9 Entrance exam

As he walked in to the examination room, he noticed a Shinigami waiting for him. To his disappointment, it was an unknown character that wasn't even shown in the manga or the anime. He then noticed three pedestals, each holding a crystal ball on top.

"First, place your hand on top of the left crystal and pour in all of your reiatsu. This will determine the amount of reiatsu you have. You need an average amount of reiatsu to past."

The amount of reiatsu a being possessed was categorised into 5 levels: Basic, Average, High, Great and Immense. Basic amount of reiatsu is the common level of power of a regular human as they possess the bare minimum (Below average Class).

Average amount of reiatsu is the common level of power among non-seated and low ranked seated officers (Average Class).

High amount of reiatsu is the common level of power among high ranked seated and average lieutenant ranked officers (Lieutenant Class).

Great amount of reiatsu is the common level of power amongst those of an average captain rank. (Captain Class)

Lastly, Immense amount of Reiatsu. This level of spiritual power is reflected in its ability to enhance a user during combat as well as its ability to affect the surrounding environment on a controlled level, allowing the wielder to use it in combat to startling degrees (Advanced Captain-Class).

They are then categorised into Upper and Lower.

Furthermore, they can also be categorised into 'Orderly' and 'Chaotic' which corresponds to how well the Shinigami can control his Reiatsu. Orderly being very well controlled and chaotic being having no control at all.

Itsuki placed his hand on the crystal ball and poured in all his reiatsu without holding back. The crystal ball started to shine lightly for a few moments before words were plastered across the surface

| Upper Average/Lower High |

This raised an eyebrow of the Shinigami as he was mildly shocked before continuing

"Now place your hand on the one in the middle as it will test your willpower which will measure your potential."

Reiryoku is a power aligned with the spiritual sensitivity and willpower of the user. This meant that those with a higher willpower have the ability of possessing more Reiryoku allowing them to utilise more reiatsu.

For recruits there, were six stages ranging from 1 to 6 with 1 being the weakest. The crystal ball tested on how long one can last and just measured the potential of the applicant. It wasn't the final result, as willpower can be improved.

As Itsuki placed his hand onto the ball he felt some pain in his head. Although, compared to when he received his memories, it was only a walk in the park. The pain started to increase, from like a poke, to a sharp needle like pain. It didn't stop there however; a painful expression now masked his face replacing Itsuki's apathetic one as the pain amplified once again. After a couple of minutes, which seemed like hours for Itsuki, he finally removed his hand as he gasped for air, with sweat falling down his face.

He looked towards the crystal ball and the results were shown

| Stage 6 |

He waited for the Shinigami to carry on but never heard anything. Confused, he turned around only to see the Shinigami staring at the ball with bloodshot eyes and a disbelieving expression. The Shinigami realised that no matter how many times he rubbed his eyes. The results wouldn't change.

"S-s-stage 6 potential"

The Shinigami stated, clearly flustered. After a few moments to calm himself down, he then proceeded to start the third test, however, you could still see the shock in his eyes looking at Itsuki as if he was a monster. Itsuki didn't mind this gaze and continued to listen

"Now, once again place your hand on the last crystal ball. This will show if you can awaken your zanpakuto"

This was very nerve-wrecking for Itsuki as this decided if he could have a one and he really wanted it. Although he knew that he would still be accepted into the academy due to the results of the first two tests, a zanpakuto was a must have.

Zanpakuto, known as the soul-cutter sword, is the trademark weapon used by the Shinigami to combat spiritual beings, being one of the few types of weapon that can go against hollows,

Each Shinigami carries a Zanpakuto, and each zanpakuto is unique: the swords are reflections of a Shinigami's power and soul, and sentient beings unto themselves. The zanpakuto's name is the name of the living spirit which empowers the sword and lends its strength to the Shinigami who wields it.

A zanpakuto's shape and abilities are based on their Shinigami's soul. Once a Shinigami learns his/her zanpakuto's name, they can communicate with one another and grow stronger together. zanpakuto are born with their Shinigami, and they die along with their Shinigami.

As Itsuki placed his hand on the last crystal ball, clear anticipation drowned his eyes as he waited for the results. After a few moments no results were shown. The Shinigami noticed this, and a bit of disappointment flashed through his eyes. Just as he was about to record the result, a blinding flash of light poured out of the crystal ball accompanied by the sound of wind and crackling of thunder. Watching this, the Shinigami nearly fainted and used reiatsu to keep himself from falling back. This continued until the flash of light stopped and the ball disintegrated to pieces.

What the Shinigami never told its participants was that this crystal ball showed a rough estimate on the powers a Shinigami's zanpakuto possessed.

Still reeling from the shock, the door burst open as Shiba Kaien darted into the room,

"What happened?!"

After the receiving the gist of the situation, Kaien looked at the boy and then back to the Shinigami

"I understand, finish of his report and carry on the examination. Another crystal ball will be provided"

He then turned to the boy

"Congratulations, Itsuki-kun, you've passed with perfect marks. Now if you will follow me to the waiting area where your photographic I.D will be taken. You will later be escorted to the academy"

After a final look at the disintegrated ball, Kaien led Itsuki to the waiting area. Along the way, Kaien talked a lot while Itsuki just replied with nods and short words. When they arrived in the waiting area, Itsuki saw around 20 people with Gin and Rangiku already here, having clearly passed earlier. Itsuki turned around, did a small bow and thanked Kaien. Clearly surprised by the thanks from the silent boy Kaien replied

"Don't mind it. You should talk more often otherwise it will be hard making friends"

Itsuki didn't reply as he returned to his usual ice-cold self before making his way towards Gin and Rangiku.