Memories surged like a tide, and a hint of melancholy was mixed in Yoriichi's calm tone.
"It's been ten years."
"I didn't expect you to still remember."
Rukia responded matter-of-factly, "How could I forget? You are my elder brother after all."
"Besides, the stories you told me were as interesting as legendary biographies; I had never heard of demons, nor had I heard of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"I wonder who is stronger, them or the Shinigami."
Shinigami was a profession Rukia had recently heard of; it was said that they were the most noble existence in the entire Soul Society.
Young and ignorant, she seemed to have seen someone being carried away in an eight-person palanquin.
"Shinigami? Demon Slayer Corps…"
Yoriichi remained silent, seemingly recalling some unbearable past events.
Rukia said at the opportune moment, "Brother, why don't you become a Shinigami too? Your strength is completely sufficient, because even a Hollow is no match for you."
"I know that you didn't consider becoming a Shinigami because you were taking care of me, but things are different now."
"I can be independent. Moreover, this place is West Rukongai District 1; there's no shortage of food, and the neighbours around are very kind, so there's no danger."
"Perhaps after you become a Shinigami, you can even find your wife. Although you said the Soul Society isn't your original world, what if it is?"
"…"
It had to be admitted, Rukia's words deeply touched Yoriichi's heartstrings.
He pondered for a moment.
He leapt down from the boulder, his figure transforming into a gentle breeze, and in an instant, he took Rukia out of the house.
Only after arriving at a senior's place did he inquire about this year's registration date.
Soon, in about seven days…
…
Seven days passed in a flash.
Outside the Reiatsu Academy.
A sign reading "Registration Office, turn left ahead" stood in the middle of the road.
Rukia followed beside him.
Clutching Yoriichi's clothes tightly.
Never leaving his side.
"Go back."
Yoriichi looked down at her.
She was the one who wanted him to become a Shinigami earlier, and now she was the one who couldn't bear to part… A child's temperament was indeed hard to fathom.
"Bro… Brother, you must come back to see me often."
Rukia choked up, the sadness from the separation hard to let go.
Yoriichi gently stroked her head, sighing, "Silly child…"
"I know, don't worry."
Only when Rukia let go of his hand did he follow the crowd inside.
Yoriichi was not averse to going to school, as he had never had such an experience.
He was the second son of the family, born a twin, which in that era was generally considered an ominous sign.
Not to mention the birthmark on his head, which resembled a curse.
Although the birthmark was later called a 'mark' by him, activating it could grant him roughly a hundred or even a thousand times the strength of an ordinary human.
However, it couldn't change the fact of his unique and distinctive style.
Therefore.
His and his elder brother Tsugikuni Iwakata's status in the family was worlds apart.
Suddenly coming into contact with a "private school," he felt a bit unfamiliar and expectant.
After filling out the registration form, Yoriichi followed the instructions and entered a bustling stadium.
After waiting for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the stadium gates suddenly closed.
Bang.
A dull sound echoed inside the room, accompanied by a sudden burst of Reiatsu, causing everyone present to instinctively hold their breath.
Yoriichi looked in the direction of the sensation.
What met his eyes was a formal Shinigami, dressed in a black Shinigami uniform, with a sword at his waist, whose aura was completely out of place among the surrounding students.
He slowly walked towards the crowd until he stood on a temporarily erected podium, then he slowly began to speak in a modulated tone, "Good morning, everyone."
"…"
After an introduction to the Shinigami and the long history of the Reiatsu Academy, the test officially began.
Some people placed their hands on the crystal ball at the beginning of the line, and after a while, the crystal ball emitted light of varying brightness.
Based on the strength of the light, the Shinigami on the podium quickly announced the corresponding "rank," and then called for the next person to come forward.
In an instant.
The sound of "failed" intermittently echoed in the enclosed space.
The voice was cold and emotionless, making the students who had not yet been tested extremely nervous.
Until… the appearance of "seventeenth rank" and "eighteenth rank" slightly eased their emotions.
Yoriichi stood at the end of the line, quietly watching this scene, his mood completely undisturbed. It was just a minor situation.
When he was almost forcibly ordered to commit seppuku back then, he didn't even frown.
Even if he were tested and found to have no Shinigami talent, it wouldn't matter; it would just mean returning to his original life. If it weren't for Rukia's words.
He might never have set foot in the Reiatsu Academy in this lifetime.
Will poetry exist in this world?
Regarding this.
Yoriichi held a questioning attitude.
"Sixth rank!"
Suddenly, an exclamation interrupted Yoriichi's thoughts. He looked in the direction of the sound, and that crystal ball emitted a dazzling white light; the Shinigami beside the crystal ball widened his mouth upon seeing this.
Standing in front of the crystal ball was a squinting young man, his smile curving like a crescent moon, his eyes like a fox's.
The first time Yoriichi saw him, he couldn't help but frown.
[This child…]
The Touhou Sekigan he possessed allowed him to see into a person's heart through micro-expressions.
As the strongest ability in Demon Slayer, it had a certain effect of foreseeing the future…
Although the young man maintained a smile and never opened his eyes, the Touhou Sekigan could also see through muscles and bones.
After observing the blood flow rate.
Yoriichi could conclude.
This child was constantly pretending…
[Very strange…]
However, due to a lack of details, Yoriichi chose to ignore it from the bottom of his heart.
There were too many strange people in this world, and pretence might be a sign of deep cunning.
He looked about ten years old, but his psychological age might well be over a hundred.
To delve into everything.
It would be too tiring.
Finally, the young man named Ichimaru Gin was taken away by a Shinigami who appeared to be of higher status.
His tested sixth-rank spiritual power caused a considerable stir among the test-takers.
Anyone who understood the details knew that Ichimaru Gin had a promising future and was destined to be a Vice-Captain-level figure.
Fifth-rank spiritual power was the minimum requirement for a Vice-Captain.
With a bit of luck, reaching third rank
He might even become a Captain.
"Captain, huh…"
Listening to the discussions of the crowd, Yoriichi's unperturbed eyes flickered.
Soon, with another burst of spiritual pressure, the scene quieted down. Before long, it was Yoriichi's turn to be tested.
Taking a few steps forward, he casually placed his hand on the crystal ball. The smile on the Shinigami's lips had not yet disappeared; upon seeing Yoriichi's action, he quickly composed himself, grasping his paper and pen, ready to record again.
However, the next second.
A brilliant white light suddenly blinded his eyes. This light was far more intense and fierce than the last time.
Unprepared, he wept profusely as if staring directly at the sun.
At the same time.
An unspeakable joy suddenly grew in his heart.
"Another… another genius!"