As soon as the class ended, the white-haired teacher slowly walked out of the tiered lecture hall.
Shinichi had just yawned and slumped over his desk when a familiar voice rang in his ear.
"Tachikawa-kun!"
He glanced sideways and saw a petite girl with mid-length brown hair standing by his desk. She wore the standard red-and-white school uniform, and although she had a pretty face, her overly stern expression somewhat ruined the overall impression.
"You haven't submitted your application for the graduation exam."
"Isn't it optional? I can't be the only one who hasn't turned it in, right?" Shinichi replied, still lying on the desk, sounding disinterested.
Next to him, HIsagi Shūhei was tidying up his textbooks. Upon hearing them, he merely glanced over but said nothing.
Kaniezawa frowned slightly. "What do you mean by that?"
As one of Class A's two class representatives, she took her responsibilities very seriously. However, this also made her come off as unapproachable, and she had few friends. In fact, these two boys were among the only people she talked to regularly.
Shinichi tilted his head slightly to look at her, speaking at a calm pace, "I don't feel confident about my proficiency in every subject yet. I figured there's no need to overreach myself."
Kaniezawa was momentarily surprised. She glanced at Hisagi, who responded with a helpless look.
"You don't plan to graduate this year?"
"I want to improve myself a bit more."
After thinking it over, Kaniezawa pulled out a roster and skimmed it. Many names were already listed—these were the students who applied for the graduation exam. Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Nanda, would review the list, eliminate the unqualified ones, and send the rest for evaluation. Only those who met the standards would be allowed to graduate.
Hisagi handed her a list as well. "Mind delivering this one to Mr. Nanda, too?"
He was the other class rep and shared the same responsibilities.
Kaniezawa took the document, browsed it, and was even more confused. "Your name isn't on it either?"
"Same reason as him," Hisagi replied.
"…"
Kaniezawa remained silent and quietly put both lists away.
Hisagi stood up and gently nudged Shinichi's leg. "Next class is Kido practice. We're changing classrooms. Don't sleep."
Tachikawa Shinichi was a genius. At least, that's how their homeroom teacher, Nanda Hidetaka, saw it. But he was equally frustrated by Shinichi's laziness, which he felt was a waste of great talent.
"That's exactly what he said?" Nanda asked after Kaniezawa gave her report.
She nodded. "Hisagi said the same thing."
Nanda frowned. "What are those two up to?"
Kaniezawa added, "Tachikawa's been missing quite a few classes lately. Not just yesterday's swordsmanship class—he also skipped the Kido theory class the day before. Maybe he's realized he has shortcomings and wants to spend another year learning."
She thought of the aloof way he'd slouched on his desk earlier and suddenly felt her own words sounded insincere.
Nanda flipped through the class records. He was well aware of every student's grades. In his view, only a handful could realistically graduate this year—and the one with the highest potential apparently had no intention to.
The graduation exams at the Spiritual Arts Academy were difficult for fourth-years. After passing, students had to face additional exams to join the 13 Court Guard Squads, the Kido Corps, or the Onmitsukidō. If they failed, they'd be sent back to repeat coursework.
Nanda sighed. "Well, if they're really that committed, I can't complain."
He looked at Kaniezawa. "What about you? Same reason?"
She pursed her lips and nodded silently.
Kido practice was held outdoors.
By their fourth year, students had completed nearly all coursework. The fifth and sixth years focused mainly on hands-on experiences, such as soul burials in the living world or internal duties within Soul Society, laying the groundwork for becoming full-fledged Shinigami.
Today's lesson wasn't new—they had practiced Kido many times before. The key was how skilled they'd become.
Officially, the academy taught Kido up to number 70, but most students only practiced up to number 50. Numbers 51–70 were saved for advanced assessments and depended on one's spiritual pressure level. Perfection wasn't required.
High-level Kido demanded high spiritual pressure, something students lacked. Once they became real Shinigami, they could choose to pursue further training.
Shinichi's Kido skill was exceptional even among his peers. While part of it was thanks to his system, his raw talent was no joke. His Spiritual Pressure Level was already Lv13, far above the student average.
He estimated Hisagi's level was around Lv7.
"Yo, everyone!"
They arrived to find not their usual Kido instructor, but a handsome young man in a black Shihakushō—Shiba Kaien, the vice-captain of Squad 13.
Students had seen him before. He occasionally taught in place of regular instructors.
The academy often invited high-ranking Soul Reapers from the 13 Squads, Kido Corps, or Onmitsukidō to lecture, including captains.
Kaien was approachable and popular, though he had a habit of promoting Squad 13 too enthusiastically, luring talented students to join.
"Long time no see," Kaien said with a cheerful smile. "I'll be your substitute teacher today."
His eyes scanned the students. When they landed on Shinichi, he gave a sly wink.
"Feels like he came just for you," Hisagi whispered.
Even though graduation was still a while away, standout students could apply early—Kaien's intent was obvious.
"It's only natural that someone as brilliant as me gets noticed," Shinichi sighed.
"…"
Remembering last night, Hisagi leaned over. "So, did you turn down Matsumoto-san because you're aiming for Squad 13?"
"Nope."
Kaien chatted briefly with some familiar faces, then said, "Let's begin with a Hado drill. First group—Tachikawa Shinichi and Aoka."
He began calling names from a list.
Shinichi and a tall, long-faced student stood up. Twenty meters away, several targets made of reiryoku-absorbing stone were lined up.
Fourth-years had already mastered Kido under number 50. Wooden targets couldn't handle the power anymore.
Kaien grinned. "Let's start with Hado #63—Raikōhō."
Groans erupted. Raikōhō was considered extremely difficult among students.
Kaien remained unfazed. "Quit whining. Your final exams will include spells up to #70. If you can't do them, you'll lose points."
As the murmurs faded, Shinichi calmly raised his arm. Without hesitation, he aimed at the white target.
"Hado #63: Raikōhō!"
Golden lightning burst from his palm, branching into arcs that struck the target dead-on.
Kaien raised his brows and let out a soft "Tsk." The spell's form was impeccable. Though the target's material masked the true impact, Kaien could still sense the immense spiritual pressure behind it.
"This kid…"
Gasps echoed from the crowd.
Kaien turned to Aoka, who was now feeling immense pressure. Shinichi had skipped the chant—and nailed the spell.
Determined but realistic, Aoka muttered the full incantation.
"Hado #63: Raikōhō!"
A golden net of electricity spread before him, but he couldn't contain it. The spell began to spiral out of control. Just as he panicked, he found himself suddenly two meters back—Kaien had moved him.
"Th-thank you, Vice-Captain!"
Kaien just smiled. "As long as you're okay."
Back in his seat, Aoka still felt embarrassed. Glancing at the calm Shinichi next to him, he was overwhelmed with defeat.
Why did I have to be in his group?
Kaien skimmed the list again and noted that Aoka had decent marks. "Let's dial it back—next round is Hado #54."
Many sighed in relief.
"You just love showing off," Hisagi muttered.
"I'm just naturally cool."
"…"
Practice continued. Aside from Hisagi and Kaniezawa, most students struggled. Some couldn't even complete the spells.
Kaien offered pointers and had them run more Hado and Bakudō drills.
Minutes before the bell, students broke into small groups to discuss Kido or chat casually. Kaien was surrounded, sharing Squad 13 stories with a smile.
Shinichi lay on the wooden deck, eyes half-closed, gazing at the blue sky in contentment.
A shadow suddenly blocked his view.
"Kaniezawa-san, something wrong?"
She sat beside him, gazing at his sharp features. After a pause, she said, "With grades like yours, the graduation exam should be easy."
"I'm not that good. My Kaidō score's pretty bad."
She didn't buy it. He only lagged slightly behind the top scorer, Aoka.
Graduation was based on overall ability, but a standout strength in one area—like swordsmanship—was enough to qualify. To her, Shinichi's skill more than met the bar.
After another pause, she added, "I didn't apply for graduation either."
He simply replied, "Is that so," clearly indifferent.
That shut her down. She remembered how she had erased her name from the list herself. Without another word, she stood up and left.
The top three students in Class A had all declined early graduation. What would Mr. Nanda think?
Once Kaniezawa was out of earshot, Shinichi finally closed his eyes.
The bell rang, marking the end of morning classes. Fourth-years had three classes per day—two in the morning, one in the afternoon—leaving plenty of free time.
With graduation and new student orientation approaching, fieldwork had also been reduced.
As students left, Shinichi was about to get up when he saw Kaien walking toward him with a grin.
"Come on. Lunch is on me."
Academy Cafeteria
"Why do I have to pay if it's your treat?"
"I forgot my wallet."
Shinichi looked helplessly at the vice-captain sitting across from him by the window. Kaien's Shihakushō drew plenty of attention.
"Man, I miss this food," Kaien said between bites.
"You were only here for one year."
Kaien had graduated in a single year and joined Squad 13 as its Third Seat—a feat that caused a stir. If Shinichi was considered a genius, Kaien was a genius among geniuses.
Add the prestigious "Shiba" name, and Kaien was surrounded by expectations.
Since Captain Ukitake's illness kept him away, Kaien essentially ran Squad 13—a man of power, charisma, and potential.
A star.
"Anyway, you know why I'm here, right?" Kaien asked while eating.
"You want me to join Squad 13."
Kaien smiled like a proud teacher. "I know Matsumoto-san's probably scouted you too. Sure, my uncle is the Captain of Squad 10—but he's a total slacker. Come with me instead. When I become Captain, I might even make you my lieutenant."
He shamelessly insulted his own uncle while dangling a tempting offer.
Lieutenant, huh?
Shinichi smiled lightly. If everything went smoothly, Kaien would become a captain.
If.
"I'm not graduating this year. Or next."
Kaien looked surprised. "Why?"
He valued Shinichi's talent—by all standards, the kid was ready to graduate.
Shinichi didn't explain further. "I'll consider Squad 13 in the future. But for now, I want to do something—and I'll need your help."
Kaien leaned in, intrigued. "Go on."
Shinichi said slowly, "I want to form an official student organization within the Academy. As just a student, I can't pull it off—but if the vice-captain of Squad 13 and heir to the Shiba Clan backs me up, it'll be a different story."
Kaien's smile faded. He looked hard at Shinichi.
"You grew up in Rukongai, didn't you?"
Shinichi smiled. "Yeah. From Zaraki District. Got a problem with that?"
Kaien gave a low chuckle, eyes glinting. "Big ambitions for a street kid."