"Ichiro Koyabashi! Follow me to the final testing ground," the Royal Guard commanded.
Feeling a sense of unease in his stomach, Ichiro followed the Royal Guard outside to the designated site. As they walked through the gate, Ichiro couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. To his surprise, they ended up back in the Seireitei.
"Uh, I think we took the wrong gate, dude," Ichiro remarked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
The Royal Guardsman shot him a look of disgust over his shoulder, causing Ichiro to whistle lightly. "Well then, it's obvious you don't like me," he quipped.
Before Ichiro could say more, the Guardsman stopped and turned to him with another look of disdain. "We are here, you fool," he stated before vanishing, leaving Ichiro standing there, slightly bewildered by the unexpected turn of events.
Ichiro watched as the Guardsmen left, tracking their spiritual pressure until it dissipated. He chuckled to himself, "Right back to the old Head Captain's office it seems." However, his amusement quickly faded as he sensed the spiritual pressure of eight others rushing towards him.
Remaining silent, Ichiro observed as each of them appeared one by one, each taking different positions. He called them off, starting with the 8th Division Captain, Shunsui Kyōraku. The man smiled, his rough aftershave beard complementing his tall figure and long hair tied back in a ponytail. He wore a ladies' kimono with flowers on it, and pinwheel pins adorned his ponytail.
"2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng," Ichiro announced as he observed her solemn expression. His eyes quickly scanned her figure, taking note of her short black hair styled with two braids, her gray eyes, and the white cloth that adorned her standard Captain Shinigami Uniform, accentuated by a golden sash around her waist.
"And if I'm not mistaken, the leader of the stealth team?" Ichiro inquired, but Suì-Fēng only glared at him, not deigning to acknowledge his question. Despite her stern demeanor, Ichiro couldn't help but smile in response.
Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division appeared unassuming, his long blonde hair reaching his lower back as he wore the standard captain's uniform. Ichiro turned to him with a smile. "Ah, so you're the Invertor," he said. "I've heard all about you and your weapon."
Captain Byakuya Kuchiki of the 6th Division met his gaze with a piercing stare, his eyes reflecting a sense of seriousness. Ichiro returned the look with a gentle smile, taking note of Byakuya's traditional kenseikan and the two additional ones adorning his sides. A white scarf elegantly draped around Byakuya's neck added a touch of elegance to his all-white attire. His fingerless white tekkō covered only the back of his hands, emphasizing his refined and formidable presence.
Captain Sajin Komamura of the 7th Division gazed at the giant wolf before him, his eyes filled with a mix of confusion and curiosity. As he examined the man more closely, he noticed the wolf-like features on his face, along with the shoulder weights and large boots that matched the light brown color of his skin. The unique appearance of Captain Komamura left a lasting impression on those who encountered him, embodying strength and loyalty in his formidable presence.
Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya of the 10th Division appeared youthful, closer in age to Ichiro, with piercing turquoise eyes that held a depth of experience. He donned a sleeveless captain's Haori, fastened with a star-like clip that showcased his Zanpakuto. Ichiro couldn't resist a playful jab, "You're quite young to be a Head Captain, kid." Tōshirō responded with a smile, his smooth and charming voice teasing back, "And you're quite young to be a captain yourself, kid."
Ichiro grinned, his eyes darting between each of them. "So, this is my test, huh?" he exclaimed. "I'm ready to roar into action!"
