Bleach: I Have No Talent

Shiro's feet made soft, steady sounds as they echoed down the long, polished hallways of Shin'ō Academy. His heart raced, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty stirring within him. The atmosphere here was vastly different from the rough training grounds with Katsu. This place felt... official. The students moving between classes all wore their academy uniforms with a sense of pride. There was an energy in the air, and it buzzed with the promise of new beginnings.

The Shin'ō Academy was a towering structure, built with an almost ancient elegance, a combination of stone and wood, with wide courtyards and serene gardens scattered around the campus. The grounds were filled with students who were training in groups, sparring, or practicing techniques under the watchful eyes of their instructors.

As Shiro approached his dormitory, he thought back to the last few days. The trials, the quests, and even his loss of the 1% progress—everything had led him here. Into the next step of his journey.

"Shiro!" A familiar voice broke through his thoughts.

He turned to see Haruto jog up to him, his usual energetic smile plastered across his face. "Hey, you still thinking about the exam?" Haruto asked, clearly knowing how much it meant to Shiro.

Shiro gave him a tired smile, nodding. "Yeah... I guess. Just... trying to wrap my head around everything."

Haruto clapped him on the back. "Don't let it get to you, man. You've made it this far. Besides, the real challenge is just starting now."

Shiro nodded silently, his eyes scanning the students as they entered their respective dorms. "Yeah... Just trying to focus on the next step."

"Well, you're not alone in this," Haruto said with a wink, giving Shiro a reassuring smile. "Let's get our dorms settled, and we'll go from there."

The two of them walked together toward the Shin'ō Academy dorms, a large, well-maintained building where the first-year students were housed. The architecture was less formal than the main academy buildings but still beautiful, with wooden beams and polished floors. Inside, the air smelled of fresh cedarwood and faintly of incense.

Upon entering their designated dorm, Haruto pointed to the farthest door. "Looks like you, Aizen and me are rooming together." Haruto grinned, his eyes shining with excitement.

Shiro nodded, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over him. The idea of having Haruto so close brought him comfort, even though a part of him still felt out of place.

As they entered their respective rooms, Shiro found that Aizen was already there, unpacking his things. The boy wore his glasses, the same ones Shiro had seen him with during the exam. Aizen glanced up as Shiro entered, offering a polite smile, one that seemed almost too perfect.

"Ah, Shiro," Aizen said, his voice as calm as ever, "It's good to see you again. I trust you're settling in?"

Shiro, still feeling the residual tension from their last meeting, gave Aizen a measured nod. "Yeah, looks like we're roommates. Hopefully, this won't be too awkward." He didn't fully trust Aizen yet, but he had made up his mind that befriending him was the best way to keep an eye on him.

Aizen adjusted his glasses and smiled again, this time just a little more warmly. "Not at all. I believe this will be a very productive arrangement." His gaze was cool and collected, but Shiro couldn't help but wonder if there was something more behind the polite demeanor. Aizen, while outwardly pleasant, had an air of mystery about him. It made Shiro cautious, but the decision had been made—he would keep an eye on him, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

Shiro didn't say much more, choosing instead to settle into his bed and unpack. Aizen went about his own things, seemingly uninterested in engaging further, which suited Shiro just fine. The less he knew, the better. Shiro had to focus on his own progress.

After unpacking, Shiro glanced at Aizen one more time before speaking. "I'm going to check in with someone," he said, though there was no hint of urgency in his voice. It was simply a way to escape the silence that had settled between them.

Aizen gave him a polite nod in response. "Of course. Take your time."

Shiro stepped out of the dorm and made his way to a quieter part of the academy grounds, where he found a familiar face.

Katsu was sitting on a bench, leaning against the backrest with his arms folded across his chest. He looked up as Shiro approached and gave him a smile. "You've made it," Katsu said quietly, though there was pride in his voice.

Shiro nodded as he took a seat beside him. "Yeah, I made it. The trials weren't easy, but I passed. I'm here now."

"I knew you would," Katsu replied, his tone casual but sincere. "I knew you'd find your way here. It's been a long road, Shiro, but this is where you belong. You've worked hard for this."

Shiro hesitated, his gaze distant as he spoke. "I didn't get the first place," he admitted, his voice low.

Katsu raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything at first. He just nodded, as if letting Shiro process the disappointment. "The important thing is you made it. You didn't let that stop you. A lot of people would have given up. You're here, and that's what counts."

Shiro let out a long breath. "Yeah, you're right," he said, though it still stung. He had worked so hard for that 1%, but there was no use dwelling on it now.

After a moment of silence, Shiro smiled. "Thanks, Katsu. I'll visit sometimes. I'll never forget what you did for me."

Katsu grinned. "Of course. You better not forget me. But now, you've got bigger things to focus on. Go make your mark at Shin'ō Academy."

Shiro nodded, standing up. He offered one last glance at Katsu before turning and walking back toward the dorms. This was it—the start of something bigger. He couldn't afford to look back now.

Later, as Shiro changed into his uniform—an elegant, yet practical attire that represented his new role as an academy student—he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen. His uniform was fitted perfectly, a symbol of his place within this new world.

The sleeves were long but functional, designed for ease of movement during combat training. The dark blue robe, edged with white, felt strange but empowering as he fastened the sash around his waist. He felt like he was finally beginning to become a part of something bigger than himself.

When he entered the dorm room, Haruto was already there, lounging lazily on his bed. "Ready for the real deal, huh?" Haruto asked, looking up with a grin. "First year is just the beginning. We've got a lot to learn."

Shiro nodded, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities settle in. He knew that the next six years were going to shape him in ways he couldn't yet comprehend. But one thing was certain: he wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away.

End of Chapter Stats

[System Status]

Template: Madara Uchiha (4.45% progress)

[Attributes]

Strength: 26 (+2)

Endurance: 25 (+2)

Speed: 27 (+2)

Reiatsu Control: 23 (+2)

Intelligence: 20 (+3)

Battle Instinct: 22 (+2)

[Abilities]

Sharingan (1st Tomoe):

Improved tracking of fast movements, slight slowing effect on opponent's attacks.

Hollow Detection - Ability to sense the presence of Hollows in the area.

[Techniques Unlocked]

Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu

C-rank Ninjutsu

A technique that traps the target inside a sphere of water, restricting their movements and preventing escape. The water pressure inside the prison increases with the user's chakra, suffocating the trapped target if the technique is held long enough. This jutsu can be used both for containment and as a method of interrogation or incapacitation.