As Haruki separated from Renji Abarai and observed the energetic students on campus, he had already grasped the essence of the Star Chaser ability.
Star Chaser was an ability that allowed one's status to ascend. If Haruki used it, his rank would be elevated. For instance, as a regular squad member, he could become a seated officer upon activation.
However, this wouldn't affect his actual strength. Even if he became a captain, his abilities would remain the same as they were now.
Of course, Star Chaser also had the potential to allow him to surpass limits, but such a feat was far beyond his reach at the moment.
Currently, he was just an ordinary, low-ranking Shinigami. Breaking limits wasn't something he needed to concern himself with yet.
To illustrate, both Yamamoto and Aizen had reached the ultimate limits of a Shinigami. Their strength could no longer improve, no matter how many centuries passed.
This was why Aizen sought the Hōgyoku—it offered him the chance to transcend the limits of a Shinigami and become an existence beyond.
But for Haruki, the Star Chaser ability meant that these limits no longer applied to him. As long as he continued training, even if it took an incredibly long time, he could grow infinitely stronger, eventually surpassing even the Soul King.
Of course, achieving such power might take an unimaginably long time. Given his current talent, even reaching captain-class strength seemed like a distant goal.
After arriving at the Shin'ō Academy, Haruki also made an important discovery: not everyone possessed unique abilities. In fact, the vast majority of people didn't have one!
Only individuals with distinct personalities and significant spiritual energy manifested unique traits that gave rise to their own special abilities.
Characters with names and screen time in the original story naturally fell into this category. Even if their combat prowess was modest, their unique traits granted them special abilities.
Meanwhile, ordinary background characters needed significant spiritual energy to compensate for their lack of innate talent.
With these thoughts in mind, Haruki entered the office of the first class.
Inside, he found a bald man wearing glasses. This was Ōyunahara Yan Gorō, the class instructor.
This instructor was formerly a seated officer in the Gotei 13 and naturally had his own ability:
"Stern Master-Apprentice Bond: You will become an excellent teacher, and your students will progress more quickly under your guidance."
It was a valuable ability, though Haruki couldn't access it yet, as Yan Gorō's favorability toward him hadn't reached 60.
Still, Haruki was surprised to see that it was already at 54.
During his academy days, Haruki had often sought this renowned teacher for guidance, despite not being one of his formal students. Their relationship had always been amicable.
Although Haruki lacked exceptional talent, Yan Gorō admired his perseverance.
An idea sparked in Haruki's mind, and he smiled. "Teacher, Renji performed excellently on his internship task. It seems you've nurtured another genius student."
Hearing this, Yan Gorō was pleased. After all, teachers loved hearing praise about their students.
The instructors at the Shin'ō Academy were usually former seated officers who had left active duty due to personal reasons or organizational needs. Though they had left the battlefield, they hoped their students would take their place in defending the Soul Society.
Nodding, Yan Gorō asked, "Haruki, how far do you think Renji can go?"
"Well…" Haruki answered humbly, "I'm just an ordinary Shinigami, so I'm not too familiar with captain-level matters. But I believe Renji could become a high-ranking seated officer within forty years."
"And maybe even a vice-captain someday."
"You're being a bit overly optimistic," Yan Gorō said, shaking his head. "Reaching captain-class strength isn't easy, especially within forty years."
"That said, since he's a talent noticed by Captain Aizen himself, becoming a high-ranking seated officer is certainly within reach."
"Honestly, if not for Captain Aizen's recommendation, I wouldn't have allowed one of my students to intern while still in the fifth year."
What could Haruki say? He could only nod and smile. "You're absolutely right, Teacher."
Under normal circumstances, academy students only joined the squads after graduation. During their first year, they would follow senior members for hands-on training and learn the responsibilities of a Shinigami.
Of course, rules were rules, and exceptions often arose—such as the current case.
After discussing Renji's situation, Haruki quickly took the opportunity to ask Yan Gorō for advice on Kido, presenting himself as a humble and eager learner.
Yan Gorō, already favorably inclined toward Haruki, saw this attitude and grew even more appreciative. His favorability rose to exactly 60.
With that, Haruki successfully acquired the ability Stern Master-Apprentice Bond.
After gaining this skill, Haruki exchanged a few more tips on Kido with Yan Gorō before leaving the office.
Instead of returning to Squad Five immediately, Haruki wandered the academy to scout for others with unique abilities.
It wasn't long before he spotted Kira Izuru and Hinamori Momo with Renji.
Naturally, these two also had abilities.
Kira's ability was "Avian Slayer."
"Avian Slayer: When facing winged enemies, your power receives a significant boost."
"True to his nickname as the 'Chicken Slayer,' Kira's ability is pretty handy," Haruki mused. "After all, many Hollows have wings, and Shinigami's primary enemies at this stage are still Hollows."
Later, when Quincy attained Vollständig, they also developed wings of light. It's unclear whether these light wings would count, but the gigantic bird forms in Vollständig's second stage definitely would.
Come to think of it, Aizen also gained wings in his Hōgyoku-transformed state. Would that make him a 'bird'?
As for Hinamori, her ability was "Ultimate Defense."
"Ultimate Defense: When used, your defensive power is greatly enhanced."
"Impressive," Haruki thought. "Momo really lives up to her reputation as the ultimate tank."
Seeing this, Haruki knew he had to befriend these two.
While his favorability with Renji was already above 60, his relationships with Kira and Hinamori were far less developed.
Since he hadn't interacted with them much, their favorability stood at a mere 20.
Time to make some new friends!