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Chapter 4: Men In Black II
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Akashi followed after them, setting foot in Seireitei for the very first time, 'Ah, the Voices... I'm coming to finally see you.'
Walking through the gates of Seireitei was like stepping into another dimension.
The oppressive spiritual energy of the Gatekeeper faded, replaced by an aura of serenity and discipline.
The streets within the walls were immaculate, lined with elegant buildings that gleamed in the sunlight.
Shinigami in black robes moved with drive, their Zanpakutō sheathed at their sides.
Each one exuded a sense of authority and confidence, a living testament to the power that came with their rank.
The Shinigami Academy stood somewhat near the heart of Seireitei, its grand gates open to welcome the hopefuls.
The building itself was a masterpiece of design, a sprawling complex with towering walls, its architecture speaking to antique Japanese culture.
As Akashi entered the academy grounds; he and many other applicants guided by a young Shinigami; he noticed the candidates gathering in the central courtyard.
Instructors, clad in black and white robes with the insignia of the academy, stood at attention, their eyes scanning the crowd.
Some looked bored, while others seemed to relish the prospect of evaluating the newcomers.
The candidates were divided into groups, each one called forward to undergo the test.
Akashi's group was led to a smaller training hall, where a single instructor waited with a spiritual measuring device; a crystalline orb that glowed faintly with spiritual energy.
"Step forward, one at a time," The instructor said, his tone clipped and impatient. "Place your hand on the orb and release your spiritual energy. The device will determine if you meet the threshold to proceed."
Souls with high spiritual power will often realize their own exceptionality, and some can even manipulate their spiritual power on their own, albeit, they'd still be mere beginners if compared to any Shinigami.
One by one, the applicants stepped forward, each placing their hand on the orb.
For some, the orb flared brightly, indicating a strong spiritual presence. For others, the glow was faint, and those unfortunate souls were dismissed without ceremony.
There were some that couldn't get even a flicker of a reaction from the orb, likely unable to control their spiritual energy at all, if they even had it.
When Akashi's turn came, he stepped forward calmly, placing his hand on the orb, his inky eyes narrowing as he allowed a pulse of his spiritual energy to flow into the device.
The orb responded instantly, its glow intensifying until it filled the room with a bright, steady light.
The instructor raised an eyebrow, his expression momentarily surprised before he masked it with a neutral facade.
"Pass," The instructor said curtly, motioning for Akashi to step aside.
Akashi returned to his place in the line, his expression unchanged. He had released his all, enough to impress.
However, it wasn't enough, he realized as he raised his hand, clenching it ever so slightly, eyeing the few scars on it.
He had done better than the majority, but the problem was that he was different than the majority.
He lived in war over the past couple of years, and while he did his best to avoid danger, he still had to face death at some points.
It's those dangerous situations that made him better than most. He should be much better.
What his current insignificant level tells him is that he isn't really talented, just a tiny bit above average.
'But why?' Reiryoku or Spiritual Power is a power aligned with the spiritual sensitivity and willpower of the soul... Do I actually lack willpower?
Akashi's inky eyes zoned out for a moment, soon regaining focus... Yeah, I do lack willpower. That's why I broke so easily, why I became the person I am.
I still do not understand, but the Voices are right... I just have to work harder than everyone else. I also just have to work smarter than everyone else.
"Follow!" Akashi was awakened out of his daze by a loud yell. Those who failed were escorted out while those who passed were directed to the waiting area.
The academy's staff explained that they would receive further instructions about their enrollment and placement within the academy.
Akashi listened silently as he sat among the others, his gaze wandering to the academy's training grounds visible through a nearby window.
He could see students sparring with wooden swords, their movements precise and disciplined.
In another section, groups of students practiced kido, their incantations filling the air with bursts of spiritual energy.
The rest beside him also watched in amazement, stars shining in their eyes, more motivated than ever.
The Shinigami Academy must've done it on purpose, illustrating to the newcomers the road before them.
Akashi also noticed something else as he turned his attention to the girl sitting beside him, seizing her up and down.
"W-What?" The intense gaze seemingly weirded the girl out.
"Are you twelve?" Akashi gently asked, as if talking to a child.
Before the girl could offer a response, a young man by her side burst out laughing, "Bwhahahahahahah!!"
"Nonsense! Renji! Shut up!" The girl erupted before turning her attention to Akashi, "I'm old, okay!?"
"Oh... Sure," Akashi plainly nodded much to her dismay, his dismissive tone seemingly treating her like a child throwing a tantrum.
"Hey! I'm serious!" The girl stressed.
"Akashi," Akashi extended his hand for a handshake, a gentle smile resurfacing on his face, "I'm just messing with you by the way."
"Ah, Rukia," Rukia reflexively shook his hand, realizing that she fell into his rhythm too late as before she could say more, Akashi reached out to Renji, shaking his hand.
"Are you also from Rukongai?" Renji asked, unsure. Akashi's attire seemed a lot cleaner than theirs.
"Yeah, although I'm from a far District, so I really don't know my way around here, any advice?" Akashi asked, ignoring the annoyed Rukia.
"We're from afar too, so yeah, don't really know much," Renji scratched his head as he responded.
If Akashi wanted to say more, he didn't get to as a Shinigami interrupted them, his voice loud and clear, "Students, welcome to the Spiritual Arts Academy! Now, follow!"
'That's certainly a surprising coincidence,' Akashi nodded, not expecting to meet Rukia and Renji, but at least that helped him somewhat determine the timeline.
They led the students to a large training room where a long table resides, on which was a row of clothing.
The students were called one by one, each stepping forward to receive their uniform while also having their name recorded.
"Students, by the ring of the bell tomorrow, you'll assemble in the grand courtyard. Now, follow me to your dormitory!"
The dormitory complex was a sprawling series of interconnected buildings, each assigned to a specific student based on their year.
The buildings were constructed from polished wood and stone, their architecture minimalist yet sturdy, reflecting the traditional aesthetic of Seireitei.
Sliding paper doors and tatami mat flooring gave the rooms an air of serene modesty.
Each student was assigned a small, private room, which consisted of A sleeping area with a futon rolled neatly in one corner and a low wooden table in the center.
There was also a storage for personal belongings and uniforms. And single window, offering a modest view of the courtyard.
The rooms were obviously not designed for comfort but for practicality.
However, Akashi had to note as he settled in, the difference between everything outside the Seireitei and inside is like heaven and earth.
Akashi gracefully put his uniform by the side. The uniform of the Academy is similar to the standard Shinigami shihakushō uniform but with a different color scheme.
It consists of a blue shitagi or undershirt, a white kosode shirt with blue stripes, blue hakama or trousers, white socks, and sandals.
There is also a circular symbol on both breasts of the outer shirt, the emblem of the Academy.
Akashi sat by the futon, resting his head on his palm, eyeing the uniform, his eyes eerie yet unreadable, 'I really... I really can't wait to finally see you, my Dear.' He may just be getting too intimate with the Voices.