Chapter 11: CHAPTER 11:A Record in History!
"Brother Shiraha, your spiritual pressure test today didn't just exceed expectations—it broke the historical record of the entire Spiritual Arts Academy."
Renji's voice carried a mixture of disbelief and admiration as he spoke, the smile tugging at his lips belying how stunned he still felt.
"Nii-sama's talent far surpasses that of Captain Ichimaru Gin and even Captain Hitsugaya," Rukia added, her excitement bubbling over as she turned to look at her brother with stars in her eyes.
Both Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō, considered once-in-a-generation prodigies, had been regarded as the most spiritually gifted students to ever emerge from the Academy over the past thousand years. Their entrance results had cemented them as legends within the institution's history, each achieving the highest recognized Reiatsu rating—the ninth rank—without managing to damage the spirit orb used during the examination.
But Shiraha had not simply achieved that level.
He had surpassed it.
The explosion of the spiritual orb, a feat previously thought impossible, wasn't just a result of raw power; it was evidence of spiritual density and compression so intense that even containment-grade constructs crafted by the 12th Division had failed to endure it.
There was no doubt about it: Kuchiki Shiraha's test results would be etched into the historical records of the Spiritual Arts Academy.
"Alright, that's enough praise from the both of you," Shiraha replied, lifting a hand dismissively while trying to suppress the helpless look on his face, though he couldn't quite hide the faint curve of amusement that touched his lips.
Even after breaking the Spiritual Arts Academy's all-time spiritual power record, Shiraha couldn't summon much pride or self-satisfaction. In his mind, someone like Aizen Sōsuke, the silent manipulator looming in the shadows of Soul Society, likely concealed his own spiritual pressure when he'd enrolled, never revealing his true strength until long after. By comparison, Shiraha knew he was still far from the true apex.
"Rukia, wait here with Renji for a moment," he said as he adjusted the freshly issued uniform tucked under his arm. "I'm going to change."
With that, he strode toward the nearest locker room with quiet poise. Within moments, he emerged again—now dressed in the regulation black-and-white uniform of the Academy. Its finely stitched crest on the sleeve marked him not just as a student, but one of exceptional status.
The moment he stepped out, Rukia and Renji turned to greet him.
"My lord, since today isn't the official start of term, I'd like to take you around the campus, just to help you get familiar with the layout and training areas," Rukia offered softly, eyes scanning his new attire approvingly.
The official term of the Academy wouldn't begin for another two days. However, individuals like Shiraha—who had demonstrated exceptional ability—were often allowed early admission, bypassing the standard written examination. This practice, though rare, was well-known within the halls of Seireitei. The assumption was simple: those with power beyond measure had no need to prove themselves through paper.
Shiraha gave a quiet nod, acknowledging there was little else demanding his time at the moment. A tour of the Academy alongside Rukia and Renji would help orient him while also giving his mind space to adjust to the new environment.
Led by Rukia, with Renji walking beside him, Shiraha passed through the front gates of the Spiritual Arts Academy. The moment his feet crossed the boundary, he activated Observation Haki, letting his spiritual senses stretch across the campus.
Everything within his perception became vividly clear. Though he lacked physical sight, this ability compensated effortlessly, painting a detailed picture in his mind.
The architecture of the Academy stood in stark contrast to the traditional, somber elegance of the Kuchiki estate. Unlike the family mansion, with its minimalist design and reserved flourishes, the Academy's buildings felt modern in both structure and purpose—more open in layout, more efficient in space, and optimized for combat education.
"My lord brother, this is the place where we usually practice seated sword meditation."
Rukia stopped in front of a large training hall, its doors wide open to reveal a broad, polished dojo. Her voice dropped slightly, almost reverent as she gestured to the open space within.
Inside the dojo, several students were already seated in quiet contemplation. Kneeling on floor mats, they held their sealed Zanpakutō in front of them, eyes closed as they engaged in silent connection exercises. Judging from their spirit signatures, they were likely second or third-year students—none of them particularly weak, but none radiating anywhere near Shiraha's overwhelming density of Reiatsu either.
Shiraha allowed his Observation Haki to sweep across the chamber, mapping their stances, pressure control, and spiritual output. His lips curled faintly into a smile. "Not bad."
For the next hour, Rukia continued the tour, guiding Shiraha and Renji through various sections of the Academy: the Kidō training hall, the sparring grounds, the tactical simulation chambers, the Zanpakutō attunement garden. Each space reflected a specific dimension of Shinigami development, and Shiraha took in every detail with silent clarity.
Eventually, they found themselves standing at a quiet crossroads where the tour naturally came to a close.
"Alright, Rukia, Renji, I've got a good sense of the area now," Shiraha said, placing a hand on Rukia's head with casual affection and ruffling her hair slightly. "No need to follow me the rest of the way. I'll head to the dorms on my own."
Renji had explained earlier that, while students were given the option of staying in Academy dormitories, it wasn't compulsory—especially for nobles who often had residences closer to Seireitei proper. Still, many students, especially those from Rukongai with no homes to return to, chose to live on campus.
Rukia looked up at him with a hint of reluctance, her brow furrowed. "Okay, brother."
"Rukia and I will head back for now," Renji added. "If you need anything, don't hesitate. Just have someone fetch me from Class One—I'll come right away."
Shiraha nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "Don't worry. I'll take you up on that if the need arises."
With synchronized bows, Rukia and Renji turned and departed, their footsteps echoing behind them as Shiraha made his way toward the dormitory section.
—
Elsewhere in Seireitei, the aftermath of Shiraha's display was already shaking the foundations of the Gotei 13.
In the First Division barracks, deep within the command center of the Gotei, the air was thick with weight and formality.
A door opened with a low creak, and Chōjirō Sasakibe, the ever-loyal lieutenant of the First Division, stepped forward. His sharp white hair and golden eyes reflected calm focus as he approached the towering figure seated before him.
"Captain," he said with a deep bow, "a report just came in from the Spiritual Arts Academy. During the entrance test, Kuchiki Shiraha of the Kuchiki clan detonated the spiritual power orb with his Reiatsu. According to the instructors, this is the first time in the Academy's history that a student has destroyed the orb outright. They seek your guidance on how to proceed."
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and the oldest living Shinigami in Soul Society, opened his eyes slowly. Though his expression remained composed, a glint of interest sparked within his gaze.
"Reiatsu strong enough to destroy the testing orb…" he muttered.
After a long pause, he gave his verdict.
"Assign Kuchiki Shiraha to the special class."
Though not given lightly, the decision reflected Yamamoto's understanding of Shiraha's potential. He remembered clearly that the orb was designed to withstand ordinary captain-level Reiatsu. Not even the likes of Ichimaru Gin or Hitsugaya Tōshirō had ever pushed it to destruction during their own entrance exams.
Shiraha had not merely reached the limit—he had surpassed it.
"Understood," Sasakibe replied with a respectful bow.
—
Meanwhile, within the Fifth Division barracks, a different conversation unfolded in a much quieter room.
Aizen Sōsuke sat behind a low desk, brush in hand, his calligraphy precise and fluid as he completed a scroll. His posture was calm, his demeanor as gentle and unreadable as ever.
The door creaked open, and Ichimaru Gin stepped inside, his trademark grin curling across his face.
"Ara, Shiraha-kun's spiritual talent just broke the Academy record," Gin said, closing the door behind him. "Even managed to detonate the orb with his Reiatsu. Quite terrifying, isn't it? So, Captain Aizen... what do we do with him? Are we really going to let someone like that grow freely?"
His voice was laced with mischief, but beneath the smile lingered a flicker of concern.
Aizen didn't look up right away. He gently set the brush down, then pushed up his glasses, a faint glimmer of light flickering across the lenses as he finally responded.
"Gin, not every obstacle needs to be removed with force," he said calmly. "Kuchiki Shiraha… he's a variable. And I find myself more intrigued with each passing moment."
Though he spoke softly, Aizen's thoughts churned with curiosity. The data he had secretly collected on Shiraha in recent days painted a strange picture. When Shiraha was born, his spiritual talent had been completely unremarkable. There had been nothing to suggest that he would one day rival or even surpass Gotei captains. Yet ever since obtaining his Zanpakutō, the trajectory of his power had shifted violently upward.
Now, with Reiatsu capable of obliterating the Academy's testing constructs, it was no longer possible to ignore him.
"Keep an eye on him," Aizen said, his voice still gentle but colder now, a whisper of hidden intentions beneath each syllable. "Kuchiki Shiraha may bring about changes none of us have foreseen."
"I understand," Gin replied, smile widening ever so slightly. "I'll watch him closely, Captain Aizen."
And so, in the highest towers and the deepest shadows of Soul Society, the name Kuchiki Shiraha began to ripple through the halls—no longer just a noble's younger brother, but a rising storm with the potential to challenge the balance of power itself.