Chapter 46 ⥤ The Troubled 32nd District
Someone lay on the bed, boasting.
"Should I choose Second Division, Fourth Division, or the Kidō Corps? Whether it's Yoruichi, Captain Unohana, or Tsukabishi-sensei, they've all offered such generous conditions. It's really hard to decide..."
Aizen remained silent, absorbed in reading through the cookbook Akira had given him. The recipes within seemed far more interesting than his companion's boasting.
"Oh right, I almost forgot." Akira sat up and spoke seriously, "Tsukabishi-sensei mentioned you when he extended his invitation to me. He really admires your performance in practical Kidō. If you join the Kidō Corps, you'll be treated as a senior Seated Officer right away. And once your Reiatsu level increases, you could even become Vice Kidō Chief."
Hearing this, Aizen stopped turning the pages, but before he could speak, the priest continued.
"Actually, I think Tsukabishi-sensei's judgment is off. How can anyone say your Reiatsu is relatively weak?" He grinned and gestured with his fingers, "If my Reiatsu level is this much... Then yours must be about this much."
Under Aizen's surprised gaze, Akira spread his arms wide, stretching them as far as possible, even bending them backward.
"You misunderstand." Aizen's eyes grew calm, masking his momentary surprise, "My Reiatsu is actually far inferior to yours. Otherwise, I wouldn't have lost in the Kidō practice battle. I only held out so long because I know how to utilize every bit of power efficiently."
Though curious about Aizen's confidence, he wouldn't press the matter — secrecy was his nature, after all.
"Fine, fine, whatever you say." Akira couldn't be bothered to argue anymore.
Aizen's Reiatsu inferior to his? What kind of Soul Society joke was that?!
If he had used his full Reiatsu in their previous Kidō battle, he'd probably have been on his knees begging for mercy within ten seconds. While not quite at Captain level, it was definitely above Lieutenant level.
Akira was confident about at least this much.
"It's lunchtime." He flipped over energetically and pulled Aizen along, "Rather than worrying about which Division to join later, let's fill our stomachs first. Today's expenses are still on the handsome me!"
Glancing at the excited priest, a hint of helplessness flickered in Aizen's eyes.
He was now somewhat confused. Was becoming friends with this guy a good thing or a bad thing?
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Peace and tranquility returned to the Shin'ō Academy in the days that followed.
After a brief rest, Tessai resumed his teaching at the Kidō training grounds. He announced that this would be his final academic year at the Academy, as his upcoming role as Grand Kidō Chief would leave him little time for such leisurely pursuits.
And also, under Uruoi's stern threats, Akira had temporarily curbed his troublesome behavior.
He scaled back his entrepreneurial ventures — selling talismans, performing exorcisms, and offering blessings at the Academy — and pledged to cease all physical intimidation of the teaching staff.
Yet this restraint seemed unlikely to last. For someone of Akira's temperament, suppressing his true nature would inevitably lead to more dramatic consequences.
Fortunately, after attending to his duties, Uruoi shifted his focus to him and developed a targeted plan of action.
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In the Teacher's Office.
Uruoi looked at the two young men before him with a dark expression — or more precisely, stared intently at Akira.
"Ahem, Uruoi-sensei, I haven't caused any trouble lately." He defended himself quietly.
Uruoi nodded silently and grabbed some blood pressure medication from his desk, swallowing several pills.
By now, he could take medicine without so much as flinching. Though next time, he thought, he might ask Unohana to make some mint-flavored ones.
As long as this kid remained at the Academy, he'd need blood pressure medication daily.
"I called you here because there's a new mission. It was meant for the sixth-year students, but considering there might be situations beyond their capabilities, I asked the principal to put you in charge." He cleared his throat and continued seriously, "The Eighth and Twelfth Divisions, our intelligence gatherers, recently discovered Hollow traces in the 32nd District of East Rukongai. Your mission is to eliminate any Hollows there and maintain stability."
Seeing Akira's expression change, Uruoi quickly picked up his pace, worried that this reckless fellow might dash off immediately.
"Before you go, you must visit the Twelfth Division's research institute to collect their newly developed Hollow detection equipment. These Hollows are particularly adept at concealment..." After explaining the remaining details, he dismissed them.
Watching their retreating figures and hearing their muffled conversation fade down the corridor, Uruoi felt an inexplicable unease in his heart.
Surely that Akira kid wouldn't cause any trouble, right?
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Twelfth Division Barracks, connected to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.
Two young men of similar height, wearing identical blue and white Shin'ō Academy uniforms, arrived at the entrance.
The building before them was a bizarre sight — several massive bone-like arms wrapped around cocoon-shaped structures, sprawling across the stone-paved ground like some grotesque Michelin Man.
Colorful, brilliant banners adorned the research institute, giving it the appearance of an elaborate dyeing house.
"As expected, scientists have quite twisted aesthetics." Akira remarked after surveying the scene.
Aizen made no comment, though he too found the institute's appearance rather peculiar.
After presenting their credentials, a Shinigami Officer led them through winding corridors to a room marked "Laboratory Seven".
"Chief, they're here for the latest Hollow group circuit device."
The room was stark white, devoid of decoration — a striking contrast to the building's flamboyant exterior.
The sound of wheels broke the silence as a beautiful woman in a pristine white research coat appeared. Her medium-length black hair fell in smooth waves, her features delicate and refined. Her pale skin and graceful movements seemed at odds with the typical researcher's demeanor.
Under Akira's startled gaze, she approached them slowly, her flawless black eyes fixed on Aizen as she said softly:
"Young man, you're special..."
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