Renji found Kira.
Seeing Renji's usual expression, Kira knew he hadn't received any punishment.
Punching a teacher flying, normally, would be a rather severe incident.
Even though it was a teaching accident, if the teacher insisted on making trouble, Renji would undoubtedly have to pay some price.
Now…
"Is the teacher alright?"
Kira Iziru couldn't help but ask, concern in his eyes.
In the classroom, Renji paused slightly upon hearing the question and replied, "He's fine for now. The principal said he only needs three days of rest, so it should just be a minor injury."
"Don't worry, Iziru, the principal said the responsibility isn't entirely mine this time."
"After this incident, I might be transferred to the Elite Class. After all, ordinary teachers can no longer guide me."
Kira Iziru secretly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
It's good that he's alright. When he saw Renji do such a thing earlier, who knew how worried he was.
Even though the two only became friends a year ago, after a year of getting along, they had already become like sworn brothers.
"Then I truly congratulate you," Kira Iziru sincerely exclaimed.
"As the saying goes, hard work pays off. Once you go to the Elite Class, the division assignments at graduation should also be smoother, right?"
"Perhaps, but it's hard to say…"
Renji was about to respond when he suddenly remembered something:
"Never mind that for now. We'll think about the future in the future. Iziru, the principal is looking for you right now."
"Looking for me?"
Kira Iziru frowned and left the classroom with a puzzled expression.
A few minutes later, when he returned, the expression on his face was quite complex.
Upon seeing this, Renji wanted to go forward and ask him what Yoriichi Tsugikuni had told him.
But just then, the class bell suddenly rang.
Helpless, Renji had no choice but to sit back down.
It wasn't until class ended that he finally learned that, besides himself, Kira Iziru would also be transferred to the Elite Class after some time.
This was to prevent his talent from being buried and to avoid accidentally injuring other teachers.
…
…
"It's him?"
In the classroom, Rukia had special channels for information, and she had a general understanding of the situation as soon as Abarai Renji's incident occurred.
Others might not recognize Abarai, but she did.
After a month of training during the summer vacation, she watched Abarai Renji grow taller and stronger day by day.
It was false to say she wasn't envious; after all, she was still short, but due to the difference between genders, no matter how much she envied him, there was nothing she could do.
Now…
"Sigh, I don't know how Brother-sama will deal with him. I hope the punishment isn't too severe."
Rukia frowned slightly, muttering softly.
Although Rukia and Renji were currently just ordinary friends, in her heart, the weight of friendship was already heavy enough.
If it weren't for her identity being too sensitive, and going there now might make the situation worse, she really wanted to ask about the specific details of the incident.
Punching a teacher flying, even if it was accidental, that was still very impressive.
Recalling her summer vacation experience, Rukia's lips curved slightly, and she felt an urge to try it herself.
Unfortunately, since even she knew about Renji's matter, presumably other teachers knew as well.
Even if they pretended to lose control and act accidentally,
it was likely that those teachers would take protective measures during class…
The chance to become famous and prove her strength was gone just like that. She couldn't help but feel it was a pity.
Rukia sighed, and soon it was time for class again. As expected,
stimulated by Renji, many nobles believed that they could also do it.
This was not only an opportunity to become famous but also a chance to prove themselves.
If a commoner could punch a teacher flying, why couldn't they?
However, they chose the wrong target.
The teacher responsible for teaching them Hakuda was Kensei Muguruma.
Although Kensei's win rate and strength were average, his overall power was not something students could compare to.
His remark, "I won't waste too much of your time," truly didn't waste much time.
He dealt with thirty nobles who wanted to step on him to gain fame in just one minute.
On average, two seconds per person. Winning was not much harder than swatting thirty flies.
The nobles lost miserably, beaten black and blue but still within the scope of teaching. Their arrogant hearts believed that all of this was Renji's fault.
Because if it weren't for his provocation, they wouldn't have acted impulsively and ended up in such a sorry state, still thinking that some captains were just for show…
They hadn't expected the teachers in the two classes to be different…
They remembered Renji, thinking of finding an opportunity to teach him a lesson someday to vent their frustration from today, since he was just a commoner anyway.
In their eyes, no matter how strong a commoner student was, they couldn't overcome their family's background.
It was foreseeable what kind of bloody storm Abarai Renji would experience once he transferred to the Elite Class…
However, this is life. One who is not envied is a mediocrity. It was precisely Renji's efforts that led to today's outcome.
Without Byakuya's care, without the mutual affection with Rukia, everything could only depend on himself…
…
After entrusting the matter of the two students' class transfer to the vice principal, Yoriichi Tsugikuni left the office alone.
He believed Okikiba Genjirō could handle this matter properly.
As for competition… as long as no one died, no matter how fierce it was, it didn't matter. After all, they were all young people, arrogant and unwilling to show weakness.
Trying to make them get along harmoniously was less likely than Zaraki Kenpachi learning flower arrangement.
Yoriichi had foreseen what situations Renji would encounter after his class transfer.
It was precisely because of this foresight that he also transferred Kira Iziru to the Elite Class.
Nobles always looked down on commoners, and some would even deliberately bully them. In that case, Renji would have no choice but to fight back.
The path must be walked step by step. As commoners, in this environment full of competition, all they could rely on was their own fists.
At the same time, because the incident happened at school, and the school itself encouraged competition, even if the noble elders wanted to cause trouble, they would have no justification and no means to do so.
By using this incident, he could also observe Renji's sense of propriety, which would help determine which division he could join after graduation.
It was a win-win-win situation.
After leaving the school, Yoriichi temporarily stopped paying attention to matters there.
Returning to the Ninth Division, he began his daily work. After a few months, he received news related to the Human World from Demon Slayer.
This time, there were no large-scale deaths.
It was just that a certain country seemed to have learned of the Shinigami's existence, so they stationed themselves in the Human World with long guns and short cannons, attempting to communicate with the Shinigami and, incidentally, see if heaven existed.
The Shinigami responsible for guarding the Underworld reported this matter to Yoriichi. Yoriichi initially didn't pay too much attention.
Under normal circumstances, Shinigami would not actively go to the Human World of the Demon Slayer world to avoid interfering with the normal social order.
But now…
"If the soft approach doesn't work, then the hard one?"
"Threatening Shinigami…"
"How interesting."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked at the report in his hand, which recorded the thoughts of those humans about Shinigami.
They believed that Shinigami could be killed, as long as large-yield explosives were used.
For this purpose, they developed a new technology that could detonate a city in an instant…
Considering the madness of humans, Yoriichi decided to send another team to resolve these troubles.
It wouldn't take too long, and the policy decided earlier could now be implemented.
That is, once a guilty person reincarnates into Soul Society with the intention of rebirth, regardless of their spiritual pressure, they will be banished to Hell.
This was also to prevent them from secretly returning to the Human World after growing up to help the country they belonged to in their previous life…
When many people die, there will always be a few selfish individuals.
For humans, beings like Shinigami were simply a dimensionality reduction strike, something far more terrifying than the Demon King.
Preventive measures had to be taken.
Yoriichi's attitude was very clear, so the relevant orders were quickly transmitted.
Soon, the voices clamoring that Shinigami were heretics disappeared.
Precise arrangements ensured that there were no more loopholes in the reincarnation between the two worlds.
So-called politicians are never clean.
Hell welcomed a new batch of guests. When they discovered that the end of their lives was Hell, they were filled with regret, but it was too late.
They desperately wanted to warn those who came after them not to reincarnate, not to reincarnate, that reincarnation was a scam!
But how could the dead in Hell communicate with the living?
Gradually, the truth was buried.
Fortunately, there weren't many guilty people, otherwise Hell would eventually be filled with that trash.
…
In the blink of an eye, a year passed quickly, and Abarai Renji gradually established himself in the Elite Class with his unshakeable strength.
Shuhei, as a diligent student who compensated for his shortcomings, also slowly revealed his sharpness in the ordinary class.
Although there was still some gap compared to the previous Kira Iziru, he was also a worthy candidate for cultivation.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni noticed Shuhei's growth and specifically sought him out, asking if he wanted to go to the Elite Class for further study. However, Shuhei refused.
He didn't want to trouble Yoriichi; he wanted to rely on his own efforts to pass the Gotei 13 exam.
He believed that even staying in the ordinary class, he could learn all the knowledge.
The Elite Class simply had a faster pace, but the textbooks were the same.
Moreover, Crab-swamp Firefly was in the ordinary class, and leaving so suddenly, Shuhei felt he would be letting her down.
They had clearly agreed to look out for each other.
Seeing Shuhei's resolute attitude, Yoriichi didn't force him further but said earnestly:
"If you ever change your mind, come find me."
"I heard you currently reside in West Rukongai District 1. In that case, you might find this address useful."
Saying that, he took out a piece of paper, wrote a few lines, and then handed Hinamori Momo's home address to Shuhei.
Unlike the original plot, Shuhei was Hinamori Momo's junior at this time.
And both Hinamori Momo and Tōshirō Hitsugaya were very friendly to people from similar backgrounds.
Therefore,
Yoriichi told Shuhei that if he had any questions, he could try to visit the two of them, believing they would not refuse.
Upon hearing this,
Shuhei was stunned. He felt this was a bit abrupt, as he didn't know Hinamori Momo and Tōshirō Hitsugaya.
However, no two people in the world know each other from the very beginning, so after a moment of hesitation, Shuhei still put the note away, planning to decide during the holidays.
Even if it couldn't make himself stronger, it would be good if he could help Hotaru.
Just consider it his repayment.
…
"…Idiot."
Crab-swamp Firefly, upon learning of this, pursed her lips slightly, her emotions very complex.
She knew in her heart that Shuhei had no other meaning in making this choice.
But the speaker had no intention, while the listener took it to heart.
Those who didn't know would probably think he chose to stay for her sake.
Repayment…? Crab-swamp Firefly raised her hand and rubbed her temples. She couldn't tell whether Shuhei was simply naive or stubborn.
Just because he wanted to repay her, he gave up the opportunity to study further in the Elite Class?
She had to admit, this feeling was quite nice.
However, after calming down, Crab-swamp Firefly felt that Shuhei was not worth such a sacrifice from her.
Her expression turned serious, and while there was still room to salvage the situation, she earnestly urged Shuhei not to miss this opportunity.
If he missed it, then, then…
After thinking for a long time, Crab-swamp Firefly finally remembered a somewhat fitting threat:
"Then don't come back to my house. If you dare to come back, I'll have Grandpa and Grandma kick you out."
"Shuhei, you should remember that you are only temporarily staying at my house, right?"
Shuhei certainly remembered, but…
His thoughts paused, and with a straightforward gaze, he said directly:
"I can live in the school dormitory. In any case, I will never go back on the promise I made before."
"I promised your Grandpa and Grandma that I would take good care of you."
Hearing Shuhei say this, Hotaru was stunned.
She stared blankly at Shuhei, her lips slightly parted, but for a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Seeing that Hotaru had stopped talking, Shuhei silently took out the note Yoriichi Tsugikuni had given him from his pocket, and said casually:
"Hotaru, you've lived in West Rukongai District 1 for so long, you must have heard the names Hinamori Momo and Tōshirō Hitsugaya, right?"
Crab-swamp Firefly regained her composure and sighed deeply.
Helpless, she didn't know how to persuade him.
At this moment, she could only tell everything she knew while quickly calculating in her mind if there were any other feasible methods to make Shuhei change his mind.
Unfortunately, even after finishing, she couldn't find a suitable opportunity. She looked at Shuhei and said helplessly:
"Why are you asking about these?"
Shuhei repeated exactly what Yoriichi Tsugikuni had told him.
After listening, Hotaru's eyes suddenly lit up, but quickly dimmed again.
This was guidance Shuhei had gained by sacrificing his chance for further study; she couldn't bear the burden of it.
However, Shuhei had always been straightforward. Regardless of whether Hotaru agreed or not, on the day of the holiday, he went directly to visit Tōshirō Hitsugaya.
He planned to slowly improve himself and Hotaru according to Yoriichi Tsugikuni's words.
Thus, several people whose life paths originally had no intersection suddenly met, and their destinies began to intertwine…
...
...
Several years later.
Inside the graduation assessment grounds, the atmosphere was tense and solemn.
"Hado No. 31: Shakkahō!"
As Abarai Renji let out a powerful, deep roar, a dazzling light instantly burst forth.
Boom!
The rapidly shot red fireball exploded like fireworks, instantly pulverizing the target. Even the dust was burned away, and the Hado released was perfect.
Ultimately, with this astonishing performance, he scored a high 95 points, successfully passing the Kido assessment.
The moment he learned of this score, Abarai Renji was extremely excited, clenching his fists tightly and shouting excitedly, "Yes!"
It should be known that such a score was quite rare even in the Elite Class.
His diligent practice over these days was not in vain; he had finally mastered the technique of casting without incantation a few days ago, and now his efforts had paid off.
However, his joy lasted only three seconds.
Rumble!
A thunderous roar suddenly exploded in his ears.
The ground shook a few times.
Renji quickly turned his head, only to see Rukia releasing Kido.
It was a dazzling golden lightning bolt, carrying a terrifying and chilling power, enough to instantly kill a Seat Officer.
Violent currents surged forth, not only instantly pulverizing the target but also easily piercing through the specially reinforced barrier!
The surrounding air was scorched, emitting a pungent smell.
The teachers responsible for grading, seeing this, instinctively held their breath.
They quietly raised their hands to wipe away the cold sweat on their foreheads, secretly thinking that they absolutely could not withstand that attack.
This was high-level Kido, and casting it without incantation still had such power…
Are this year's graduates all monsters!
—Full marks!
Renji stared blankly at this scene, somewhat lost in thought for a moment.
Rukia seemed to notice Renji's gaze, turned her head slightly, and then showed a smile.
That smile might have been ordinary in others' eyes, but in Renji's eyes, it seemed to carry a unique elegance that made him unable to look away.
Thump-thump-thump.
Renji felt his heart pounding uncontrollably at that moment.
Unfortunately, this throbbing sensation didn't last long before it was gradually suppressed as he adjusted his breathing.
Renji knew he shouldn't have this thought, after all, Rukia was of noble birth and high status.
Compared to her, he was like a humble stray dog looking up at a brilliant star, so desirable yet unattainable.
He quietly breathed, trying not to let others notice his abnormality, then picked up his Kido report card and quickly moved to other areas to continue the assessment.
After all the assessments were over, he looked at the excellent evaluation written before him, feeling a mix of emotions.
Finally, everything was over, and he could finally become a Shinigami!
Next, it was time for squad selection…
"Yo."
Just then, a teasing voice sounded in front of Renji.
This was a mature woman with dark pink hair, covered in green fur, and with chains tied around her waist.
"You look very happy, Renji. Are your grades good?"
It was his Zanpakuto—Zabimaru.
The mature woman was the Baboon King.
And Zabimaru was the child in white, with a long white tail, tied beside her with chains.
Renji didn't even look up as he replied:
"Of course. Otherwise, what do you think I've been doing, sparring with people every day to improve my strength?"
"How is Rukia?"
As he was speaking.
A voice suddenly appeared in his ear: "Not bad, I finished my test before you."
Renji was startled and quickly looked up, only to realize that Rukia had appeared beside him at some point, smiling at him.
His cheeks instantly flushed, and even his words became a little stuttered: "Ru… Rukia, when did you get here?"
Rukia smiled slightly: "Quite a while ago, when you were looking at your report card."
As she spoke, her gaze naturally swept to the report card in Renji's hand. After seeing the evaluation on it, her tone carried a clear hint of praise,
"Excellent? Not bad, though not as good as me. I received an unprecedented perfect evaluation."
Who can compare to you?
Renji felt quite helpless.
The evaluation system was new this year; it didn't exist in previous years.
Upon graduation, the final conclusion was usually given based on the relationship with one's Zanpakuto and the four assessments: Hakuda, Kido, Flash Step, and Swordsmanship.
This represented a Shinigami's potential.
If one was lacking in Hakuda, Kido, Flash Step, and Swordsmanship.
And even had a poor relationship with their Zanpakuto…
Then that Shinigami was basically considered useless.
High-minded but low-skilled, with poor aptitude, no squad would accept them. They would either have to retake the course or drop out; there was no third option.
At the same time, based on the evaluation, it could also be determined whether the Shinigami possessed the talent to master Bankai.
Those with an 'Excellent' rating had a 50% chance, 'Good' was between 10% and 30%, and below 'Good'… even Shikai would be difficult.
Of course, this probability was not set in stone.
As time passed, and the relationship with one's Zanpakuto improved, and strength grew, the probability would also increase.
Compared to the rigid assessment methods of previous graduations, the current one was undoubtedly more complete and more humane.
Renji was about to complain a few words when Rukia's Zanpakuto—Sode no Shirayuki—slowly walked over from not far away.
This was an elegant woman dressed in a white furisode kimono.
Seeing Rukia interacting with Renji, she felt a bit displeased, but out of respect for her master's presence, she couldn't openly express it.
Upon approaching, she silently glanced at Renji and Zabimaru, then withdrew her gaze and gently reminded:
"Miss, it's time to go back. Miss Hisana's assessment is also over, and the master is waiting for you all."
Renji's unsaid words were choked back. He noticed Sode no Shirayuki's gaze and sighed inwardly, feeling a bit helpless.
Just as Zabimaru would protect him at critical moments.
Sode no Shirayuki would also constantly guard Rukia.
In her eyes, he was probably the type of guy who was a toad wanting to eat swan meat…
Rukia didn't notice Renji's current mood. Hearing Sode no Shirayuki's words, she gently replied:
"Is that so? I understand. How did Sister do on her test?"
"Not bad. Although she can't compare to you, she also received an excellent evaluation."
Sode no Shirayuki replied, leading Rukia back as she spoke.
After a few steps, Rukia suddenly remembered something and turned to remind Renji:
"Oh, Renji, don't forget the gathering a few days from now."
"I know you dislike those guys, but if you don't go, you'll be playing right into their hands, and who knows what kind of rumors they'll spread about you."
Renji often beat up those nobles during practical classes. Although he thought it was just sparring, the nobles didn't see it that way.
With old and new grudges combined, those nobles planned to get their revenge at graduation.
Renji nodded slightly:
"I understand. Thank you for the reminder."
Actually, even if Rukia hadn't said anything, he would have gone. He wanted to see what kind of tricks those nobles would pull.
As long as he remained unmovable, nothing could affect him.
Seeing this, Rukia smiled.
This was the boy she thought highly of. If he were timid, it would truly be a disservice to her brother's nurturing over the years.
Thinking of this, she added:
"You don't have to thank me, aren't we friends?
"I will definitely stand by your side."
"Also, you don't have to use honorifics. Anyone who didn't know would think I was bullying you, with you being so tall…"
Do honorifics have anything to do with height?
Renji looked at Sode no Shirayuki beside Rukia, seeing her scrutinizing gaze, hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded gently:
"Yes."
When no one else was around, he could certainly use casual address, but when Sode no Shirayuki, who was like a butler, was nearby, he still had to be a little careful.
However, since Rukia had said so and Sode no Shirayuki hadn't objected, it meant that she recognized him to a certain extent.
It was like he could disregard some noble rules based on his friendship…
That was good news.
Renji breathed a sigh of relief.
Later.
He quietly watched Rukia's retreating figure as she walked away with Sode no Shirayuki, and began to secretly wonder which squad Rukia would join…
The Ninth Division?
Or somewhere else?
Perhaps he should wait a bit longer, no need to rush filling out his preferences…