The First Day of School

As dawn broke over the eaves of the Bamboo Creek Plain, Amber and Shimizu were already standing in front of the Fon Residence gate.

Both of them were wearing brand-new school uniforms, which Keiko had sewn stitch by stitch using fabric provided by the Fon Clan after receiving the blueprints from the academy. From a distance, they looked no different from ordinary uniforms, but upon closer inspection, tiny gold Fon Clan Crest were embroidered on the inside of the collar, the edges of the cuffs, and the subtle patterns on the hem.

Amber had Jiku'a hanging from its waist, and the scabbard was dark red with fine cracks on its surface—it was made from the shed skin of the Hongming. Fon Shaoling had someone examine it, and this stuff was far more durable than ordinary materials, making it perfect for a scabbard, so they made one for Amber.

The Shimizu Daku also hung at her waist, and the rope binding the hilt of the sword was replaced with a light blue silk sash woven by Keiko. A small bell also hung on the hilt of the sword, which would make a crisp sound when she walked.

"Your knife... it rings?" Hu looked at the bell.

Shimizu was a little embarrassed. "Keiko insisted on hanging it up. She said that way she'd know where I am, and she'd feel at ease."

Hu thought for a moment and didn't complain.

The sound of wheels came from afar. A carriage driven by Reishi came from the end of the street. There were no insignia on the carriage, only the school emblem of the Shin'ō Academy embroidered on the curtain.

"Here I am." Shimizu took a deep breath and straightened his back even more.

The carriage stopped in front of the gate. The driver jumped down and nodded to the two men.

"Yexing Hu, Shimizu? Get in the car."

Amber glanced at Shimizu: "Nervous?"

"A little." Shimizu's answer was honest.

Hu smiled, patted him on the shoulder, and jumped into the car first.

The carriage slowly drove out along the streets of Bamboo Creek Plain. It passed through familiar bamboo forests, crossed streams, and headed west.

Hu lifted the carriage curtain and looked at the scenery outside. The houses in Bamboo Creek Plain gradually thinned out, replaced by large areas of farmland and sparse woodland. Occasionally, a few spirits could be seen working in the fields, glancing up at the carriage before lowering their heads to continue working.

After walking for about half an hour, the road widened and more people appeared. There were caravans on their way, groups of souls traveling together, and a few Grim Soul Reapers dressed in their Shihakusho passing by in a hurry.

"We're almost at Hakutōmon," the coachman's voice came from ahead.

Koko poked his head out and saw a huge gate standing in the distance. That was the Hakutōmon —one of the entrances to Seireitei. Jidanbō wasn't there; he was probably guarding the gate. The carriage didn't enter Seireitei but turned right and continued along a side road.

After walking a while longer, an ancient building came into view.

Shin'ō Academy.

The walls were greyish-white stone, the roof black with tiles, and a stone pillar stood on each side of the gate, its top ablaze with an inextinguishable Kidō flame. Several large characters were carved on the lintel.

"Shin'ō Academy," Shimizu murmured.

The carriage stopped at the entrance. Amber and Shimizu jumped out of the carriage and looked up at the academy that trained Soul Reapers.

Then they discovered something strange.

Those wearing school uniforms like them instinctively moved aside when they saw the two of them. Some lowered their heads and walked past quickly, while others simply took a long detour.

"Is there something on our faces?" Shimizu asked softly.

Hu touched his face and shook his head.

The two continued walking inside. The situation became even clearer—not only the freshmen, but even several upperclassmen who saw them showed a subtle expression before silently making way.

A student dressed as a nobleman glanced at the knife at Hu's waist from afar, then noticed the faint honeycomb pattern on his collar. His expression changed, and he pulled his companion into a side path.

Hu: "... What exactly is going on?"

Shimizu also looked bewildered.

Just then, a voice came from behind.

"Are you freshmen?"

Hu turned around and saw a man and a woman dressed in Shihakusho walking towards them. The man had long red hair tied up and a tattoo on his forehead, and he looked carefree. The woman had short black hair that reached her neck, delicate features, and a calm demeanor.

"Yes, yes," Shimizu quickly replied.

The woman looked them up and down, her gaze lingering on their Zanpakuto and the honeycomb pattern on their collars before she gave them a knowing look.

"No wonder," she said. "You're from the Fon Clan, aren't you?"

Hu was taken aback. "How did you know?"

The man pointed to his collar. "The subtle patterns on your clothes, though small, are still visible if you look closely."

Hu glanced down at the Fon Clan Crest on her collar and understood.

The woman smiled and continued, "The Bamboo Creek Plain Battle has spread throughout Seireitei. Captain Soi Fon raided three lower-ranking noble families, and now the Fon Clan is infamous among the nobility."

Amber and Shimizu exchanged a glance, neither knowing what to say.

The woman didn't continue the topic, but instead got down to business.

"The admission ceremony proceeds as follows: First, everyone gathers in the auditorium for a speech by the vice dean, followed by a address from outstanding graduates. Afterwards, each class disperses to collect textbooks and class schedules. The afternoon is free time; boarding students can tidy up their dormitories."

She paused, glanced at Shimizu's luggage, and asked, "Are you a boarding student?"

"Yes."

"Remember to pick up your key from the dormitory management office this afternoon."

Shimizu nodded quickly.

Hu asked, "What about those who don't live on campus?"

"You're free to do whatever you want this afternoon," the woman said, then added, "But I suggest you familiarize yourself with the campus so you don't get lost on your way to class."

Hu smiled and agreed.

After they finished speaking, the two turned and left. Hu and Shimizu assumed they were teachers and didn't ask their names.

The auditorium was filled with new students waiting for the commencement ceremony to begin.

Hu and Shimizu found a seat at the back, where there was a circle of empty seats around them—not because anyone was deliberately trying to get rid of them, but because no one wanted to sit down next to them.

Amber didn't mind, and Shimizu gradually got used to it.

The vice-dean on the stage gave some welcoming remarks, nothing more than "Welcome to the Shin'ō Academy" and "I hope you will become excellent Soul Reaper." Amber started to drift off after a few sentences.

"Next, please welcome a representative of outstanding graduates to give a speech."

Hu came to her senses.

Two figures emerged from the side curtain.

The red-haired man—the one we'd met at the door earlier—walked casually to the microphone. The black-haired woman followed behind him, her steps steady.

"My Renji Abarai." The red-haired man's voice was very penetrating. "Sixth Division Lieutenant."

A murmur rippled through the audience. Lieutenant -level person giving a speech was considered a big shot by the freshmen.

"I'm standing here today not because I'm any better," Renji Abarai smiled, "But simply because I was dumber than most of you when I was at the academy."

The audience fell silent.

"It took me more time than anyone else to learn to control my Reiatsu, and it took me more effort than anyone else to climb from last place to the passing mark. So, if you think you can't do it, just think of me—if someone like me can be Lieutenant, what do you have to be afraid of?"

A burst of laughter erupted from the audience, lightening the atmosphere considerably.

Renji Abarai stepped back, giving up the microphone.

The black-haired woman stepped forward.

"Rukia Kuchiki." Her voice was calm. "A member of the Thirteenth Division."

There was a moment of silence in the audience.

Everyone knows the significance of the surname Kuchiki in Soul Society.

"After graduating from the Shin'ō Academy, I've served in the Thirteenth Division ever since," Rukia Kuchiki said calmly. "The six years at the academy were the most fulfilling time of my life. I hope you will cherish every day here as well."

Her speech was brief, but every word was delivered with composure.

Hu sat in the audience, watching the two people, a slight smile playing on his lips.

So these two were the ones who gave directions earlier? What a coincidence!

Shimizu whispered from the side, "They're not teachers..."

After the entrance ceremony, Amber and Shimizu took a walk around the campus. They familiarized themselves with the cafeteria, teaching buildings, training grounds, and library.

At noon, the two of them carried their trays and found a seat in the cafeteria.

I had only taken a few bites when I saw two familiar figures walking over with trays of food.

Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki.

Hu hesitated for a moment, then stood up.

"Um... Abarai- senpai."

Renji Abarai turned around, saw it was him, and smiled, "Oh, it's you guys."

"Thank you for pointing us in the morning," Amber said earnestly. "We didn't even have a chance to thank you. My name is Yexing Hu, and this is Shimizu." Shimizu bowed in response to Amber's words.

Renji Abarai waved his hand. "It's nothing."

Rukia Kuchiki glanced at him. "If you don't mind, would you like to sit with me?"

Hu was taken aback for a moment, then quickly nodded.

The four of them sat down, and the atmosphere was more natural than expected.

Renji Abarai ate quickly, finishing a bowl of rice in just a few bites, then looked at Kou and asked, "Are you from the Fon Clan?"

"I guess so," Hu thought for a moment, "I'm currently staying at the Fon Clan."

"Stay here?" Renji Abarai somewhat surprised.

"Well, I... come from the World of the Living." Amber didn't elaborate.

Renji Abarai didn't press further, he simply nodded.

Rukia Kuchiki ate slowly, saying between bites, "I heard about the Bamboo Creek Plain Battle. Even the Fon Clan's mansion in Bamboo Creek Plain was attacked by the enemy. It's not easy to win under such circumstances."

The chopsticks holding the Shimizu paused for a moment.

Hu, on the other hand, was quite frank. "It was something we all worked hard for together."

Rukia Kuchiki didn't say anything more.

After a moment of silence, Hu suddenly remembered something.

"Kuchiki- senpai, are you from the Thirteenth Division?"

"Yes."

"The Thirteenth Division... is it responsible for guarding the World of the Living?"

Rukia Kuchiki glanced at him. "Yes. I'm leaving for the World of the Living tonight."

Hu's heart skipped a beat.

"Where to...?"

"A place called Karakura Town."

Hu's mind went blank for a moment.

Karakura Town?

Ichigo Kurosaki.

Is the original story about to begin tonight?

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he just nodded.

"Then... have a safe journey."

Rukia Kuchiki glanced at him, feeling a little strange, but simply gave a soft "hmm".

Renji Abarai stood up and said, "I should go. I have a mission this afternoon."

Rukia Kuchiki also stood up and nodded to Amber and Shimizu.

"Study hard at the academy and improve your skills!"

Hu and Shimizu stood up and watched them leave.

In the afternoon, Shimizu went to the dormitory management office to pick up the key, while Amber walked alone towards the Hakutōmon.

Fon Shaoling said someone would come to pick him up.

As soon as he arrived near the Hakutōmon, he saw a chubby figure leaning against the wall, picking his teeth Bored.

"Yexing Hu?" The man saw him, threw down his toothpick, and walked over.

"Yes."

"Marechiyo Ōmaeda," the man introduced Ego, "Second Division Lieutenant. Captain Soi Fon sent me to pick you up."

Marechiyo Ōmaeda waved his hand. "The captain asked me to show you the way."

He turned and left after he finished speaking, and Hu quickly followed.

The Second Division's barracks were located on the east side of Seireitei, not far from the Hakutōmon. Marechiyo Ōmaeda led him along, casually introducing the various facilities.

"This is the duty room, and that's the training ground. Further ahead is the Onmitsukidō's private area; don't enter without permission."

Hu wrote them down one by one.

"This is the intelligence room, and that's the communications unit. The captain's office is upstairs."

He pointed to the stairs ahead and then stopped.

"I'll leave you here. The team leader is busy right now, please go upstairs and wait a while, she'll be here when she's done."

Hu nodded.

Marechiyo Ōmaeda turned and took a few steps, then turned back. "By the way, you know the captain's temper. Don't make her angry."

After saying that, he went to attend to his own affairs.

Hu went upstairs and found the door to the captain's office.

The door was still closed.

He stood at the door, waiting Bored.

Before long, footsteps came from the end of the corridor.

Amber instinctively looked over—a figure wearing a Shihakusho underneath a white haori was walking towards them, his steps not fast, but each step carried an undeniable aura.

When Amber saw Captain Hagoromo in person for the first time, she didn't recognize him.

But he recognized that the man was wearing Kenseikan, a device that many of the Onmitsukidō captured and interrogated before the Bamboo Creek Plain Battle wore.

Noble.

And they weren't just any ordinary nobles.

The man walked to the office door, didn't even glance at Hu, and reached out to push the door open.

"The captain isn't here." Hu grabbed his hand as he pushed the door open. "We have to wait."

The man withdrew his hand, finally turned his head, and looked at Hu.

His gaze was cold, the kind of cold that showed he didn't even consider Hu a threat.

"Get out of the way."

Hu did not allow it.

"The captain isn't here," he repeated. "Wait outside."

Byakuya Kuchiki's gaze fell on his waist.

A Zanpakuto.

A Zanpakuto that shouldn't be on the person of an academy student who is out and about.

His brow furrowed slightly.

"Students are not allowed to carry knives when going out." His voice was flat. "Hand over your knife."

Amber instinctively protected Jiku'a.

"This is my knife."

"Don't you know the academy's rules?" Byakuya Kuchiki looked at him. "Asauchi are managed by the academy and cannot be taken out before graduation. The same goes for this one at your waist."

Hu felt like this person was picking a fight. He had just graduated from the academy, and no one had told him he had to hand it in.

"This sword wasn't issued by the academy," Kou explained to Byakuya.

Byakuya ignored him, taking it as mere sophistry. Even if Zanpakuto was issued by a noble family, it had to be handed over to the academy for safekeeping before leaving. Unless Shikai, it would never be allowed to leave. He simply reached out to take it.

Hu grabbed his wrist again.

Their eyes met.

A flicker of emotion finally appeared in Byakuya Kuchiki's eyes—an academy student dared to defy him so blatantly.

"Let go."

"Put your hand back first."

Byakuya thought the student in front of him was incredibly tactless. He then unleashed his Reiatsu.

He wanted this arrogant college student to understand who he was talking to.

Amber's body tensed instinctively.

The Reiatsu pressed down like a mountain, heavy, cold, and undeniable. An ordinary freshman would probably have collapsed to the ground.

Unfortunately, Hu was not an ordinary freshman.

His Reiatsu also erupted.

Blue light surged from his body, colliding with that icy aura.

"Are you looking for trouble?" Hu then threw a punch.

Byakuya Kuchiki was somewhat surprised. He was astonished that a student could actually resist after facing his Reiatsu directly.

"That's interesting."

His voice remained calm.

He slapped Hu's shoulder with a palm, the force wasn't great, but the angle was tricky enough to send an ordinary college student flying.

Amber dodged to the side, and at the same time threw a backhand punch with her left hand, aiming straight for Byakuya Kuchiki's ribs.

Byakuya Kuchiki slightly turned his body to dodge the punch, his eyes finally becoming serious.

"Which class are you in?"

Hu did not answer.

Byakuya Kuchiki didn't ask any more questions. He attacked again, this time with greater speed and power.

Amber didn't back down or yield; Beowulf's blue light danced on his fist, colliding head-on with Byakuya Kuchiki's Hakuda.

Byakuya Kuchiki remained composed, but Koko's attacks grew increasingly fierce. Until one of his attacks, Byakuya Kuchiki failed to parry completely.

He was forced back half a step.

His expression remained unchanged, but his right hand instinctively pressed on the hilt of his sword, drawing the blade from his waist.

Hu's eyes lit up. "Good, so he's gotten angry and started using a knife. This is exactly what I've been waiting for— Jiku'a is drawn."

The blue blade of light collided with Byakuya Kuchiki's strike, producing a piercing metallic clang.

Byakuya Kuchiki's swordsmanship is precise, sharp, and flawless. Koko's swordsmanship is also sharp, swift, and each strike carries an unstoppable momentum.

Several deep knife marks appeared on the walls of the corridor.

Just as the two were about to continue--

"Captain Kuchiki!"

"Yexing Hu!"

Two voices rang out simultaneously.

Marechiyo Ōmaeda rushed from one end of the corridor, Renji Abarai ran from the other. Marechiyo Ōmaeda blocked Byakuya Kuchiki's sword, shouting, "Captain Kuchiki! Calm down! These are Captain Soi Fon's men!"

Renji Abarai only realized upon approaching that the person opposite him was the new student he had encountered that morning, and immediately blocked Amber's path. "Are you crazy?! This is Captain Kuchiki of the Sixth Division!"

The two were separated by the two Lieutenant.

Byakuya Kuchiki sheathed his sword, looked at Amber, and said nothing. He was in an extremely bad mood.

Amber sheathed his sword, only now realizing that the man was Byakuya Kuchiki. Considering Byakuya Kuchiki's personality in the original work, it's very likely that the other party wasn't there to cause trouble, but genuinely felt that his sword-wielding was against the rules. Now, Amber was in a bit of an awkward situation.

The corridor was eerily quiet.

What's all this noise about?!

Fon Shaoling stood on the steps, as if she had just come upstairs. She slowly walked over and looked at the knife marks all over the wall. Her hands were itching to find someone to vent her anger on...

"Get in here, all of you!"

After she finished speaking, she went into her office.

Byakuya Kuchiki glanced at Kou, then stepped inside. Renji followed Byakuya inside.

Marechiyo Ōmaeda pushed Amber into the office, his hands trembling slightly. He sensed that the captain seemed a little angry and knew it was best to go along with the captain's wishes at this point.

In the corridor, only the knife marks on the walls remained, silently telling the story of what had just happened.