Starting Today as a Soul Reaper

At the same time that Captain-Commander Yamamoto issued the order to Bankai, students were entering the main hall of the Shin'ō Academy one after another.

Hu stood in the corridor behind the auditorium stage, leaning against the wall. He was wearing the white undershirt of the Shihakusho he had just received from the academy's academic affairs office that morning. The auditorium was very noisy, and Hu could vaguely hear the students' conversations through the crack in the door.

"I heard that today's graduation ceremony is held specifically for one person."

"Alone? Who is it?"

"It's that student from the Advanced Class —what's his name again— Yexing Hu."

"Yexing Hu? Oh, you mean... that guy who supposedly got into a fight with the Sixth Division Captain in the Second Division corridor on his very first day of school?"

"Yes, yes, that's him. My roommate from next door said he saw the knife marks in the Second Division corridor that day; a layer of the wall was even shaved off."

"That's nothing. I heard from the people in Class 3 that when he was still in Rukongai, he single-handedly took on a Gillian! Gillian! Even if our entire grade went together, we might not be able to stop one of those."

"Gillian? Isn't it Vasto Lorde? Why do I hear Vasto Lorde?"

"Vasto Lorde? Are you crazy? Even the captain might not be able to take on a Hollow of that level one-on-one."

"You wouldn't know that. Have you heard of the Bamboo Creek Plain Battle? It's the one that Captain Soi Fon of the Second Division personally commanded. It's said that a Vasto Lorde- level enemy charged into the Fon Clan mansion, but was held back by one person."

"That person... could it be...?"

The students in the Advanced Class, being classmates of Amber, were led through the side entrance of the auditorium.

Hachihachihara Kumayu Bored cracking her knuckles, making a snapping sound. Rindō Yo Shimizu stood ramrod straight, listening to the whispers in the hall.

Yayoiwara leaned against the wall and said to Shimizu in a low voice, "Listen to what those people are saying. They just walked along the river and took down a Void Spirit with their bare hands?"

"He defeated a Vasto Lorde before even enrolling? And he got into a fight with the captain on his first day?"

She counted on her fingers, and the more she counted, the more outrageous it seemed. "Some people even said that Amber injured three captains in order to practice her Bankai. First, she ran to the World of the Living to interfere with a captain's mission, then she fought a captain for a whole day, and finally she sent another captain to the Fourth Division. This is too exaggerated, it's almost like she's been deified."

Yayoiwara smiled and waved to Shimizu: "Shimizu, you and Amber are old friends. These rumors are too far-fetched. Tell us some facts to clarify things, so they don't spread them further and make them even more outrageous."

Shimizu's eyes began to dart away. His gaze shifted from Yayoiwara's face, drifted to the ceiling, and finally settled on his own fingers.

"Uh... I don't know much about what happens in Seireitei..." he stammered, "But it's true that Koko defeated a Menos Grande at Bamboo Creek Plain. And it's also true that she caught a Hollow with her bare hands by the river. I was right there."

Yayoiwara's smile froze.

"As for the Vasto Lorde- class... that's classified, I can't say more."

Yayoiwara suddenly reached out and grabbed Shimizu's shoulders, then began to shake him violently back and forth. Shimizu's head swung back and forth like a rattle drum, almost shaking his brains to a pulp.

"Why didn't you say something so important sooner! We're classmates, after all!"

"You didn't ask before..." Shimizu's voice was broken by the vibrations, "And Amber never attends any classes other than Kidō class... and Ryuji-sensei never cares about him either..."

Yayoiwara's hand stopped.

Her mouth was agape, her expression blank. She had thought that Hu was just skipping class as usual, and she had even considered Hu a close friend—another member of the truancy group in the Advanced Class.

Rindō Yo opened his notebook, wrote a sentence, and then held it up for Yayoiwara to see. It only had one line. "You're the only one who skips class every day."

Yayoiwara hugged his head, curled up in a ball, and mumbled something unintelligible. If you got close enough, you could probably make out fragmented words like "skipping class buddy," "I thought," and "turns out it was just me."

Just then, a rough, large hand reached out from behind her and gently patted the back of her head.

"What are you three still doing here?" Kito Ryūji, with his perpetually unlit cigarette dangling from his lips, spoke in a hoarse voice that sounded like it was being scraped from deep within his throat. "Today is an important day for your classmates. Hurry up and go inside."

Yayoiwara was slapped and immediately sprang up from his crouching position. Shimizu rubbed his head, which was still dizzy from being shaken, and stood up, his steps still a little unsteady. Rindō Yo closed his notebook and quietly followed at the back. The three of them were ushered into the auditorium by Kito Ryūji and sat in the front row with the teachers.

The auditorium lights dimmed, leaving only the chandelier above the podium lit, its soft glow falling on the people on the stage. Kito Ryūji stood to the side and slightly behind the podium, still looking perpetually sleepy.

The vice principal stood in the center of the podium, dressed in a formal dark-colored striped kimono. His back was ramrod straight, and as all the students took their seats, the entire auditorium gradually quieted down.

"The Shin'ō Academy has been established for a thousand years." The vice principal's voice wasn't loud, but every word seemed to seep from the depths of the auditorium's stone walls, settling steadily into everyone's ears. "In these thousand years, I've seen countless students graduate from here. Some became Seated Officer, some Lieutenant, some captains. Some died in Hueco Mundo, some are buried in the World of the Living."

He paused for a moment. The auditorium was so quiet that you could hear the students in the back holding their breath.

His gaze finally settled on one spot. "Today, a student has set a record, earning this graduation ceremony solely for him."

The vice-principal's voice deepened, like a stone dropped into still water. "Yexing Hu."

Hu walked in from behind the curtain, wearing the pristine white undershirt of his Shihakusho, the collar slightly open, his steps neither upright nor casual.

All eyes were on him—even the students who had been whispering about his legend just moments before fell silent.

The vice dean watched him walk to the podium, paused for a moment, and then spoke.

"Within three months of enrolling, Shikai Zanpakuto at an astonishing speed and mastered Bankai."

He didn't offer any superfluous praise, nor did he mention the achievements circulating among the students. He simply read aloud what the young man had accomplished in the most plain language, like reading an unadorned official document.

Then he turned slightly to the side and nodded to Kito Ryūji. Ryuji stepped forward and picked up a black Shihakusho from the tray.

"This Shihakusho signifies your official membership in the Gotei 13," the vice-principal's voice rang out again. "From today onward, you are no longer an academy student. You are a member of the Gotei 13."

The vice-dean took the Shihakusho, grasped the collar with both hands, and shook the garment open. He took a step forward and personally draped the Shihakusho over Amber's shoulders.

Kou lowered his head, looking at the Shihakusho draped over his shoulders. The Gotei 13 insignia on the inside of the collar reflected slightly under the light. He reached out and adjusted the collar.

A round of enthusiastic applause filled the auditorium. Amber stood there, his black Shihakusho draped over his shoulders. The silver-gray insignia of the Gotei 13 on the inside of his collar gleamed faintly under the lights.

In the front row, Yayoiwara clapped his hands vigorously until they were red, muttering things like "My truant buddy is gone" that no one could hear. Rindō Yo clapped quietly, a very faint smile on his lips. Shimizu's eyes were a little red, but he clapped his hands, his back still ramrod straight.

After the graduation ceremony, Shimizu walked Amber a long way. The two walked side by side on the stone path leading to the Hakutōmon, their feet dappled with the afternoon sun.

"What's wrong with you?" Shimizu's voice was a little muffled.

"How is it?" Hu turned his head to look at him.

"You're too fast."

Hu chuckled twice but didn't answer. The two continued walking a few steps forward, and Shimizu slowed down. Hu also slowed down, then stopped and turned to face Shimizu.

"Shimizu."

"Um?"

"I have to move to Seireitei," Amber said softly. "I probably won't be going back to Bamboo Creek Plain much anymore."

Shimizu nodded vigorously.

"I heard that Soul Reaper can move his family into the palace too." Amber patted him on the shoulder. "You keep up the good work! I'm off now."

Shimizu didn't speak. He just watched as Amber, wearing that brand-new Shihakusho, turned around and strode towards the Hakutōmon.

The sunlight stretched his shadow long, and his black Shihakusho swayed slightly on his shoulders. Shimizu clenched his fists at his sides, a mixture of envy and resentment slowly rising in his heart: He had to work harder too, he couldn't let Amber leave him too far behind.

Meanwhile, Hakutōmon.

Ichigo Kurosaki, carrying Zangetsu, stood before the massive white gate. Behind him were Yasutora Sado, Uryū Ishida, and Orihime Inoue. Yoruichi perched on Orihime Inoue's shoulder, her tail drooping and occasionally flicking.

Jidanbō emerged from behind the door, his massive body causing a dull tremor with every step. He looked down at the group before him, his voice booming like thunder. "Don't you country bumpkins know any manners?"

His gaze swept over Ichigo, then looked at the group of strangely dressed Ryoka behind him, his brows furrowing, and he drew his giant axe in one hand.

Ichigo lowered Zangetsu from his shoulder, the tip of the sword planted on the ground, and looked up at Jidanbō without fear. "Open the door, we need to enter the Seireitei."

At that very moment, a figure appeared between the two facing off. Black Shihakusho, dark red scabbard, and half-black, half-white hair mixed together. Ichigo's eyes lit up when he saw that face.

"Amber!"

"Ichigo..." Koko had just opened his mouth when Jidanbō was startled by the sudden appearance of the figure and instinctively swung his axe down.

"Amber, watch out!" Ichigo shouted.

Hu didn't turn around, but simply raised his left hand, spread his fingers, and caught the axe that Jidanbō swung down with all his might.

The moment the axe blade collided with the palm, it emitted a dull metallic hum, and then all the force vanished without a trace, like a mud ox sinking into the sea.

"What's going on, Jidanbō?"

Jidanbō then recognized Hu's voice. He froze on the spot, his expression changing from fighting spirit to terror. He recognized this person.

The intern who was always coming and going from the Hakutōmon, the kid who often wore strange casual clothes, would occasionally greet him, and the two of them became acquainted.

But ever since Yexing Hu got the news yesterday that Captain Zaraki had been promoted to the Fourth Division, he was still feeling fortunate this morning that he had never had a conflict with this person. As a result, he stabbed him with an axe this afternoon.

Hu was completely oblivious to the turmoil raging within Jidanbō. He simply pushed the axe away from his palm and dusted off his hands, which were not actually covered in dust.

He glanced at Ichigo, then at Jidanbō, and asked in confusion, "Why did they suddenly do this?"

"Oh, Ye Xing, your sudden appearance startled me. It was just an instinctive reaction, an instinctive reaction. Please don't take offense," Jidanbō quickly explained.

Uryū Ishida adjusted his glasses and carefully examined Jidanbō's expression—his rugged face was filled with unease and panic. He thought to himself:

Is Ye Xing some kind of powerful figure in Soul Society that no one dares to mess with?

Uryū's glasses reflected the light. "Mr. Jidanbō," his voice was calm and polite, "We are friends of Ye Xing. We've come specifically to visit him. You can tell from his reaction—if we were enemies, would he be so relaxed? May we come in?"

Jidanbō looked at Hu, then at Uryū. He remained silent for a moment, then looked at the hand that had just gripped his axe with its bare hands.

"Alright then." Jidanbō turned around and slowly raised the Hakutōmon.

Behind the gate was a wide road, with ancient stone pillars standing on both sides, and the gray-white walls stood majestically like protective arms.

However, on the other side of the door, Gin Ichimaru stood in Hakutōmon.

Last night, he held a meeting in Aizen's room all night. Aizen made final plans and simulations for stealing the Hōgyoku, and analyzed all the team captains' routine meeting materials, the execution preparations gathered by each team, and the intelligence on Ichigo Kurosaki that was about to arrive. At dawn, Aizen closed his notebook and gave Gin several instructions. One of them was very simple: create some chaos to distract the Gotei 13 from Rukia's execution.

By the time Gin returned to his barracks, it was already dawn, and the Third Division was about to start their shift.

After working on paperwork with Kira all morning, I wanted to take a nap, but before I could even lie down, I received two orders.

First: If Ryoka enters Soul Society, all captains are on standby. Second: Proceed to the Hakutōmon, transfer the Bankai Restriction Seal to Yexing Hu, and ensure that he activates the seal the moment he enters Seireitei.

Gin stared at the second order for a long time. He looked down at the Bankai Restriction Seal handed to him—the pattern of the Second Division's emblem, the shape of a temporary tattoo. It was essentially the same as the Restriction Seal he used when he went to the World of the Living, except that it locked Bankai instead of Reiatsu.

He understood the true nature of the seal: it couldn't hold back Bankai at all; if Koko really wanted to open it, it could shatter at any time. Its only function was detection—once the seal broke, a signal would be automatically sent to the Kidō Corps, informing them of Koko's precise location within the courtyard. In other words, the seal was merely an alarm.

Yin sighed. He was still racking his brains about how to create chaos when news of the Ryoka arrived. It was like a godsend.

But it just so happens that he has to deliver the seal to Hu at this very moment. Just as he was fretting about this, Jidanbō was slowly opening the Hakutōmon.

"If Xiao Hu and Ryoka were standing behind this door, I wouldn't have to run," Yin thought to himself.

Yin raised his head, his gaze passing over the Jidanbō and the not-yet-fully-raised door, and saw the group of people standing outside. The orange-haired boy carried a large sword, followed by a tall man, a bespectacled man, and a girl, with a black cat perched on his shoulder.

Silver's smile froze on her face. "Was my wish too hasty?"

The door opened fully. Hu saw Yin standing in front of him and immediately ran over quickly.

"Gin-nii!" He ran up to Gin and waved. Gin also extended his hand, his face still beaming, and took Ko's hand in his. The moment their hands clasped, Gin's fingers tightened slightly, transferring the Restriction Seal with the Second Division's insignia from his palm to Ko's wrist.

The seal flashed with a very faint blue light the instant it was activated, then dimmed, leaving only an almost transparent, tattoo-like pattern quietly affixed to the inside of Amber's wrist.

Amber instinctively looked down—this feeling was all too familiar. When Tessai Tsukabishi the seal on him, that feeling of being bound by something returned. But this time was different. This seal was extremely weak, like a thin plastic shell covering his body, ready to shatter with the slightest movement. "Brother Gin, you put Restriction Seal on me? And this seal is so fragile—"

"Your Bankai is forbidden to be used within the Seireitei." Gin briefly explained the main points of the order to Amber, and before he finished speaking, his gaze had already passed over Amber's shoulder and landed on the few people who were furtively trying to sneak in through the side of the Hakutōmon.

"Who are those people...?"

Uryū Ishida straightened his back, adjusted his glasses, and spoke in the same polite tone he had used with Jidanbō earlier, "We are friends of Ye Xing, and we've come specifically to visit him. You could tell from his reaction just now—"

Gin stopped Uryū from speaking. He looked at Uryū, then at Ichigo, then at Chad and Orihime who were still trying to slowly move sideways into the doorway, his smiling eyes narrowing into two very thin slits.

Do I look like the kind of idiot who would believe such a reason?

His gaze swept back and forth over the four Ryoka twice, then he took a step forward. His Captain-level Reiatsu suddenly erupted, his smile unchanged, but the air instantly became thick, pinning the four people and the cat to the spot.

"Ladies and gentlemen who Ryoka," Gin's voice was light and cheerful, like kindly advising a lost puppy, "For the sake of Amber's friendship—leave the Hakutōmon now, take a look around Rukongai, and then go back. Seireitei is not a place for the living. If you want to visit Amber, come back a hundred years from now."

Yoruichi leaned on Inoue's shoulder and said urgently in a low voice, "He's willing to let you go, so retreat now. He's one of the toughest guys in the team, not someone you can beat."

But Ichigo had already lifted his hand from Zangetsu and hoisted it back onto his shoulder. His Reiatsu exploded, a wild and unrestrained Reiatsu that collided head-on with Gin's Reiatsu.

"You fox-faced fellow, your name is Gin, right?" Ichigo looked at him, his eyes showing no fear. "Sorry, we've come all this way, we can't wait a hundred years."

Ichigo lowered Zangetsu from his shoulder, the tip of the blade pointing at Gin. "Out of respect for Amber's friendship, I'll give you a piece of advice—get out of the way."

Behind him, Chad clenched his fists, Uryū drew his Spirit Bow, Orihime Inoue clasped her hands together, her hairpins beginning to glow.

Yoruichi breathed heavily on Inoue's shoulder, yelling, "You bunch of guys—he was just giving you a way out, and you're all taking advantage of it!"

Yin looked at the orange hair, then at the massive Zangetsu, and tilted his head slightly. A flash of silver light appeared at the hilt of the scabbard. He turned to Koko, the smile on his lips unchanged. "Koko, step back."

Ichigo tilted his head towards Koko: "Koko, move aside, I have something to talk to your friend."

"Huh?" Hu stood between the two, turning his head left and right to look at them. Before he could even organize his thoughts, one of them simultaneously placed a hand on each of his shoulders and pushed him away.

"You two, don't do this so suddenly—"

"Don't get involved in this," Ichigo and Gin said at the same time.

Silver's lips curved into a smile, and his hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "Shoot him! Shinsō!"

The blade instantly extended, its silver edge tearing through the air, aiming straight for Ichigo's chest. Ichigo immediately held Zangetsu horizontally in front of him, the blade colliding with the tip of the Shinsō, a shockwave exploding between the two. The immense force transmitted through the blade, shattering the stone bricks beneath Ichigo's feet, and carving two deep furrows in the ground with his bare feet.

Ichigo was pushed backward, his straw sandals scraping against the ground with a harsh sound. Chad rushed up, his hands bracing against Ichigo's back, the ground beneath his feet also beginning to crack. At the same time, Ishida drew his Spirit Bow to its full extent, unleashing a rain of arrows at Gin, but the shockwave from the Shinsō blew all the arrows away.

Orihime Inoue spread her Santen Kesshun, trying to stabilize everyone's retreat, but the force was as unstoppable as a flood.

The four were pushed out the door, and the furrows they dug underfoot stretched from Hakutōmon all the way to the Rukongai Street outside, shattering all the stone bricks along the way and raising a cloud of gray dust.

Yoruichi tumbled twice in mid-air before landing on all fours. Before she could even utter a curse, a hand reached down from above and precisely pinched the back of her neck.

Yin lifted the black cat off the ground with one hand, raising it to eye level with him, its tail bristling in the air like a feather duster.

"Seireitei."

"Who are you calling a stray cat!"

Gin ignored Yoruichi's breath. He tossed the black cat Hakutōmon, then said to Jidanbō was still holding the door open, "What are you still holding up the door for? Close it."

Jidanbō seemed to wake from a dream and quickly lowered the Hakutōmon. The huge door slammed shut, completely cutting off the view on both sides.

A series of coughing sounds followed by a cloud of dust came from the other side of the door. Ichigo got up from the rubble and dust, and vigorously patted the ash off his hair.

The immense force propelled him dozens of meters away, leaving a long drag mark on the streets of Rukongai. He rushed to the tightly closed Hakutōmon, raised his fist, and slammed it against the door. The thick stone wall only made a dull thud. The Jidanbō refused to open the door again, no matter what.

Yoruichi shook the dust off her front paws, squatted down, and slowly flicked her tail twice behind her.

She glanced at Ichigo, then at the tightly closed Hakutōmon, and then snorted through her nose.

"Let's go. Let's find a place to rest first, and then we'll think of another way to get in."

The Ryoka left at the gate looked at each other in bewilderment, and finally had no choice but to retreat and walk back the way they came into the depths of Rukongai. The Hakutōmon stood silently in the afternoon sun, and on the other side of the gate, an even longer road awaited them.