Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Opening Day
Chapter 12: Opening Day
The next few days passed without any unexpected complications.
Just as Yato had predicted, with the Horiuchi clan completely wiped out, the 6th Division—responsible for investigating incidents involving the nobility—ultimately found absolutely nothing.
The Central 46 officially classified the incident as the work of "Ryoka holding a grudge against Rukongai nobles."
Ultimately, after relocating from the Seireitei, the Horiuchi clan had fallen out of the core circle of the nobility. They were only slightly better off than wealthy merchants; no one was going to relentlessly pursue their extermination.
Furthermore, the disappearance of Kentaro Koizumi, the 17th Seat of Squad 9, did not cause much of a stir either. The Gotei 13 was an empire of violence composed of elites. While a routine investigation was launched, someone quickly stepped in to fill his position.
Days went by. Thanks to his skyrocketing Spiritual Pressure, Yato’s physique had grown far stronger than before, and his recovery rate had increased significantly. Combined with Gin and Rangiku’s meticulous care, by the time the Shin’o Academy’s opening day drew near, he had mostly recovered.
On that day, he bid farewell to Ichimaru Gin and Matsumoto Rangiku, embarking on the journey to Junrinan.
East Rukongai’s District 62 and West Rukongai’s District 1 were separated by a vast distance, and he couldn’t exactly cut straight through the Seireitei. To avoid wasting time, Yato simply ran the entire way, resting at inns when he was tired and continuing his journey after eating and drinking his fill.
On the very last day of the reporting period, Yato finally arrived at West Rukongai’s District 1, "Junrinan."
The grand Junrinan was indeed a far cry from the higher-numbered districts of the Rukongai.
The ground was smooth, paved with fine blue gravel. The pedestrians lining the streets had rosy complexions, clearly living prosperous lives. In the distance, green mountains interspersed with white clouds, and the faint calls of birds could be heard.
Uchiha Yato looked around as he walked, practically gaping like a country bumpkin entering the big city.
It wasn’t really his fault; he had stayed in that dump "Hanagare" for far too long, and had forgotten what clean, tidy streets even looked like.
He didn’t dally for too long; this wasn’t the time for sightseeing. After a simple meal—trying out the local specialty glutinous rice balls of Junrinan—Yato headed straight for the Hakudomon (White Way Gate).
As the core of the Soul Society, the Seireitei was separated from the outer Rukongai by a towering, white defensive wall.
This wall was constructed from Sekkiseki, a material capable of radiating waves that broke down Reiryoku, generating a spherical protective barrier. From the sky down to the earth, it protected the Seireitei without any blind spots, making it incredibly difficult for souls with ordinary Reiryoku to breach.
Anyone entering or exiting had to pass through one of four gates: Hakudo, Shoryu, Kokuryo, or Shuwai.
The Shin’o Academy was built just inside the Hakudomon.
Preferential treatment and protection for students was an unspoken rule in every world. Even before becoming official Soul Reapers, academy students were granted the privilege of residing within the Seireitei early on.
Today was the final day for the new batch of Shin’o Academy students to enroll. Academy instructors, upperclassmen, and temporarily assigned Soul Reapers were all gathered in front of the Hakudomon, surrounded by a crowd of Rukongai residents eager to watch the spectacle.
In the ancient, rigid Soul Society, this counted as an annual, minor grand event.
Yato cast a glance toward the Seireitei before dutifully falling in line.
The processing speed at the Hakudomon was quite efficient, and it was soon his turn.
"Uchiha Yato, hmm..."
The official located Yato’s file, verified it against his portrait, and asked a few questions. Seeing that the youth answered them all accurately, the official quickly waved him through.
Following the signs, Yato passed through the Hakudomon, officially stepping into the Seireitei.
The moment his feet touched the paved road, the youth raised an eyebrow.
Is the air in the Seireitei... fresher?
He took a few deep breaths and threw a few experimental punches, feeling the difference between this place and the Rukongai.
The concentration of Reishi is different... It’s like oxygen toxicity from my past life.
Yato noted this internally, not paying it much mind. Given his current physique, he would quickly adapt.
The Shin’o Academy was situated not far from the Hakudomon, practically abutting the Sekkiseki wall, and occupied a massive expanse of land.
Boasting seven major buildings, sprawling training grounds, and ubiquitous kendo dojos, the academy had provided a steady stream of talent for the Seireitei for centuries, serving as a powerful support pillar for organizations like the Gotei 13, the Kido Corps, and the Stealth Force.
The gathering point for the incoming students was located in the training grounds of one of the main buildings.
After verifying his identity, Yato walked in.
At first glance, his eyes immediately found him.
He had the appearance of a youth with handsome features, his black hair tied back in a ponytail. Most notably, a lock of hair on the side of his head was tucked into a tubular hairpiece.
This was a Kenseikan, an accessory only high-ranking nobles had the right to wear!
Without a doubt, this person was the sole heir to the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Four Great Noble Families of the Soul Society—Byakuya Kuchiki!
At this point in time, he didn’t possess the cold, detached demeanor he would have at the start of the plot. Instead, he radiated the vibrant energy and lively gaze typical of a normal young man.
I wonder how strong he is right now...
Yato brushed a finger against Akame’s handguard and looked away.
There were roughly three hundred incoming students gathered in the training grounds. Considering the massive population base of souls in the Soul Society, these youths could all rightfully be praised as outstanding talents.
Despite the lack of active organization, there was no sense of chaos; everyone merely observed one another in secret, comparing themselves to the rest.
The one drawing the most attention was naturally Byakuya Kuchiki.
Uchiha Yato also received his fair share of stares. Thanks to his exceptionally striking appearance, he effortlessly stood out from the crowd.
Before long, the registration deadline for the Shin’o Academy passed, and the grand doors to the training grounds slowly swung shut.
A white-haired old man walked forward from the center of the faculty group, stopping before the new students.
"My name is Shinya Hasegawa. One hundred and thirty years ago, I served as the 3rd Seat of the 1st Division." He paused. Despite his advanced age, his voice was still robust and powerful.
"Today, I serve as the Headmaster of the Shin’o Academy.
"The Shin’o Academy originated two thousand years ago as the ’Genryu’ school. It was founded by Lord Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, later renamed the ’Genji School’..."
Shinya Hasegawa had served as Headmaster for many years. He delivered this speech to every incoming class and was exceedingly familiar with it. After a brief overview of the academy’s history and the six-year curriculum, he cut straight to the chase:
"Your existence will undoubtedly become the right arm of the Seireitei in the future...
"Now, everyone will proceed to the dormitories to bathe and change clothes.
"Return here in half an hour. At that time, the academy will distribute Asauchi to you..."
The new students applauded cooperatively, preparing to follow the Headmaster’s instructions and head to the dormitories.
However, right at that moment, a clear, crisp voice echoed throughout the training grounds.
"Headmaster Hasegawa... I have a slight situation over here."
Yato raised the blade in his hand and stated calmly:
"I already possess a Zanpakuto."
Shinya Hasegawa frowned slightly. As a workaholic, he had memorized the faces and names of every new student, so he addressed him directly:
"Uchiha Yato? Where did this sword come from?"
"I picked it up." Yato’s answer was utterly shameless.
"I know it sounds unbelievable, but I genuinely picked it up by the river not too long ago."
Shinya Hasegawa was momentarily speechless.
In truth, both Shin’o Academy students and official Soul Reapers suffered casualties every year. Often, when the cleanup crews arrived to handle the bodies, they couldn’t locate the Asauchi, leaving them lost in the field.
Finding an Asauchi was not an uncommon occurrence, but someone admitting to it so honestly was a rarity. Most people secretly sold them at high prices to nobles or wealthy merchants. It was an issue impossible to police, so the Seireitei simply turned a blind eye.
"It is of no consequence. Simply hand the Asauchi over." Shinya Hasegawa waved his hand, instructing Yato. "In a moment, you will participate in the sword-granting ceremony alongside your peers."
But to his surprise, the youth named Uchiha Yato merely smiled faintly, an apologetic tone in his voice:
"I apologize, Headmaster Hasegawa, but I’m afraid I cannot return this Zanpakuto."
"Because..."
"I have already achieved Shikai."
The sprawling training grounds plunged into an abrupt, dead silence.
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