Upon hearing Shiba Isshin's words, Asano Kiyoshi shot up from his hospital bed like a spring-loaded jack-in-the-box. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Isshin.
"Brother Isshin, don't joke with me. Just because I did well on the entrance exam, the Headmaster wants to see me? That's impossible! Even Seireitei Communication's Rose-Colored Alleyways wouldn't write something that unrealistic!"
Author's Note: The Seireitei Communication is a public newspaper managed by the Ninth Divison, the largest media outlet in the Soul Society. Rose-Colored Alleyways is an adult novel written by Kyoraku Shunsui.
Isshin's face darkened with embarrassment. "You little brat… Just a second ago you were acting all mature. So this is your real personality, huh?"
Seeing that Isshin wasn't denying anything, Kiyoshi took a deep breath and asked again, more seriously:
"So, Brother Isshin, you're telling me that the Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni—the living embodiment of Soul Society's history and the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years—wants to meet me?"
Isshin nodded solemnly, confirming every word. "Yep. That old man with all the fancy titles himself."
Kiyoshi's mind stalled for a moment, eyes fixed on Isshin. The intense stare continued until Isshin started to feel uncomfortable. Finally, Kiyoshi spoke again:
"Brother Isshin, I didn't do anything wrong, did I? A special-type Zanpakutō… I won't get thrown into prison for this, will I?!"
Isshin laughed and rubbed Kiyoshi's head, then gave it a firm flick.
"What kind of nonsense are you imagining? Old Man Yama's just curious about your Zanpakutō, that's all. When you see him tomorrow, just show him your sword's abilities. Try to do your best. He may seem stern, but he's actually pretty fond of kids like you."
Kiyoshi nodded, then asked:
"Brother Isshin, is there anything specific I should keep in mind? What time am I supposed to meet the Head Captain? Where? Do I go alone? Will someone guide me? Should I leave early?"
Faced with this barrage of questions, Isshin's head started to spin. But he still answered:
"After your classes tomorrow, go to the Headmaster's office at 3 PM sharp. Old Man Yama gives a speech once a year, and afterward, he'll be waiting for you there. Oh, and one more thing—don't lie to him. Just be honest. Us youngsters can't really hide anything from him anyway."
Having said that, Isshin, as if afraid Kiyoshi would keep bombarding him with questions, used shunpo to vanish, leaving behind only the still-cracked window gently letting in the cold breeze.
Kiyoshi sighed as he looked at the open window. Just then, Isshin's voice echoed again—this time from far away, likely enhanced by some kind of spiritual technique:
"Oh right—your family's being relocated near the Academy. I've already arranged it. I paid for the first month's rent myself, but after that, you're on your own. It's 3000 kan per month, so pay me back when you can~ One last thing—report to Class A tomorrow at 8 AM sharp! Don't be late, top student!"
Kiyoshi chuckled helplessly. Looking out the window at the moonlight flowing over the Soul Society, a glimmer of hope sparked in his heart.
Everything… seemed to be moving in a good direction.
Meanwhile, on his way home, Shiba Isshin yawned wearily as he gazed at the bright moon hanging in the night sky. Stretching, he muttered:
"Ayaya~ I thought the third cohort would be easy to manage, maybe let me slack off a bit… but nope! A little monster shows up. Maybe I'll just supervise the second round from now on… Me, the head examiner, doing everything myself—what a softie I am."
The wind of Soul Society remained as gentle as ever, softly caressing the dreams of its inhabitants.
Kiyoshi leaned by the window, staring at the distant lights of Seireitei. His thoughts gradually settled. He whispered to the scroll floating nearby, and as it unfurled, black ink rippled across it, revealing his personal stats:
Host: Asano Kiyoshi
Zanjutsu (Swordsmanship): 14
Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand): 13
Kido: 15 (Obtaining an Asauchi raised your Kido one rank)
Hoho (Agility): 15
Reiatsu (Spiritual Pressure): Grade 3 - 27%(Progress boosts when absorbing and refining reishi to stimulate inner transformation. Obtaining the Asauchi increased your progress by 26%.)
Overall Evaluation: 57(With your Asauchi, you're now worthy of being called a student of Shin'ō Academy. You've gained the ability to barely fend off weak enemies.)
Zanpakutō: Yomotsu HirasakaShikai Phrase: ???Bankai Phrase: ???
Unlocked Ability: Gate of the UnderworldNext Unlock Scene: Path of Yomi (Progress: 26%. Unlocks when Reiatsu reaches Grade 4, revealing half of the Shikai phrase!)
Note: The Asauchi has fused with the scroll, granting the host two Asauchi forms.
Form 1: Standard Asauchi – usable for slashing and conducting reishi efficiently.
Form 2: Scroll Form – floats around the host, auto-activating Gate of the Underworld and consuming more spiritual energy. Enhances abilities with dual-effect boosts.
Reading the scroll, Kiyoshi couldn't help but smile. At long last, he had gained some control over his fate. Even though, as of now, he probably couldn't even defeat a low-level Hollow.
But step by step, things would get better.
He closed his eyes, mind shifting to tomorrow's meeting with the Head Captain… and to how he'd get along with his new classmates.
Getting first place might earn him some grudges… especially from the noble families. Ugh, what a pain.
And the Head Captain… how should he explain his Zanpakutō's ability?
Lost in a swirl of thoughts, Kiyoshi slowly drifted off to sleep. The moonlight streamed through the half-open window, and the soft night breeze gently blanketed the boy.
The next morning, Kiyoshi looked out at the crimson gold glow on the horizon. Stretching with a few odd noises, he washed up, dressed in the academy's white-and-blue uniform, fastened the "A" badge to his chest, and left the hospital.
He walked in the direction of the rising sun.
Toward the place where it would all begin—Shin'ō Spirit Academy!