BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

Sixth Division Courtyard

"Huff… huff… huff…"

In the courtyard of the Sixth Division, a shirtless young man trained relentlessly, sweat dripping from his body as he gasped for breath.

His name was Akira Kurokage, and nearly a hundred years had passed since he arrived in Soul Society.

"The workout's done for today… but my physical improvement is still minimal," he muttered, sitting down to rest. He glanced up at the sky, shaking his head in frustration.

In the dangerous world of Soul Society, his current strength amounted to nothing—just another expendable soldier. Despite graduating from the Shin'ō Academy and securing a place in the Sixth Division, he remained at the bottom ranks, struggling to keep up.

"Akira, you're done training already? Want to grab a drink later?"

A familiar voice called out. Akira turned to see Rukia Kuchiki approaching.

"Rukia? Don't you usually work in the Thirteenth Division? What brings you here today?" he asked.

"I have a mission in the World of the Living tomorrow," Rukia replied. "I wanted to see you before I left."

"The World of the Living…"

Akira hesitated for a moment before saying seriously, "Rukia, be careful out there. Don't let your guard down."

He knew this mission would change everything—it was the one where Rukia would meet Kurosaki Ichigo and transfer her Shinigami powers to him. If he wanted to maintain an advantage with his foreknowledge, he should let events unfold naturally. But knowing his friend was about to suffer, he couldn't ignore it in good conscience.

Rukia, however, merely waved off his concern. "It's just a routine mission. You're worrying too much."

She then narrowed her eyes slightly. "I'm more concerned about you. Isn't the Sixth Division's seat officer exam tomorrow? If you place at the bottom again…"

She didn't finish the sentence, but the implication was clear.

Each division held seat ranking tests annually, determining the hierarchy among members. Those without seated positions were ranked based on their performance. If someone consistently placed at the bottom, they risked being expelled from the Gotei 13.

"This time, I doubt I'll do well," Akira admitted with a wry smile. "I still can't use Shikai."

"That's alright," Rukia reassured him. "At least your Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Kidō are decent. If it comes down to it, I can ask my brother to—"

"Thanks, but no," Akira interrupted firmly. He had his pride—he wouldn't rely on favoritism to secure his place in the Gotei 13.

At that moment, a mocking voice interrupted them from the courtyard's entrance.

"Lady Rukia, someone of your noble status shouldn't associate with commoners from Rukongai. It tarnishes the Kuchiki family's name."

Two Shinigami in Sixth Division uniforms approached. Their insignia marked them as members of the Kuchiki family—Kuchiki Takuto and Kuchiki Saburō.

Rukia frowned. "Takuto, Saburō, mind your own business."

"We're just looking out for the family's reputation," Takuto sneered. "I doubt the head of the clan would approve of you mingling with… trash."

Rukia's eyes turned icy. "If my brother has a problem, he'll tell me himself. I don't need your input."

Akira chuckled, unfazed. "Let them talk, Rukia. Not everyone has the luxury of cruising into the Gotei 13 on their family name. Some of us actually have to earn our place."

"You…! You arrogant commoner!"

Takuto and Saburō seethed, but with Rukia present, they didn't dare take action.

"If you have a problem with me," Akira said calmly, "let's settle it in tomorrow's seat exam."

Hearing this, the two noble-born Shinigami exchanged glances, snorted coldly, and walked away.

"Today is your last day of peace! Tomorrow, I'll teach you a lesson!" one of them called out before disappearing into the night.

Once they were gone, Rukia Kuchiki let out a sigh and turned to Akira with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry. Many members of the Kuchiki clan rely too much on their noble status and act arrogantly."

Akira waved it off with a slight smile. "It's fine. The Sixth Division is known for its noble roots. There are plenty of people like them—I've gotten used to it."

The two continued chatting until midnight before Akira finally escorted Rukia out of the courtyard.

Just as he was about to return to his dormitory, a glowing system prompt suddenly flashed before his eyes:

[Congratulations, Host! You have survived 100 years in the Soul Society! The Survival System is now officially activated!]

"Survival System?"

Akira froze, his heart pounding. As realization dawned, he could hardly suppress his excitement, his hands trembling slightly.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he focused on the translucent character panel that had appeared before him:

[Host: Akira]

[Zanpakutō: Sealed State]

[Skills: Basic Kendo, Basic Hakuda, Basic Shunpo, Basic Kidō]

Frowning slightly, he asked, "System, what do you mean by surviving for a hundred years?"

The system responded: "Host, this system activates only after you have survived for 100 years without perishing. Upon activation, the Survival Reward feature is unlocked."

Akira raised an eyebrow. "Survival Reward feature?"

"Yes. For each day you survive, you will receive a reward through a randomized lottery, granting you various weapons, skills, and enhancements."

A spark of excitement flashed in Akira's eyes. "Then what about the reward for surviving a full hundred years?"

"The reward for surviving 100 years has been condensed into a single, high-tier lottery draw. Would you like to claim it now?"

"Wait… only one draw?" Akira muttered in disappointment. "A hundred years and I only get one spin? That doesn't sound much better than the daily lottery."

"Host, the survival rewards are based on the difficulty of your survival. The greater the challenge, the higher the chance of obtaining advanced rewards. Additionally, the 100-year lottery is a guaranteed high-tier reward."

Hearing this, Akira finally understood the system's mechanics.

"I see… that makes sense. Alright, let's do this! Start the 100-year lottery!"

As his words fell, the system panel transformed into a spinning wheel with blurred, indistinct options. It rotated rapidly before slowing down and coming to a stop.

Akira's eyes widened in shock as a new notification appeared before him.

[Congratulations, Host! You have obtained the "Noble Phantasm: Excalibur, the Sword of Promised Victory"!]

In that instant, a radiant golden sword materialized before him, its divine light illuminating the night.