Seeing the disappointment on Kisaragi Akira's face, Aizen was a little puzzled. He didn't understand why a student would be curious about these places.
But when he saw that Akira had no intention of continuing the discussion, he didn't press the subject.
After becoming a student at the Spiritual Arts Academy, he had encountered many secrets that he'd never had the chance to see before.
The structure of the Soul Society's hierarchy, and even that of the entire world.
He didn't understand.
Why did Yamamoto Shigekuni, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, despite possessing strength that stood above all others in the Soul Society, have to submit to the so-called Nobles?
And why were the Nobles' deeds so utterly repulsive...
What role did Central 46, the Soul Society's highest judicial authority, play in all this?
He would slowly search for the answers to these questions.
Until there were no more secrets left in this world.
The days that followed at the academy brought back some of Akira's old feelings.
In his spare time, he put his skills as a Chief Priest to use, exorcising demons for lovely young girls and spreading the name of Nikkotsu Shrine.
The pure friendships of student days were often the most moving of all.
Ah, what a wonderful time!
Of course, there were drawbacks, too.
After getting used to sleeping in at Nikkotsu Shrine, he couldn't adjust his body clock in time.
Every morning, when the seven o'clock bell rang, Akira would be left in a daze.
Back to the cage, robbed of freedom...
Countless similar descriptions swirled through Akira's mind. Meanwhile, Aizen, who lived next door, had already finished washing up and come over to knock on his door, calling for Akira to head to class with him.
"So this is life..."
Akira groaned listlessly like a wounded beast, struggling out of bed and barely managing to pull on his blue-and-white student uniform.
When he opened the door, the first thing he saw was Aizen's familiar, gentle smile.
He didn't know why exactly, but the guy clearly seemed intent on sticking with him. Ever since they enrolled, he'd been by Akira's side.
His plan to lie low and grow stronger had failed before it even began.
Fortunately, Aizen wasn't unpleasant to be around.
Or rather, a kind-hearted Aizen was the perfect friend.
"You should straighten yourself up a bit," Aizen kindly reminded him on the way to class.
Since meeting Akira, Aizen had gained a deeper understanding of human nature. It turned out that a person's standards really could shift without making anyone dislike them.
Was that an innate talent?
"Teacher Marechiyo's class is this morning. He hates students who look untidy."
After a while, Aizen had learned each teacher's temperament and preferences, and he was always reminding his careless companion.
Akira nodded listlessly, looking thoroughly drained.
"Marechiyo. Guess we're going to hear him brag about his family's wealth again."
"It's infuriating. The Nobles suck the blood of the Rukongai's commoners, so why do they enjoy everything they have with such peace of mind?"
Aizen glanced at him and mused, "Akira, do you hate the Nobles?"
"No. I hate that I'm not a Noble."
Akira casually draped an arm around Aizen's shoulders and grinned. "After all, those who slay dragons will eventually become dragons themselves!"
Aizen looked thoughtful.
In the classroom.
Omaeda Kaneshiro, a broad-shouldered, muscular man with a stern, impeccably composed expression, was already standing at the lectern, surveying each student who entered with an intimidating glare.
Unlike the fat man he would become after retiring, Omaeda Kaneshiro was currently an elite among elites, aside from his fondness for flaunting his family's wealth.
He excelled at every one of the Zanpakuto, Hand-to-hand, Hoho, and Kido arts.
His Hakuda was especially outstanding.
That was why he also taught Hakuda at the Spiritual Arts Academy in his spare time.
Once all the students had arrived, Omaeda Kaneshiro lowered his hands. His stern expression took on an even more serious look.
"Before we begin the lesson, I have something to explain."
"As the elite students who passed the entrance exam, you've made remarkable progress during this time. After today's class, a special examiner will assess your Hakuda skills."
"Good. Let's begin."
Without giving anyone a chance to ask questions, Omaeda Kaneshiro began explaining Hakuda.
Akira was always attentive in class, since it concerned his future.
Especially with his sign-in rewards having been so terrible lately, he had to learn to rely on himself.
Aizen, who was usually the most attentive student, seemed distracted this time.
Only when Akira waved a hand in front of his eyes did he come back to himself, his expression a little peculiar.
"Thank you, Akira."
A question mark appeared over Akira's head.
Aizen smiled as he explained, "I just figured a few things out."
Just then, a familiar voice suddenly sounded in his ear.
[Trust level with Aizen Sosuke has reached the required level. Sign-in condition fulfilled]
[Character Sign-In: Aizen Sosuke]
[Obtained 1,000 Reiatsu. Reiatsu level increased. Current level: lv20]
[Obtained Exclusive Entry: Heart of the Divine]
[Heart of the Divine: With supreme arrogance, regard yourself as a true god. Your talent for learning anything rises to the MAX of your current level!]
Akira drew in a sharp breath. His expression shifted from shock to distortion, then to delight.
The whole sequence of changes took less than a tenth of a second.
It was such an incredible display that even Aizen was taken aback.
He'd thought location sign-ins were unbeatable, but it turned out there was something even more powerful.
The sudden reward was a truly delightful surprise.
Ever since meeting Aizen, Akira had often felt inferior for not being a genius.
Obtaining the Heart of the Divine instantly sharpened all six of Akira's senses to their utmost limits, and the world burst into vivid color.
So the world seen by a genius and the world seen by an ordinary person were completely different.
While he was grinning foolishly, Omaeda Marechiyo's lesson came to an end.
"That concludes today's lesson. Next comes your test."
His gaze swept over the students, sharp as a hawk's. Overwhelmed by his presence, the boys and girls barely dared to breathe. Some had even lowered their heads, afraid to meet his eyes.
Until—
Omaeda Kaneshiro spotted Akira, lost in his own world, and immediately furrowed his brow.
He remembered the Chief Priest of Nikkotsu Shrine.
Decent talent, upper-middle level in Class 1-1, and an unstable personality. He was one of the class troublemakers, often breaking the rules.
For example, talking back to teachers, exorcising demons for female classmates, and openly advertising the services of Nikkotsu Shrine...
At the thought, Omaeda Kaneshiro's gaze turned even fiercer.
He hoped the kid wouldn't cause trouble during the upcoming test. Otherwise, he would show Akira what it meant to face the consequences!
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a shadow drew close outside the window. With a sharp crash, countless shards of glass scattered across the lectern.
Then came a carefree, brazen laugh:
"Hahaha! Are you ready to accept your miserable fate, freshmen?"
On the lectern, a dark-skinned girl with a purple ponytail folded her arms and grinned. Her neat white teeth gleamed in the sunlight.
"Next..."
"I, Shihoin Yoruichi, will be your Hakuda examiner!"
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