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Chapter 5: Men In Black III
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Akashi sat by the futon, resting his head on his palm, eyeing the uniform, his eyes eerie yet unreadable, 'I really... I really can't wait to finally see you, my Dear.' He may just be getting too intimate with the Voices.
The welcome ceremony was somewhat plain, just welcoming students and allowing them to familiarize themselves with the academy grounds.
It was the first day in class that Akashi eagerly awaited, his eyes twitching throughout the night, unable to hold back the anticipation to finally get his Asauchi.
Asauchi are the nameless Zanpakutō which all low-class Shinigami wield.
Shinigami who are still in training; those who do not yet belong to any of the Gotei 13; and Shinigami who are unable to communicate with their Zanpakutō all wield generic Zanpakutō.
Akashi's almost certain that only through the Asauchi can he communicate with the Voices.
However, he also knows that students won't get their hands on their Asauchi so quickly, but he at least wants to know... When? Just when can he finally face the Voices?
The first bell ran by the light of dawn, awakening Akashi from his brief sleep.
By the dawn of the second bell, everyone should be in class, so Akashi quickly put on his uniform, combed his hair, and then went out.
The assembly hall was a spacious and austere room with rows of seats and tables arranged in neat lines.
The walls were adorned with banners bearing the insignia of the Gotei 13, a reminder of what lay ahead for those who succeeded.
Students gathered and sat, murmuring quietly as they awaited further instructions.
Although, Renji's boisterous laugh could be heard from time to time, and so was Rukia's sharp scolding which followed soon after.
Akashi, seated several rows away, traced his eyes around, catching several students scoffing at the display.
Their manner in which they spoke, behaved and expression pretty much told him they were nobles.
The entrance exam was open to any and all who wish to apply, resulting in a wide range of individuals of all ages joining.
The social classes of the applicants range from nobles and residents of the more hospitable districts of Rukongai to its more barbaric outer regions.
Thus, the results of the entrance exam are used to divide the successful applicants into different classes, with those who obtain the highest grades being placed in the first class.
Akashi was in the first class, and right away, he noted that the nobles formed their own circle, pretty much taking several rows of seats for themselves and not allowing any else to sit by their side.
Once everyone was seated, an instructor stepped forward and began the orientation.
"Your time here will not be easy. You will study not only combat and kido but also the philosophy and history of the Shinigami."
"Each of you will be tested, not just in your skills but in your character. By the time you graduate, you will not just wield a sword; you will be a guardian of balance."
The lecture continued, outlining the rigorous schedule of classes, training sessions, and evaluations.
Akashi listened attentively, his mind already breaking down the structure of the program... He heard nothing of when they'll get their Asauchi, so he raised his hand, "Teacher!"
Having his lecture interrupted, the teacher certainly wasn't pleased. Still, he didn't lose his cool as he asked, "What do you need?"
"Sorry for my rudeness, but may I know when we will get our Asauchi?" Akashi was straightforward, asking a simple question about Asauchi which isn't a secret.
"..." The Teacher raised a brow, but still answered, "In a hurry, huh? Well, you'll be jovial to know that if you meet the requirements, you'll receive your Asauchi in a month. Same for all of you!"
'Month,' Akashi blinked, eyeing the Teacher blankly, his mind in a daze. It was sooner than he anticipated... But a month.
Akashi cracked his fingers, trying to compose himself, totally unaware that his eyes now were dead and gloomy that they made the Teacher feel uncomfortable.
"If... If you learn to make use of your Reiatsu to an acceptable degree before then, you can get your Asauchi earlier, so work hard, everyone!" The Teacher found himself compelled to add that important piece of information.
He wasn't sure as to why he felt so uncomfortable by the gaze of a fragile student, but at least, joy instantly emerged on Akashi's face.
Other than that, Akashi was a very good student, taking notes throughout the day, and basically always asking questions when permitted, so the Teacher let what happened go.
By the end of the day, Akashi detailed how the general schedule will be from now on.
In addition to a more general education, the pupils will be taught how to control and make use of their Reiatsu, as well as the four major Shinigami combat forms; Hakuda, Hohō, Kidō, and Zanjutsu.
Students will also have to learn how to perform Soul Burials, how to communicate with the spirit of their Zanpakutō, and be prepared for the general duties of a Shinigami.
The only thing he cared about for now was how to manipulate his Reiatsu, which evidently, on the first day, he wasn't taught much about. However, he learned enough to at least try.
Reiryoku or Spiritual Power is a power aligned with the spiritual sensitivity and willpower of the user.
Reiatsu or Spiritual Pressure, on the other hand, is the physical force and pressure that a person's Reiryoku creates when released.
In other words, Reiryoku is potential while Reiatsu is energy in use, thus the energy assembling between Akashi's hands, forming a dark red energy ball.
It wasn't the first time Akashi had done this. He was aware of his spiritual energy very early on, so he tried to control it.
He was somewhat successful as after numerous arduous training sessions, he managed to form a decently sized energy ball, although it was useless, unable to do anything but dissipate soon after.
Still, he continued to train and train, and that is when he noticed his lacking talent, but for a different reason.
He detected that his own energy doesn't listen to him well. However, as time went on, and as the Voices got clearer and clearer, his energy was seemingly tainted.
From its previously crimson color, it became darker and darker, now sitting at a wine-red color, and it seemed to him that it was exactly because it got darker that he started to find it easier to control.
Akashi simply couldn't understand the phenomenon. He felt like he was missing every piece of the puzzle, thus why his obsession with understanding the Voices only grew.
Akashi trained for a while after though he knew he couldn't push himself too far, soon going to rest to be in good condition for the class next day.
The training grounds of the Shinigami Academy stretched wide and open under the morning sun, a pristine expanse bordered by stone walls and shaded by the occasional cherry blossom tree.
The first-year students, dressed in their freshly issued uniforms, lined up in rows, their expressions a mixture of anticipation, curiosity, and trepidation.
At the front of the group stood Instructor Hoshino, a lean man with sharp features and an air of strict discipline.
His black hair was tied back neatly, and his piercing gaze swept across the students, silencing the murmurs with a single look.
In his hands, he held a smooth wooden staff, which he tapped lightly against the ground to command attention.
Akashi's eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the staff, realizing that it was, in fact, a Zanpakuto, its outward appearance evidently merely a sheath hiding what was beneath... Zanpakutos aren't the same.
"Welcome to your first lesson in spiritual energy control," Hoshino began, his voice even but firm.
"This is the foundation of everything you will become as a Shinigami. Your ability to wield your Zanpakutō, cast Kido, and even move effectively in battle all begins here."
"Without control, power is meaningless. And make no mistake; many of you have power, but very few of you have control."