaze.
"You're finally awake, Shizuya-kun."
Aizen.
He sat beside Shizuya, gently closing the book in his hands.
Rubbing his still-heavy head, Shizuya slowly pushed himself upright, voice low.
"Aizen-sensei, I…"
"It has been approximately twelve minutes since you lost consciousness," Aizen said calmly. "Lady Yoruichi and the other upperclassmen have already left."
Only then did Shizuya look around.
Just as Aizen said, it was the same dōjō—now completely empty.
Only the two of them remained.
Aizen tucked the book against his chest and rose with a soft smile.
"So, how did it feel to exchange hands with Lady Yoruichi?"
Shizuya pressed his lips together… then flopped right back down onto the dōjō floor with a thud.
"There was no room to fight back…"
Just as Yoruichi had said—
She'd spoken with absolute certainty because she truly had it.
Even if I performed beyond my limits, she could've still found a better way to deal with me…
That was what it meant to be outclassed.
Still, Shizuya wasn't depressed.
Because the suffocation "play" had paid off.
[You underwent Hakuda training and had an intimate exchange with Shihōin Yoruichi. Hakuda +10]
A full ten points.
If he'd stayed with other freshmen, throwing clumsy punches, who knew how long it would've taken to gain that much?
Seeing his Hakuda jump to a total of twenty-two, Shizuya couldn't help but marvel.
His trump card—swordsmanship—was only at thirty-one.
He'd taken the beating for a reason.
Worth it. Perfect.
"Heh. It seems you benefited greatly," Aizen said softly. "Good. Come—we should return to class."
Aizen extended his right hand.
Shizuya gave an awkward laugh, took it, and used the leverage to stand.
Aizen had hinted at something like this earlier, and now Shizuya couldn't help feeling curious.
When had Aizen noticed his abnormality?
"Aizen-sensei… when did you—"
"When did I notice what makes you unique?" Aizen adjusted his glasses. The sideways glance he gave Shizuya was subtle—yet the smile on his face deepened.
"From the beginning, more or less. I may not be particularly capable, but I am rather good at observing."
"You are… special, Shizuya-kun. So I couldn't help wanting to interact with you more."
He said something horrifying with such calm ease that Shizuya almost couldn't even complain.
Aizen continued smoothly.
"And now, judging from what I have seen, my instincts were correct. You truly possess astonishing talent…"
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Those who can read Lady Yoruichi's movements, make an instant judgment, and retaliate—are exceedingly rare."
That wasn't something a "newcomer" should be able to do.
And Aizen had been watching him the entire time. He could say with certainty—
Shizuya did not have the raw level to accomplish it by himself.
So there was only one conclusion.
"During combat, you can rapidly absorb nourishment—analyze what your opponent excels at, understand it, and return it into yourself… then grow quickly."
"I see…"
"It is an enviable gift, Shizuya-kun. You are a born strong one. As your guidance instructor, I am truly pleased."
His voice carried an unusual edge of emotion, as if he genuinely felt a thrill.
Something unfamiliar seeped from Aizen—an aura Shizuya had never sensed from him before.
"I am witnessing a towering tree slowly grow…" Aizen murmured. "Heh. There is no happier news than this."
Shizuya scratched at the corner of his mouth, wanting to say something—only to find he didn't know how.
In the end, all he could manage was a helpless line.
"I know I'm a little unusual, but… you're making it sound way too dramatic, Sensei."
"To have such ability and still remain humble—that is a rare virtue," Aizen said, smiling faintly. "As expected of the student I chose…"
Then he fell silent for a moment.
And after that, Shizuya heard him speak again.
"Oh—there is one more thing. A message Lady Yoruichi asked me to relay to you."
Huh? That ill-tempered noble lady has something to say to me?
"She said that while your performance did not meet her standard, she still found you somewhat to her liking. If you wish, she can submit a request to the Head Captain—have you graduate early and serve under her."
Aizen didn't turn his head as he asked—
"So, Shizuya-kun… what do you think of that invitation?"
Shizuya was honestly stunned.
What? I got beaten down in under two moves. She choked me out like it was nothing.
Why would she be interested?
As if sensing his confusion, Aizen let out a soft laugh.
"Shizuya-kun, this was your first time meeting Lady Yoruichi, so you may not understand…"
"Even if she held back intentionally, you defended, broke through, and even pressured her."
"That chain of actions already exceeded the 'test.' In other words, you performed beyond expectation."
"And for Lady Yoruichi to use a secret technique to respond…" Aizen's smile sharpened slightly. "For her, that is essentially equivalent to cheating."
In short—
"Lady Yoruichi fully acknowledges your ability. During the time you were unconscious, she asked me to relay her words."
"If you are willing, she will welcome you into her ranks at any time. Second Division, the Onmitsukidō, the First Division—Punishment Force…"
"If you want them, you may go to any of them."
Aizen's voice remained calm.
"So what is your answer, Shizuya-kun?"
Shizuya fell silent for a moment.
"If I go there… then Aizen-sensei, you…"
"Then I would naturally have nothing to do with you," Aizen said plainly. "I am only an Academy guidance instructor. I could not continue to be involved in your life."
"Of course, if we were to interact as friends, that may be possible."
With that said, the answer was obvious.
Noble Shihoin. Second Division. Onmitsukidō.
Big names, one after another—sure.
But compared to being connected to someone like this?
Not even close.
Shizuya answered without hesitation.
"I'm not going!"
Aizen studied him deeply for a moment, then turned and began walking toward the door.
"I see. If that is your answer, I will relay it as it is."
"As for our conversation, we will end it here, Shizuya-kun."
"I have some specific ideas… but I will need time to reach a conclusion. Please allow me that time."
"Afterward, I will have another arrangement for you."
Another arrangement?
Something targeted?
Shizuya's expression turned strange.
"Nervous, Shizuya-kun?"
"N-no. If it's something you've arranged, Aizen-sensei… then you must have your reasons."
At this point, Shizuya was more or less on Aizen's "side."
Aizen's actions so far had been flawless, and Shizuya didn't have any particular attachment to anyone else.
So toward Aizen—his guidance instructor—he truly felt respect.
"…Is that so? Then I accept that trust," Aizen said quietly.
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