Yoriichi Tsugikuni reborn in the soul society

Memories surged forth like a tide, and a trace of melancholy tinged Yoriichi's otherwise calm tone.

"Ten years."

"I hadn't expected you to remember."

Rukia responded matter-of-factly, "How could I forget? You are my brother, after all."

"Besides, the stories you told me are as captivating as legendary tales. I had never heard of demons, nor had I ever heard of the Demon Slayer Corps."

"I wonder which is stronger, them or the Shinigami."

"Shinigami" was a term Rukia had recently learned. It was said that they were the most revered beings in all of Soul Society, tasked with cleansing Hollows and performing Konso.

The young and impressionable girl recalled a fleeting image of a figure being carried in a palanquin by eight bearers.

"The Shinigami? The Demon Slayer Corps…"

Yoriichi remained silent, as if recalling unpleasant memories.

Rukia, sensing his mood, spoke gently: "Brother, why don't you become a Shinigami? You are more than capable. Even Hollows are no match for you."

"I know you hesitated because you were caring for me, but things are different now."

"I can manage on my own. Besides, this is the First District of West Rukongai. Food is plentiful, and our neighbors are kind. I'm safe here."

"Perhaps you might even find your wife again after becoming a Shinigami. Even though you've said Soul Society isn't your original world, what if…?"

"…."

Yoriichi was deeply touched by Rukia's words.

After a moment of contemplation.

He leaped down from the rock, his form becoming a blur of motion, and in an instant, he had taken Rukia outside the dwelling.

It wasn't until they reached a knowledgeable elder that they learned of the registration date for the upcoming Shinigami Academy entrance exam.

Soon, approximately seven days later…

_____________

Seven days passed quickly.

Outside the Seireitei's Spiritual Arts Academy.

A sign reading "Registration Office, Turn Left Ahead" stood prominently along the path.

Rukia trailed behind.

Clutching tightly to the hem of Yoriichi's garment.

She refused to let go.

"Go back."

Yoriichi looked down at her.

She had been the one advocating for him to become a Shinigami, and now she was the one reluctant to let him proceed.

The hearts of children were indeed difficult to fathom.

"Brother… Brother, you must come back to see me often."

Rukia's voice was choked with emotion, unable to suppress the sadness of parting.

Yoriichi gently stroked her head and sighed softly: "Silly child…"

"I will, don't worry."

After Rukia released her grip, he followed the other applicants inside.

Yoriichi held no objections to attending the academy, having never experienced formal schooling before.

As the second son in his family, being born a twin was considered an ill omen in that era.

This was further compounded by the birthmark on his forehead, which many perceived as a curse.

Though he later came to call the birthmark a "mark," one that, upon activation, granted power far exceeding that of ordinary humans—hundreds, even thousands of times greater—it could not erase the fact that it was unique and set him apart.

Consequently.

His standing within the family was vastly different from that of his elder brother, Michikatsu Tsugikuni.

Now, suddenly finding himself within the confines of a formal institution, he felt a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

After completing the registration process, Yoriichi followed the directions and entered a large, crowded training ground.

After the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the gates of the training ground abruptly slammed shut.

Bang.

The resounding thud echoed through the enclosed space, accompanied by a sudden surge of spiritual pressure that caused everyone present to instinctively hold their breath.

Yoriichi turned towards the source of the pressure.

His gaze fell upon a formal Shinigami clad in a black Shihakusho, a Zanpakuto secured at his hip, his presence starkly contrasting with the aura of the surrounding students.

He walked deliberately towards the assembled crowd until he stood upon the makeshift platform, then spoke slowly in a measured tone: "Good morning, aspirants."

"…."

Following a brief overview of the Shinigami's history and the history of the Spiritual Arts Academy, the entrance examination officially commenced.

One by one, the applicants placed their hands upon a Kido-measuring crystal orb. After a short interval, the orb began to emit light of varying intensity.

Based on the brightness of the light, the Shinigami overseeing the process announced the corresponding "level" and called the applicant forward.

Almost immediately.

The word "unqualified" echoed intermittently within the enclosed training ground.

The voice was cold and impartial, causing palpable tension among those awaiting their turn.

It wasn't until the appearance of a "Seventeenth Grade" and an "Eighteenth Grade" that the atmosphere eased slightly.

Yoriichi stood at the end of the line, observing the proceedings silently, his expression unchanging. This was a trivial matter.

He had faced the prospect of seppuku without so much as a flinch.

Even if he were deemed unsuitable for the path of a Shinigami, it would be of little consequence. He would simply return to his previous life. Had it not been for Rukia's words...

He might never have set foot within the Spiritual Arts Academy.

Would Uta even exist in this world?

Yoriichi harbored doubts.

"Sixth Grade!"

A startled shout abruptly broke Yoriichi's contemplation. He turned towards the source of the exclamation. 

The crystal orb was radiating a blinding white light, and the Shinigami beside it stared in astonishment.

Standing before the orb was a young man with perpetually narrowed eyes, his smile resembling a crescent moon, his eyes sharp like those of a fox.

Yoriichi's brow furrowed slightly at his first glimpse of this individual.

'This child…'

The Transparent World, his ability to perceive the inner workings of living beings, allows him to discern a person's true nature through subtle cues.

As the most potent ability among Demon Slayers, it possesses a degree of precognitive potential.

Though the boy maintained a constant smile and kept his eyes closed, the Transparent World allowed Yoriichi to perceive his muscles, bones, and even the flow of his blood.

Through this observation.

Yoriichi deduced.

This child was feigning ignorance.

'He's quite peculiar.'

Lacking further information, Yoriichi chose to dismiss the matter.

There were countless eccentric individuals in this world, and such a facade could be a sign of deep-seated cunning.

Though the boy appeared to be in his teens, he could be centuries old in spirit.

To delve too deeply into every individual would be exhausting.

Ultimately, the young man named "Ichimaru Gin" was escorted away by a Shinigami who appeared to be of considerable rank.

The sixth-grade spiritual power he exhibited caused a considerable stir among the applicants.

Those privy to such matters knew that "Ichimaru Gin" had a promising future and would undoubtedly reach the rank of lieutenant in the future.

Fifth-grade spiritual power was the minimum requirement for a lieutenant position.

With exceptional fortune, one could even achieve Third Seat.

Perhaps even Captain.

"Captain…"

Listening to the surrounding chatter, a flicker crossed Yoriichi's placid gaze.

Soon, another surge of spiritual pressure descended, silencing the crowd. After a brief pause, it was Yoriichi's turn to undergo the examination.

Taking a few steps forward, he casually placed his hand upon the crystal orb. The Shinigami's habitual smile was still present. 

However, upon witnessing Yoriichi's action, he quickly composed himself, pen and paper in hand, ready to record the results.

But in the next instant.

A dazzling white light erupted, momentarily blinding him. This light was far more intense and radiant than the previous display.

Completely unprepared, tears welled in his eyes as if he had stared directly into the sun.

Simultaneously.

A wave of indescribable elation surged within him.

"Another... another prodigy!"

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