Looking at the branches, some of the buds that couldn't wait any longer have begun to bloom with peach-colored flowers. In a little while, the rest of the cherry blossoms will likely bloom all at once.
The calendar reads March; the season is spring.
Today is the Spiritual Arts Academy graduation ceremony.
"Congratulations to everyone on your graduation."
Just like the entrance ceremony, we were gathered in the Academy's grand auditorium, listening to the principal's gracious words enter our right ears and flow straight out the left.
The content was all things like "utilize what you learned at the Academy," "become a model for the next generation of Soul Reapers," or "become an existence that can lead the new era."
Were there even enough graduates listening seriously to count on one hand...?
The characters for "Graduates of the [ ] Class" written on the hanging banner—does this mean it's about three hundred years before the start of the original story? I decided to stop worrying about it.
"Well then, see you later."
"Next time we meet, it'll be as comrades in the Gotei 13!"
"Lucky... I ended up failing the entrance exam..."
"Ch-Cheer up!! There's always next year!!"
As soon as the graduation ceremony ended and we were dismissed, such voices could be heard from all over.
Those reluctant to part, those embracing hope for their future as Soul Reapers, and those lamenting their current rock-bottom state; it was a mixture of joy and sorrow.
Well, as I said in the past, the entrance exam is a relatively narrow gate. I often hear stories of people finally passing on their fourth try, or becoming a Soul Reaper even if it wasn't for their desired squad.
That doesn't change no matter the era.
"Kosuzu-san... Airi-san... w-we..."
"Come on now, Ayase-san, don't cry."
"B-But it's graduation. We're going to be separated!"
"We are graduating, but we'll be colleagues working together in the Gotei 13 starting April, right? It's not like we'll be that separated..."
"That's true, but! Ugh..."
Perhaps drunk on the surrounding atmosphere, Ayase-san was wailing as if regretting our parting.
Really, this girl is so sensitive. Even though we'll be working as Soul Reapers together in just a little bit.
"Ayase-san is going to the Eighth Division, and Renjoji-san to the Sixth Division. You were both assigned to your desired squads while still in school. I think you should be proud, and there will be plenty of chances to meet again, right?"
"You say that, Yukawa-san, but you also passed while still in school. I think you should be proud enough too."
"In my case, look, there are fewer Soul Reapers who want to go to the Fourth Division. It's like I passed as a bonus, probably, most likely."
Yes, that's right.
Luckily, I graduated without ever being held back. And it has been decided that I will become a Soul Reaper of the Fourth Division after graduation.
My grades were extremely average, though... The fact that I stayed in Class 2 the whole time and never moved up to the advanced class tells that story.
Technically, my Kido and Hoho were relatively good. But my Zanjutsu and Hakuda—combat techniques using fists—were lacking... especially in Zanjutsu, everyone overtook me year by year.
Ugh, even though Master was supposed to have taught me strictly in those areas, I wonder why?
I took the entrance exam too, but it was basically no different from the Academy's entrance exam. It was just that the required level was very high; otherwise, there was nothing worth noting.
However, which squad one is assigned to after enlistment is allocated based on the individual's wishes, aptitude, and the overall balance. Otherwise, the disparity in numbers between squads would become terrible.
So, just because one aspires to the Fourth Division doesn't mean taking lectures on Kaido or relief is mandatory; they will teach you even after you join.
Well, it seems it's a common story for a wild one aspiring to the Eleventh Division to be assigned to the Fourth Division and rot away.
"So, compared to me who is like a reserve admission, you two who got into the squads you hoped for are—"
"Don't be humble!"
My words were forcibly cut off by Renjoji-san mid-sentence.
"I know that you often studied Kaido because you wanted to join the Fourth Division, and that you were desperately learning Zankensoki too. And your bodywork is also—"
Speaking up to that point, her face turned bright red and she choked on her words.
Aha, she must have remembered what happened the other day, right?
"N-Nnnh!! Anyway! You worked hard too! That's why you could join! Even if the assigned squads are different, our aspirations should be the same! That's good enough, isn't it!!"
"Ehehe... That's, right! Well then, let's all do our best aiming to be Captains from now on!!"
Regaining her energy, Ayase-san raised her fist powerfully.
—And, rather than ending there, there was one more complication.
"Ah, that's right! I had just one request for you two!"
"Eh? What is it...?"
"I think it's unfair that I'm the only one calling everyone by their first names! So please call me Sachie too!!"
"Eeeh!? Th-That is..."
"I understand. In that case—Sachie-san, Kosuzu-san. Let's get along from now on too? —Like that?"
"Ooh—! That's nice! Come on, Kosuzu-san too!!"
"E-Eh!? Eeeeeh!?"
After that, blushing and looking down, she called us "Sachie-san, Airi-san." It was very cute.
"Long time no see! Master!!"
When I opened the Seireimon—specifically the northern Kokuryōmon—a familiar face... or rather, a familiar giant body jumped into my field of vision.
He wondered what was happening as the gate opened from the inside, but seeing a familiar face appear, Danzōmaru immediately lowered his guard.
"Oh, it's you! I was worried since you hadn't shown your face for a while!"
"I'm sorry for becoming estranged. I wanted to contact you, but I felt like I'd get stuck without a pass being issued if I wasn't careful."
I bowed my head apologetically at Danzōmaru's words. However, Danzōmaru knew about those circumstances, so he didn't pursue it any further.
"Well, it's fine. So, what business do you have today?"
"Yes! I graduated from the Spiritual Arts Academy the other day and formally became a Soul Reaper of the Gotei 13, so I thought I'd report that to you."
"What, was that it! They say no news is good news! This is joyous!!"
At the splendid figure of the disciple he had worried about—the one who hadn't shown promise for fifty years—Danzōmaru inadvertently raised a voice of delight.
"Also, this is a thank you for everything you've done for me until now. Master, please take this!"
"This is?"
"A cask of sake. I saved up my meager money to buy it. Given your size, Master, the amount might not be enough, but..."
Saying that, I placed one of the casks I had set aside near Danzōmaru and hoisted the other cask onto my shoulder.
"Well then, I'm going to go see the landlady and the others. I want to report to them and give them a thank-you gift too."
"Umu, is that so. There must be much to talk about, but you are a Soul Reaper now. I won't say anything about your coming and going. Go and talk to your heart's content."
"Thank you, Master!"
After bowing once, I ran through the main street.
My speed was such that one wouldn't believe I was carrying a sake cask.
"Hmph, to think that girl who struggled so much has become so impressive... no, perhaps it is precisely because she struggled?"
Watching her departing back, Danzōmaru grabbed the large cask and lightly swigged from it right there.
The taste was exceptional, better than any sake he had ever tasted before.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]