Chapter 6: Departure

The winter in Soul Society bears striking resemblance to the human world's chilly season, spanning merely three months. As the end of February approaches in the second year, a gentle warmth permeates the air, marking the arrival of spring.

Following the winter's departure, the spiritual density of Renji Abarai, Rukia, and Yamahiko experiences a noticeable decline. While Yamahiko diligently trained through both the summer and autumn seasons, his progress merely constitutes a faint advancement from his initial days in this unfamiliar realm.

Spring's advent also signifies a departure for Renji, Rukia, and Yamahiko, as they set out to chase their distant dreams.

On a certain day, Renji Abarai gathers Rukia and Yamahiko, his expression earnest as he declares, "The registration period for the Shin'ō Academy is set to begin in two days and will span ten days. Hence, it's imperative that we depart expeditiously."

Rukia nods, her visage brimming with anticipation. "As long as we secure admission to the Shin'ō Academy, we'll no longer need to live in trepidation."

"Exactly," Renji affirms with a nod. "However, it's an indisputable fact that our journey ahead will be fraught with peril. We must exercise the utmost caution."

Diverging from Seireitei, the Rukongai Street, proves to be an arena of distinct danger. Instances of Hollows assaulting souls are alarmingly frequent. Despite the timely intervention of Shinigami to dispatch these Hollows, even the briefest hesitation often leads to the irrevocable loss of a soul.

Yet, it's not merely the Hollows that pose a dire threat; the other spirits dwelling in these regions are equally formidable adversaries, launching assaults on outsiders venturing into their territories. The Inuzuri District, too, bears witness to these recurrent confrontations.

Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that vigilance be our constant companion throughout this journey.

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On that morning, Renji Abarai, Rukia, and several other familiar youths from the Inuzuri District bid their farewells. Learning of their journey towards the Shin'ō Academy, these individuals couldn't help but express their envy.

After heartfelt goodbyes, they embarked on their path towards the Shin'ō Academy.

Nestled within the heart of Seireitei, the Shin'ō Academy beckoned. Seireitei, the epicenter of Soul Society, was cocooned by the four corners of the Rukongai Streets: north, south, east, and west. The numerical hierarchy of the districts defined their proximity to Seireitei, with larger numbers indicating greater distances.

In their present abode, they found themselves in the 78th section of the Inuzuri District along the Rukongai Street, a distant corner from Seireitei. A lengthy and arduous journey lay ahead if they were to reach Seireitei.

With resolve igniting their hearts, the trio set forth, traversing diverse districts on their pilgrimage towards Seireitei.

However, at the 74th district, the Kinrin District, their progress came to an abrupt halt. Three figures stood before them. One was unimposing in height, their slender form complemented by raven-black hair, yet their visage exuded an air of ferocity that discouraged any friendly overtures.

Another figure was robust and burly, their well-built frame emanating an almost palpable pressure that pervaded the surroundings.

The third individual was a youth, shorter even than Yamahiko. Despite their stature, they brandished a dagger with an air of purpose.

Observing the trio's arrival, the brawny figure let out a hearty chuckle. "You lot don't seem to hail from the Kinrin District."

Renji Abarai's grip on his sword tightened as he eyed them cautiously. "What's your intention?"

With an amused grin, the robust individual spoke, "Venturing so audaciously into our territory, it's only natural that your fate is sealed—your energy shall be ours to consume."

Within the confines of the Soul Society, spiritual beings would wither as their spiritual energy waned, and upon their demise, they'd metamorphose into spiritual essence, becoming one with the Soul Society's fabric.

Fueled by the desire to assimilate spiritual energy, many would resort to ruthless carnage, rendering the territory a breeding ground of disorder.

For instance, along the North Rukongai Street, in District 79, existed the Kusajishi District; and in the North Rukongai Street, District 80, there was the Zaraki District, among others.

Absorbing their words, Renji readied his bamboo sword, while Rukia and Yamahiko tightened their grip on their wooden staffs.

Amused by their reactions, the obstructing trio's expressions twisted into smug grins. The brawny figure divided the tasks. "Ryōsuke, I'll deal with this red-haired lad. You handle the woman. And Akira, you take care of the brat."

The short-haired youth chuckled, "I'll handle the woman. I won't harm her; instead, I plan to capture her and indulge in a bit of play."

The trio immediately closed in on Yamahiko and his companions. The burly man had his sights on Renji Abarai but held off from striking instantly. However, the short-haired youth and the one called Akira had fewer reservations. They lunged at Rukia and Yamahiko without hesitation.

The short-haired youth reached Rukia's position, extending his hand directly towards her shoulder. Yet Rukia swiftly stepped her right foot back, expertly evading the strike.

Finding his grasp empty, the youth paused momentarily. But Rukia was already in motion, swiftly maneuvering forward and delivering a powerful strike from blunt side of her sword.

The blow, infused with spiritual energy, enveloped the blade, connecting solidly with the youth's face.

With a resounding crack, the youth's nasal bone fractured, his facial structure caving in as he crumpled to the ground.

The strike, imbued with spiritual energy, could shatter even stone—how could the adversary stand a chance?

Meanwhile, the other youth reached Yamahiko's position, a cruel smirk on his lips as he wielded a small knife, lunging towards Yamahiko.

"Get lost!"

Yamahiko's powerful shout was accompanied by the swift descent of his wooden sword. It struck the youth's hand with a sharp crack, causing the dagger to fall to the ground.

Without hesitation, Yamahiko gripped his sword, thrusting it forcefully forward, directly into the youth's neck.

"Ha... ha!"

The youth's throat was injured, and he dropped to his knees, clutching his wounded neck, gasping for air.

Observing this scene, astonishment washed over the burly man's face. He hadn't expected the kid and the girl to possess such formidable prowess. What did that mean for the red-haired youth? Was he even stronger?

A sense of retreat surged within the burly man. He took hold of the youth and the other one, gradually stepping back. Renji, emitting a cold aura, spoke. "Let's go."

The trio departed from the Kinrin District, advancing through several more streets before pausing to catch their breath. Rukia's expression was resolute. "I absolutely never want to return to a place like this."

Renji nodded in agreement, affirming, "Yeah, we have to become Shinigami."

In the midst of the chaotic Rukongai Streets, where daily life was fraught with anxiety, there existed an unbearable existence. Yet the key to transforming everything lay in becoming a Shinigami.

The trio made a silent pact deep within themselves, vowing never to set foot in this place again.

After a brief rest, they pressed forward, encountering another attack along the way. However, they skillfully overcame the danger, emerging unscathed.

With their formidable spiritual energy, they stood as prominent figures on the Rukongai streets, virtually unmatched by anyone.

As evening descended, they reached the 32nd district, the Yasuda District. This area radiated a sense of tranquility, free from marauders and desolation. Instead, it buzzed with life as people moved about the peaceful streets.

In response to these outsiders, the local residents exhibited a heightened sense of vigilance. Observing the three travelers in their modest attire, they instinctively distanced themselves.

Undeterred by the watchful gazes around them, the trio found respite under a tree. With the arrival of spring, the temperature rose, and even the remote wilderness failed to introduce a chill.

At dawn the next day, the trio departed in silence, resuming their journey towards the Seireitei. The road was becoming increasingly crowded, teeming with individuals and groups fervently headed for the Seireitei.

As noon approached, they arrived at the 20th district, the Shizuan District. Spotting a tree, they paused to rest in its shade.

However, at that moment, a voice rang out, "Are you also on your way to take the entrance exam for the Shin'o Academy?"

Hearing the voice, Yamahiko raised his gaze and spotted a young man with blonde hair before them. Clad in traditional attire, his left eye remained concealed beneath his hair, while his right eye gleamed with a deep blue hue. His countenance emanated an air of calmness.

Seeing his distinctive hair, Yamahiko's mind conjured an image:

The future vice-captain of the 3rd Division, the acting captain of the 3rd Division after Gin Ichimaru's departure, Izuru Kira.