The Shin'ō Academy is the only education center for commoners in the Soul Society.
To put it simply, it is the exclusive military school for the Gotei 13.
Since there are no normal schools for commoners, they teach more than just combat.
They also teach common sense and manners, making it a general education base.
The Gotei 13 handles almost all management and administrative work in the Seireitei.
Being good at killing people is not enough.
Every year, the number of graduates is small.
Sometimes there are dozens, sometimes only a few, and occasionally only a single digit.
However, as spiritual beings, Shinigami have incredibly long lives.
As long as they don't die fighting Hollows or in an "accident," they can live for hundreds of years.
They only die naturally when their spiritual particles finally fail.
Because of this, most squads don't actually lack people.
Only Squad 13, which stays in the World of the Living, and Squad 11, which loves fighting, are always short-staffed.
"Speaking of which, Squad 11 and Squad 13 didn't send anyone this time. That's strange..."
Mirai thought to himself while looking at the graduates.
They were lined up in three neat rows.
He looked at the three top students at the front and nodded to himself.
The first one was Lisa Yadōmaru.
She was a girl with glasses and black braided hair.
Her expression was serious, and her gaze behind the lenses was calm and focused.
Her Shihakushō was perfectly neat.
She looked like a mix of a "top student" and a "literary girl."
She would be a future member of the Visored.
Her strength was top-tier, and she was very pretty.
Next was Hiyori Sarugaki.
She had a small body and short blonde hair that showed her energy.
Right now, she was pouting a little.
Her eyes showed she was impatient and a bit rebellious.
She was also a future Visored member.
She had a very short temper.
Finally, there was Sōsuke Aizen.
Right now, he was smiling like a warm and sunny neighbor.
But if Mirai recruited him into the squad, he would have to sleep with one eye open.
He would always be afraid that Aizen might "optimize" him with a smile one day.
Mirai did the math quickly in his head.
It would be best to get Lisa Yadōmaru into Squad 9 since she was the best at Shunpo.
She was excellent and looked very capable.
She might even help with the mountain of paperwork!
The problem was that she was a top talent.
Her goal would definitely be to start as a Lieutenant.
Squad 9 already had a Lieutenant.
She probably wouldn't even consider them.
"Sigh, I want to trick a few... I mean, recruit some talented people to handle files, but forget it this time."
Mirai sighed in his heart.
His eyes drifted back to the smiling Aizen.
"With this guy here, I'll be happy if I can just survive the day peacefully."
As if feeling his gaze, Aizen turned his head slightly.
He gave Mirai an even brighter and warmer smile.
Mirai's spiritual sense jumped in fear! This was bad!
He quickly used the corner of his eye to look at Shinji Hirako's back.
People often called Mirai, Shinji, and Shunsui the "Three Perverts of the Seireitei."
But nobody knew what Shinji was actually thinking inside.
Shunsui Kyōraku was also a very crafty "old fox."
"I'm the only pure and innocent one here, stuck with two old foxes. If I'm not careful, they'll eat me alive."
"Clap, clap, clap."
Captain Kirio Hikifune clapped her hands with a smile, getting everyone's attention.
"You are all very excellent graduates! Today, Squads 12, 9, 8, and 5 are here to recruit."
"Of course, if you already have a squad in mind, you can apply to the Principal after we finish."
She squinted her eyes.
Her full figure gave off a feeling of safety and kindness.
Many graduates looked at her with hope.
They thought life would be easy under such a kind Captain.
Kirio Hikifune continued, "So, if anyone wants to join our squads, please step forward."
As soon as she finished, Lisa Yadōmaru stepped out first.
She walked forward and introduced herself calmly.
"Hello, Captains. I am Lisa Yadōmaru. During my time at the academy, Shunpo was my strongest skill."
"But that doesn't mean I lack in other areas. I have also studied squad management, paperwork, and accounting."
Before she could finish, Shunsui Kyōraku interrupted with a laugh.
"Lisa-chan! Squad 8 welcomes you! I've specifically saved the Lieutenant position for you!"
Hearing this, Lisa Yadōmaru frowned slightly.
This Captain... felt a bit light-headed and flaky.
The graduates waiting below started whispering in shock.
"Lieutenant! Captain Kyōraku offered the Lieutenant position immediately!"
"That's amazing! As expected of the number one in Shunpo!"
"I'm so jealous..."
Since Lisa didn't answer right away, Shinji Hirako also spoke up with a smile.
"Lisa Yadōmaru, Squad 5 also welcomes you. If you come, you can be the 4th Seat. How about it?"
He did not promise the Lieutenant position.
Lisa looked at Shinji.
For some reason, his smile felt a bit off.
It made her feel slightly uncomfortable, and her impression of him dropped.
Finally, she looked at Kirio Hikifune.
However, the Captain of Squad 12 just kept her warm smile and said nothing.
Lisa looked between the three Captains and thought fast.
From a career view, Squad 8 was the best choice because of the Lieutenant offer.
Her senior, Mashiro Kuna, became a Lieutenant in two years.
"I will be faster! I must do it within one year!"
She completely ignored Mirai, who was almost hidden by Kirio Hikifune's large size.
In her mind, Squad 9 was not even an option.
Finally, she walked to Shunsui Kyōraku and bowed.
"Thank you for the offer, Captain. Do you need me to show you my grades and abilities?"
"Hahaha, no need, no need!" Shunsui waved his hand.
"Lisa-chan, those boring steps are just a waste of time."
He pointed to the spot next to him, telling her to stand there.
Normally, graduates show their skills, and Captains explain their squad's goals.
But for geniuses like these, skipping the steps was normal.
Of course, normal students didn't get this treatment.
They were just happy if any squad wanted them.
Becoming a Shinigami meant having a "stable job" and a safe future.
Those who failed would either become private soldiers for nobles or find their own way.
Their futures were very uncertain.
The second person to step forward was Hiyori Sarugaki.
She ignored the smiling Shunsui and Shinji.
She walked straight to Kirio Hikifune.
Kirio Hikifune smiled kindly. "In Squad 12, we are all like a family!"
However, Hiyori did not respond.
She suddenly leaned forward and pointed at Mirai, who was behind Kirio.
She shouted a question:
"Hey! Why is there a 5th Seat standing there?! Are you looking down on us graduates?!"
Mirai was confused.
What was going on? This girl liked Squad 12, so why was she attacking him?
When did he offend her? It was impossible!
"Oh?" Shunsui Kyōraku added in a lazy voice.
"Does Mirai look down on graduates? That's not good."
"Hmph, idiot Mirai was always arrogant," Shinji Hirako added with a blank face.
Mirai's eyes widened.
Wait! How did he suddenly become an "arrogant guy who looks down on graduates"?!
"You two old foxes, stop making things worse!" He thought.
Captain Kirio Hikifune smiled and gracefully stepped aside.
She exposed Mirai to everyone and said softly, "5th Seat Mirai."
Mirai sighed. He knew he couldn't hide anymore.
He walked calmly in front of Hiyori Sarugaki and looked down at the angry blonde girl.
He spoke in a clear, steady voice:
"So, as a 5th Seat... why should I look up to you bunch of fresh graduates?"
When he said that, the entire training ground went silent.
Since they forced him into this, he had to teach these "geniuses" a lesson.
Otherwise, when he went back, his fellow officers would never let him hear the end of it.