The Spiritual Arts Academy was exceptionally lively today.
Many nobles and Shinigami squad members had come to watch the Shinken Taiketsu.
If the Academy weren't so large, it probably wouldn't be able to accommodate so many people.
"The Shinken Taiketsu has become the most-watched event in the Soul Society, hasn't it?" Jūshirō Ukitake remarked, looking at the bustling arena.
In previous years, the various noble families and squads had only sent representatives to watch.
Now, there were so many people that they needed to use Spirit Particle Projections, otherwise those in the back rows wouldn't be able to see the stage.
"The Soul Society is too boring. This is a rare grand event!" Kyōraku Shunsui cleaned his ears. "Many of my squad members requested leave today. I just gave them all a day off."
"Same here," Kenpachi Kuruyashiki pointed to the audience. "The entire 11th Division is here."
It wasn't just the 8th and 11th Divisions; most of the Shinigami from the other squads had come as well.
Only some unlucky ones who had to be on duty couldn't make it.
"It's all thanks to the 'Spirit Particle Projection' device that Captain Hikifune created. Otherwise, this venue couldn't hold so many spectators," Director Kotetsu said, looking up.
Above the guest seats was a huge screen of light.
In a moment, it would display the images from the arena.
"Oh, that's actually Katori-kun and Urahara-kun's work. It was their creation," Kirio Hikifune said with a grin.
Sora's previous world had many grand sporting events. Based on that experience, he had designed the projection device for the Shinken Taiketsu.
"It's all thanks to Lieutenant Urahara, otherwise we might not have been able to finish it before the competition!" Sora glanced at Kisuke Urahara, who was sporting dark circles under his eyes.
Sora provided the idea, and Urahara completed the creation.
Because time was tight, Urahara had worked overtime to finish it.
"Every time you come to me, it's never for anything good!" Urahara sneered.
"With great power comes great responsibility!" Sora smiled.
"This is a good thing!" Kyōraku Shunsui stroked his chin, a blush appearing on his cheeks. "If you put it in a hot spring..."
Kyōraku had a vivid imagination. The moment he saw the screen, he thought of many more uses for it.
"You'll have your eyes gouged out if you do that~" Retsu Unohana said with a gentle smile.
"Is that so... then I'd better not... hahahaha..." Kyōraku felt goosebumps inexplicably rise on the back of his neck.
Sora discreetly scanned the audience, looking for the Tsunayashiro clan.
He hadn't forgotten the other purpose of this event—
Aizen Sōsuke would hypnotize the Tsunayashiro family and the other nobles during the competition.
Sora saw Kana Azashiro. She was sitting with her parents and Sōya.
She seemed to notice his gaze and waved at him.
Sora nodded lightly in acknowledgment.
Not far from the Azashiro family's seats, he saw the seats for the Tsunayashiro, Kuchiki, Shihōin, and Shiba clans.
Except for the Shiba clan, all had sent many people.
"In comparison, the Shiba clan is really sparse... no wonder they declined after Isshin left and Kaien died," Sora thought to himself.
Both the main and branch families of the Shiba clan were small. Several generations combined only numbered a dozen or so people.
The other three families also had small main families, but their branch families were quite large, numbering at least several dozen people over several generations.
Isshin Shiba was not sitting with his family; he was in the student section.
Sora noticed a child who, judging by his seat, should be from the main family.
Sora had a guess and immediately checked his panel:
Kaien Shiba
Talent: S
Spiritual Pressure: lv10
Affinity Level: Stranger
Status: Full of vigor
"It really is Kaien Shiba... He has the potential to be a captain too!"
If the original plot were to proceed, Kaien Shiba would die before reaching the level of a captain.
And his death was related to Aizen Sōsuke; he died at the hands of an experimental subject created by him.
After confirming that the key members of the Tsunayashiro clan were present, Sora withdrew his gaze and looked at the stage.
Today's host and referee was still Sōsuke Tanuki. After he stepped onto the stage, the screen above reacted, displaying the scene.
The change in the screen drew cheers from the audience.
It was the first time they had seen such a large projection screen.
"Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Spiritual Arts Academy!" Tanuki amplified his voice with Kidō. "Coming up is the semi-finals of the Shinken Taiketsu, where four powerful students will compete for a spot in the finals!"
The Shinigami applauded enthusiastically, which excited Tanuki.
His voice grew louder: "Now, let's welcome our Professor Katori to the stage to draw the opponents for our semi-finalists!"
The student section erupted in even more fervent applause.
"My, my, the students are all cheering for Katori-kun!" Kirio Hikifune exclaimed. "It almost feels like he's one of the popular contestants."
A moment later, Sora came to the stage, and two teachers brought over the drawing box.
Sora drew a ball from the box, on which was written the name of Aizen Sōsuke.
"Wow!" Tanuki exclaimed. "The first name drawn in the top-eight was also Aizen Sōsuke! And he has successfully advanced to the semi-finals. Could this be a sign?"
"According to the information I've gathered these past few days, student Sōsuke is one of the top favorites to win this year's competition!"
"Let's see who his opponent will be!"
The information Tanuki mentioned was a student poll.
The students had different opinions on who would win.
Aizen hadn't shown any particularly overpowered attacks in the last match. His persona was that of someone highly skilled in Kidō and Shunpo.
In some people's eyes, he had won by wearing down Isshin Shiba's stamina.
Sajin Komamura and Lisa Yadōmaru were also top contenders.
Some believed they had stronger moves than Aizen.
Lisa's Spear of Thunder was no less impressive than Isshin's move, blowing up half the stage with one hit.
And her move was much faster to release than Isshin's, making it not so easy for Aizen to dodge with Shunpo.
Sajin Komamura, meanwhile, had the most votes.
The sandstorm he had unleashed, which had covered almost the entire stage like divine punishment, had left too deep an impression on the students.
Sora continued and drew the second name
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