Renji sat cross‑legged in the courtyard beside Renya, then glanced at a young boy clad in pale robes. "You're heading to Shin'ō Academy for the entrance exam too?"
The boy smiled and replied, "Yeah—I'm going there." After a pause, he added, "Which district are you from?"
Renyi Renji, that is—hesitated slightly and said, "South Rukongai, District 78."
The boy's expression softened. "That's Inuzuri, isn't it? That district is tough. If you're going to Shin'ō, would you like to walk back with me? You can rest at my place. Let's head out this afternoon."
Renji's eyes lit up. "Is that okay?"
"Absolutely," the boy said kindly.
The three followed him home. His parents welcomed them warmly—no judgment despite their status. They ushered them into the kitchen and prepared lunch.
The boy turned to introduce himself. "I'm Kiyō Tsukashi."
"Renji Abarai," said Renji.
"I'm Rukia Kuchiki," added Rukia.
"I'm Kurotsuki Renya," said Renya.
Kiyō nodded thoughtfully, then asked Renya, "Are you auditioning with your siblings?"
Renji squeezed Renya's shoulder. "Don't let his age fool you. He already has Grade 4 Reiatsu."
Kiyō's eyes widened in surprise. "How old are you?"
"Eleven."
"I've spent decades training to reach Grade 3," Kiyō sighed. "At eleven, Grade 4… that's remarkable."
Renya smiled quietly—later he'd discover people like Ginrei Kuchiki achieving even higher ranks early, but for now, it was still a colossal compliment.
They sat down to a hearty lunch composed of spirit-rich ingredients. It was Renya's first real meal in Soul Society. The Reiryoku refill in their food was astronomical—equivalent to half a day of spiritual training. Typically, meals in the Seireitei Agape, prepared by the Captains' Squad—like the famed dishes crafted by Tōshirō Hitsugaya—boosted Reiatsu significantly. Renya thought how, if he had such meals daily, he could reach Grade 5 in six months.
Kiyō cleaned up afterward and led them out in the afternoon toward Seireitei's southern gate.
Seireitei and Shin'ō Academy lay within the central Rukongai, separated by sturdy iron gates guarded by Shinigami—specifically by a giant enforcer named Daikon Hyōjō, known not for rank but sheer strength. Ordinary Rukongai souls could not pass his post without an assessment slip.
At the gate, a small wooden booth stood with a banner reading:
"Southern Examination Point for Shin'ō Academy"
Kiyō nodded. "This is it. Only after passing can you officially enter the Inner Court and enroll."
Renji coated his expression with determination. "Let's go in."
They approached the group of examinees—mostly teenagers appearing fifteen to nineteen. In this world, aging slows for souls, particularly those with higher Reiatsu.
Kiyō leaned toward Renya. "There are two instruments they'll use—one to check your physical age, one for Reiatsu grade."
Renya looked confused. Kiyō explained: "To qualify, you must be below 200 years old and have Grade 3 or higher Reiatsu."
Renya mentally exhaled.
When it was their turn, the examiner—a solemn Shinigami in semi-formal robes—led Renji to a small device that resembled goggles. He placed them over Renji's eyes, and after a moment, the display read 143.
"143 years old," said the examiner into the register.
Then a slender bracelet was wrapped around Renji's wrist and the device showed: Grade 4 Reiatsu.
"You qualify to be a student at Shin'ō Academy," the examiner declared. A proctor would direct him shortly.
Renji nodded, a proud smile forming.
Next was Rukia and Kiyō—both passed easily: 111 years, Grade 3; 135 years, Grade 3.
Renya approached last. The examiner fitted the goggles. A small display glowed: 11.
"A new soul, just 11 years old," the examiner observed with surprise.
The bracelet revealed: Grade 4 Reiatsu.
"Grade 4 at age 11… your qualifications are extraordinary," the examiner declared.
He continued quietly: "You're among the rarest candidates to ever apply to Shin'ō Academy."
Renya's heart pounded. He had passed. He joined the others, nearly shaken with joy. Kiyō's eyes shone with pride; Renji, Rukia, and Renya beamed.
Getting into Shin'ō Academy meant six years of stability, training, and rank—no more harsh slums, no more hunger. It was the first step toward becoming Shinigami—and rewriting fate.