Shin'o Academy—Soul Society's only public education institute—was, in plain terms, the exclusive military academy of the Gotei 13.
Since there were no civilian schools in Soul Society, this place didn't just teach combat—it also had to cover general knowledge and etiquette. A full-service education base.
After all, the Gotei 13 didn't just handle defense and combat; they ran nearly all of Seireitei's administration and governance. Swords alone weren't enough.
Even though some years saw dozens of graduates, while others yielded only a handful—sometimes in the single digits—it was more than sufficient. Shinigami had shockingly long lifespans.
Unless one died unexpectedly on assignment in the World of the Living—or due to some… "incident"—a Shinigami could live hundreds of years, usually only passing when their Reishi finally eroded from natural aging.
Aside from the always-understaffed 13th Division and the battle-crazed 11th, most squads didn't actually need new members all that often.
"Strange… the 11th and 13th didn't send anyone this year," Shiki murmured to himself as he scanned the three neatly ordered rows of graduates. His gaze settled on the trio standing at the front, and he nodded to himself.
First was Yadōmaru Lisa—a black-haired girl with braided pigtails and glasses. Her expression was serious, her eyes sharp behind the lenses. Her Shihakushō was perfectly arranged, her whole presence radiating the aura of a top student and a literary soul.
A future member of the Visored. Strong, elegant, and no doubt competent.
Next was Sarugaki Hiyori. Petite frame, short blonde hair practically buzzing with energy. She was pouting slightly, her gaze filled with impatience and rebelliousness.
Another future Visored. Fiery temper, if he remembered correctly.
And finally—Aizen Sōsuke.
With that warm, sunny smile that could charm the elderly and the innocent alike. But if this guy ever joined the 9th Division… Shiki might never sleep soundly again. Who knew when Aizen would smile sweetly and "optimize" him in his sleep?
Shiki's thoughts raced.
Truthfully, recruiting Lisa—top in Shunpo—would be ideal. Talented, capable, probably good at administrative work. Maybe she'd help reduce his paper mountain.
The problem? She was top-tier talent. She'd want at least a Vice-Captain position.
And with Kuna already filling that role in the 9th, she likely hadn't even considered his division.
"Sigh… I'd love to swindle—uh, recruit—a few more capable folks to deal with the paperwork… but let's not get greedy."
His gaze drifted again to Aizen's ever-gentle smile.
"If I can just get through the day without incident, I'll count my blessings."
As if sensing his gaze, Aizen tilted his head slightly and flashed him an even brighter, kinder smile.
Shiki's spiritual sense twitched. Crap.
He subtly peeked at Hirako Shinji's back.
Sure, people lumped him in with Hirako and Kyōraku as Seireitei's "Three Lecherous Swordsmen"… but those two?
Foxes. Deep, scheming, manipulative foxes.
Meanwhile, he was just an innocent little flower caught in their den. If he slipped up even once, there'd be nothing left of him but spiritual crumbs.
Clap clap clap.
Captain Hikifune Kirio clapped her hands with a warm smile, drawing everyone's attention.
"You're all truly excellent graduates! Today's recruiters are from the 12th, 9th, 8th, and 5th Divisions. Of course, if you've already made up your minds, you can submit your request to the Headmaster afterward~"
She beamed kindly, her ample presence radiating comfort and familiarity.
Several students looked visibly starry-eyed. If they could serve under a gentle Captain like her, life might not be so hard after all.
Hikifune continued, "Now then, if anyone would like to join one of our squads, please step forward."
Lisa moved first.
She stepped forward with perfect posture and introduced herself calmly:
"Greetings, Captains. I am Yadōmaru Lisa. My specialty is Shunpo, but that doesn't mean I'm lacking in other areas. I've studied squad management, clerical processing, and financial accounting in depth."
Before she finished, Kyōraku laughed and cut in:
"Lisa-chan~ The 8th Division would be delighted to have you! I've got the Vice-Captain seat just waiting for you~"
Lisa's brow twitched slightly.
This guy… feels a little too flirty.
Among the graduates behind her, whispers broke out.
"A Vice-Captain position?! Kyōraku just outright offered it!"
"Wow… she is the top in Shunpo."
"So jealous…"
Seeing Lisa hadn't immediately agreed, Hirako spoke up with a smile:
"Yadōmaru Lisa, the 5th Division also welcomes you. If you join us, I can promise the 4th Seat right away. How about it?"
He didn't mention the Vice-Captain seat.
Lisa looked at Hirako. Strangely, his breezy smile didn't sit quite right with her either—it left a vague discomfort.
She finally turned her eyes to Hikifune Kirio.
But the 12th Division Captain merely smiled kindly without saying a word.
Lisa scanned the three captains again, weighing her options.
From a career standpoint, the 8th Division was clearly the best fit—Kyōraku had directly offered the Vice-Captain spot.
Kuna made it in two years. I'll do it in one.
She completely overlooked Shiki Mirai, nearly hidden behind Hikifune's silhouette.
In her eyes, the 9th Division wasn't even worth consideration.
She stepped in front of Kyōraku and bowed slightly.
"Thank you for the opportunity, Captain. Would you like me to demonstrate my abilities?"
"Hahaha, no need, no need~" Kyōraku waved his hand dismissively.
"Lisa-chan, all that formal procedure is just a waste of time." He gestured to his side, indicating she should come stand beside him.
Ordinarily, the process required graduates to showcase their abilities and the captains to explain their squad's vision—a mutual evaluation.
But for gifted prodigies like these? Skipping a few steps was acceptable.
Of course, the average students wouldn't get that luxury. For them, just getting picked by any squad was a blessing.
Becoming a Shinigami meant job security for life.
Those who failed? Either became private guards for noble houses—or drifted into uncertainty.
Next came Sarugaki Hiyori.
She ignored the smiling Kyōraku and Hirako entirely and marched straight up to Hikifune Kirio.
Hikifune greeted her warmly. "In the 12th Division, we treat everyone like family~"
But Hiyori didn't respond.
Suddenly, she leaned forward, pointing past Hikifune to where Shiki Mirai was half-concealed.
"Hey! What's a 5th Seat doing standing there?! You looking down on us grads or something?!"
Shiki blinked, completely baffled.
What?! This brat was clearly interested in the 12th—why's she coming at me?!
Did I offend her? No way!
"Ohhh?" Kyōraku drawled lazily, twisting the knife. "Shiki, are you looking down on the graduates? Tsk tsk, not a good look~"
"Idiot Shiki's always been full of himself," Hirako added flatly.
Shiki's eyes went wide.
Wait, what?! When did I become the arrogant jerk who looks down on graduates?!
You two foxes, quit fanning the flames!!
Hikifune stepped aside with a smile, fully revealing Shiki to the crowd.
"5th Seat Shiki."
He sighed inwardly. So much for staying out of it.
Keeping his face calm, he stepped forward and looked straight at the fiery blonde girl before him.
With a voice clear and steady, he said:
"So tell me… why should I, as a 5th Seat, respect a bunch of fresh grads like you?"
The training ground fell utterly silent.
Since he'd been shoved into the spotlight, then today—this "lowly 5th Seat"—would teach these arrogant prodigies a real lesson.
If he didn't?
He'd be drowned in spit by his fellow seated officers the moment he got back.