Shinō Academy
Time flies.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
In just a few days, the autumn enrollment for the Shino Academy of Spiritual Arts would commence in full swing.
During that time, not only Seireitei, but the entire Rukongai would be buzzing with excitement. For many, this annual event represented a chance to change their destinies.
If they passed the entrance assessment, they could become students at the academy. After six years of rigorous training, those fortunate enough to be selected by one of the Gotei 13 squads would become fully-fledged Shinigami.
Fame, status, and prestige—everything would follow.
---
The scene shifts.
To the north of Sōkyoku Hill, directly beneath the Sōkyoku Execution Grounds—at the secret training base.
"Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat! Fiery Lightning Howl, Hadō #63!"
With a resonant chant, a massive sphere of lightning appeared in the center of Saikyō's palm, looking like a radiant energy bomb.
Indeed!
After two months of intense training, Saikyō had begun practicing advanced Kidō, with Raikōhō (Fiery Lightning Howl) being one of the primary techniques in his arsenal.
As had happened before, when Saikyō upgraded Raikōhō to its maximum level, both its power and form underwent a qualitative transformation. If Saikyō were to use his full strength to hurl the sphere, the entire training base might have been blown apart—if not for the Kidō barriers in place to contain it.
"Saikyō, with just a single attribute, you've already reached this level. Honestly, I'm not sure if I dare continue teaching you," Kisuke Urahara's voice came from the stone steps nearby.
Although he spoke in a joking tone, Urahara's admiration was genuine. Every time he watched Saikyō cast Kidō, he couldn't help but be astonished.
The reason was simple.
With the various passive talents Saikyō possessed, any Kidō he mastered to its full potential displayed incredible power.
Raikōhō was a good example. Though it was ranked only sixty-three in the Kidō list, the spiritual pressure it unleashed exceeded what would be expected even of a high-level Kidō. If Saikyō's Reiatsu were stronger, the power of Raikōhō could even match legendary spells like the highest forms of Hadō!
"Mr. Urahara, you're just teasing me again," Saikyō replied, before casually tossing the lightning sphere towards the basin at the distance.
Bang!
After a thunderous roar, the energy within the sphere burst out like a tidal wave, engulfing everything in its wake. Even though Urahara had erected a triple-layered Kidō barrier beforehand, the entire area still took considerable damage.
More astonishingly, the Kidō barrier itself almost shattered.
This was the sheer power of Raikōhō.
"Saikyō, there's really nothing more I can teach you here." Urahara's playful demeanor faded slightly, replaced by a wry smile.
Three months ago, he had planned for Saikyō to master all the low-level Kidō. But now, Saikyō had already touched the boundaries of high-level spells. This rapid, almost miraculous progression completely overturned Urahara's expectations, making him wonder if any of this was even real!
"Mr. Urahara, I'm truly grateful for all the guidance you've provided these past three months. Without your teachings, my progress wouldn't have been this smooth." Saikyō bowed sincerely in gratitude.
With Urahara's brilliant mind and keen insight, he had frequently pointed out Saikyō's mistakes and showed him ways to improve. It was like paving a shortcut for him; all Saikyō needed to do was follow along, and everything became naturally attainable.
"Oh ho ho…"
"Saikyō, you don't have to flatter me. Just don't forget me when you make a name for yourself in the future," Urahara said with rare sincerity.
In the months they had spent together, Urahara had seen numerous qualities in Saikyō that he admired: diligence, humility, restraint, and an unparalleled work ethic. Saikyō embodied all the qualities necessary to become a true master.
More importantly, whether it was Zanjutsu (Swordsmanship), Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat), or Kidō, Saikyō had demonstrated incredible talent in every aspect. There were moments when even Urahara felt that Saikyō's talent was simply blinding!
"Of course, Mr. Urahara! Do you think I'm the type to be ungrateful?" Saikyō replied, sticking out his tongue in a mischievous manner.
"By the way, have you decided which squad you'd like to join in the future?" Urahara changed the subject abruptly, steering the conversation towards lighter topics.
"Eh? I haven't really given much thought to choosing a squad," Saikyō answered with a slight frown and an awkward smile.
Come on! Enrollment hadn't even started yet, and here he was asking about squad selection? This was thinking way too far ahead!
"But…"
After a pause, Saikyō gave it some thought and then added, "If I really had to choose one, I guess it would be Squad Four."
"Squad Four? Why?" Urahara was genuinely taken aback.
He had his own ideas about where Saikyō would fit. He thought of Squad Two, Squad Six, or Squad Eleven. Given Saikyō's lineage as part of the Shihōin family, any of these squads would be perfect choices for him.
But Squad Four?
That was entirely unexpected.
Could it be…?
Did Saikyō secretly dream of becoming a "medic"? The more Urahara thought about it, the less sense it made.
"Mr. Urahara, you're overthinking it," Saikyō said, a sly smile forming on his face. "The reason I chose Squad Four is simply because it's peaceful and I can be lazy there."
"Pfft!!!"
Hearing Saikyō's response, Urahara nearly coughed up blood.
Here he was, imagining all kinds of sophisticated reasons, but it turned out Saikyō just wanted an easygoing life!
"Saikyō, you're really something. I guess you're finally spreading your wings, huh? Now you're even comfortable joking with your mentor." Urahara laughed, leaping down from the stone steps.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this…" Saikyō muttered, noticing a hint of mischief in Urahara's eyes.
Sure enough, moments later, Urahara used a Bakudō spell to hoist Saikyō into the air, treating him to a splash of cold spring water.
Thus, the master and disciple had yet another "memorable" interaction!
---
Time flies, and before long, seven more days had passed.
The entire Soul Society was now on edge with anticipation for the grand event—the enrollment for the Shino Academy of Spiritual Arts!
On this day, nobles from Seireitei and commoners from Rukongai all flocked to the enrollment sites.
From West Rukongai's main streets to the White Road Gate, and through Sidanfuchi, people flooded the streets, moving southward another 100 meters. At this point, the area was so packed that only a dense mass of people could be seen everywhere.
The registration process for the academy was simple. Applicants were given numbered tickets, and everyone would wait in line for their spiritual power test. As long as their scores met the requirements, they could pass the assessment and secure a place at the academy.
While the procedure seemed simple enough, the actual acceptance rate was notoriously low. By noon, a large number of hopeful applicants had already been eliminated, underscoring the difficulty of the process.