Shin'ō Academy, Kidō training ground.
The students slowly made their way into the dojo.
As the doors opened, the "Aozaki Trio," led by Masatsuki, stepped into the open training ground.
The moment he entered, Masatsuki couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.
"This doesn't quite match the exam I remember..."
Shin'ō Academy is the only institution in Soul Society dedicated to training Shinigami, but in reality, its annual enrollment is quite limited, rarely exceeding two hundred students.
Out of those two hundred, it's considered impressive if even a fifth successfully graduate.
Geniuses aren't common, and only nobles are born with naturally high Reiatsu—an unchanging reality in Soul Society.
Because he was from Rukongai, Masatsuki had been deemed a genius upon admission with a Reiatsu rank of sixteen.
Even within the academy, both prodigies and noble heirs were few and far between.
Most students were the children of ordinary Shinigami, so Shin'ō Academy graduates typically reached only a Reiatsu rank of twenty.
Anyone surpassing that threshold was either an exceptional talent, appearing once in several years, or a noble.
Yet, what Masatsuki saw now was beyond his expectations.
Not only was the number of examinees larger than usual, but over twenty had reached the level of professional Shinigami. More shockingly, a few even possessed Reiatsu surpassing rank twelve.
"This year, many students applied for early graduation. Some are nobles, while the rest come from Rukongai or commoner backgrounds—but all of them are exceptionally talented."
Aizen had just finished demonstrating his Shikai when he approached Masatsuki Aozaki, lowering his voice.
"As for why they applied for early graduation... It's said to be because of someone. But who could that be? To make them care so much..."
Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru, standing nearby, exchanged startled glances.
Masatsuki, however, merely chuckled. Aizen's presence here was no surprise at all.
If he had gone out of his way to deliver a warning, then the person in question could only be him.
It made perfect sense.
The Tsunayashiro Clan held the greatest influence among the noble families in Seireitei, dominating the Central 46 with their allies.
For someone like Masatsuki—a "lowly outcast" from Rukongai—to openly defy them, there was only one possible response: kill one as an example to the rest. Otherwise, no one would fear them anymore.
Now, an opportunity had conveniently presented itself—an "accident" waiting to happen. These minor nobles and commoners, ever the loyal underlings, naturally had to prove themselves.
Even making a good impression could be beneficial. If they pleased the right people, a single offhand remark might elevate them—or their families—to greater heights.
"Thank you for the warning, Aizen-sensei!" Masatsuki Aozaki said.
"I was just making an idle comment, nothing more," Aizen replied with a light chuckle, adjusting his black-framed glasses before turning and walking away.
As Aizen walked away, Masatsuki smiled and nodded. "Interesting."
"So those people are all enemies?" Rangiku asked, looking into the distance.
The group had been watching them closely, their gazes anything but friendly.
"They're classmates. What enemies?"
Masatsuki let out a short laugh before turning to Rangiku and Gin, lowering his voice.
"Be extra cautious during the Konsō internship. If they show hostility toward us… don't hold back."
"Of course. And if you're going to do it, do it cleanly. Your life comes first."
He had no interest in noble feuds, but if they were eager to die, so be it. As long as the killings weren't out in the open, even if old man Yamamoto caught wind of it, he wouldn't be blamed.
If it came to light, things could get complicated.
With the Shihōin Clan and Yamamoto protecting him, and the Kuchiki Clan owing him a favor, chances were high they'd cover for him. He'd likely survive, but imprisonment in the Nest of Maggots would be a real possibility.
Masatsuki had no intention of ending up there.
The Nest of Maggots was under the jurisdiction of the Shihōin Clan. It wasn't the worst fate, but the future was far brighter in the Gotei 13.
"What about you?"
Rangiku frowned, watching him closely.
She had heard enough about the Tsunayashiro Clan's actions to know what they were capable of. More importantly, they were her enemies. Killing them wouldn't weigh on her conscience in the slightest.
What concerned her was Masatsuki's future.
"Shin'ō Academy isn't run by the Tsunayashiro Clan. The instructors overseeing the internship were handpicked by Master Yamamoto and Headmaster Sato."
Masatsuki smiled at Rangiku and Gin, who was deep in thought.
"The Konsō internship takes place in the World of the Living, outside of Seireitei's control. Danger is to be expected. Accidents happen all the time."
He lowered his voice. "If they make a move, eliminate them all—no loose ends."
The two exchanged a glance before nodding silently.
If Masatsuki said so, then they'd go all in.
They had followed him for years and survived Rukongai's harsh streets. In a life-or-death fight, hesitation was fatal.
No matter what happened, they would deal with it together.
...
"Next, Masatsuki Aozaki."
At the training grounds, the instructor called his name from the roll.
A faint smile crossed the man's face. Unlike the other students, this one was a true genius.
Masatsuki stepped forward, stopping beside the instructor and offering a respectful bow.
"Hadō No. 4: Byakurai."
He raised a finger toward the target, white lightning crackling at his fingertip.
In the next instant, a bolt of energy shot forward.
Boom!
The target exploded in a flash of white light, and a deep crater formed ten meters away.
The watching students stood frozen, staring at the shattered ground in stunned silence.
"That was Byakurai? Are you kidding me? How is it that strong?"
"Did I learn the wrong kind of Byakurai or what?"
"You idiot, it's the difference in Reiatsu. Same Kidō, different output."
Whispers spread through the crowd as shock set in.
They had heard the rumors about this first-year prodigy, but now they saw it for themselves. No wonder he was the Captain-Commander's disciple.
Masatsuki smiled faintly as he noted their reactions. Just as expected.
This Byakurai was a warning—a reminder to those who underestimated him to step back.
Killing too many students would be a hassle to explain to his instructor. He'd rather avoid another lecture.
"You performed excellently. Both in destructive power and precision."
"Full marks. One hundred."
The instructor nodded in approval, signaling for him to return.
This student of Shin'ō Academy would one day shake the very foundations of the Gotei 13.
That much, the instructor was sure of.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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