章 1: Chapter 1
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Soul Society, Shin'o Academy
At this moment, the grand hall of Shin'o Academy is packed with students and teachers wearing academy uniforms.
Today is the annual graduation ceremony of Shin'o Academy. As one of this year's graduates, Minami Gin is among those waiting for the ceremony to begin.
"Gin, which squad are you planning to join?" The one asking is a man with narrow eyes, a rather fierce expression, and a head as shiny as a steel ball.
The glare from his bald head is so blinding in the sunlight that no one except Ikkaku's close friend, Yumichika, is standing near them.
"I've mentioned this before during my time at Shin'o Academy. My ideal squads are Squad Four, and if that's not possible, then Squad Thirteen. There's no way I'd join Squad Eleven like you hotheads!"
The Gotei 13 is one of the critical components of the Soul Society, a special force that maintains order in both the Soul Society and the human world. Joining the Gotei 13 essentially means securing a position within the system, earning the right to be called a Shinigami.
Shin'o Academy is an institution in Seireitei that trains Shinigami. Souls with potential and strong spiritual power from Rukongai usually enroll here to learn the ways of a Shinigami – zanpakuto, hakuda, hoho, and kido – to become apprentice Shinigami.
After their training, the captains of the Gotei 13 come here every year to recruit new members.
Becoming a Shinigami of the Gotei 13 is considered a desirable but risky job for those from the impoverished Rukongai districts. While the job offers stability and benefits, it comes with a high mortality rate.
Due to this, every graduation day at Shin'o Academy sees the squads of the Gotei 13 recruiting new members.
In the spacious hall, graduates glance around at the flags representing the various squads, contemplating their futures.
Getting an official position right after graduation seems great, but most graduates of Shin'o Academy are aware of the high risks involved in joining the Gotei 13. A single misstep could lead to an early demise.
Therefore, choosing a squad is a cautious decision for the students of Shin'o Academy. Once a squad is chosen, it's almost impossible for an ordinary Shinigami to switch.
Life isn't fair, and there are always class differences. Those who aren't part of the four noble families or don't have connections are at the bottom, just hoping to secure any job within the system.
At least, compared to the ordinary souls of Rukongai who struggle to eat, the job of a Shinigami, despite its dangers, offers relatively good benefits.
"You can't be serious! Are you really planning to join Squad Four or Squad Thirteen? I always thought you were joking. With your skills in zanpakuto, hakuda, hoho, and kido, you want to join the medical squad or the purification squad?
That's absurd! Join Squad Eleven with me and Yumichika. Squad Eleven is a combat squad, and passionate battles are a man's romance. Are you planning to retire in the medical or purification squads with your abilities?"
Gin met Ikkaku and Yumichika in Rukongai.
Due to the chaotic order of Rukongai, Gin had conflicts with them, leading to a fight.
That fight forged a bond of friendship between them, and they decided to attend Shin'o Academy together. Ikkaku, a man of loyalty, didn't admire many people.
In Rukongai, he was a boss-like figure until he met Gin and another man named Kenpachi.
While he ultimately lost his fight against Gin, it was a fair and even match. But against Kenpachi, Ikkaku was utterly crushed.
After hearing that Kenpachi had joined the Gotei 13, Ikkaku decided to follow him. When Gin suggested attending Shin'o Academy, Ikkaku readily agreed and brought his friend, Yumichika.
"I'm not joking. Do you think I've been practicing kido for no reason? It's to become an excellent medical Shinigami… uh, I mean, an excellent member of the medical squad.
Muscle-brained guys like you don't get it. Individual combat is just heroism, and my goal is to be a silent, dedicated support worker."
Gin's face showed a solemn and holy expression as he said this, and any outsider unfamiliar with him might be inspired by his spirit.
However, Ikkaku and Yumichika, who had known Gin for years, simultaneously retorted.
Ikkaku: "You're just scared of trouble, aren't you?"
Yumichika: "No, I think he's afraid of dying. Sometimes I don't get it. Gin's skills are top-notch among this year's graduates. Yet in every assessment, he always keeps his scores below average. Isn't being outstanding a good thing? Or are you afraid of something?"
Compared to the muscle-brained Ikkaku, Yumichika is definitely a thinker. From the moment they entered Shin'o Academy together, Yumichika noticed something.
Of the Shinigami skills, zanpakuto, hakuda, hoho, and kido, Gin excels in zanpakuto. Yet, during every assessment, his performance is always below average.
When asked why, Gin always says things they don't understand, like 'Don't stand out if you're not the protagonist' and 'Being too good might attract the attention of mad scientists.'
At first, Yumichika thought Gin had enemies in Seireitei, but after years at Shin'o Academy without any trouble, Yumichika began to think Gin was just paranoid.
But that's not surprising. Living in Rukongai, how many people have completely normal personalities?
Gin is skilled and good-looking, the only person Yumichika has seen who can rival his looks. Having a few quirks is normal.
(End of Chapter)
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