The First Academy of Spirit Arts, the Soul Society's only institution for commoner education, is essentially a military academy exclusively for the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
Since the Soul Society lacks general schools for commoners, it teaches combat skills alongside common knowledge and etiquette, serving as a comprehensive educational base.
After all, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads handle nearly all administrative and executive affairs in Seireitei; simply being able to fight isn't enough.
Don't be fooled by the number of graduates each year—sometimes dozens, sometimes fewer than ten, occasionally even single digits.
As Shinigami, who are souls, have incredibly long lifespans.
As long as they don't meet misfortune while subjugating Hollows in the Human World or encounter other "accidents," it's perfectly normal for them to live for several hundred years until their spiritual particles naturally decay and they pass away.
Therefore, except for the Thirteenth Division, which is stationed in the Human World, and the Eleventh Division, a gathering place for battle-crazed individuals, the other squads aren't particularly short on personnel.
"Speaking of which, it's quite unusual that the Eleventh and Thirteenth Divisions didn't send anyone this time..."
Siwei Yan muttered to himself, his gaze sweeping over the graduates neatly arranged in three rows before him. He finally settled on the three outstanding students standing at the forefront and couldn't help but nod inwardly.
Standing in the first position was Yadomaru Lisa, a young woman wearing glasses and sporting black braided hair.
Her expression was serious, her gaze behind her lenses calm and focused. Her Shinigami uniform was worn impeccably, exuding a mixed aura of "top student" and "literary girl."
She's a future member of the Visored, undeniably skilled and also good-looking.
Next was Sarugaki Hiyori, petite with a vibrant shock of short blonde hair. She was currently pouting slightly, her eyes holding a hint of impatience and rebelliousness.
She too would become a member of the Visored, with a rather volatile temper.
And finally, there was Aizen Sōsuke.
Even though he was smiling now like a warm and sunny big brother next door, if you were to recruit him, you'd probably have to sleep with one eye open every day, terrified of being "optimized" by his smile one day.
Siwei Yan's mind raced.
Actually, it would be best if he could recruit the number one Flash Step user this year, Yadomaru Lisa, into the Ninth Division.
She was academically excellent and seemed very capable; perhaps she could help with the mountain of paperwork!
The problem was, she was a top talent, and her goal was likely to start as a Lieutenant.
A squad like the Ninth Division, which already had a Lieutenant, was probably not even on her radar.
"Sigh, although I'd love to trick a few more... ah, no, recruit a few more talented individuals to handle the paperwork, I'll pass this time."
Siwei Yan sighed inwardly, his gaze involuntarily drifting back to the smiling Aizen.
"With this guy here, I'll be grateful if today passes without incident."
As if sensing his gaze, Aizen tilted his head slightly and offered Siwei Yan an even brighter, gentler smile.
Siwei Yan's spiritual sense jolted! Not good!
He quickly stole a glance out of the corner of his eye at Hirako Shinji's back in front of him.
Don't let it be said that he, Hirako, and Kyōraku were often collectively referred to as the "Seireitei Pervert Trio."
But who could truly say what thoughts lurked in Hirako's mind?
Kyōraku Shunsui was also a deeply unfathomable old fox.
I'm the only pure, innocent little white flower who's stumbled into a gang of two old foxes. If I'm not careful, I'll be completely devoured sooner or later.
"Clap, clap, clap, clap."
Captain Hikifune Kirio's smiling applause drew everyone's attention:
"You are all very outstanding graduates! This time, we are primarily recruiting for our Twelfth, Ninth, Eighth, and Fifth Divisions. Of course, if any students already have their hearts set on another squad, you can submit your application directly to the Headmaster after this is over~"
She squinted, her voluptuous figure exuding a comforting and approachable aura.
Many graduates already showed looks of longing, thinking that life wouldn't be too difficult under such a kind captain.
Hikifune Kirio continued, "Now then, if there are any students who wish to join our divisions, please step forward."
As soon as she finished speaking, Yadomaru Lisa stepped out first.
She took two steps forward and calmly introduced herself:
"Greetings, Captains. I am Yadomaru Lisa. During my time at the academy, Flash Step was my strongest skill, but that doesn't mean I lack in other areas. I have also deeply studied and understood squad administration, document organization, and financial accounting."
Before she could finish, Kyōraku Shunsui chuckled and interjected, "Lisa-chan~ The Eighth Division warmly welcomes you! I've specifically reserved the position of Lieutenant just for you~"
Upon hearing this, Yadomaru Lisa's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
This captain... gives off a rather frivolous impression.
Among the waiting graduates below, suppressed gasps and murmurs erupted.
"Lieutenant! Captain Kyōraku directly promised the position of Lieutenant!"
"That's amazing! As expected of Lisa, the number one in Flash Step!"
"So enviable..."
Seeing that Yadomaru Lisa didn't immediately agree, Hirako Shinji also smiled and spoke, "Yadomaru Lisa, our Fifth Division also welcomes you. If you join us, you can directly serve as Fourth Seat, how about it?" He did not promise the position of Lieutenant.
Yadomaru Lisa looked at Hirako Shinji. For some reason, his seemingly cheerful smile made her feel a subtle discomfort, and her impression of the captain took a hit.
Finally, she turned her gaze to Hikifune Kirio.
However, the Twelfth Division captain merely maintained a gentle smile, offering no indication.
Yadomaru Lisa's eyes darted back and forth between the three captains, her mind rapidly weighing her options.
From a future development perspective, the Eighth Division was indeed the best choice, with Captain Kyōraku directly promising her the Lieutenant position.
Senior Kyunnan Shiro became Lieutenant in two years, so she had to be faster! Within one year, she had to achieve it!
She completely ignored Yan Siwei, who was almost completely obscured by Hikifune Kirio's figure.
In her opinion, the Ninth Division wasn't even in consideration.
Finally, she walked up to Kyōraku Shunsui and bowed slightly.
"Thank you for your regard, Captain. Would you like me to demonstrate my achievements and abilities?"
"Hahaha, no need, no need~" Kyōraku Shunsui chuckled and waved his hand.
"Lisa-chan, such a tedious process is just a waste of time." He kindly gestured to the spot beside him, indicating she should stand there.
Actually, the normal procedure was for graduates to demonstrate their abilities to the captains, and then the captains would introduce their division's philosophy, with both sides choosing each other.
But for these prodigy graduates who had already been noticed, skipping these steps was hardly out of the question.
Of course, ordinary students wouldn't receive this treatment; they should be grateful just to be accepted by a division.
After all, becoming a Shinigami was equivalent to getting a "guaranteed job," with no worries about the future.
As for the graduates who didn't become Shinigami, they either sought positions as private soldiers for nobles or had to make their own way, with uncertain futures ahead.
The second person to step forward was Sarugaki Hiyori.
She directly ignored the smiling Kyōraku Shunsui and Hirako Shinji, and walked straight to Hikifune Kirio.
Hikifune Kirio still had a gentle smile. "In our Twelfth Division, everyone is like family~"
However, Sarugaki Hiyori didn't respond.
She suddenly leaned forward sharply, pointed at Yan Siwei, who had been standing behind Hikifune Kirio all along, and loudly questioned, "Hey! Why is a Fifth Seat standing there?! Are you looking down on us graduates?!"
Yan Siwei looked utterly bewildered.
What's going on? This girl was clearly very interested in the Twelfth Division, so why is she suddenly turning her guns on me?
When did I offend her? Impossible!
"Oh my?" Kyōraku Shunsui immediately added fuel to the fire in his languid tone. "Yan Si, you look down on graduates? That's not good~"
"Hmph, Idiot Yan Si is always arrogant anyway," Hirako Shinji added expressionlessly.
Yan Si's eyes widened instantly.
Wait! How did I suddenly become an "arrogant fool who looks down on graduates"?!
Don't you two old foxes just sit there fanning the flames!
Captain Hikifune Kirio smiled, elegantly took a step to the side, fully exposing Yan Siwei to everyone's sight, and said softly, "Fifth Seat Yan Si."
Yan Si sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn't avoid it.
He calmly walked up to Sarugaki Hiyori, lowered his head slightly, looked at the aggressive blonde girl, and spoke in a clear, steady tone:
"So, as the Fifth Seat, why should I look favorably upon newly graduated... you all?"
As his words fell, the entire training ground fell silent.
Since he had been put on the spot, he, this "small Fifth Seat," had to teach these arrogant "geniuses" a good lesson today.
Otherwise, when he returned, he would surely be drowned in a torrent of spit from his fellow Seat members.
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