Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy was founded two thousand years ago by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. It's the training ground for Shinigami, where nearly every soul—noble or commoner—who possesses the potential to become a Shinigami undergoes six years of rigorous education. Graduates can directly enter the Gotei 13, effectively becoming part of the Soul Society's official structure.
Asano Kiyoshi gazed at the clean, well-lit buildings and the well-dressed people around him. His thoughts drifted to the elderly woman who had raised him.
He sighed. The old woman had refused to accompany him to Shin'ō Academy, afraid of becoming a burden. She stubbornly insisted on staying behind in their small wooden cottage.
Kiyoshi understood. With his current ability, he couldn't guarantee her safe passage across such a long journey. Hollows—though rare—could appear in the Rukongai. Even if they didn't encounter one, the dangers posed by bandits or desperate souls were real, and Kiyoshi knew he might not be able to protect her.
So, he respected her decision. But before leaving, he had made a promise:"Granny Hana, wait for me here. I'll visit often. Once I have the means, I'll bring you to live with me."
Granny Hana had looked at him lovingly, silently packed his belongings, patted his head, and smiled."Kiyoshi, just stay safe. That's all I ask."
Before his departure, he approached the two Shinigami responsible for maintaining order in District 37. Taking out half of the money he had saved over the years, he handed it to them and asked them to look after the old woman. He also told them where he was going—not out of trust, but as subtle leverage. If they tried to shirk their duties after accepting payment, they'd know he had ways to make trouble.
Because a fair deal only exists between equals.
The other half of his savings, aside from the necessary travel expenses, was hidden beneath Granny Hana's bed—enough to cover her daily needs.
Shin'ō Academy was easy to find, located west of the Rukongai near Shiro Gate. One only had to pass through Jidanbō's checkpoint and head 100 meters south, then turn right. Jidanbō himself, massive in stature, was holding a giant banner that read "Enrollment" in large characters. Since this was the annual admissions season, helpful signs had also been set up to guide newcomers.
Perhaps he had arrived a bit late—only about 50 to 60 people were present at the registration area. But two figures immediately caught Asano Kiyoshi's attention.
One was bald and wore vivid red eye makeup at the corners of his eyes. His gaze was sharp like an unsheathed blade, piercing to the bone.
The other was strikingly handsome, with delicate features and slightly flamboyant clothing. His long hair flowed past his ears, and his fair skin, coupled with a slightly proud expression, made him stand out from the crowd.
The moment Kiyoshi saw them, two names flashed in his mind—Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa, future 3rd and 5th seats of the 11th Division.
Almost simultaneously, the scroll in his mind displayed their stats:
Name: Ikkaku Madarame
Zanjutsu: 34 (Honed through endless battle, strong enough to kill with one strike)
Hakuda: 38 (A body forged through combat, immensely strong, with a beast-like desire to fight)
Kido: 13 (An ignoramus who's never studied it properly)
Shunpo: 32 (Speed forced out by raw physical strength)
Spiritual Pressure: Sixth Grade (Has reached one of the basic prerequisites for Bankai; qualifies for first-tier combatants)
Overall Rating: 117 (Close to the level of a low-ranking seated officer)
Name: Yumichika Ayasegawa
Zanjutsu: 29 (Restrained by a concern for appearance, preventing full potential)
Hakuda: 26 (Trained body, but lacking fighting desire and too cautious)
Kido: 24 (Innate talent for Kido, with refined control over Reishi)
Shunpo: 34 (Good spatial awareness and agility make his movement ghost-like)
Spiritual Pressure: Sixth Grade (Has reached the prerequisite for Bankai; qualifies for first-tier combatants)
Overall Rating: 113 (Close to the level of a low-ranking seated officer)
Looking at these impressive stats, Asano Kiyoshi felt a pang of envy. Still, he quickly calmed himself. He liked some of the original series' characters—he'd help if he could, but wouldn't grovel or try to curry favor. His goal was simple: live a decent life, provide for Granny Hana, maybe marry someone ordinary but kind. That was all—no grand ambitions.
While Kiyoshi was lost in thought, a Shinigami in black uniform called out from the admissions platform:
"The 2050th Admissions—Term 3 of Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy has officially begun! All new applicants, please register on the right. Once done, proceed to the testing area for spiritual pressure evaluation. The top three performers or those with outstanding results will be placed in Class A. They'll receive a 5,000 Kan monthly stipend and be exempt from all tuition and fees!"
The moment Kiyoshi heard this, his heart surged.5,000 Kan per month! That was enough to support a family of four for two months! And with tuition waived too?
It meant he could bring Granny Hana from District 37 right away. Being in Class A might even let him network with powerful people. He didn't expect help from them, but having connections was better than having none.
Kiyoshi's eyes flickered with determination. He decided—for this promise to Granny Hana, he would break his usual low-key nature.
After registering, Kiyoshi followed a sign down a dark red hallway and entered a large open space. At that moment, two dazzling beams of blue light lit up the area.
Gasps and sharp intakes of breath rippled through the crowd.
As expected, the commotion was caused by Ikkaku and Yumichika. Both stood on the testing platform with bored expressions, each holding an Asauchi glowing with brilliant blue energy.
Kiyoshi quietly summoned the mysterious scroll again. His presence subtly shifted, and invisible ink-like spiritual pressure began to swirl gently around him—unseen by others, but potent nonetheless.