The Spiritual Arts Academy's Entrance Ceremony.
Under normal circumstances, only faculty and the newly enrolled first-year students would attend.
Yet today, Mizuhara Shin stood among the instructors—right beside Nanada Hidezawa.
Onstage, Headmaster Sasakibe Chōjirō addressed the sea of new students below. His speech was formal, dignified, filled with familiar encouragement: study diligently, strive for excellence, become outstanding Shinigami as soon as possible, and so on.
Shin's mind wandered.
He stood there with an unfocused gaze, thoughts drifting.
A sudden, subtle kick to his calf snapped him back—Nanada's silent warning to pay attention.
The freshmen were brimming with enthusiasm. Their eyes shone with anticipation for their future lives at the Academy. Sasakibe's words landed well.
"And now," the announcer declared, "please welcome the student representative of Shin'ō Academy, Student Council President and Fifth-Year student, Tachikawa Shin, to deliver a speech."
There had never been a precedent for a student representative speaking at the entrance ceremony.
At the sound of his name, Shin smoothed the lazy expression from his face and walked calmly onto the stage.
The ceremony hall was vast. Hundreds of students stood below. Many were whispering—curious about this so-called Student Council, and about the man named Tachikawa Shin.
He had been given a prepared speech by the faculty. Its content was predictable: words of encouragement for the freshmen, along with an introduction to the Student Council's purpose and structure.
Shin did not improvise. He caused no disruptions, offered no dramatic flourishes. He delivered the speech in a composed, proper manner and stepped down once finished.
After the ceremony ended, he had just begun heading back to his dormitory when someone blocked his path.
"You are?"
The speaker was a student dressed in the Academy's white uniform. Shin did not recognize him.
"Kasumiōji Kōgorō," the man said flatly.
Shin paused briefly, then broke into a grin. "Ah, so it's you. This is our first meeting, isn't it?"
This was the Vice President candidate designated by higher authorities—born into the noble Kasumiōji family of Seireitei, currently a sixth-year student.
He was also the reason Shin's original intention of appointing Hisagi Shūhei as Vice President had fallen through.
"I've heard about you quite often," Kasumiōji Kōgorō replied.
Shin stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Am I really that famous?"
The Kasumiōji family ranked among Seireitei's upper nobility—just beneath the great houses like the Kuchiki and Shihōin. However, the family had long been matriarchal. Male members held significantly less authority within the clan.
Kasumiōji frowned at Shin. "I've reviewed the Student Council executive list. You've placed quite a few of your own friends into ministerial positions."
Shin answered casually, "Not that many. Just two."
After official deliberation, the Student Council had been structured into seven major departments:
The Executive Council, Academic Affairs, Organization, Disciplinary Committee, Cultural Affairs, Public Relations, and Finance.
Vice-Captain Shiba Kaien of the Thirteenth Division served as the sole Honorary Chairman.
What Kasumiōji referred to was Shin appointing Hisagi Shūhei as Minister of Organization, and Kaniezawa as Minister of Discipline.
Two critical departments.
Seeing Shin admit it without hesitation, Kasumiōji's frown deepened.
"Why did you make such decisions without consulting me?"
Shin wore an innocent expression. "We're meeting for the first time today, aren't we? Before this, I didn't even know where to find you. And the Student Council began preparations half a month before the freshmen enrolled. I didn't see you showing concern back then."
The implication was clear: you're the one who appeared out of nowhere.
Kasumiōji's face darkened.
He himself had only recently been informed by his family that he was to serve as Student Council Vice President. Upon learning that the President was Tachikawa Shin, he had been shocked—and perplexed.
Tachikawa Shin was something of a celebrity within the Academy. Many knew he came from Zaraki District in Rukongai—a place notorious for lawlessness. There were also rumors he frequently skipped classes.
How could someone like that be President?
And he was expected to assist him?
"I believe your appointments were entirely motivated by personal bias," Kasumiōji said coldly. "I do not approve."
Shin countered, "Have you investigated either of them?"
"I am a year your senior. You should address me as senpai."
Shin smiled brightly. "We're discussing Student Council business, aren't we? During official work, shouldn't we use titles? You should call me President."
"You—!"
To Shin's surprise, the visibly angered noble restrained himself.
"President," Kasumiōji said stiffly, "I believe the positions of Minister of Organization and Minister of Discipline should be reconsidered. I have the right to participate in the selection process."
The shift in attitude caught Shin off guard—then bored him.
Where was the typical aristocratic arrogance? The disdain for commoners?
"Kasumiōji," Shin replied evenly, "if you believe my decisions are flawed, you may personally evaluate the two candidates before deciding whether they are suitable."
"I will," Kasumiōji answered seriously. "I only hope… President, that you do not abuse your authority for personal gain."
Shin waved him off and walked past.
His rigid preconceptions about the Kasumiōji noble lessened slightly.
Abuse authority for personal gain?
If he couldn't benefit those around him, what was the point of being President?
That said, he was confident Hisagi Shūhei and Kaniezawa were capable enough on their own merits.
The campus now bustled with unfamiliar faces. The aura around the freshmen differed from that of the older students—more youthful, more vibrant, eyes wide with curiosity about everything.
Shin had been the same when he first arrived.
Cherry blossoms drifted across the grounds on a gentle breeze. A faint fragrance lingered in the air.
He truly enjoyed this tranquility.
If not for what he knew about the future, he might have chosen to remain here forever—to stay a student for life.
Before the freshmen's arrival, the Student Council had already recruited a foundational group among the upperclassmen.
And many of those members had not been chosen by Shin.
Aside from Shūhei and Kaniezawa, every department head was a noble student.
Truthfully, Shin did not mind.
The Student Council was merely a tool to him.
Still, there were limits to what he could accomplish at present. Someone like Kasumiōji Kōgorō—who knew what the Council would become in the future?
Several notice boards had been erected in Central Plaza, explaining the Student Council's structure and recruiting first-year members. A crowd of freshmen gathered there, reading intently.
Shin swept his gaze over them—
And suddenly stopped.
[Rukia][Affection Level: 7][For every 10 Affection gained: Spiritual Pressure Level +1, Zanpakutō Unlock Progress +1%][At 90 Affection: Full Reward unlocked][Shinigami Wedge can be formed. Upon formation: Third Reward unlocked]
…He had almost forgotten to update. Too much drinking.