Chapter 54

Mutsuki Shōkaku let out a long sigh.

"Never mind."

"It's normal that you didn't receive it, given that it was an urgent notification."

Mutsuki was also in a position to reprimand him.

This small group in front of them is not only something that a noble like Byakuya cannot afford to offend, but it also includes some of the top students in the sixth year.

These are all her achievements.

"You guys should take your seats quickly. We've already been delayed by fifteen minutes. I need to get things arranged right away."

"Yes!"

This time, Haruto agreed quite quickly.

As he turned around to find a seat, several students from his fifth-grade class who sat in the front row moved aside with complicated expressions.

Whether it was the reputation earned through Live-Blade Match or fear of Byakuya's noble status, remains unknown.

Haruto quickly scanned the classroom.

"Munechika is not here?"

Ayaka very astutely guessed Haruto's thoughts and whispered something beside him.

What's wrong with him?

Haruto didn't follow up on the incident, and with his current strength, he didn't need to care about such a trivial matter.

"I've been moved to Class Two to keep Juzu."

"Having been beaten so badly in front of everyone, he's definitely too ashamed to stay in Class 1; since it's already like this, why not just use the guise of being devoted to him to become the top student in Class 2...?"

"Of course, we don't know what his family will think."

Haruto was not unable to understand Munechika's thoughts:

"... All right."

Munechika possesses the level of Ninth Class Reii.

This level of ability is rare even among sixth-grade students.

Alas.

After witnessing everyone's Rei'i Grade today, Haruto finally understood a fact: truly accomplished nobles don't care about the rankings at the Shin'ō Academy at all; their future destinations have already been arranged.

If Munechika were to reveal all his hidden strength, he wouldn't even be able to crack the top five.

――――

"Alright."

Mutsuki Shōkaku clapped his hands forcefully, drawing the attention of the entire class to himself.

Now that everyone is here, I'll get straight to the point.

There are three things I want to talk about.

Compared to before the holiday, Mutsuki Shōkaku's image has become much more dashing.

It wasn't just because she got a slightly messy, dashing short haircut, but also because of her further improvement in her own abilities.

After entering the sixth grade, it wasn't just the students who became stronger; Mutsuki Shōkaku's Reiatsu also underwent a new change.

Haruto had already witnessed what Isane and Nanao's Sixth-Class Spiritual Pressure was like. Based on his current state, he could easily judge Mutsuki- sensei's actual level: she had also advanced to the Sixth-Class Spiritual Pressure.

Moreover, it is Sixth-Class Spiritual Pressure that has mastered both Shikai and Shunpo.

Even though Haruto considers himself strong, it seems his chances of winning against Mutsuki- sensei in this state are still not very high.

"One."

Mutsuki held up one finger.

"The curriculum for this year's sixth-grade students will all be conducted uniformly."

Due to a shortage of teachers, the four classes will no longer have specifically differentiated teaching content.

"As compensation for Class One, you will have the opportunity to choose one of the academy's secret treasures. The relevant security agreements will be discussed with someone after you receive the item."

The nobles were a different story.

Those students from Rukongai strive to get into Class 1 precisely because they want better teachers, but if all classes take the same courses, Class 1 will lose its special status.

Based on this, Ms. Mutsuki quickly announced the compensation measures before the students could cause a disturbance.

"As for whether you want to learn advanced Kidō, Jinzen secret techniques, or Hakuda skills, fill out a form and apply to me as needed after this class."

As it turns out...

This compensation measure is indeed very attractive to students: taking Kidō as an example, under normal circumstances, even if one can graduate smoothly from the Shin'ō Academy, it is very difficult to have the opportunity to come into contact with advanced Kidō of number sixty or above.

Once you join the Gotei 13, seniority and merit become the only criteria, making any advancement extremely difficult.

If Mutsuki Shōkaku hadn't been so imposing, the students would probably have already started cheering.

"Two."

"By fifth grade, most of you had already experienced this, and the sixth graders will lead you on a tour of the World of the Living."

The World of the Living and the illusion.

These two experiences, which are crucial for Soul Reaper, are usually conducted separately: before students go to the World of the Living, not only will the Soul Reaper responsible for that area clear out any Hollows that may appear nearby, but the accompanying teachers will also patrol in secret.

"However, this time the scope is a bit larger; some of you may be responsible for teaching a class for the entire year."

Mutsuki glanced at the students below the podium.

Is it still because of a shortage of staff?

"Right."

Mutsuki quickly answered the students' questions.

"This year I need to be responsible for teaching four grades simultaneously."

"You guys don't have any experience in this area, and forcing you into it will only mislead you. It's more reliable to teach fifth graders who have some experience."

"Specific candidates..."

I will contact you separately after class.

Mutsuki Shōkaku finally extended his third finger.

"Three."

"Principal Mitarai has established a new system."

He hopes that each class will elect a 'class monitor' as a representative to compete in the seasonal exams, determining the class rankings based on the order of their rankings, instead of keeping the same throughout the year as usual.

Judging from his name, Mitarai seems to be quite familiar with World of the Living education.

"In addition to the compensation mentioned earlier, as a reward for the competition, Principal Mitarai also received assistance from the Twelfth Division."

At this point, Mutsuki Shōkaku frowned in confusion— Mitarai was only the sixth seat of the Fifth Division, yet he was able to contact the captain of the Twelfth Division. A commoner like him shouldn't have such powerful connections.

Mutsuki didn't know was...

This entire set of measures, including the rewards provided by the Spiritual Arts Academy, were originally reforms that Aizen should have implemented after becoming the dean. Although Aizen was unable to take office smoothly due to problems with Captain Kyōshiba, some of the systems he originally established were still copied by the "sharp-eyed" Mitarai.

"Captain Kirio Hikifune will prepare some food that can increase Reiatsu, and distribute it according to class rankings."

That's a big investment.

Even with the students' physical abilities, the food Captain Hikifune prepared was more than enough for the entire grade to finish, but since it was something that could increase Reiatsu out of thin air, no one would complain about it.

Even students who didn't know much about the Captain Hikifune quickly understood after seeing the Heat gazes of their classmates.

"... Is it a Live-Blade Match?"

The student who just asked the question raised their hand and asked their own question.

"More or less, but definitely not as intense."

"..."

Hearing this, Haruto could already imagine that the Live-Blade Match must have had a significant impact on the management of the Shin'ō Academy.

At the same time, I understood why Munechika chose Class Two:

Without Haruto around, his progress can only be faster; under the new rules of allocating resources based on ability, exchanging a regular advanced Kidō learning qualification for such an opportunity is definitely a win-win situation for Munechika.

Does anyone have any further questions?

After giving them two minutes to think, Mutsuki asked the students.

"Very good."

The silence below made Mutsuki nod in satisfaction.

"Since you all understood what was just said..."

"Regarding the class monitor position, those who have volunteered or have recommendations, please feel free to speak up now."

As soon as Mutsuki Shōkaku finished speaking, Ayaka raised her arm and was the first to stand up:

"Hi hi!"

After drawing all the attention in the class—

I recommend A-Qing!

"..."

An expected answer.

Most people in the class knew about the close relationship between Ayaka Kurumadani and Haruto, and the former was the type who liked to join in the fun.

It would be strange not to recommend Haruto.

Haruto's use of three "Chong" attacks to resolve Mikazuki Munechika's situation during the Live-Blade Match has become the top news both inside and outside the academy recently.

If anyone present believed they had the strength to defeat Munechika, they wouldn't have let him hold the title of perennial runner-up.

"Mutsuki- sensei."

Even so, dissenting voices still emerged.

"Haruto is indeed very strong, but in situations where the overall interests of the class need to be considered, I think it's best to choose the truly strongest one."

A noble student in a special uniform spoke from the front row near the main entrance.

"I recommend Kuchiki -kun."

"..."

After the two of them spoke, the class fell into complete silence.

No one thought they were better than Haruto, but no one thought Byakuya would lose—it wasn't a question of whether he could win, but whether he dared to win... Even though rumors circulated that the two had a good relationship, no one dared to be sure that the young master of the Kuchiki Clan would become friends with a commoner from Rukongai until confirmed by the parties involved.

What did you two say?

Mutsuki placed this difficult decision between the two of them.

Haruto and Byakuya exchanged a quick glance, then said in unison:

"Let him come!" x2!

"..."

The sudden act of deference gave the silence in the classroom a unique flavor.

The role of class monitor does indeed carry clear obligations and responsibilities, but it also comes with enormous power and exposure.

Byakuya, being a high-ranking nobleman, certainly doesn't lack these things, but why did Haruto refuse so decisively?

Not only were the students confused, but even Mutsuki Shōkaku was puzzled by Haruto's rejection.

"Come on in."

Byakuya unusually took the initiative to speak.

"It's uncertain whether I'll even be at the Spiritual Arts Academy back then, let alone find the time to participate in any competitions, and besides—"

"I'm not interested in a match I can definitely win."