Although Shimo had mentally prepared for this, the situation still far exceeded his expectations.
The reason he had pulled Rukia into his arms was simply to shield her from the outburst of spiritual pressure.
Thankfully, Rukia had reacted quickly enough. Her petite figure shrank into his embrace, not daring to move a muscle.
This overwhelming pressure…
Far surpassed anything she could've imagined.
Rukia glanced up at Shimo's side profile, her thoughts racing:
"Who… exactly is he?"
"How can someone have such immense, terrifying spiritual pressure?"
Curiosity took root in her heart like spring grass, growing wildly beyond control.
And that warm embrace—
It was a sensation she had never experienced before.
For a moment, she found herself lost in it.
Meanwhile, Shimo was silently groaning in his mind, struggling to suppress the surging spiritual energy within him.
Before entering the Shin'o Academy, his cultivation had been focused entirely on building up his spiritual power.
There was once an ambitious figure who nearly upended the balance of the three realms. That person once said:
"A battle between shinigami is a battle of Reiatsu(Spiritual Pressure)."
While the claim may have been an exaggeration, it reflected a key truth:
In most battles, spiritual pressure was everything.
And without a Zanpakutō, Shimo had thrown himself fully into spiritual meditation.
As a result, even before joining the academy, his spiritual pressure had already reached the level of a Vice-Captain.
Now, that terrifying pressure blanketed the entire northern wing of the Shin'o Academy, even showing signs of expanding outward.
Fortunately, Shimo had decent control.
After a few deep breaths, the oppressive aura gradually stabilized and began to subside.
---
Meanwhile, in the Eight Division barracks of the Gotei 13—
A middle-aged man lying on the rooftop let out a deep sigh.
"Ah… and I was hoping to enjoy a few more days of peace and quiet."
"Didn't expect that kid to stir up such a ruckus. Looks like the holiday's over."
"Guess I'll pay Old Man Yama a visit."
As his words faded, the figure vanished from the rooftop, leaving only the faint scent of sake in the air.
---
At the same time, in the Fifth Division barracks—
Aizen paused mid-brushstroke. His calligraphy brush hung in the air as he turned his gaze toward the Shin'o Academy.
"That spiritual pressure… feels familiar."
A mysterious, unreadable smile curved on his lips, his gentle demeanor remaining flawless.
---
Elsewhere, in the First Division Headquarters—
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni stared silently at Kyōraku Shunsui, his student, the two locked in a quiet exchange.
"So, you're saying you'll take full responsibility for this incident?"
The Head Captain's voice was stern, echoing with authority.
Shunsui looked helpless, deeply regretting the loss of his leisure time, and sighed:
"The owner of that spiritual pressure… is a member of the Kyōraku family."
Thud!
Yamamoto tapped his cane on the floor, the sound deep and final.
"Very well. Then I'll entrust the matter to you."
"I'll issue a formal order to halt all further investigations."
---
Back at Dormitory Area 7 in the Shin'o Academy—
Sensing that the overwhelming spiritual pressure had faded, Rukia, like a frightened rabbit, quickly pushed herself away from Shimo's arms.
Her expression was… complicated.
Hesitant. Curious. Embarrassed.
Clearly, what had just happened was beyond anything she could comprehend.
But what made her even more uncomfortable was not the spiritual pressure—
It was how she had unconsciously enjoyed being held by him.
"What's wrong with me…?"
She was lost in confusion.
Having never experienced anything like this before, Rukia now stood at a crossroads in her heart.
"Uh…"
Shimo, too, was at a loss for words.
"Well… this really was just a complete accident."
"A spontaneous breakthrough. I couldn't help it."
Hearing that explanation, Rukia was left speechless.
Who the heck just randomly breaks through their spiritual pressure like that on a whim?!
"You don't need to explain."
Rukia, surprisingly, was very understanding at this moment.
"Everyone has their secrets."
"And right now… we're just ordinary classmates. You don't owe me any explanation."
Shimo blinked.
Her response caught him off guard.
But it also deepened his understanding of her.
Before enrolling at the Shin'o Academy, Rukia had clearly gone through her share of hardships.
For her to say something like that—it meant she had begun to acknowledge him in her heart.
Realizing this, Shimo straightened his expression and smiled:
"Thank you… for understanding."
Rukia, sensing the conversation was drifting somewhere awkward, quickly changed the topic.
"Your notes—have you fin—"
Before she could finish, she suddenly realized just how much the environment around them had changed.
The terrifying spiritual pressure had practically obliterated everything in the room.
There wasn't a single object left intact.
Finally, the academy instructors arrived—fashionably late.
Fortunately, due to Shimo's special background, they didn't press too hard on the details.
However… a new problem arose: Rukia's dorm assignment.
The supervising Shinigami furrowed his brows, glancing between the two of them.
After a moment of hesitation, he asked tentatively:
"Well… Rukia, how about you move into Shimo's dorm?"