The sun hung high over the Seireitei, casting warm golden light over the towering white walls and winding streets. Today was a momentous occasion—graduation day.
Asta stood at the center of the courtyard, his arms crossed, an eager grin spread across his face. He had done it. After years of training, pushing himself past his limits, and proving himself against countless foes, he had finally reached the end of his journey as a student.
But more importantly…
This was only the beginning.
The ceremony had gone by in a blur—formal speeches, acknowledgments, and congratulations. Asta had tried his best to pay attention, but really, all he wanted was to get back to fighting. He wasn't here for fancy words or tradition. He was here to test his strength.
And it seemed fate had something special in store for him today.
As the crowd dispersed, a shadow loomed over Asta.
"Oi. Brat we meet again, huh?"
Asta turned—and came face-to-face with Kenpachi Zaraki.
The massive captain of the Eleventh Division towered over him, his wild hair spiked in every direction, his eyepatch resting over his right eye. His very presence was suffocating, an aura of pure killing intent radiating off him like a storm ready to explode.
Beside him, perched on his shoulder, was Yachiru Kusajishi, her pink hair bouncing as she grinned down at Asta.
"Woah! So, Asta, Kenny's been waiting to meet you!" she chirped.
Asta blinked, then grinned. "Oh yeah? And why's that?"
Kenpachi's lips curled into a wide, predatory grin.
"Because I hear you like to fight."
Asta's heart pounded in excitement. This was it—this was what he had been waiting for.
Yachiru giggled. "We're here to invite ya to join the Eleventh Division! Buuut…"
Asta raised an eyebrow. "But?"
Kenpachi cracked his knuckles. "You want in? Then fight me."
The air around them grew heavy. The other newly graduated Shinigami froze in place, eyes widening in terror. Asta had barely graduated, and he was already being challenged by Kenpachi?!
But Asta?
Asta grinned.
"Heh. Now we're talking."
The Challenge Begins
They moved to an open training ground just outside the Eleventh Division barracks. The moment Asta and Kenpachi stepped in, a crowd gathered around the perimeter—Shinigami of all ranks, curious to see how this reckless new recruit would fare against their captain.
Renji stood among them, arms crossed, shaking his head. "Damn it, Asta… you don't know what you're getting into."
Kaien whistled. "Asta's got guts, I'll give him that."
Asta stood across from Kenpachi, rolling his shoulders. His heartbeat thundered in his chest, not from fear—but from excitement.
This was the strongest opponent he had ever faced but Asta won't give up.