Chapter 25: Chapter 25 - The Entrance Exam!
Chapter 25 - The Entrance Exam!
At the Red Hollow Gate in the First District of Southern Rukongai, Renji and Rukia gazed up at the towering Sekkiseki walls and the equally tall Red Hollow Gate, their faces showing awe.
Gilgamesh, however, remained unfazed. Although the Sekkiseki walls were impressive, he had witnessed countless divine phenomena in the Age of Gods from the Fate series, so this sight barely stirred his heart.
Gilgamesh stepped forward and addressed the gatekeeper, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka. "Hello, we'd like to take the entrance exam for Shin'ō Academy. Could you please open the gate?"
In the world of Bleach, Jidanbō was the tallest person Gilgamesh had encountered so far. Even the 7-foot-tall Ōmaeda Marechiyo seemed like a child next to Jidanbō, who stood nearly 10 meters tall, roughly the height of a three-story building. Gilgamesh couldn't fathom what Jidanbō had consumed to grow so tall in a place like Rukongai.
Jidanbō sized up Gilgamesh, Renji, and Rukia. Renji and Rukia's background could be inferred from their attire and demeanor, but Gilgamesh was an enigma. He wore exquisite garments that contrasted sharply with the typical Soul Society style, and his noble bearing was unmatched.
Jidanbō even felt that Gilgamesh's noble aura surpassed that of the upper-class nobles in Seireitei, perhaps rivaling the prestigious Four Great Noble Houses.
Thinking along these lines, Jidanbō's stern expression softened into a welcoming smile. "Of course, but according to protocol, I need to register your information first. What's your name and where are you from?"
As he spoke, Jidanbō pulled out a notebook and a pen, ready to record their details.
Renji eagerly responded, "My name is Renji Abarai, from the Kingdom of Uruk!"
Jidanbō began writing, repeating, "Renji Abarai, from the Kingdom of Ur…" He suddenly paused, incredulous, and asked, "What kingdom?"
Before Renji could elaborate, Rukia covered his mouth. Renji tried to struggle, but Rukia whispered urgently in his ear, "Renji, have you forgotten? We can't mention the Kingdom of Uruk yet. Do you want to cause trouble for the king?"
Realizing his mistake, Renji stopped struggling. Rukia then smiled at Jidanbō and said, "We're from Kusajishi, the 78th District of Southern Rukongai."
Although puzzled, Jidanbō knew of Kusajishi and resumed writing. However, when he recorded "Kusajishi," he looked shocked. He could believe Renji and Rukia came from Kusajishi, but Gilgamesh too? It seemed unlikely.
Jidanbō refrained from asking further questions but couldn't help but imagine a dramatic backstory involving a noble's illegitimate child returning triumphantly. Silently, he anticipated that this young man might soon stir things up in Seireitei.
What Jidanbō didn't realize was that Gilgamesh had perceived his thoughts through the Star of Omniscient, leaving him slightly amused.
After successfully passing through the Red Hollow Gate, Gilgamesh's group, led by Yoruichi, finally arrived at Shin'ō Academy. They had timed their journey perfectly, as it was now the registration period for the entrance exams.
A long line had formed at the registration site, with youths of varying attire standing quietly, no one daring to cause trouble. As soon as Gilgamesh arrived, holding Yoruichi in her cat form, he became the center of attention.
"Oh my, that blonde, red-eyed boy is so cute and handsome! He's my type!"
"I feel like I've fallen for him at first sight. I'm doomed!"
"Hey, Yoshi, snap out of it. You're a guy! What are you, a deviant?"
"Don't misjudge me. I'm definitely not…"
"No need to explain. I feel the same way. That boy is out of our league. Let's just stay together!"
"Ugh! Stay away from me!"
"He must be a noble. Well, there goes one spot for admission."
"Strange, do you know any noble families with blonde hair and red eyes?"
"No, I don't."
Renji and Rukia were accustomed to the commotion Gilgamesh caused but still felt proud. Their king's charm was truly extraordinary.
Gilgamesh, unaffected by the reactions, led Renji and Rukia to the end of the line. Meanwhile, Yoruichi, in his arms, discreetly observed a few spots.
Through the Star of Omniscient, Gilgamesh discerned Yoruichi's thoughts and noted that several Shinigami were monitoring the area. These Shinigami from various squads were there to maintain order and secretly evaluate potential candidates.
Naturally, these Shinigami also noticed Gilgamesh and marked him as a primary subject of interest. Gilgamesh's presence was too striking to ignore, even among other noble candidates.
After more than an hour of waiting, it was finally Gilgamesh's turn to register. The examiner, taken aback by Gilgamesh's appearance, quickly composed himself and recorded Gilgamesh's information after confirming his age and background.
Renji and Rukia also smoothly completed their registrations.
The next day, the entrance exams commenced.
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