Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami

The frequent assassination attempts had kept Akira on edge for several days.

His concern wasn't for his personal safety, but rather for how these threats might affect his upcoming early graduation assessment.

Though not nobility himself, his inheritance of the Azashiro family's assets had made him their de facto connection. With Sōya now retired to the Muken, these fortune-seekers had turned their attention solely to him.

The assets were coveted not just by lower nobility, but even by the upper echelons and rare members of the Five Great Noble Houses. There was no telling when these desperate individuals might violate Soul Society's regulations.

A moderate solution existed — he could surrender the assets to the Gotei 13 or other nobles for temporary peace and protection. But Akira hadn't given these options a second thought.

Once meat was in his mouth, he wouldn't let it go.

He had already planned how to distribute and use these assets.

After graduating and establishing himself in the Gotei 13, he would purchase land in the front districts of Rukongai, relocate the Sakahone Shrine there, and compete for territory among the local gangs.

Given how much Mimihagi had helped him, improving its shrine and spreading its divine name seemed only fair. Once he gained enough status and power, he might even help the shrine prosper within the Seireitei!

Moved by his own magnanimous thoughts, Akira immediately shared this plan with Mimihagi.

True to its taciturn nature, Mimihagi remained silent, its single eye fixed upon its most favored priest for quite some time.

{T/N: Mimihagi right now: ( •_ ) }

Though no words were exchanged, Akira — with his remarkable talent for interpretation — took this silence as speechless approval.

Surely, it must be overjoyed to have such a devoted shrine keeper.

Now, everything was set. All that remained was graduation.

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At the Shin'ō Academy dojo.

Two young men were engaged in combat, executing textbook basics with flawless precision.

After returning from the 1st Division, Akira had told Aizen about the flaws Genryūsai had pointed out, and Aizen had offered to help him practice the basics.

Sparring with a partner naturally led to faster improvement than training alone.

As for Aizen's reason, it was simple.

He had been developing Kidō patterns and needed to analyze this guy's Spiritual Body data. Without proper experimental equipment for precise measurements, combat provided a good alternative for gathering data.

It certainly wasn't because he found someone disagreeable and sought an excuse.

Aizen's sword struck straight and heavy, as if cleaving the air itself.

The fierce slash made Akira's expression tighten as he gripped his sword with both hands, countering with a reverse kesagiri technique.

Clang!

The sound of clashing metal echoed through the empty dojo, both fighters maintaining a perfect balance of force.

After some time.

"Let's stop, let's stop." Akira dropped his stance and waved his hand, "It's time to eat."

Compared to training, eating was more important.

Aizen helplessly lowered his wooden sword and glanced at the dojo clock — it was exactly time for the Academy cafeteria to open.

He couldn't understand it. Why was this guy so punctual about meals? Had his stomach somehow evolved to include a clock function?

Just then, a figure appeared in the dojo, their expression haggard with an unhealthy flush on their pale face.

"Your early graduation application has been approved." Uruoi entered, holding out a paper certificate, "You just need to pass the assessment to graduate successfully from the Spiritual Arts Academy."

Akira's eyes lit up, halting his steps toward the cafeteria.

"So quick, Uruoi-sensei, your efficiency has really improved!"

Uruoi let out a long breath, as if setting down a heavy burden. His bloodshot eyes fixed intently on this troublesome kid as he said seriously, "To get rid of you sooner, I haven't slept for three days straight."

Akira's face fell.

Ever since his beautiful teacher Sayoi had purchased that protective talisman in front of him, Uruoi had dropped all pretense, doing everything possible to kick him off the Academy.

"The exam content is straightforward — besides the basics of Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō, plus combat assessment, there's also an internship covering fundamental Shinigami duties."

Hearing this, Akira turned his head and asked, "What fundamental duties?"

At these words, Uruoi's face drained of color, his breathing hitched, and he nearly fainted.

You've been at the Shin'ō Academy for half a year, and you don't even know a Shinigami's most basic responsibilities?!

If word of this got out, the Academy's reputation would be ruined!

"Konsō and Hollow Cleansing."

Aizen cast a pitying look at his teacher — to have endured such a student for so long spoke to his remarkable fortitude.

His gaze shifting, he explained calmly, "The former is guiding Pluses to the Soul Society, the latter is guiding Hollows to the Soul Society. For the internship, we'll likely need to visit the Human World to complete it."

Uruoi nodded approvingly — this was how a proper student should behave.

"Wait, did you say 'we'?" Akira caught the key word.

Uruoi jumped in to explain, "You didn't know? Aizen applied for early graduation before you did, and with his perfect scores in all theory courses, the review was swift. As luck would have it, the sixth-year students are heading to the Living World for Konsō practice in a week, so you can join them. Don't worry, I've arranged everything for you."

{T/N: Human World and Living World are the same.}

The anxious professor, no longer hiding his eagerness to see Akira graduate, continued.

"You'll just need to go through the motions."

What concerned him least was the Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, Kidō, and combat assessment. Given Akira's demonstrated strength, few teachers in the Academy could best him.

Failing the assessment would be unthinkable.

Waving goodbye to a visibly relieved Uruoi, Akira turned to the seemingly harmless and refined Aizen, about to ask something when he was cut off.

"Like you, I've outgrown what the Shin'ō Academy can teach. Rather than waste time here, it's better to graduate early and find a suitable Division to join."

Like Akira earlier, Aizen's eyes shone with pure sincerity — not a trace of deception to be found...

⤫⤬⤫

T/N: Look who's here again, I haven't shown up to explain anything in a while. But well, let's get to it: Time for Class!

Konsō (Soul Burial) — A ritual where Shinigami guide souls to Soul Society or Hell based on their past deeds. It's done by touching the soul's forehead with their Zanpakutō's hilt.

Plus(es) or Wholes — Are the benign ghosts in the Human World. They are the spirit of a person who has died.

Hollow Cleansing — When a Shinigami defeats a Hollow with their Zanpakutō, they purify its soul. The purified Hollow becomes a Plus and enters Soul Society through sublimation. However, Hollows that committed grave sins as humans are sent to Hell instead, since Zanpakutō only cleanse sins committed after becoming a Hollow.