CHAPTER 2:The Four of Hadō, Shirai

Moyu felt uneasy about Aizen's sudden decision.

But as explained, Aizen merely designated him as the class representative for the calligraphy course.

In a way, Moyu's skill in calligraphy had been officially recognized by Aizen himself.

Yet with this honor came an unexpected burden.

Becoming the calligraphy class representative naturally increased his interactions with Aizen...

"Has he set his sights on me?"

The paranoia of a world-traveling soul surged—Moyu could no longer suppress the creeping unease.

"Stay sharp," he warned himself. "That man will eventually overturn the entire Soul Society..."

As Aizen concluded his gentle remarks, the calligraphy class dispersed. The students slowly made their way to the next session.

Watching the flow of movement, Moyu suddenly realized:

"Next is... Kidō class."

—

Kidō Class Classroom

"Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō are the core combat disciplines of a Shinigami," the instructor proclaimed from the podium, dressed in a deep blue Kidō robe.

"Today, we continue with the fourth Hadō technique!"

The lecture dragged on dully after that.

But unlike before, Moyu's expression held a rare focus. His posture, silent and attentive, caught the eye of Onion Shirai seated nearby.

"Huh? Something's different about Brother Moyu…"

Onion tilted his head, disbelief flickering in his wide eyes.

"He's been listening for over a minute?"

"That's... impossible!"

Moyu, however, didn't care about being watched. His full concentration was locked on the system interface that responded to the lesson.

As the instructor elaborated on Hadō #4, information flashed onto his system panel like glowing ink.

Your Hadō #4, Byakurai, was attentively studied. Rapid progress achieved. Stage reached: Entering Classroom.

Your Hadō #4, Byakurai, was diligently refined. Progress surged. Stage reached: Mastery.

The corner of Moyu's lips twitched subtly.

Hadō #4, Byakurai—stronger than expected.

Just listening once brought this much improvement?

"The fourth Hadō belongs to the Lightning Kidō family," the instructor continued, his voice growing sharper with enthusiasm. "It's widely used due to its low spiritual cost and precise controllability."

"But don't get cocky—perfect execution is far from easy!"

As he spoke, a black and red training target rose from the front-left side of the podium.

"Hadō No. 4: Byakurai!"

With the chant complete, a surge of lightning snapped from the teacher's fingertip and exploded toward the target.

Boom!

The bolt shattered it into charred fragments midair.

To teach in the elite division of the Spiritual Arts Academy, one needed true power—and it showed.

The students gasped. Murmurs of admiration filled the classroom.

But Moyu simply furrowed his brow and murmured to himself:

"That power…"

"Seems... a little underwhelming?"

Your Hadō #4, Byakurai, observed another's version. Competitive drive awakened. Progress accelerated. Stage reached: Peak Mastery.

Yuta Onoue, the Kidō instructor, basking in praise, suddenly caught the dissenting voice.

His eye twitched. He looked in Moyu's direction, discontent growing.

"Again… Kuchiki Moyu."

Onoue had always despised underperforming students.

And now, this weakling dared to challenge his demonstration?

"Kuchiki Moyu!"

Onoue raised his voice sharply. "It sounds like you've gained some mastery in Hadō #4."

"You'll be performing the next demonstration."

Moyu blinked. His brows lifted in disbelief. He pointed to himself.

"Me?"

"Teacher... are you serious?"

Yuta Onoue folded his arms, nodding with gravity. His posture left no room for objection.

Moyu quickly composed himself and turned to face the newly raised target near the front.

He looked at the teacher seriously.

"Onoue-sensei, I suggest you step away from the target."

"I'm concerned I might accidentally injure you."

The instructor snorted with disdain.

"Even if your casting is clean, someone of your level couldn't possibly hurt me."

"Don't forget—I'm an elite Kidō soldier!"

"The tail of the class dares to boast like this?"

"What's he trying to do—turn the Spiritual Arts Academy into some noble stage for vanity?"

The students laughed and jeered. To them, Moyu's confidence was delusion—an obvious setup for humiliation.

But Moyu only sighed inwardly.

Why do people always have such blind confidence in their own superiority?

He calmly raised his hand.

Faint white lightning sparked and danced across his fingertips—soft but intense.

A quiet voice followed.

Firm. Certain.

"Hadō No. 4: Byakurai."