"What else would you be if not a Shinigami? Does Kisaragi-kun want to enter the nest of worms?"
A massive head with horns in its hairstyle suddenly loomed before Akira, bearing a determined expression and features that radiated strength. The light glinting off his square glasses was nearly blinding.
"Tsukabishi-sensei." Aizen nodded slightly in greeting, respectful as always.
As a model student, though his abilities were average, he scored perfect marks in every theory course — truly embodying the role of an academic genius.
Teachers from various departments had already begun competing to recruit Aizen for their divisions, as individuals skilled in documentation and theory were extremely rare.
"Please make some noise when you walk next time, sir. If I hadn't noticed you in time, I might have thrown a punch." Akira's mouth twitched as he spoke with a wry expression.
In truth, he hadn't sensed Tessai's approach at all. This future Grand Kidō Chief seemed to be incredibly powerful in every field.
However, it was also because he had no malicious intent. Otherwise, Akira's Danger Instinct would have given him a friendly warning.
"Kisaragi-kun, your thoughts are dangerous." Despite Tessai's rugged appearance, his personality was quite gentle, especially with academy students.
He had never scolded a single student — though with his appearance alone, no one dared cause trouble in his class anyway.
"I was just joking with Sōsuke earlier." Akira's expression turned serious as he explained, "Becoming a proper Shinigami is my life's goal, and I will devote all my efforts to it. I will uphold the name of the Gotei 13 until the end!"
Tessai nodded with satisfaction, patted his shoulder, and praised him warmly, "Very good, that's the spirit. As expected of someone the Captain-Commander called a promising talent."
Akira: o_O?
"Keep up the good work." He patted his shoulder forcefully again, the impact making Akira's shoulder bones respond with a loud thud.
Only someone like him could withstand such a hit — any other student would have ended up in the infirmary.
Before he could ask anything, a massive explosion thundered through the empty training ground, red flames surging toward the ceiling! The air instantly filled with scorching heat.
Akira looked toward where the flames had risen and muttered in amazement, "Now that's talent... Managing to blow yourself up with a Shakkahō reminds me of someone I used to know."
Unable to continue chatting, Tessai hurried to handle the emergency.
"The person you're thinking of better not be yourself." Aizen said flatly, "I won't experiment without fully mastering the Kidō."
Having noticed their teacher's approach in time, Tessai hadn't heard his earlier comments.
Some things were better known by fewer people — the Soul Society wasn't as peaceful as it appeared on the surface.
Akira nodded, his expression turning serious, "I understand."
The Kidō class ended with an accident. The male student who had attempted the self-destructing Shakkahō received emergency treatment from Tessai before being rushed to the 4th Division's Coordinated Relief Station. With burns covering 74.3% of his body, he was practically charred beyond recognition.
While many students were grateful for the early dismissal, several overachievers stayed behind in the training ground to practice Kidō — Akira and Aizen among them.
The training ground was spacious, and the two found a quiet corner to begin their practice. With many other students around, they wouldn't draw attention.
"Which Kidō are you most familiar with?" Aizen asked.
After brief consideration, Akira answered decisively, "Hadō #4, Byakurai. I had mastered it even before entering the academy."
Hearing this, Aizen recalled how this guy had used Byakurai in the 32nd District.
It had been completely different from the Shin'ō Academy's teachings — more like a self-taught technique — yet its power had been remarkable. A single bolt had pierced straight through a Gotei 13 deserter's heart.
This alone proved his mastery of the Hadō.
"Hmm, good." Aizen nodded, "First, try reducing your Reiatsu output to release Byakurai in its weakest state. Like this."
Before his wide eyes, Aizen spread his fingers. White electrical arcs danced at his fingertips like countless musical notes composing a beautiful melody.
Akira held his breath, his demeanor instantly becoming more serious.
His talent, Heart of a God operating at maximum capacity, let him observe everything — the flow of Reishi, the circulation of Reiatsu, the changes in hand seals, the incantation...
At this moment, Aizen was surprised to notice the change in his demeanor. Calm, natural, serious, focused — in some ways, he was remarkably similar to he himself.
This guy...
When the lightning faded, Akira returned to his usual carefree self.
"Did you learn anything?"
"A little bit!"
"Good, show me." Aizen was curious to see how much he had grasped from such a brief demonstration.
However, when Akira slowly spread his fingers in the same pose, his surprise reached new heights.
Electric arcs danced, reflecting brilliant light like a grand fireworks display at his fingertips. The Reiatsu was controlled at such a low level that the arcs could only produce light, harmless even to touch.
"How could a mere Byakurai defeat me?"
The arrogant expression shattered Aizen's surprise, returning his emotions to their usual calm.
He looked up at Akira. His talent was indeed impressive, and he knew how to use it — truly first-class genius material. Unfortunately, he had quite a mouth on him.
"First step complete." Aizen glanced at him playing happily with the electric arcs, his lips curving upward, "Now for the second step — it's simple. With your talent, you should master it quickly. Kidō usually exists in barrier form. To construct this form, you combine incantations and hand seals to create specific patterns. What you need to learn is the Kidō pattern. This is from Byakurai."
Before Akira's astonished gaze, weak electric arcs flowed from Aizen's fingertips, writing in the air. Soon, a completely new Kidō pattern appeared before him.
"Wait!" Akira asked, puzzled, "If I remember correctly, only some Kidō have barrier forms. Byakurai isn't one of them — where did you get this pattern from?"
Aizen finished the final stroke and replied, "I researched it, of course."
"When? I never knew about this!" Akira was confused. He and Aizen spent all their time together, hanging out 24/7, yet he'd never seen him research any Kidō.
Hearing this, Aizen smiled, his genius aura naturally manifesting.
"Just now..."
⤫⤬⤫
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