The First Academy of Spirit Arts training grounds were packed with people.
The graduates, dressed in black academy uniforms, stood in neat rows at the center.
"Graduate Rangiku Matsumoto." The instructor on the platform held a roster, his voice loud and clear.
"Which division do you choose?"
"Ninth Division!"
The golden-haired girl stepped out from the ranks and stood straight.
She had grown much taller than she had been six years ago. Her figure was slender and well-proportioned, and the academy uniform made her look especially dashing.
Sunlight fell across her face, and a smile rested on her lips.
Quiet murmurs rose from the surrounding crowd.
Her fellow students looked at her with envy, surprise, and a touch of disbelief in their eyes.
The thin, tiny, pale-faced little girl from six years ago had grown into this.
Not only was she strikingly beautiful, but her grades were frighteningly exceptional as well—all top marks in Zankensoki.
Rangiku paid no attention to the gazes around her.
She turned and walked to the side of the formation, reaching out to pat the back of a black-haired boy with spiky hair.
"Shūhei." Her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled. "You actually got held back? Hahaha!"
Shūhei Hisagi lowered his head, his eyes widening. He had not expected to be held back either, and his cheeks grew hot.
It was unclear whether he was ashamed of not graduating or because he had seen something else.
Rangiku folded her arms over her chest and tilted her head slightly, her golden hair sliding over her shoulder with the movement.
"Big Brother Yan Si didn't even come," she pouted, dissatisfaction in her voice. "Isn't he afraid I'll join another division?"
5
Shūhei's face turned even redder. He did not dare look at Rangiku, keeping his gaze fixed