Shin'o Academy.
This year's freshmen had been divided into five classes. Class 1 was the best, and Class 5 was the worst.
Based on their overall entrance exam scores, Gilgamesh, Renji Abarai, and Rukia had all been assigned to Class 1.
In the original Bleach story, Rukia hadn't been assigned to Class 1 because her swordsmanship aptitude was poor.
So, during the founding of the Kingdom of Uruk, Gilgamesh had asked Yoruichi Shihouin to guide Renji Abarai and Rukia in their swordsmanship training.
It had turned out to be effective.
After all, the swordsmanship aptitude test was highly subjective. As long as Rukia performed adequately, her scores from the first two rounds were more than enough to get her into Class 1.
"I'm your instructor, Unohana Etsurou!"
"Class 1-1 brings together all the top performers from the entrance exam. It's a truly elite class!"
"I hope that one day, not only will you join the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, but you'll also keep working hard and climb toward the center of power!"
"So, every day, you'll..."
At the front of the classroom, the tall, burly, bald man—Unohana Etsurou, the instructor of Class 1-1—was delivering an impassioned speech.
His words had stirred up the students.
Most of them were nobles. Joining the Thirteen Court Guard Squads wouldn't be difficult for them, but becoming a Seated Officer was another matter entirely.
And becoming a lieutenant or captain after that was even harder.
As for commoners born in Rukongai, their goal was naturally to join the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
Only Gilgamesh, Renji Abarai, and Rukia seemed completely uninterested. They were even bored by Unohana Etsurou's long-winded speech.
Before long, the first class of the school year came to an end.
During the break, many students left the classroom.
Gilgamesh, however, stayed in his seat, holding Yoruichi Shihouin and gently stroking her head. He had no intention of leaving.
As Yoruichi Shihouin enjoyed Gilgamesh's touch, she couldn't help letting out a contented purr.
Nearby, Renji Abarai and Rukia had started fooling around again.
"Excuse me, are you Gilgamesh?"
Just then, a friendly voice rang out.
Gilgamesh, Renji Abarai, and Rukia looked over. A black-haired boy with a Zanpakuto at his waist was smiling at them.
Noticing the eyes turning toward him, the boy introduced himself. "My name is Tsunayashiro Naoki. I'm here on behalf of the Tsunayashiro Clan to invite Gilgamesh."
Without waiting for Gilgamesh to answer, Tsunayashiro Naoki continued, "If you agree, the Tsunayashiro Clan can grant you the surname Tsunayashiro and make you a member of our clan, with a status equal to that of a direct descendant."
His words caused an uproar.
"Oh my god, is that for real?"
"Gilgamesh is about to rise to the top!"
"That's the Tsunayashiro Clan, one of the Four Great Noble Clans! If I could, I'd give up my own surname just to join them!"
"Other than the remaining Four Great Noble Clans and a handful of high-ranking nobles, who could possibly resist an offer like that?"
"Not so fast. Gilgamesh is so talented that he's practically guaranteed to become a captain someday. He can make it on his own—he doesn't need the Tsunayashiro Clan."
"Can talent put food on the table? The center of power in Seireitei isn't the captains. It's the Central 46 Chambers."
"Join the Tsunayashiro Clan, and you might have a chance to enter the Central 46 Chambers someday."
"Exactly. Captains are nothing compared to the Central 46 Chambers. That's where even captains can be put on trial."
Amid the heated discussion, one eager, jealous, and envious gaze after another turned toward them.
The people behind those looks wished they could take Gilgamesh's place and join the Tsunayashiro Clan themselves.
Listening to the surrounding chatter, Tsunayashiro Naoki gave a faint smile.
He still didn't wait for Gilgamesh to respond. "How about this? I'll come find you after school today and take you to the Tsunayashiro residence."
It was clear that Tsunayashiro Naoki was certain Gilgamesh would agree.
Just as the others had said, unless someone belonged to one of the Four Great Noble Clans or a handful of high-ranking noble families, no one could resist the allure of the surname Tsunayashiro.
The Tsunayashiro Clan had already used its influence to investigate Gilgamesh and confirmed that he wasn't descended from any of those families.
After finishing, Tsunayashiro Naoki turned to leave. But before he could take a step, Gilgamesh spoke in a calm voice. "You don't need to come looking for me again. I won't join the Tsunayashiro Clan."
Tsunayashiro Naoki froze. He turned to stare at Gilgamesh in disbelief, as if he doubted his own ears.
He wasn't the only one. The other students in the classroom were also stunned.
Clearly, this wasn't the outcome they had expected.
After a long moment, Tsunayashiro Naoki finally came to his senses. His brows furrowed, and his tone lost its friendliness, turning cold. "Are you sure? You only get one chance. If you miss it, it'll be gone for good."
This time, before Gilgamesh could reply, Renji Abarai stepped forward.
He was unhappy with Tsunayashiro Naoki's threatening, icy tone. Waving him away with open disgust, he said, "What's your problem? He said he's not joining. Now get lost."
Tsunayashiro Naoki's expression darkened, but he didn't lash out. He only shot Renji Abarai a cold look before turning and walking away.
Using the Star of Omniscience, Gilgamesh saw through Tsunayashiro Naoki's thoughts.
Tsunayashiro Naoki's mind was far too dark and vile. He was even greedy and lustful toward Gilgamesh, which disgusted him.
If they hadn't been in the middle of class, Gilgamesh would have sent Tsunayashiro Naoki to Hell.
As for the Tsunayashiro Clan, he could only hope they were smart enough not to provoke him again. Otherwise, he wouldn't mind reducing the Four Great Noble Clans to three.
Before they knew it, the second class began.
The second class was an introductory course on Asauchi.
It was worth mentioning that most of the freshmen had already received their Asauchi during the two days before the school year officially began.
Gilgamesh was no exception.
Just then, the classroom door opened.
Every student looked over. They knew their Asauchi instructor had arrived.
Gilgamesh, Renji Abarai, and Rukia looked over as well.
Under the students' watchful eyes, a man wearing black-rimmed glasses and a gentle smile walked in.
At that very moment, Yoruichi Shihouin, in Gilgamesh's arms, bristled and her pupils shrank.
Because the man who had just arrived was none other than...
Sosuke Aizen!
Before you continue