Kisaragi Akira's shoulders slumped slightly as disappointment crept into his expression. Aizen watched him curiously, unable to understand why a single academy student would be so interested in such matters. But seeing that Akira had no intention of pursuing the topic further, he let it drop.
As a student of the Spiritual Academy, Akira now glimpsed secrets he had never seen before—truths about the Soul Society and the hierarchical structure of the world itself.
He didn't understand why Yamamoto Genryusai, Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, with his unparalleled strength, would allow himself to be subordinated to so-called nobles. And the conduct of those nobles… it was positively nauseating.
And what role did the highest judicial authority of the Soul Society—the Mao Forty-Six Chambers—play in all of this?
Akira would gradually seek the answers to these questions. Until there were no secrets left in this world.
Life at the academy brought back a sense of normalcy he hadn't felt in a long time.
During his free time, he could exercise the skills of a Guji: exorcising restless spirits for bright, youthful girls, promoting the reputation of the Gyokukotsu Shrine. The pure friendships formed in the academy were often the most touching.
Ah, what a beautiful time this was!
Of course, there were downsides.
After getting used to waking naturally in the Gyokukotsu Shrine, he initially couldn't adjust his body clock to the early mornings of academy life. Every morning, when the seven o'clock bell rang, Akira was trapped in a foggy haze.
Back to the cage, loss of freedom…
A torrent of similar thoughts rolled through his mind, and by the time Aizen, having finished his morning routine, knocked on his door to call him to class, Akira felt like a wounded animal, dragging himself out of bed.
"This is life…" he groaned weakly, barely slipping into the blue-and-white academy uniform.
When he opened the door, Aizen's familiar, gentle smile greeted him.
For some reason, this boy seemed determined to stick around, following him since the day of enrollment. Akira's plan to quietly "level up" in peace was already ruined.
Still, Aizen's presence was far from unpleasant. If anything, this kind-hearted version of Aizen was the perfect friend.
"You'd better fix your appearance," Aizen advised as they walked toward the classroom.
Since meeting Akira, Aizen had gained a deeper understanding of human nature. One could be flexible with social norms without annoying anyone—perhaps a natural gift?
"This morning's class is with Kaede Kishinobu. He despises sloppy students," Aizen continued, having already learned the quirks of various teachers.
Akira nodded weakly, completely drained.
"Kishinobu… here we go, about to brag about his family wealth again," he muttered.
"He's so annoying! A noble leeching off Ryuhon District commoners' taxes, enjoying it without a second thought!"
Aizen glanced sideways, thoughtful. "Akira, do you hate nobles?"
"No. I hate that I'm not one," Akira said with a wry grin, linking his arm with Aizen's. "After all, even a dragon-slayer will eventually become a dragon!"
Aizen seemed to ponder this.
Inside the classroom, Kaede Kishinobu stood at the podium. His imposing, muscular frame and serious, no-nonsense expression surveyed the students as they entered.
Unlike his retired, overweight self, the present-day Kishinobu was elite to the core. Master of slashing techniques, hand-to-hand combat, and particularly skilled in martial arts—he even served as the academy's martial arts instructor during free periods.
Once the students had settled, Kishinobu's gaze sharpened with more gravity.
"Before formal lessons begin, a word of explanation," he said. "As elites of the entrance exam, you have all made remarkable progress. After this class, personnel will evaluate your martial arts skill."
"Class begins."
Without giving the students time to question, Kishinobu launched into his lecture on martial arts.
Akira focused intently. His future depended on this. Especially with sign-in rewards being so random, he had to learn to rely on himself.
Meanwhile, Aizen, normally the most attentive student, seemed a little distracted. Akira waved his hand in front of Aizen's face, drawing him back.
"Thanks, Akira," Aizen said softly.
A question mark appeared above Akira's head.
"I just realized something," Aizen explained with a smile.
At that moment, a familiar chime sounded in his mind:
[Aizen Sousuke Trust Level Maxed—Sign-In Condition Achieved][Character Sign-In: Aizen Sousuke][Gained 1,000 Spiritual Pressure; Level Up! Current Level: Lv20][Exclusive Attribute Acquired: Divine Heart][Divine Heart: Supreme pride, viewing oneself as a god. Learning potential for all skills increased to MAX at current level!]
Akira inhaled sharply, his expression flickering from shock to disbelief, and then exploding into joy—all within less than a second.
Even Aizen blinked, startled by the speed and intensity of the transformation.
He had thought location-based sign-ins were the ultimate prize—yet here was something even more potent, delivered out of nowhere.
Since meeting Aizen, Akira had often felt insecure about his lack of talent. The Divine Heart attribute activated his senses to the fullest, making the world appear vibrant and multifaceted. He realized that a genius truly perceives a completely different world than an ordinary person.
Just as he was giddily reveling in this new power, Kishinobu's lesson was wrapping up.
"Class is dismissed for today. Next comes your test."
His hawk-like gaze swept over the students. Many shrank under his presence, some even lowering their heads to avoid eye contact.
Until…
Kishinobu spotted Akira, lost in his own world, and frowned.
He remembered the Guji from Gyokukotsu Shrine—a talented but unpredictable student, mid-level in Class 1-A, prone to insubordination: talking back to teachers, exorcising spirits for female students, openly promoting his shrine's work…
Kishinobu's gaze darkened. Let's hope he doesn't pull any stunts during this assessment—or he'll learn what it means to face true authority.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, a shadow approached the window, accompanied by the crisp sound of shattering glass. Pieces scattered across the podium.
Then came a loud, arrogant laugh:
"Hahaha! Ready to meet a miserable fate, freshmen?!"
On the podium, a black-skinned girl with a purple ponytail crossed her arms, grinning. The sun caught her perfect white teeth.
"Next…"
"I, Yoruichi Shihouin, will be your martial arts examiner!"