Chapter 20: Lucky Day - Bleach: This Captain Is an Uchiha

Sixth-year graduating students had to go to Hueco Mundo for a seven-day live combat exercise. This was an old tradition of Shin'ō Academy.

In previous years, even newly enrolled students had to train in Hueco Mundo and see some blood. As for why that program had been canceled this year...

It was naturally because of Moritora Shiba.

This renowned genius had died in Hueco Mundo three years ago, leaving not even a corpse behind. His case remained unsolved to this day.

Shin'ō Academy had endured immense pressure from the Shiba Clan and ultimately had no choice but to promise Central 46 that it would "control student casualty rates." Only then were lower-year students spared from going to such a dangerous place.

But no matter what, the sixth-years' Hueco Mundo combat exercise remained unshakable. From the first class's Shunsui Kyōraku and Jushiro Ukitake to the current Uchiha Yato and Byakuya Kuchiki, all of them had to make a trip to Hueco Mundo.

Time flew by.

With the new school term, Uchiha Yato smoothly obtained the academy's permission to skip ahead into the sixth year, becoming what Rukongai residents called a "Soul Reaper candidate."

During this period, aside from training, Yato had also made ample preparations for the trip to Hueco Mundo.

Though it was only seven short days, quite a lot of supplies had to be prepared.

Food was best compressed for easy carrying. Even straw sandals had to be specially made, at the very least to keep Hueco Mundo's sand from slipping through the gaps. Life-saving first-aid medicine had to be kept in the safest place. Those with the means could also buy cloaks to shield themselves from wind and sand...

Shin'ō Academy would only provide students with the most basic supplies, enough to ensure they could last seven days in Hueco Mundo.

Training was meant to temper one's will and soul. How could their equipment be too complete? It was not like they were going camping.

Before long, the day of departure arrived.

That day, the Soul Society was cloudless for thousands of miles. Though the early spring weather was somewhat cold, the birdsong still made everything feel full of life.

"Byakuya, today is my lucky day."

At the back of the group, Yato folded his arms and grinned.

"Look, it's been raining these past few days, but when it was our turn to leave, the skies suddenly cleared."

"Lucky day? Yato, we've known each other for a year, but I've never heard you mention that before."

"I just had it calculated. Remember that straw sandal shop you recommended? There's a stall just to the left when you go out. They even use the Four Pillars of Destiny. Very professional!"

"Yato, that seems to violate the Gotei 13's regulations: [Those who wield swords must not speak lightly of fate]..."

"I'm not a Soul Reaper yet, so that regulation doesn't apply to me." Yato did not care in the slightest. "Besides, I'm just looking for a good omen. It's a psychological suggestion."

"...True." Byakuya Kuchiki smiled as well. When dealing with a friend, the young noble naturally chose to indulge him. "A lucky day does sound rather nice."

But at that moment, sudden laughter startled them both.

"What are you two brats talking about?"

They turned toward the voice and saw a white haori floating in midair.

The newcomer was a young woman of stunning beauty, with brown skin and golden eyes like a wildcat's. A white haori marked with the character for "two" draped over her fitted Soul Reaper uniform, giving her an easygoing yet sharp presence.

—This was the twenty-second head of the Shihōin Clan, captain of the Second Division, Commander-in-Chief of the Stealth Force, and Commander of the Punishment Force's First Division: the Flash Goddess, Yoruichi Shihōin!

Her arrival caused a wave of startled cries. Shin'ō Academy's teachers and students hurriedly bowed and greeted her.

Every captain of the Gotei 13 possessed Reiatsu powerful enough to achieve Bankai, along with combat strength capable of suppressing a Menos Grande with a casual backhand!

But Byakuya Kuchiki knew this woman far too well. He merely stared wide-eyed at Yoruichi, veins throbbing on his forehead. If not for all the people watching, he would have long since cursed out "cat demon" and drawn his blade to cut her down.

Over the past year, Yato had seen Yoruichi several times at the Kuchiki Estate. There was no sense of unfamiliarity between them, so he stepped forward.

"Captain Yoruichi, will you be personally leading this combat exercise?"

"Of course. Captain Ukitake led the last one; this time, it's my turn... But little brother Yato, compared to the last time we met, your Reiatsu has grown stronger again." The dark-skinned beauty lazily stretched, a smile at the corner of her lips. "So, how about joining the Second Division after graduation? I'll make the decision and give you the fifth Seated Officer position, plus your own office!"

"I am grateful for your kind regard." Uchiha Yato bowed in response. His etiquette was flawless, but he did not agree.

Oh? Even the fifth seat wasn't enough to satisfy this brat's appetite?

Interest flashed through Yoruichi Shihōin's golden-brown eyes. She suddenly reached out with both hands and grabbed the two boys by their collars.

"Honestly, what are the undisputed top two students of this graduating class doing hiding all the way in the back?"

With a wicked grin, she tossed Yato and Byakuya to the very front. Then she Flash Stepped to the Senkaimon and addressed everyone.

"Seven days! You will remain in Hueco Mundo for seven days!"

"No matter what method you use, remember this: when you return to the departure point seven days from now, your blades must be stained with blood! The Hell Butterflies will record the Hollows that die by your hands!"

"Of course, if you encounter danger, immediately release your Reiatsu and someone will naturally come to rescue you. But if you return empty-handed, don't blame the academy for refusing to let you graduate on time, hahaha..."

The Hell Butterflies flew out one by one and settled upon the students' collars. Laughing loudly, Yoruichi Shihōin was the first to rush into the Senkaimon!

This was not Yoruichi acting crazy. As the captain-level leader, she had to go ahead first and clear the landing point in Hueco Mundo, preventing Menos Grande-level beings from threatening the students' lives.

At the end of the day, a combat exercise was just an exercise. It was enough to let the graduating students gain experience; there was no need to truly throw their lives away.

For every exercise, the Gotei 13 would assign a captain to ensure the students' safety.

Of course, Hueco Mundo was vast. Even if the exercise grounds had been marked out beforehand in a remote area, students might still encounter mishaps if they strayed too far apart.

To guarantee nothing went wrong, the Seireitei would also dispatch three or four vice-captains as assistants and reserve support.

Forget ordinary Menos Grande. Even a Vasto Lorde would have to suffer against such a lineup.

"Mm, I happen to know the captain in charge. This is in the bag."

Thinking this, Uchiha Yato entered the Senkaimon with almost the mindset of a tourist, walking in cheerfully.

"That fortune-teller really knows his stuff. Today really is a lucky day..."

Before the Senkaimon, everyone had gone.

The high-spirited sixth-years had all entered Hueco Mundo.

Yet the guards remained standing solemnly before the Senkaimon, waiting for the vice-captains assigned to provide rear support.

Before long, a mellow voice reached the guards' ears.

"Has Captain Shihōin and the academy students already departed?"

"Yes, Vice-Captain Aizen." The guard stepped aside, clearing a path to the Senkaimon. "You are the first vice-captain to arrive. Thank you for your hard work."

"It's nothing." A gentle smile appeared on the upright, handsome face of Squad Five's vice-captain. "Everything is for the Seireitei."

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Lucky Day