Students continued to file in until the lecture hall was full. Regardless of their background, every soul who first arrived at the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy, this institution for training Shinigami, was filled with aspirations for the future. After all, the Shinigami they usually saw were all imposing figures. Whether it was joining the Gotei 13 or, with good luck, being noticed by some great noble family, it could secure them a decent future—at least in times of peace.
The classroom, which had been somewhat noisy, suddenly fell silent. About five seconds later, a middle-aged man with a stern appearance walked in, placing his teaching materials on the podium at the front.
Sure enough, students everywhere have this spider-sense for predicting the teacher's arrival...
Kensei Kenzuru silently complained in his mind as he watched the man write four large characters on the blackboard: "井上敏樹" (Inoue Toshiki).
"Starting today, I will be responsible for your foundational Shinigami training—that is, all arrangements for Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō. You may call me Teacher Toshiki. Our school's standard program is six years, but outstanding students may apply to skip grades or even graduate early."
Inoue Toshiki's gaze swept over the excited students below. As if the stimulation he had given them wasn't enough, after a brief pause, he dropped another bombshell.
"Students capable of early graduation like that will attract the attention of the Captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. At worst, they'll become high-seated officers. Of course, the prerequisite for such a good outcome is that you are genuine geniuses. And the standard for judging your genius is Rei'i—the measure of spiritual pressure density."
Inoue Toshiki briefly explained the Rei'i grade divisions. New students typically started at the 20th grade. Reaching the 5th grade qualified one to serve as a Vice-Captain, and the 3rd grade meant one was fit to be a Captain. Everyone else would be seated officers or... miscellaneous personnel.
"Alright, everyone, follow me to the training grounds. Today, we begin learning Zanjutsu."
As the most fundamental skill for a Shinigami, one could say that a Shinigami might not know the other three disciplines (Hakuda, Hohō, Kidō), but they couldn't not know Zanjutsu. After all, there were no Shinigami who fought without a Zanpakutō. The Zanjutsu taught at the academy was somewhat similar to Kendo, but incorporated many more lethal techniques. This was, after all, an academy training Shinigami to fight dangerous beings like Hollows; they couldn't just teach flashy forms.
"Pay close attention. If you can't master Zanjutsu, you can't become a qualified Shinigami. All of you, focus!"
Inoue Toshiki demonstrated basic sword techniques while reminding the students practicing with bamboo swords not to let their minds wander. However, what kind of decent performance could be expected from students mostly handling swords for the first time? Inoue Toshiki's brow furrowed unconsciously.
"Alright, next, you will spar with me. Let me first correct your mistakes in applying force."
It had to be said, Toshiki was indeed a good teacher—it would be even better if he could change his name. Basic Zanjutsu didn't have many fancy moves; it was mainly about the way force was applied during swings. Therefore, Inoue Toshiki's instruction proceeded relatively quickly, and it wasn't long before it was Aizen's turn.
There wasn't much to see from Aizen in this class. If he could use three-tenths of his effort, he would never use four. He simply executed the movements meticulously like a machine, occasionally making one or two deliberate mistakes for the teacher to point out.
"Very good. You have considerable talent in swordsmanship. With diligent training, you'll at least become a seated officer in the future."
Teacher Inoue patted Aizen's shoulder, offering words of encouragement. Aizen nodded gently, thanked him, and returned to the group, looking at Kensei, who was stifling a laugh beside him.
"Kensei-kun, is something amusing?"
"Pfft... Nothing. I just imagined what you'd look like as a seated officer."
Kensei genuinely hadn't seen Aizen as a seated officer because Aizen had directly become the Vice-Captain under that blonde, Hirako Shinji.
"Is that sort of thing interesting?"
"Not really. I just think Teacher... 'Toshiki' somewhat underestimates you. I feel you're at least at the Vice-Captain level."
"Oh? If it's the Vice-Captain level, then I rather hope my Captain could be you, Kensei-kun."
Kensei's face, which had been quietly chuckling, instantly turned as unpleasant as finding half a fly in his meal. He couldn't shake the feeling that this Aizen kid had ill intentions toward him. Was he planning to direct all those underhanded tricks he used on Hirako Shinji at him? The thought made Kensei shudder.
"Kensei Kenzuru, your turn."
"Coming, coming, Teacher Toshiki!"
Fortunately, the esteemed Teacher Inoue fished Kensei out just in time, temporarily distancing him from Aizen. Staring at Kensei's retreating back, Aizen fell into thought.
*Why is he so certain I'm at the Vice-Captain level? Can he perceive my 5th-grade Rei'i? Unlikely. If I deliberately conceal my spiritual pressure, it's hard for others to sense it clearly.*
This is becoming more and more interesting.
Aizen watched Kensei sparring with Teacher Inoue, a faint, expectant smile appearing on his lips.
For Kensei, the curriculum at the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy was quite easy because his talent was among the very best in the Soul Society. Half a year ago, when he desired to become the strongest Shinigami, the "Hōgyoku-like" entity within him had granted him this aptitude. Unfortunately, it had been silent ever since, whether due to insufficient energy or other reasons. But this level of talent alone was enough for him to ensure his survival in the Soul Society.
Inoue Toshiki also noticed Kensei's rapid progression from clumsiness to proficiency. Believing he had discovered a rough gem, he gradually increased the difficulty of instruction. This had Kensei inwardly groaning, wondering what had gotten into this "Toshiki." Other students finished quickly, so why was he being tortured like this? Was it because he'd called him "Toshiki" once and now he was taking revenge?
Luckily, Toshiki wasn't a complete devil. He had only done so to test Kensei's aptitude. After giving Kensei a careful look, Inoue Toshiki clapped his hands to regain the students' attention.
"Alright, remember the corrections I just gave you. Practice well when you return. Class dismissed!"
With that, he left a hurried back, departing the training ground. One wondered if his wife was going into labor, he was in such a rush. Ignoring the flattery from those around him, Kensei swaggered over to Aizen with such an arrogant posture that even Aizen couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
"So, how about it, Sōsuke? Pretty impressive, right? If Toshiki hadn't run fast enough, I could have had him lying on the ground, eyes wide and mouth agape."
Kensei's nose-in-the-air, boastful attitude, practically screaming "Number One Under Heaven," made Aizen want to facepalm. He felt his earlier impression of Kensei as profound and inscrutable must have been an illusion.
"If you're seeking praise from me, then yes, you are quite impressive. Let's go."
"Go? Where to?"
"Back to the dormitory."
Looking at this humanoid creature walking beside him, constantly eyeing him with a strange gaze, Aizen felt a strong urge to pry him open and see what was going on in his brain. The thought that he would have to share a dorm room with this guy from now on made Aizen feel, for the first time ever, mentally exhausted.
As for Kensei, he was internally gauging Aizen's current strength. During class, Aizen had definitely shown deliberate flaws for Toshiki to see. Now, just beginning Shinigami training and without a Zanpakutō, the current Aizen probably had the strength of a high-seated officer, estimated to be above the 8th Rei'i grade.
Thinking about it, wouldn't that put me above Aizen right now?
"Haha, Sōsuke, looks like I really might have a chance to be your Captain someday."
Aizen Sōsuke said nothing, simply walking in the direction of their dormitory.