Today, the Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy was unusually lively.
Many nobles and Shinigami squad members had come to watch the True Combat Trial.
If the academy hadn't been large enough, it might not have been able to hold this many people.
"The True Combat Trial has probably become the most anticipated event in all of the Soul Society." Ukitake Jūshirō glanced at the bustling arena, a bit emotional.
In previous years, when he came to watch the matches, each noble family or division would usually just send a representative.
Now, the crowd had grown so large that they needed spiritual projection screens. Otherwise, those sitting in the back wouldn't be able to see what was happening on the stage.
"The Soul Society is too boring. This is a rare grand event!" Kyōraku Shunsui dug in his ear. "A bunch of my squad members asked for leave today. I just went ahead and gave them all the day off."
"Same here." Kuruyashiki Kenpachi pointed to the audience seats. "All of Squad Eleven came."
Not just the Eighth and Eleventh Divisions—most of the other squads were here as well.
Only a few poor souls still on duty couldn't make it to watch the matches.
"Thanks to Captain Hikifune's invention—the Spiritual Projection Device—this arena is able to accommodate everyone's viewing needs," said Principal Kotetsu, glancing upward.
Above the guest seating, a massive spiritual screen hovered.
Soon, it would display a live image of the stage below.
"Ah, that's actually thanks to Katori-kun and Urahara-kun. They're the ones who made this happen," Hikifune Kirio said with a cheerful smile.
In his previous life, Nanatsuki had seen many grand sports events. Drawing on that experience, he designed the spiritual projection system for the live blade tournament.
"Vice-Captain Urahara deserves all the credit. Without him, we might not have been able to finish it before the tournament began!" Nanatsuki glanced at Urahara Kisuke, whose eyes were shadowed with dark circles.
Nanatsuki provided the inspiration, and Urahara built it.
Due to the tight deadline, Urahara had pulled several all-nighters to get it done.
"Every time you come looking for me, it's never for anything good!" Urahara pouted.
"Those who are capable should do more work." Nanatsuki smiled.
"This is a great invention!" Kyōraku Shunsui stroked his chin, his cheeks flushing slightly. "If we installed one of these in a hot spring..."
Kyōraku's imagination was vivid—just seeing the spiritual screen made him think of all kinds of creative uses.
"You'd get your eyes gouged out if you did that~" Unohana Retsu said with a gentle smile.
"Is that so… then never mind… hahahaha…" Kyōraku felt a chill creep up the back of his neck.
Nanatsuki swept his gaze subtly across the audience, searching for any signs of the Tsunayashiro family.
He hadn't forgotten the other purpose behind this event—Aizen Sōsuke would be using the matches to hypnotize the Tsunayashiro clan and the other noble houses.
He spotted Azashiro Kana, sitting with her parents and Azashiro Sōya.
Azashiro Kana seemed to sense his gaze and waved at him.
Nanatsuki nodded in return.
Not far from the Azashiro family seats, he saw the areas for the Tsunayashiro, Kuchiki, Shihōin, and Shiba families. Everyone except the Shiba family had sent a decent number of people.
'Compared to the others, the Shiba clan really is dwindling… No wonder they declined after Isshin left and Kaien died,' Nanatsuki thought silently.
Both the main and branch families of the Shiba clan had few members. Even counting multiple generations, they barely numbered more than a dozen.
The other three noble families also had small main branches, but their branch families were considerably larger, each boasting several dozen members.
Shiba Isshin wasn't seated with the Shiba family. Instead, he sat among the academy's students.
Nanatsuki noticed a young boy seated there—likely a member of the main family.
He had a guess and immediately checked the boy's status interface:
[Shiba Kaien]
Talent: S
Spiritual Pressure: Lv10
Reputation Level: Stranger
Status: Energetic
'So it really is Shiba Kaien… He's got the potential of a future captain.'
In the original timeline, Shiba Kaien had died before reaching that level.
And his death had been linked to Aizen Sōsuke—he was killed by one of Aizen's experimental Hollows.
After confirming that all key members of the Tsunayashiro family were present, Nanatsuki turned his attention back to the stage.
Today's host and referee was once again Danmu. As he stepped onto the platform, the spiritual screen overhead responded and began projecting the stage in real-time.
The changing image on the screen triggered cheers from the audience.
It was their first time witnessing such a massive projected display.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the Spiritual Arts Academy!" Danmu amplified his voice with Kidō. "Up next is the semi-finals of the live blade tournament! Four powerful students will battle for a spot in the final!"
The Shinigami responded with enthusiastic applause, making Danmu beam with excitement.
His voice grew louder and more impassioned: "Now, let's invite our very own Teacher Katori to draw the matchups for the semi-finalists!"
The student section erupted in even louder cheers.
"Ara ara, looks like the students are cheering just for Katori-kun!" Hikifune Kirio said in amazement. "It almost feels like Nanatsuki is the fan favorite!"
Moments later, Nanatsuki walked onto the stage as two teachers brought over the drawing box.
He reached in and pulled out a sphere.
On it was the name: Aizen Sōsuke.
"Whoa!" Danmu Zōsuke exclaimed. "Aizen Sōsuke was also the first name drawn during the quarter-finals! And he advanced smoothly into the semis. Could this be a sign?"
"Based on the data I've gathered these past few days, Aizen is one of the top contenders for the championship!"
"Let's see who his opponent will be!"
The "data" he referred to was from student voting.
Each student had their own opinion about who would win the tournament.
In the previous match, Aizen didn't showcase any overpowered moves—he was known for his proficient use of Kidō and Shunpo.
Some believed he won by simply exhausting Shiba Isshin's stamina.
Others favored Komamura Sajin or Yadōmaru Lisa as stronger contenders.
Lisa's Thunder Spear was no weaker than Isshin's techniques—one strike had blasted away half the stage.
Plus, her casting speed was far faster than Isshin's. It wouldn't be easy for Aizen to dodge using just Shunpo.
Komamura Sajin, meanwhile, had received the highest number of votes overall.
His sandstorm technique, which nearly covered the entire arena, was like divine punishment—utterly unforgettable to the students.
Nanatsuki reached into the box again and drew the second name.