Shantei Temple: A Temple of Many Woes

"It turns out that being too talented brings so many troubles."

"Sosuke, tell me."

Someone lay sprawled on the bed, showing off, "Should I choose the Second Division, the Fourth Division, or the Kido Corps?"

"Whether it's Yoruichi, Captain Unohana, or Teacher Hikifune Tessai, they have all offered quite generous terms."

"It really makes it hard to choose..."

To this, Aizen remained silent, continuing to flip through the cookbook collection Kisaragi Akira had given him.

There were many interesting things in it, far more nourishing than anything that person had to say.

"Right, I almost forgot."

Kisaragi Akira sat up, saying earnestly, "When Teacher Hikifune Tessai invited me, he also mentioned you."

"He is very appreciative of your performance in Kido combat."

"If you join the Kido Corps, your status will be equivalent to that of a high-ranking seated officer."

"Once your Reiatsu level improves, you could even take on the position of Vice Kido Chief."

Hearing this, Aizen stopped turning the pages. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Kisaragi Akira continue on his own:

"Actually, I still think Teacher Hikifune Tessai's judgment is a bit lacking."

"Saying your Reiatsu is relatively weak—is that something a person can actually say?"

He grinned and gestured with his fingers, "If my Reiatsu level is this much..."

"Then your Reiatsu is probably about this much."

Under Aizen's surprised gaze, Kisaragi Akira spread his arms wide, stretching them as far as he could, even bending them backward.

"You've misunderstood."

A calm look welled up in Aizen's eyes, masking the surprise that had just flickered there.

"In reality, my Reiatsu is far inferior to yours; otherwise, I wouldn't have lost in the Kido combat practice."

"The only reason I was able to hold out for so long in that fight was because I know how to utilize every bit of power effectively and put it to proper use."

Although he was curious about why Kisaragi Akira was so confident, Aizen, who was accustomed to hiding his true self, would not admit to such things.

"Fine, fine, whatever you say."

Kisaragi Akira couldn't be bothered to argue with this guy about it.

Aizen's Reiatsu inferior to his?

What kind of Soul Society joke is that?!

If this guy had unleashed his full Reiatsu during their previous Kido practice, he would have been on his knees begging for mercy within ten seconds.

He might still be a bit short of Captain-level Reiatsu, but he was definitely above a Lieutenant.

Kisaragi Akira had at least that much confidence.

"Lunch time."

He flipped over suddenly, pulling Aizen up with high spirits, "Instead of agonizing over which division to join later, we might as well fill our stomachs first."

"Today's expenses are once again covered by the Kisaragi Shrine Priest!"

Glancing at the hyperactive Kisaragi Akira, a trace of helplessness flickered in Aizen's eyes.

He was starting to feel confused now.

Was becoming close friends with this guy a good thing or a bad thing?

In the period that followed, the Spiritual Arts Academy returned to its usual peace and tranquility.

After resting for a few days, Hikifune Tessai returned to the Kido classroom to teach.

In his own words, this academic year would be his last at the Spiritual Arts Academy.

Because he was about to take office as the Grand Kido Chief, he likely wouldn't have such leisurely days in the future.

Meanwhile, under the threat of death from Teacher Kaede, Kisaragi Akira temporarily calmed down for a while.

He reduced his business of peddling amulets, performing exorcisms, and offering blessings within the Spiritual Arts Academy, and promised not to pose any personal threats to any of the teachers.

Of course, this situation wouldn't last long.

Given someone's personality, forcibly suppressing his nature would only be counterproductive and lead to more serious consequences.

Fortunately, Okikiba Genshiro also began paying close attention to Kisaragi Akira as soon as he finished his official duties, and he formulated a series of targeted measures.

In the teachers' office.

Kaede Junya stared at the two youths before him with a dark face—or, to be precise, he was glaring fixedly at Kisaragi Akira.

"Ahem, Teacher Kaede, I haven't done anything against the rules during this time," Kisaragi Akira whispered in his own defense.

Kaede Junya nodded in silence, casually picking up some blood pressure medication from the table and swallowing a few pills.

By now, he could chew the medicine raw without even changing his expression.

Still, he might consider asking Captain Unohana to make a mint-flavored version next time; after all, as long as that kid was still at the Spiritual Arts Academy, he wouldn't be able to quit the medication.

"I called you here because there is a new mission."

"It should have been handled by the sixth-year students, but considering that accidents beyond their capabilities might occur, I petitioned the Dean to have you take charge instead."

Kaede Junya cleared his throat and said seriously:

"The Eighth Division and the 12th Division, responsible for intelligence gathering, discovered traces of Hollows appearing at Shantei Temple in the East Rukon District some time ago."

"Your mission is to annihilate all Hollows appearing there and maintain the stability of the Rukon District."

Seeing the change in Kisaragi Akira's expression, Kaede Junya hurriedly quickened his pace, fearing that this reckless fellow would charge straight into Shantei Temple.

"Before heading to Shantei Temple, you had best go to the 12th Division's research institute to retrieve the newly developed Hollow group detection equipment."

"The Hollows this time are extremely adept at hiding..."

After explaining some specific matters that required attention, Kaede Junya finally let the two leave.

Watching their retreating backs and listening to the muffled words drifting down the corridor, Kaede Junya felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

That kid Kisaragi Akira shouldn't cause any trouble, right?

12th Division barracks, Shutara Research Institute.

Soon.

Two youths of similar height, wearing identical blue and white Zhenyang uniforms, appeared here.

The architectural style before them was extremely exaggerated; several giant, bone-like arms were wrapped around a cocoon-like building, crouching on the stone floor like a Michelin man.

Around the research institute, strips of colorful, brilliant cloth hung down, giving one the strange feeling of having stumbled into a dye house.

"As expected, the aesthetics of scientists are quite twisted."

After looking it over, Kisaragi Akira gave his conclusion directly.

Aizen did not deny this.

Even from his perspective, this research institute was quite strange.

After presenting their credentials, the two were led by a Shinigami Squad Member through several slightly deep corridors and successfully arrived in front of a room marked with the Seventh Research Lab sign.

"Team Leader, they are here to request the latest Hollow Group Circuitry Device."

The room was pure white, without any unnecessary decorations or colors, forming a sharp contrast with the exterior structure.

As the sound of wheels turning echoed, a beautiful woman draped in a pristine white research coat appeared before the two.

Her medium-length black hair hung down smoothly, her features were refined, her skin was pale, and every movement exuded an air of elegance, lacking any of the typical temperament of a researcher.

Under Kisaragi Akira's shocked gaze, she slowly approached the two, her flawless black eyes fixed on Aizen as she said softly:

"Young man, you are very special..."