"And so, in 1832, the great warrior Motogabarenkuda Kakatsu saved the Soul Society, was awarded the title of nobleman, and became a member of the Central 46," concluded her lecture history teacher Shika Nagai, known among students as the Brain-Eating Doe.
Damn. Of courseI knew history was one of the tools of propaganda, but I still thought we'd at least be learning our history. Maybe not the history of our people, but at least something about where we're going.
But Doe seems to have forgotten the meaning of "history" altogether. Instead, she mostly lists who did what, how, and when. Damn, I've never seen or heard such blatant propaganda about the greatness of Seireitei and the Central 46. City barkers and all sorts of street lunatics are amateurs compared to her. Oh, if only she knew how to tell a story… but her dull, monotonous voice freezes us all.
If she at least allowed us to sleep in her classes and didn't torture us with all this horror, I might understand. But no—she is fanatical about her audience and merciless toward anyone who can't endure it.
It's just fucking ridiculous.
She also gives us a mountain of homework. Nobody likes her classes at all. Even those in whose honour this propaganda is being conducted—the aristocrats—stagger out of her lessons exhausted. Many would honestly rather die. One guy even faked an illness and was ready to work anywhere, just so he wouldn't have to attend. And you can't even bribe your way out of it—it's a required subject, even for aristocrats.
But her propaganda still doesn't work. We ignore half of it, trying not to fall asleep, and forget the other half the moment we leave the class. And her homework is slaughtering the Academy's population: we have to write massive reports that make no sense at all. And that's considering that half of us can barely even write.
In short, everything is so bad that her name has become a curse. The phrase "May you have to stay for extra classes with Doe" is considered a terrible hex. And justifiably so.
But here's what I don't understand: why is she even here?
As far as I know, Gotei 13 and the Central 46 don't always get along. But the Academy is under the Central's jurisdiction, so propaganda here is mandatory.
Yet there's one "but." Its propaganda is, to put it mildly, repulsive. And I recently learned something else—Gotei also has its own propaganda, only it's taught in the Divisions and on the battlefield.
The meaning there is simple: your comrades, your Division, and Gotei are what matter most.
The collective spirit of the Shinigami is incredibly strong.
Why? Because on the battlefield you quickly realize that the Central does practically nothing, while your comrades and your commander will come to your aid. There was a case when a group of Shinigami got stuck in Hueco Mundo. The Central refused to authorize a rescue mission. So Captain Zaraki himself, spitting on their decision, went with his people anyway. Some of those rescued later requested a transfer to his Division. So Shinigami trust warriors like himself far more than those who sit safely and issue orders. Not all of them are like that, of course—but it is very clearly evident.
And even though they can't interfere with the Academy's curriculum, Gotei found a way to spite the Central.
It looks like propaganda. It sounds like propaganda. But the presenter is so dull, abrasive, and annoying that it's impossible to absorb anything. Plus, since most students are commoners, it's not easy to instill in them a love for those in power. And even the aristocrats themselves, who are busy with business rather than nonsense, are also beginning to understand who is closer to them. And if anyone actually wants to study history, there's a library. Although this world is quite static, especially considering the general longevity, so you won't find anything particularly groundbreaking there. Yes, wars, invasions and so on, but there won't be many great discoveries… except for the scientific progress around sixty years ago, when local technology left the human world far behind. I'm talking about computers and other technological equipment. In the human world this is only beginning to appear, but here it has existed for a long time. This mix of old and new, tradition and novelty, looks funny—a pretty cool combination, actually.
But let's get back to propaganda.
That's how it all works. Everyone is happy, well, except for the students who have to endure it. And the program lasts all six years of study. I'm afraid I won't survive that long.
Anyway, let me tell you about the Academy itself, if only to chase away my sleepiness. Although here you quickly learn to sleep with your eyes open.
The Academy of Spiritual Arts has existed for about 2,100 years. It was founded by Yamamoto Genryūsai himself, the current and eternal Captain-Commander. Here, we—future shinigami—are taught everything that will be useful to us in the future. The course is designed for six years, but no one forbids taking subjects externally; it's even encouraged. Especially in the 1st Class. The 1st Class usually finishes quickly—four years at most—and students are encouraged to speed up. There are even personal training sessions.
The Academy looks like a large, elongated building. There are many classrooms, training halls, and dormitories. Behind it lies a sizable lake and a park. Training grounds and several dojos are scattered across the territory.
But the most interesting part is inside. The Academy is designed as a cross between Japanese and European styles. That is, in some classrooms, we sit on cushions behind low tables; in others, there are large lecture halls with desks and benches. For someone who has never seen anything like this, it's really fascinating. But I couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. Probably some leftover memories from when I was alive.