Bleach: Soi-Fon's Challenge Begins with Ultra Instinct

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Sixth Division barracks.

Practice dojo.

Abarai Renji wiped the sweat from his brow, laid his Zanpakutō aside, and sat down cross-legged on the floor, panting heavily. His shihakushō clung to his soaked body. He had started training before dawn and hadn't stopped since.

There was a reason for his intensity—he had someone he had to catch up to. That man used to be his classmate. Now, that man was standing at the threshold of captainhood.

Renji drank from a kettle nearby, then stood and gripped his Zanpakutō again.

"Renji, are you sure you're not overdoing it?" Rukia Kuchiki watched from the side, concern on her face.

"I'm fine, Rukia," Renji replied firmly, swinging his sword again.

"That guy saved my life. The only way I can repay him... is to surpass him, stand beside him, and say 'thank you' as an equal. If I remain a powerless ant, just one of the countless rescued nobodies, then my gratitude is meaningless—forgettable."

"That's why I have to get stronger. Stronger. Stronger!"

Renji roared as he swung again. The calluses on his palms split open, but he didn't stop.

Rukia remained silent. Since returning from the battlefield that day, Renji had changed. Su Li's strength had shaken him to his core.

All she could do now... was sigh.

…

General Care Clinic.

Sui-Feng was dozing off on her bed, one eye half open.

"Captain! Captain Sui-Feng!" Omaeda's panicked voice echoed.

Sui-Feng cracked an eye, visibly irritated. "Hn?"

Omaeda leaned in with a secretive tone. "Captain, do you know who Su Li chose for the challenge?"

Her interest piqued slightly. "Who?"

"Zaraki Kenpachi of the Eleventh Division!"

Sui-Feng instantly sat up. "Who?!"

"Zaraki Kenpachi," Omaeda repeated, startled by her reaction.

"You're sure? You weren't even there!"

"Nanao just messaged me—it's confirmed."

Sui-Feng's face twisted in frustration. "What a complete idiot! Of all people, he picks that battle-crazed mutt?! Doesn't he know Kenpachi never holds back?!"

She clutched her chest, visibly distressed. "That man fights like he's trying to die! What if Su Li gets seriously injured—or worse?!"

Her eyes flicked toward Omaeda. "Maybe I should reapply for the assessment. I'll take the field myself. What do you think?"

Omaeda choked. What do I think? Why do I have to have thoughts about this?!

Before he could answer, Sui-Feng had already started slipping her shoes on. "It's still early. If I hurry—"

"Captain! You can't go!!" Omaeda lunged and clung to her leg in desperation.

If he had any doubts before, they were gone now. His captain was acting exactly like a love-struck girl worrying about her boyfriend!

"Give me one reason I shouldn't go!" Sui-Feng glared, her spiritual pressure flaring faintly.

Omaeda trembled, still clinging to her. You want reasons? I gave you reasons! It's Central 46 protocol! You can't cancel or retake the test!

He couldn't say it aloud.

Instead, he stammered, "If you show up now, Captain Su Li might hate you…"

Sui-Feng paused, caught off guard. "Hate me? Why?"

Omaeda leaned into the opening. "Captain, Su Li has a strong will. Even if he loses—or dies—he would never want to be interrupted in the middle of his own challenge. If you barge in, he won't appreciate it. He'll resent it."

"Besides," he added, "with the other captains there, he won't be too badly hurt. Right?"

Sui-Feng was silent for a long time. Then she suddenly sat down, her face falling.

"…Alright then."

Omaeda let out a long breath of relief.

"Don't worry, Captain. Even if Su Li fails, he can reapply in a year. You could oversee the test yourself then."

Sui-Feng's expression finally softened.

"Fine. I'll wait for him."

She laid back down and pulled the blanket up.

Omaeda blinked. "Captain… since Su Li's in the assessment, shouldn't you return to Squad Two and resume duty?"

"No. I'll wait for him here."

Omaeda froze in place, brain stuttering.

She was really going to wait here for him to come back?

Even the plot of 'hospital bedside care' was part of her plan now?!

Omaeda's soul went numb.

This was real.

This wasn't professional duty.

This was—unethical workplace romance! Brother-in-law-level obsession! A love she didn't even realize she'd fallen into!

And it was definitely, completely, unquestionably true.

Sui-Feng... was in love.

And Omaeda… was traumatized.

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