"That's it? You're seriously giving me money for that? Come on, don't be a stranger..."
That's what Kaiwan said, but Masatsuki watched as he stuffed the money into his pocket without any intention of returning it.
"Don't worry, the test is the same as always—Reiatsu assessment. Honestly, even passing that part is tough enough."
"In Rukongai, just having enough to eat is already an accomplishment. There aren't many who have strong Reiryoku to begin with."
"If the admission requirements get any stricter, hardly anyone from Rukongai will be able to pass."
"Fair point. Alright, I'll go register." Masatsuki handed Kaiwan another stack of money before turning to leave.
This guy had done plenty of favors for him in the past.
The nobles in Seireitei were used to their lavish lifestyles, and some had a bizarre fascination with the so-called "junk" from Rukongai. He and Kaiwan had made a decent fortune running that trade.
Not to mention, Masatsuki had taken the opportunity to get acquainted with quite a few noble ladies and wives—engaging in some in-depth exchanges while making extra money on the side.
Of course, his client selection process was as strict as his personal training regimen.
Masatsuki had no complaints—he could only thank his good looks.
...
Masatsuki… Once he becomes a Shinigami, staying right under the nobles' noses… he'll probably behave himself, right?
Kaiwan thought to himself.
But that was just a passing thought—he wouldn't dare say it out loud.
Nobles valued their reputation above all else. If they were ruthless enough, they wouldn't hesitate to kill their own siblings. No one would care whether a mere gatekeeper lived or died.
A few years ago, Tokinada Tsunayashiro from the Tsunayashiro family had tortured and murdered his own colleagues, assassinated the heir to his clan, and even killed his own wife.
Captain Kyōraku had reported him, and Central 46 sentenced him to house arrest for a few centuries.
But for souls who could live for two to three thousand years, what was a few hundred years?
...
While Kaiwan mulled over his worries, the true culprit—Masatsuki—seemed completely at ease, casually flirting with one of the female examiners from the Shin'ō Academy.
"Examiner, we've been talking for a while now, but I still don't know your name."
"..."
The beautiful examiner hesitated for a moment before finally answering.
"Lisa Yadōmaru."
"So, Lisa Third Seat? I've heard Captain Kyōraku thinks highly of you. I wouldn't be surprised if you're promoted to Lieutenant soon." Masatsuki grinned.
"You know me?"
"Come on, don't underestimate me. I'm a businessman. I've got some solid connections in Seireitei."
Masatsuki reached into his coat and pulled out a stack of cards.
"Here, my business card. The name's Masatsuki Aozaki. Looking forward to working with you."
Lisa took one and glanced at it.
"Odd Jobs Agency…"
"That's right. The Odd Jobs Agency. As long as the money's good, we handle anything." Masatsuki flashed a charming smile. "Any service you need, we've got it."
"Any service, huh..."
Lisa eyed Masatsuki before scoffing, tucking the card away.
"Hmph, I'm not interested in those kinds of services."
But the moment she said it, a slight blush crept onto her face, tinged with irritation—perhaps even embarrassment.
This bastard, Masatsuki, actually had the nerve to say that to me?
For Lisa, who had spent years secretly indulging in books on certain topics, this was absolutely impossible to accept.
...And yet, impossible to reject.
Not to mention, she wasn't just here as an examiner. She had come from the Eighth Division on orders to scout potential recruits for the Gotei 13.
And here Masatsuki was, shamelessly flirting with her—in public, no less, right in the middle of the entrance exams.
If someone like him actually became a Shinigami and joined the Gotei 13…
He'd need some serious discipline.
Masatsuki Aozaki!"
A voice called from the Spiritual Gate, interrupting their conversation.
"My apologies, Lisa-san, looks like it's my turn. I'll go take the test first—let's chat again next time." Masatsuki flashed an apologetic smile before jogging toward the gate.
"Masatsuki Aozaki?"
"That's me."
He took the form handed to him. His name was already filled in, but the fields for age and Reiatsu were left blank.
This was his pass into Shin'ō Academy.
"Step forward, it's time for your test."
"Understood."
Masatsuki walked up to the Spiritual Gate, spotting Rangiku and Gin on the other side—they had already passed.
"This is a Kidō-based test to assess your age and Reiatsu. Just relax," the examiner said, her eyes brightening as she placed a hand on Masatsuki's back.
Masatsuki merely shrugged, completely at ease. He winked at Rangiku, making the already-nervous girl laugh uncontrollably.
"The results for Masatsuki Aozaki," the examiner announced, swallowing hard as she handed the form to her colleague.
"Hey, Yui… You didn't adjust the score just because he's good-looking, did you? That would be insane! Or did something go wrong with the test?"
The other examiner leaned in, whispering.
A shameless woman!
He cursed in his heart.
He had seen Masatsuki's face—handsome, effortlessly charming—but to falsify his results just because of that?!
Damn it! I'm only a little less good-looking than him! Why didn't anyone pull strings for me when I took the entrance exam?! I had to take the test six times before I got in!
More importantly, LisaYadōmaru is watching this kid like a hawk.
Not only was she the 3rd Seat of the Eighth Division, but she was also practically raised as Kyōraku's daughter.
That status alone… just thinking about it is exciting…
Cough. Cough. Kyōraku isn't here, right?
Yui shot her colleague a glare. The glow in her hand flared up again as she rechecked the test results.
Then, she sighed and shook her head with a wry smile.
The examiner beside her sucked in a sharp breath.
"Reiatsu level—16th rank."
Without a doubt, Shin'ō Academy had just struck gold.
This wasn't some noble-born Shinigami raised in Seireitei and trained in Reiatsu from childhood—he came from Rukongai.
A twenty-year-old with 16th-rank Reiatsu…
Once he underwent systematic training, his potential was unfathomable. At minimum, he would graduate as a Seated Officer.
"Wait, did I hear that right? Reiatsu level? Not Reiryoku?"
"I heard most Shin'ō Academy graduates barely hit 20th rank Reiatsu…"
"Are you telling me this guy is practically ready to graduate before even enrolling?"
The surrounding examinees murmured among themselves, their voices dripping with envy.
"Congratulations, you've passed. Proceed inside."
The examiner filled in the form, writing 16th rank Reiatsu, then handed it to Masatsuki.
Just then, Yui cautiously stepped forward. She glanced at Masatsuki, who was still looking over his results. A hint of shyness flickered in her alluring gaze as she hesitated before whispering,
"Um… Masatsuki-san, this is my address."
The examiner beside her froze.
Yui-sensei… So this is what you're like?
There are still other students watching, you know?!
Wait a minute—what the hell are you doing?! Let go of that student!
A teacher and a student tugging at each other in broad daylight—what kind of example is this?!
"Well… I'll be a student at the academy from now on, and you'll be my instructor," Masatsuki said smoothly as he took the slip of paper. "I'm sure there'll be many things I'll need to consult you about."
As he spoke, he studied Yui's beautiful face—then casually gave her soft hand a squeeze before turning toward Seireitei.