The Strongest in...

Chapter 5: Equal to 50% of full speed



The sound of a muffled strike echoed through the room as Atsumi failed after five minutes of effort. Her expression was one of frustration, and she stopped, panting, with her arms hanging limply. Yoruichi, with her mischievous smile, watched calmly, as if it were all just a fun game to her.

"Next!" Yoruichi announced, not even seeming the slightest bit tired. The atmosphere was thick with tension, yet she appeared immune to it all, her serene demeanor contrasting sharply with the evident strain of the students.

Next up was Ayato Samadara. He stepped forward with determination, attempting to use his maximum speed. However, after five minutes of trying, he too was defeated, Yoruichi dodging and vanishing with a Flash Step that left Ayato dizzy. He mumbled a few words of frustration before leaving the field.

And so the test continued. Each student who stepped forward seemed one step behind Yoruichi. Some tried to predict her movements, while others attempted to deceive her with quick feints, but none of them managed to land even a single touch.

Between each attempt, Jin couldn't hide the satisfied smile that appeared on his face. He maintained his focus, but with a calculated gleam in his eyes, observing and analyzing everything with precision. With every failure, every mistake made by the other students, he extracted information, his internal analysis system – Nano – processing in real-time every movement and variation in Yoruichi's style.

"Now, this is getting interesting," Jin thought as his eyes adapted to Yoruichi's swift movements. He knew that no one so far had been able to truly analyze the Second Division Captain the way he was. He was beginning to see patterns that others seemed to overlook.

His eyes, now glowing with a digital light, tracked every Flash Step with surprising precision. Even amidst Yoruichi's near-supernatural speed, he was able to notice the subtle nuances – reaction times, slight adjustments in her posture, and even the split seconds when she changed direction.

Meanwhile, Aizen, seated and calmly observing, didn't seem as engrossed in the test as the others. He remained in an almost contemplative state, his hands delicately crossed, his eyes fixed on Yoruichi but without any perceptible pressure. Jin noticed this, and a small smile formed on his lips.

He knew Aizen was probably underestimating what was happening, perhaps even planning something, but the way he reacted was as if he already knew what Yoruichi would do next.

"Good luck, Aizen-san," Jin remarked with a subtle smile, his eyes still gleaming with a touch of sharp intelligence. Aizen simply raised his hand in a casual farewell gesture and made his way to the center of the room, where Yoruichi awaited him, ready to start another part of the test.

The atmosphere in the room seemed to shift. Yoruichi looked at Aizen with an amused smile, as if intrigued but showing no trace of apprehension. Jin, on the other hand, was watching intently, as if he knew this was the moment he would learn the most.

Aizen was beginning his attempt calmly, but there was something different about his posture. He didn't seem rushed, nor did he follow the impulsive style of the other students. "Does he have something in mind?" Jin thought, without taking his eyes off him. "Or is he just playing around too?"

Jin crossed his arms, carefully observing every movement of Aizen while activating Nano's full analysis in his mind.

"Nano, analyze Aizen for me on every possible level and inform me of his current power level."

There was a brief moment of silence as Nano's internal systems processed the information with impressive speed. In his vision, data began to align, displaying graphs and numbers detailing Aizen's physical, spiritual, and technical status.

[Analyzing...]

Naturally, a shadow of doubt crossed Jin's mind. The memory of a Zanjutsu lesson surfaced, when Aizen had demonstrated his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu, in a flawless performance.

The power of his blade was devastating not only because of its direct combat capability but primarily due to its ability to induce a perfect illusion, controlling the five senses of anyone who witnessed its initial release. "What if I was already inside his illusion?" Jin briefly wondered, though there were no apparent signs of it.

However, Nano was equipped with specific countermeasures against this type of technique. With its advanced analytical and regenerative capabilities, the machine could detect the subtle interferences caused by the illusion in its sensory organs.

As Kyōka Suigetsu manipulated the five senses to create a distorted reality, it left behind slight traces of alteration in biological systems. Nano would immediately identify these interferences and neutralize them through micro-adjustments and self-repair, shielding Jin from the full influence of the illusion.

[Analysis complete.]

[Sōsuke Aizen is currently at a level equivalent to a Lieutenant.]

Jin's eyes gleamed with interest, but he didn't relax. He knew Nano's analysis was incredibly accurate, but it wasn't infallible when faced with someone as meticulous as Aizen.

'Is there a chance he could exceed this analysis?' Jin asked mentally, keeping a neutral expression as he observed his classmate.

[Zero possibility. Based on collected data and your memories, Aizen is still developing into the powerful being he will become. However, there is a 50% chance that he is hiding specific abilities related to Kidō and the full use of his Zanpakutō.]

Jin absorbed the information, a small smile forming on his lips. 'Hiding abilities, huh? That sounds exactly like something he would do.'

He glanced away briefly, feigning indifference as his mind raced. The analysis confirmed what he had already suspected: Aizen was not yet the unbeatable strategist he would one day become, but the early traits of his calculating personality and tendency to hold his cards close to his chest were already evident.

'So that's what you're trying to do here, Aizen. Play with everyone's expectations while keeping up the façade of a promising student... As meticulous as ever.'

Jin kept his eyes on the interaction between Aizen and Yoruichi, his mind running at full speed as he observed the almost imperceptible movements of the two. He noticed that, at specific moments, Aizen managed to close the distance between himself and Yoruichi for mere fractions of a second. These rare instances demonstrated the technical skill and intelligence of the future strategist.

However, the advantage was always short-lived. As soon as Aizen seemed to be on the verge of catching up to Yoruichi, she would increase her speed with a disconcerting ease, as if she were toying with the rhythm of the confrontation. 'She's completely in control,' Jin thought, crossing his arms while continuing to analyze every detail.

'Nano, calculate the speed difference between them.'

[Difference calculated: Yoruichi is 1.45 times faster than Aizen at his current maximum speed.]

The data confirmed Jin's suspicions. He knew Aizen was a prodigy in many areas, but Yoruichi's raw speed was on another level. It was living proof that experience and specialization carried significant weight in a direct confrontation.

As he examined Aizen's face, Jin noticed something rare: a flicker of surprise. It wasn't something the brown-haired shinigami let show easily, but in that moment, his expression revealed that he was beginning to grasp the colossal difference between him and the captain.

'Aizen overestimated himself this time,' Jin concluded, his silver eyes shining with a mix of fascination and curiosity. 'And at the same time, he underestimated Yoruichi... A mistake that doesn't suit him.'

It was fascinating to see someone like Aizen, who always seemed to be one step ahead, face an insurmountable obstacle. Jin knew such moments were rare and perhaps one of the few times when Aizen would truly be reminded that, as brilliant as he was, he was not infallible.

He continued to watch as Aizen adjusted his movements, attempting to compensate for the disparity. However, it was evident that the shinigami was trying to overcome a gap that could not be closed at that moment.

'No one can surpass everyone in every aspect,' Jin thought with a faint smile on his face. 'Not even someone like you, Aizen.'

When time ran out, Aizen stopped, calmly adjusting his glasses as sweat trickled down the side of his face. Despite having failed, he was the only one so far who had managed to come close to Yoruichi, which elicited a satisfied expression from the captain.

"Not bad," Yoruichi said with a playful smile. "You've got talent, kid. But you're still far from catching up to me."

Aizen responded with a slight nod, his expression returning to its usual calm and introspective demeanor, though Jin could tell he was still silently processing the experience.

Jin, meanwhile, took the moment for an internal calculation.

"Nano, using the data you've gathered from Yoruichi and my body, what's the probability of me reaching at least 50% of her speed?"

[Calculating...]

As he waited, he crossed his arms, his silver eyes analyzing Yoruichi with curiosity. She seemed completely at ease, as if this activity were nothing more than a casual distraction. Even so, the level of mastery she displayed made it clear why she was called the Lightning Goddess.

[Calculation complete. Based on your current physical condition, Reishi level, and accumulated data on Yoruichi Shihoin, the probability of reaching 50% of her speed is 62% with intensive training focused on explosive power and spiritual energy control over six months. However, with Nano's support technologies, this time can be reduced to three months. Would you like to activate a development plan?]

Jin smiled inwardly.

"62% is just the beginning... But I want to surpass that. Activate the plan and adapt it to reach at least 75% in two months. Let's show them that underestimating a reincarnated one is a mistake."

[Plan activated. Optimizing parameters...]

Jin adjusted his posture, watching as the next student was called, but his mind was already in a parallel universe, focused on the challenge he had set for himself.

Meanwhile, Yoruichi, still standing nearby, seemed to notice the faint glint in Jin's eyes and merely smirked slightly.

"This boy... he's going to be interesting," she thought.

After a few more students, it was Jin's turn. He stepped into the center of the arena, his silver eyes locked onto Yoruichi, who observed him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. The murmurs among the classmates grew louder; many were wondering if he stood any chance against the captain.

Jin took a deep breath, feeling the constant flow of Reishi within his body as he prepared his strategy.

"Nano, adjust the system. Set internal damage regeneration to maximum level. I want my tissues and muscles to withstand the pressure without failing, even if I exceed my limits."

[Internal damage regeneration adjusted to maximum capacity. Ready to compensate for damage caused by excessive physical strain.]

He let out a slight smile as he snapped his fingers, confidence radiating from his posture.

"Also, keep analyzing her movements like you were before. Predict where she'll move based on the detected patterns and show me the directions through 3D images. Do this in real time and sync with my reflexes. And... don't forget to upload all collected data directly to my brain."

[Analysis in progress. Initiating 3D mapping of the battlefield. Neural system synchronization complete. Data transfer will be continuous during execution.]

Jin stepped forward, slightly bending his knees, ready for the challenge.

"Are you ready, kid?" Yoruichi asked with a teasing smile, adjusting her body weight into a relaxed stance.

"Ready like never before," Jin replied, his silver eyes shining with determination. He knew this would be one of the greatest challenges of his life so far.

Yoruichi vanished in an instant, a blur that seemed to defy the laws of physics. However, Jin didn't blink; he was already analyzing everything.

[Target in motion. Predicted displacement: 2.5 meters to the left, 45-degree angle. Updating...]

A holographic projection appeared in his inner vision, showing a clear line of Yoruichi's movement. Jin reacted immediately, his body moving with surgical precision during his own Flash Step to where the projection indicated.

He almost managed to touch her. For a moment, his fingers brushed the air where she had been, but Yoruichi disappeared again, reappearing a few meters away with a mischievous smile.

"Not bad," she said, her golden eyes shining. "But you'll need more than that to catch up to me."

Jin didn't lose his composure. His smile widened as he adjusted his stance again.

'Nano, adjust the calculations. She's changing the patterns to confuse me. Use the data collected so far and amplify the forecast for multiple scenarios simultaneously. I don't want to just react, I want to anticipate.'

[Reconfiguring... Multiple scenarios generated. Adjusting for real-time efficiency boost.]

The tension in the arena was palpable. The other students watched in complete silence, unable to look away.

Both of their smiles were filled with confidence, but also with an unspoken respect for each other's abilities. When they disappeared in a blur of speed, the air around them seemed to vibrate with the intensity of the Flash Step.

"Impressive," Yoruichi murmured in an almost inaudible tone as both reappeared on opposite sides of the vast room.

Jin had his arm extended, clearly indicating his attempt to touch her during the movement. He had used a long stride, similar to Yoruichi's style, an agile movement that seemed to mimic her fluidity in the air. During that fleeting moment, his silver eyes captured every detail of her displacement.

However, Yoruichi, as expected, had anticipated his advance. In mid-air, she changed her body position with a graceful twist, adjusting the angle and direction in a fraction of a second. Her feet touched the ground at the same time as Jin's, but with a lightness that seemed to defy gravity.

"You almost got it," she said, her mischievous smile shining as she straightened up, her golden eyes evaluating Jin with renewed interest.

Jin slowly withdrew his arm, his lips curling into a determined smile. He knew Yoruichi was known for being nearly impossible to reach, but the fact that he had managed to react in sync with her – even if just for an instant – was something worth noting.

'Nano, adjust the calculations again. She can change her direction in the air with impressive precision. Add this to the predictions and prepare strategies to compensate.'

[Understood. Updating movement patterns and creating countermeasures in real-time.]

Meanwhile, the other students watched from a distance, astonished. Some could hardly believe what they were seeing. Cheon Jin, known for being impulsive and carefree, was actually forcing Yoruichi Shihoin to change positions.

"Not bad," she admitted, shaking her head. "But if you really want to catch up to me, you'll need to be more than fast. You'll need to be unpredictable."

"I'm good with surprises," Jin replied, taking a step back and adjusting his stance. The tension in the air grew as both prepared for the next move.

They disappeared again.


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