Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami

Aizen was puzzled by Akira's disappointed expression, unsure why an academy student would be curious about such matters. Seeing that he had no intention of continuing the discussion, he didn't press the issue further.

As a student at the Shin'ō Academy, Aizen uncovered secrets he'd never known before — about the hierarchical structure of Soul Society and even the entire world.

He struggled to understand why Genryūsai Yamamoto, the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 with unparalleled strength in Soul Society, had to submit to the so-called nobles. The nobles' behavior was nauseating, yet they held such power.

And what of the Central 46, Soul Society's highest judicial authority? What role did they play in this complex system?

Aizen vowed to seek answers to these questions, determined to unravel every secret this world held.

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Academy life allowed Akira to recapture a bit of his past.

In his spare time, he used his expertise as a shrine priest to exorcise demons for young, beautiful girls in the name of chivalry, promoting the Sakahone Shrine. The pure friendships of student days were often the most touching.

Ah, what a wonderful time!

Of course, there were drawbacks.

After growing accustomed to sleeping in till he waked up naturally at the Sakahone Shrine, Akira suddenly found himself unable to adjust his biological clock. Every morning at seven, when the bell rang, he was plunged into a state of confusion.

Back to the daily grind, swapping freedom for boring lectures, saying goodbye to lazy mornings... Man, school life's a drag!

Countless similar phrases surged through his mind as Aizen, already washed and dressed, knocked on his door to walk to class together.

"Is this what life is..." Akira groaned weakly, like a wounded beast, struggling to get up from bed and barely managing to don the blue and white academy uniform.

When he opened the door, Aizen's familiar gentle smile greeted him. Though unsure why, Akira realized this guy clearly intended to stick close, following him around since enrollment.

The plan to lay low and develop quietly was thus declared a failure.

Fortunately, his words and actions weren't detestable. Rather, the gentle young man seemed most suitable for the role of a friend.

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"You'd better tidy up your appearance." Aizen kindly reminded Akira on their way to the classroom.

Since befriending this priest, he had gained deeper insight into human nature. He discovered that the boundaries of acceptable behavior could be surprisingly flexible without causing offense. Was this an innate talent?

"This morning's class is with Teacher Ōmaeda. He's particularly strict about proper attire."

Having attended classes for some time now, Aizen had grasped the teachers' personalities and preferences, always advising his careless companion accordingly.

Akira nodded listlessly, appearing utterly exhausted.

"Ōmaeda — we'll have to endure his boasting about his family background again. It's despicable. These nobles leech off the common folk in Rukongai, yet they live so comfortably!"

Aizen glanced sideways and mused, "Akira, do you harbor such strong resentment towards the nobility?"

"No, I resent not being one of them." Akira replied, casually draping his arm over Aizen's shoulder with a grin, "After all, the dragon slayer often becomes the dragon!"

{T/N: This phrase suggests that those who spend too much time fighting against or resenting the nobility risk becoming what they despise. It echoes Nietzsche's warning: "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster."}

Aizen seemed lost in thought.

In the classroom, Marechiyo Ōmaeda stood on the podium, his muscular build and stern expression commanding attention. He surveyed each entering student with a fierce gaze.

Unlike his obese appearance after retirement, the current Marechiyo was an elite among elites — despite his penchant for flaunting family wealth. He excelled in all aspects: Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō.

His Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand) skills were particularly outstanding, earning him a position as the Hakuda instructor at the Shin'ō Academy in his spare time.

Once all students had arrived, Marechiyo lowered his hands, his expression growing even more solemn.

"Before we begin the class, let me explain something. As entrance exam elites, you've all made remarkable progress. After this class, specialized personnel will assess your Hakuda level. Now, let's begin."

Without allowing questions, he launched into his Hakuda lecture.

Akira paid close attention — after all, this concerned his future. Given his recent streak of disappointing check-in rewards, he knew he had to become self-reliant.

Aizen, usually the most attentive listener, seemed uncharacteristically distracted.

It wasn't until Akira waved a hand in front of his eyes that he snapped back to reality, his expression peculiar.

"Thank you, Akira."

Akira raised an eyebrow quizzically.

Aizen smiled and explained, "I've just had a revelation."

At that moment, a familiar voice resonated in Akira's mind.

〈 Sōsuke Aizen's trust level has reached the threshold. Check-in condition achieved! 〉

〈 Character Check-in: Sōsuke Aizen! 〉

〈 Obtained 1000 EXP in Reiatsu! 〉

〈 Reiatsu Level increased! Currently at Level 20! 〉

〈 Obtained Exclusive Trait: Heart of a God! 〉

〈 Heart of a God: Supreme arrogance, viewing oneself as a true God! Talent for learning anything is raised to the MAX of the current realm! 〉

{T/N: This means that his potential has been raised to maximum capacity. There is no bottleneck or need to train for centuries to reach a level that only true geniuses can achieve.}

Akira inhaled sharply, his expression morphing from shock to bewilderment, then to unbridled joy — all within a fraction of a second.

This rapid transformation was so remarkable that even Aizen was startled.

He had initially believed Location Check-ins were unbeatable, but this new development proved even more potent. It was an unexpected and thrilling surprise.

Since befriending Aizen, Akira had often felt inferior due to his perceived lack of genius. Now, it seemed, those days were over — his newfound talent would surpass even the controlling boy's abilities!

The acquisition of the Heart of a God instantly heightened his senses to extraordinary levels, transforming his perception of the world. He realized that the world through a genius's eyes was vastly different from that of an ordinary person.

As Akira reveled in this exhilarating revelation, Marechiyo's lecture drew to a close.

"That concludes today's class. Next up is your assessment."

His hawk-like gaze swept across the room. Overwhelmed by his aura, the students held their breath, some even lowering their heads to avoid eye contact.

However, when he spotted Akira lost in his own world, his brows furrowed.

Marechiyo had an impression of this shrine priest from the Sakahone Shrine. Decent talent, above average for a first-year, but with an unstable personality — a troublemaker who often violated rules and discipline.

He'd talked back to teachers, "exorcised demons" for female classmates under the guise of chivalry, and openly advertised for the Sakahone Shrine.

Marechiyo's gaze intensified. He hoped this kid wouldn't cause trouble in the upcoming test; otherwise, he'd make Akira understand the true meaning of resolve.

Just then, a dark shadow approached from outside. The window shattered with a crisp sound, scattering countless glass shards across the podium.

A hearty, arrogant laugh followed.

"Haha, are you ready to face your miserable fate, newbies?"

On the podium stood a dark-skinned girl with her purple short hair. She crossed her arms and grinned, her clean white teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

"Next, I, Yoruichi Shihōin, will be your Hakuda examiner!"

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