Morning light spilled gently across the sky as Shiki Mirai yawned and pushed open his door—only to hear a faint crunch beneath his foot.
Looking down, he found a pile of shredded paper scattered across the threshold. The vicious tear marks made it look like some feline creature had taken its frustration out on the documents.
"Well, well… looks like a certain 'big black cat' was a little upset last night."
Shiki smirked knowingly, nudging the paper scraps into a corner with his foot before stepping out with a spring in his step, heading for Shin'o Academy.
The journey from the 9th Division Headquarters to the Academy was no short stroll. It wound past the bustling commercial district of Junlin'an, the expansive Soul Burial training fields, the solemn, towering Penitence Palace, and even offered a distant view of the dreaded Twin Punishment Hill before arriving at its grand gates.
Fortunately, last night's drink had been Spiritual Intoxication, not the cheap knockoff White Burn. Coupled with the clear weather, Shiki felt surprisingly refreshed—light on his feet and clear in mind.
But as he stepped up to the grand, imposing gate of Shin'o Academy, a faint prickle crawled across his spiritual senses, like a needle pressing lightly into his skin.
His neck stiffened as he turned.
Standing not far away, arms crossed, was none other than the golden-haired 5th Division Captain—Hirako Shinji. His eyes, cold and dead-fish-like, glared daggers at him, a wide grin on his face that radiated nothing but displeasure.
"If it's fate, you can't escape it…"
Shiki sighed inwardly and instantly swapped to a beaming, sunny expression, striding up with a cheerful wave.
"Captain Hirako! You're here early! Got your eyes on a particular student and afraid someone might snatch them first?"
Hirako didn't answer. He simply placed a hand on Shiki's shoulder—hard. The pressure made Shiki grimace.
"Shiki, my boy…" Hirako growled, smile gone, a thick vein bulging at his temple.
"So you were just feeding me lies last night, huh? Think I'm too easygoing? Or do you just not respect me as a Captain?"
"Ow, ow, ow—Captain Hirako, you've got it all wrong!" Shiki cried, trying to wriggle free. "You know how our division is! Vice-Captain Kuna insisted on that picnic today, and she dragged Captain Muguruma along too! And you know our 3rd and 4th Seats—like two breathing tree stumps! I had no choice!"
Feeling the grip ease slightly, Shiki pressed his advantage.
"Think about it—if Vice-Captain Kuna starts going wild, who in the squad can survive it? That's not just noise pollution—it's mass spiritual devastation!"
To his surprise, Hirako actually nodded in sympathy and released him.
"True… that girl's tantrums can shake half of Seireitei."
Then, oddly, he lifted his chin with a hint of smugness. "Good thing I saw that coming three years ago."
Back when Kuna Mashiro graduated with top marks, Hirako had relied on his instincts as the "Master of Disguise" to sniff out the chaos behind her sweet exterior—and had graciously handed her over to Muguruma Kensei.
In hindsight? An inspired decision.
However...
Hirako's gaze dropped back to Shiki, this time with sharp scrutiny.
"You're not… here for someone in particular, are you?"
That Aizen Sōsuke kid. There was definitely something off about him.
Hirako couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was—but his instincts were howling.
And this guy's Aisuke character, who mirrored Aizen so closely in his novels… There was no way he was going to let these two dangerous enigmas end up in the same squad.
Shiki's grin didn't falter as he laughed it off.
"Come on now. I don't even know who the graduates are, let alone which ones are talented. I'm just here for show!"
"Oh, really?" Hirako's tone suddenly turned light and conversational, like a friend making idle chat.
"I could've sworn you shared drinks with Aizen last night specifically to poach this 'already famous in Rukongai' rising star for your 9th Division."
Before Shiki could respond—
"Oh~! You two are early, huh? Hirako, Shiki."
A lazy, rich voice cut in just in time to save him.
Shiki turned toward the newcomer and smiled. "Didn't expect you to show up personally, Shunsui-nii. Must be some real talent among the graduates this year if even you're here."
The man was none other than Kyōraku Shunsui, Captain of the 8th Division.
His floral-patterned haori hung loosely from his shoulders, a wide-brimmed straw hat sat atop his head, curls of black hair framing his unshaven face. He exuded a laid-back charm that practically sparkled with mischief.
"Hahaha," Shunsui laughed breezily as he walked over. "The 8th Division's been missing a good Vice-Captain. None of our current seated officers quite cut it… so I thought I'd try my luck."
He glanced toward Hirako and added with a playful lilt, "Don't you need a Vice-Captain too? Be a pal and let me have first pick, hmm?"
"Idiot. What kind of nonsense is that?" Hirako snorted and walked toward the Academy. "These days it's the students who pick us—not the other way around."
Shiki hurried after him, chiming in with a grin: "With two Captains here, I doubt a 5th Seat like me's even getting the leftovers."
After all, while two Captains personally showed up, the 9th Division had only sent a 5th Seat. To the graduates, the message was loud and clear.
Shiki had already accepted that he'd just have to pick through the scraps.
Turning his head, he asked quietly, "Got any insider tips, Shunsui-nii? Who's standing out this year?"
Shunsui tucked his hands into his sleeves, eyes half-lidded with drowsy ease.
"Hmm… three names come to mind. Yadōmaru Lisa—top score in Shunpo. Sarugaki Hiyori—best in Zanjutsu. And Aizen Sōsuke—number one in Kidō."
He raised his voice toward Hirako's back: "Oi, Hirako~ My sights are set on Lisa-chan! Think you can let me have her?"
Hirako didn't slow. "Hell no! Why would I give up a cute girl like her?!"
"Oh dear, that's unfortunate," Shunsui sighed dramatically. "I too dream of a cute girl by my side… as my Vice-Captain, of course~"
Shiki rolled his eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck.
"If I may speak bluntly, Captains… If your only criteria for Vice-Captain is 'cute,' I suspect your gray hairs will multiply fast."
That was no joke—just a lesson hard-learned from his own Vice-Captain, Kuna Mashiro.
Captain Muguruma was still relatively young, but already his silver hair and receding hairline were starting to show the toll.
"Shiki, my dear boy, that's where you're mistaken," Shunsui wagged a finger. "Having a cute girl nearby brightens your whole day. Productivity soars!"
"Exactly!" Hirako actually agreed for once. "With a cute girl around, every morning feels full of hope and happiness!"
"…"
Shiki gave them both a withering look.
"Truly, your philosophies are beyond me. I concede defeat."
The three of them continued chatting as they arrived at the Academy's training ground.
There, in the middle of the field, stood a particularly "well-endowed" female Captain.
"Oh my? If it isn't the 'Pervert Trio'—here bright and early to scout the fresh grads?"
Captain Hikifune Kirio of the 12th Division stood with hands on hips, grinning with mischief.
Shiki snapped to attention and declared loudly, "Captain Hikifune! I am not affiliated with these two!"
"Heh," Hikifune chuckled. "You three are always getting drunk together and causing chaos in Seireitei. Your reputation precedes you."
"Speaking of drinking," Shunsui suddenly looked hurt, "Shiki, you haven't invited me out in ages. I'm heartbroken."
Shiki spread his hands apologetically.
"Can't be helped, Shunsui-nii. I haven't updated my novels lately—flat broke. I can barely afford White Burn right now. But once the new book royalties come in next month, drinks are on me!"
"Then it's a date!" Shunsui beamed and casually took his place beside Hikifune.
Hirako, pouting, took her other side, adding, "For the record, I'm not a pervert. I simply have profound respect and admiration for the beauty of all women."
Shiki wisely remained three steps behind the trio, rolling his eyes at Hirako's "wisdom."
Hikifune chuckled again but didn't pursue the topic further.
Because just then, a group of fifteen Academy graduates entered the training ground in a neat, orderly line.