CHAPTER 1:Aizen-kun’s Appreciation

Your calligraphy has improved by 300% after attending Aizen Sōsuke's lecture and comprehending Dao Chengliu calligraphy.

Your calligraphy—after one hour of serious practice—shows a 20% increase in progress and is now advancing to the next level.

Kuchiki Moyu stared at the elegant figure on the podium and sighed as the system's calm notification echoed in his ears.

"Calligraphy, of all things… Isn't this too refined?"

"Besides being aesthetic, does it serve any real combat function?"

As this thought surfaced, another system message followed.

Your calligraphy has sensed negativity. Mental state is affected. Learning efficiency has dropped.

"Tch... this system has a personality?"

On the podium, the soft-spoken teacher looked down, seemingly sensing the mood change. He smiled gently.

"Moyu-san, don't underestimate the importance of calligraphy."

"For a Shinigami, calligraphy upholds the essence of cultural transmission. It holds a role that cannot be replaced."

"Come. Show me how well you've understood it."

Behind the black-rimmed glasses, his eyes were kind and calm. That gentle smile had made Aizen Sōsuke the most admired instructor in the entire Spiritual Arts Academy.

Wearing light traditional robes, Aizen extended an inviting hand, beckoning Moyu forward to demonstrate.

Faced with that request, Moyu hesitated and responded awkwardly, "Not yet, Aizen-sensei... My calligraphy level is... well... unsightly."

Before he could finish, Aizen interrupted with a soft chuckle.

"That's perfectly fine, Moyu-san."

"Growth, after all, is a process that unfolds step by step—just like everything else in this world."

Moyu could only sigh again and rise from his seat.

But the moment he approached the podium, whispers drifted from the class.

"Heh, what can the Kuchiki family's young master even write?"

"He's just the class's deadweight."

"Struggling won't help. He's still a disgrace to noble blood."

Moyu ignored them. He was long used to such remarks.

Ever since crossing into this dangerous and complex Shinigami world, his soul had grown numb to judgment. Be it Hakuda, Kidō, or Zanjutsu, he was average in all. His intellect and spiritual power? Ordinary.

At first, he had thought fate had handed him a losing script.

Still, being the direct descendant of the noble Kuchiki clan, and Byakuya Kuchiki's younger brother, ensured some safety and reputation—at least on the surface.

But with his utterly unremarkable aptitude, he quickly fell to the bottom of the elite class.

The crane's tail. In every sense of the phrase.

That is, until last night—when the system suddenly awakened. The sheer shock nearly shattered his composure.

Fortunately, his steel will helped him correct his mindset in time.

And now, in today's calligraphy class, the system had begun showing its true value.

"Please, Moyu-san."

Aizen's voice was soft yet firm. That warmth had a calming power few could resist.

"Forget the noise. Show me only your calligraphy."

"Even if you're still shaky, walking forward is already the right direction."

Moyu took a slow breath, then picked up the ink brush placed on the table.

Your calligraphy responds to first brush contact. Mood rises. Progress increases. Upon comprehending Kyogoku-style strokes, appreciation improves by 100%.

Moyu's eyes widened in disbelief.

This progress... is insane.

If only his combat abilities improved like this...

He held the brush correctly, white fingers steady, and as he lowered the tip to paper, knowledge surged into his mind.

His wrist moved instinctively.

Like flowing clouds and cascading water, strokes raced across the sheet. Characters danced like dragons in the mist. Ink splashed with grace and dominance.

In mere moments, two distinct calligraphy schools merged on the page. The strokes were vigorous. The forms—majestic.

Aizen's eyes widened slightly.

"This…"

He stepped forward, trailing a finger gently across the fresh ink, and smiled with sincere satisfaction.

"Moyu-san, your level of calligraphy already holds its own."

"I didn't expect such hidden skill."

He held the paper high and presented it to the students.

Instant silence.

The class, which moments ago buzzed with disdain, now stared wide-eyed, some even gasping like ducks having their throats wrung.

"In light of Moyu-san's outstanding calligraphy skills," Aizen announced gently, "he will assist me in teaching this class moving forward."

Turning back to Moyu, he smiled again.

"Moyu-san, I'll be counting on your guidance from now on."