Born in Seireitei

I walked in the indicated direction, looking around at the wide expanse of forest and the houses peeking out here and there from beneath the canopy of trees.

It was neat and tidy here, with stone pathways bordered by lush green grass, plenty of large trees, and inviting shadows at their roots that just begged for someone to sit down on the grass under the branches with a jug of something cold.

Somewhere behind the trees, I could hear the steady knock of bamboo against stone and the sound of running water. There must be a stream or a spring decorated with a shishi-odoshi — that bamboo water feature often found in hot springs. A piece of bamboo on a balance mechanism fills with water, tips, and makes a characteristic knock against a stone.

I took a deep breath through my nose and smiled lightly, now distinctly noticing the difference. At first, I didn't realize it, but now I was sure.

From the very first minute, the air in the Academy felt richer and lighter. It wasn't an illusion; I could clearly sense a higher concentration of spiritual particles here. No wonder the Academy is located where it is. Replenishing reiatsu in such an environment is much faster and easier, and it even lifts the mood. Hopefully, I won't get too used to it.

Judging by the fact that this wonderful sensation doesn't exist outside the Academy walls, there are definitely Kido barriers in place.

I looked up at the perfectly clear blue sky. No distortions, unexpected ripples, or glimmers of space. Correction: invisible and undetectable Kido barriers. Usually, I can sense barriers easily, but here… I've met my match. The ones I could sense were of a much lower level.

It's a good thing I never considered myself an elite sensor, so my confidence wasn't hurt. Rather, I felt a certain excitement — when will I be able to sense and understand what kinds of barriers are applied here?

I walked quickly, so it only took about five minutes to reach an open area. A small plaza lay before three buildings: one large, three-story building and two smaller, two-story ones. Just as they'd said, the roofs had blue tiles. Other than that, the architecture was similar to the academic buildings. No people here yet.

Straight ahead, right, or left? I headed for the left building.

"Oh, my intuition's working," I chuckled, seeing the sign.

Block "A," Building No. 1

Rooms 1 – 33

I flipped the wooden tag marked "7" into the air, caught it, and walked through the invitingly open doors. Inside, I immediately felt a cool breeze and a faint scent of sandalwood. Right at the entrance was a space for taking off shoes and storing them.

The shoe compartments were also numbered according to the room assignments. Kicking off my sandals, I padded across the perfectly smooth and gleaming wooden floor.

The hall was large and spacious, with several seating areas equipped with tables and soft cushions. Two corridors branched off to the right and left. But my attention was drawn to something unusual directly across from the entrance.

It looked like a dollhouse cut in half and hung on the wall. Each room was numbered too.

What was nice was that there was a sheet nearby explaining what this was. Or rather, it was a sheet with rules, but it explained everything perfectly. The thing was called the Observation House — an artifact shaped like an open dollhouse with thirty-three compartments.

"The Spiritual Arts Academy enforces a curfew from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM.

Every student is required to be on Academy grounds during curfew.

Dormitory tokens ignite a Kido flame in the Observation House compartments when placed in the designated door slot. Please remember to use your token correctly and light the flame in the Observation House.

Observation Houses are checked by teachers every night except on weekends. If a student is not in their place during curfew, the Academy issues an alert and search! Any student without a valid reason will face penalties, up to and including expulsion from the Academy!"

"Wow, that's strict," I whistled softly, flipping the token in my palm.

"Is this the place?" a voice came from outside. "This is Block 'A,' right?"

"Can't you read the sign, or what? How did you even pass the exam if you can't read?" another voice teased. "Come on in."

I didn't linger and wasn't in the mood to meet anyone just yet. So, I went down the left corridor and stopped at my door — the seventh one after six others. Right where the door met the frame was a slot shaped exactly like the token. I slid the wooden piece in, and it snapped into place like a magnet. A soft click, a blue flash, and a gap appeared.

I carefully slid the door to the side, worried I might damage something, but my concern was unnecessary. The door moved smoothly, and the token remained embedded in the doorframe. I gave it a test pull, and it came out easily. Offering it to the slot again, it snapped back in place.

"Hey, what's that lighting up on the wall?" I heard another male voice from the hall.

"Where? Oh, cool. Read what it says."

I nodded. Everything was working — no need to go double-check.

Leaving the token in its slot—

"Oh! It lit up again!"

"Dude, I'm seriously starting to doubt…"

—I entered what would be my room for the next six years of study.

I shut the door behind me and looked around.

"Not bad."

The room was large and bright, with a wide window and internal shutters. The floor was covered with light beige tatami mats woven from reeds. The walls weren't bare either, arranged in simple wooden patterns that smelled fresh, with a faint scent of sandalwood, just like in the hall. Overall, the room was spacious and minimally furnished.

To the left, a large bed awaited with a rolled-up mattress on top. To the right, a study desk was already set up, and I spotted a map, a brochure, and a schedule sheet. There were also a few thick notebooks and a bundle of brand-new pencils. I was pleased that the Academy had taken care of such details in advance.

In the center of the room sat a large kotatsu table — that unholy Japanese hybrid of a table and blanket. Perfect for cold days. On it, a tray held a plump teapot with a pointed spout and a pair of mugs.

And that wasn't all. The room even had a private bathroom with a toilet and its own washbasin! I hadn't expected that, so I went to take a closer look.

Although the faucet was made of wood and seemed unreliable, I knew everything would work fine. The system was just unfamiliar, with a vertical plug acting as a valve. When I lifted it, clean water flowed from some underground source. The water swirled down the sink's drain.

I wish we'd had water like this back in the cities… Why did I suddenly remember that?

I filled my palm with water and took a sip. Cold and pure — it felt like it came straight from a mountain spring.

"Perfect. At least I can have some tea," I said with a smile.

I had a small pouch of tea leaves with me, as if I knew I'd need it. Filling the teapot with water, I returned to the room and set it on the table. As soon as the lid was in place, steam began to rise from the spout. A simple Kido spell at the bottom of the teapot handled the trivial task of boiling water.

Even though the lifestyle here was traditional, the Soul Society outperformed the Living World thanks to its blend of spiritual technology and magic. Before the modern era arrived for the living, this advantage was especially noticeable in small conveniences like this. At least until the 2000s, I'd prefer living in the Soul Society.

But afterward… well, the internet trumps any perks here. If I don't turn into some old fart who "doesn't care about your internets," maybe I'll figure out a way to hook up a computer with access to the human world's network.

I'm sure that, for the future scientists of the Technology Development Bureau, that wouldn't be a problem at all. In canon, they managed to create cellphones that worked between the two realms.

For now, though, it means boredom… at least there are no distractions from training. Great job, Sujin, keep telling yourself that.

The teapot boiled. After going through all the proper steps (discarding the first pour, getting the right temperature, brewing time…), I finally poured myself a cup of fragrant tea and enjoyed a moment of peace.

No matter how calm I tried to appear, a bit of nervousness about enrolling had been gnawing at me until now. It's unavoidable — even if you know you'll pass, that nagging "what if?!" always lurks in the back of your mind. But here, with a cup of tea in hand, I finally relaxed.

"Hm?" I looked up.

I heard a new neighbor moving in upstairs. The footsteps were barely audible — only noticeable because of the overall quiet and my heightened senses — so the soundproofing was already impressive. This building wasn't made of cheap concrete and sticks. Yeah, this wasn't what I expected when I heard the word "dormitory." It was quite decent here.

If things are different for the lower Classes, well… my condolences, brothers and sisters. Actually, no.

Ha! I busted my ass to get into the Privileged Class — no way I'm feeling sorry for anyone else. When it comes down to sleeping six years on straw or on featherbeds, with a snoring roommate or in solitude, it's every man for himself. Mm, this tea is good.

More students were arriving with each passing minute, and the building was filling with the subtle traces of spiritual energy from future Shinigami. That's something I'd have to get used to — at least until I learned to set up my own barriers and enjoy some solitude.

Raising my tea cup, I quietly congratulated myself:

"Well, here's to getting into the Academy."

Slurp, slurp, slurp…

---

I placed a few personal items on the shelves and found a wall closet with the Academy uniform already neatly arranged inside. There were three sets of white-and-blue outfits, almost replicas of the Shinigami's shihakusho, but in different colors.

The top was white, the pants were blue, and the collar and sleeves had blue stripes. For the female uniform, these stripes were red instead of blue.

I decided to get used to the new clothes right away. I took off my own outfit, carefully folded it, and put on the uniform. I spun around and ran my fingers over the sleeve. The fabric was soft but sturdy, and it felt like it had been treated with something that made it resistant to dirt.

Of course, the uniform was rougher than the clothes I was used to, but I wasn't such a snob that I couldn't adapt quickly. As long as it didn't chafe my skin, it was fine. The only odd thing was how the belt had to be tied.

"Hm," I muttered, noticing the insignia on the chest.

It felt strange not to wear my Family Crest and have a different symbol there instead. It was a black circle with four thick lines extending outward, representing the cardinal directions. Like the insignia of the Kido Corps, this design symbolized the Four Paths of the Shinigami.

It also signified that I was a Shinigami student, not an artisan or a fledgling Kido master. Nowadays, the Academy taught all forms of spiritual power manipulation. The teapot on my table was likely crafted here at the Academy and probably cost nothing to produce.

But in the past… it was just a Shinigami Academy. It started as a small dojo where Genryusai Yamamoto himself taught the Ways of the Sword.

In reality, this symbol wasn't mandatory and wasn't the official crest of the Spiritual Arts Academy. It was a tribute and a sentimental token for the Academy's first generations. According to history, Yamamoto first drew this emblem after mastering the Four Paths and defining the key combat skills of Shinigami.

Nowadays, most graduates neither knew nor cared about this, but I always delved into history and took pride in knowing such fascinating details.

Finishing my first cup of tea, I poured another and took the papers from my study desk, settling back at the kotatsu table.

"Let's see what we have here," I said, spreading everything out. "Hmm."

I flipped through the rulebook first. I generally knew the rules and didn't find anything surprising. Standard educational guidelines, considering that every other student here was a machine built to kill Hollows.

No stealing, no killing, no disrespecting teachers… Oh, fights between students were allowed on the training grounds with mutual consent? As long as there were no serious injuries.

Hmm, practicing Kido was permitted alone, but only on designated training grounds, and only with spells specifically approved by the teacher for each student. Makes sense — you don't want to blow yourself up like you're handling a grenade. Or worse. I'd heard enough cautionary tales from my grandfather…

"Alright, that's clear," I said, closing the rulebook.

Next, I looked at the map. I stared and stared but realized I hardly understood anything. Blocks of buildings, arrows, circles… Only the main roads were recognizable. I'd have to walk around in person to match landmarks and get my bearings.

With a sigh, I folded the map and tucked it into an inner pocket. The Academy uniform's kimono had two inner pockets, both quite spacious and inconspicuous unless you stuffed something large or oddly shaped into them.

The class schedule turned out to be more interesting.

There were two sheets. The first listed my classes for the Zero Class. The second outlined the subjects for the First Class, possible electives, and clubs. Plus, there was an attached note:

"Enrollment Day is a free day for familiarizing yourself with the Academy. Make sure you know the layout and don't be late for your classes. Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, an introductory session for all new students will be held in the main lecture hall.

You may attend any of the First Class lessons during the week for orientation. At the end of the first week, you may add any classes to your schedule and submit the sheet to the First Class Curator, Gengoro Onabara."

And another important addendum:

"Your room key also serves as a pass to the Academy Library. As a Zero Class student, you have the privilege of borrowing any educational materials from the first to sixth years, regardless of your current year of study."

"Oh," I said, pleased. "Now that's a sweet privilege. I'm starting to see why they call us 'Zeros.'"

Being treated like the elite is always nice — no point lying to myself; it warms the soul.

But looking at my Zero Class schedule, I realized why the offer to take extra classes was highlighted in a separate note. Compared to the others, it was almost laughable.

For the entire school week…

One. Class. Per day. And three days off.

"Monday – Kido Class. 8:00 - 10:00"

"Tuesday – Hoho Class. 9:00 - 10:00"

"Wednesday – Zanjutsu Class. 8:00 - 10:00"

"Thursday – Hakuda Class. 8:30 - 10:30"

The rest of the days had dashes — time for self-development and personal research. I knew that each of these classes could wear you out to exhaustion in ten minutes flat. So having all that time to recover made sense. At least according to my dear grandfather's training methods! How they taught here remained to be seen…

I'd find out tomorrow. Or rather, on Monday. Because today was Saturday, and tomorrow was just the introductory lecture. That meant another free day to explore.

I really should go out today, find the main hall and the cafeteria as planned. After all, no one was chaining me to the room — I could head out right now!

As I stood up, I froze and remembered something. There were no servants now; I had to do everything myself. So yes, I could go explore the Academy now! And I would! Just needed to rinse the cup and teapot first…

Damn, this felt so unusual.

---

Stepping out into the corridor, I bumped into the neighbor across from me. Neighbor ess, to be precise — she was also exiting her room in an Academy uniform. As expected, hers was red instead of blue and more fitted.

While I was taking in the sight of her, she was evaluating me as well. Her familiar green eyes gave me a once-over. The same blonde girl with a waist-length braid I'd seen in the square. What was her name again?.. Damn, I'd forgotten. Didn't think it would matter later.

"Hey," I smiled softly, closing the door behind me and slipping the token into my pocket. "Looks like we're neighbors and classmates now. I'm Okikiba Sujin, nice to meet you."

"Oda Kasumi," she introduced herself briefly and quietly, then carefully asked, "Excuse me… Are you that Okikiba?"

"Trelis," I clarified succinctly, which was enough for anyone local to understand.

Same surnames might happen, but Family Crests did not. Judging by how her eyes widened in alarm, she wasn't my social equal.

"Oh, I apologize…"

She started to bow, as protocol dictated for someone of lower status, but I stopped her in time, raising my hand and saying:

"No need. While we're both in uniform and on Academy grounds, the rules say we're equals — in conversation, sparring, and joint training."

"Oh, right," she smiled shyly, her pink lips curving with a guilty expression. "I'm just not used to this… 'conditional' equality."

I shrugged easily, indicating she shouldn't overthink it. Everyone knew that real social divisions still existed within the Academy. These rules were just there to facilitate learning and avoid "loss of honor" when a noble of the tenth generation was paired with a former janitor from Rukongai.

But I was one of those rare, reasonable young aristocrats who preferred to be polite to everyone. I'd decided to follow the Academy rules everywhere, not just when teachers were watching. You never know how life might turn out…

I knew that simple rule of life, and I planned to build fair, friendly relationships with my future classmates. Unless, of course, some arrogant jerk showed up — sorry, but I don't befriend idiots.

"Conditional or not, I'm not one for excessive formality. While we're learning together, you can just call me Sujin."

Young people dislike rules… I confirmed this again when Kasumi relaxed and smiled back a bit more cheerfully:

"Kasumi."

"There, now we're introduced," I nodded and asked, "Are you heading out to explore the Academy? Want to go together?"

Kasumi glanced down, noticed her hands with reddened knuckles, and hid them behind her back. I watched this pantomime with barely concealed amusement. She was so easy to read and open… After being surrounded by nobles, even the servants of whom always wore masks, I missed people like this.

I'd missed talking to normal people since my days traveling with Kensei and chatting with someone new every day. Ah, it was like balm for the soul.

"Yes, but first I wanted to figure out what's going on with the baths," she admitted quietly, a little embarrassed. "And where we can do laundry."

"I'm curious about that too," I chuckled, only now thinking about it. "Since there are sinks in the rooms, there should be baths in the building, right?"

"Who's talking about baths?!" a new voice chimed in. "I know where they are — I've already explored everything here!"

My new neighbor to the right stuck his head out from his open door. Kasumi and I both turned to look at our new classmate with equal curiosity.

A head peeked out, scanned us, disappeared for a second, and then the whole person stepped out. He was a wiry guy, a bit shorter than me, with lively, almond-shaped brown eyes and a slicked-back, chestnut hairstyle — the epitome of a well-behaved schoolboy. Side part, every strand perfectly in place, just as it should be. Like us, he was already dressed in the Academy uniform.

"Oh, isn't this the one and only Okikiba-san?" he said with mild surprise. "Our famous, elusive 'I-don't-attend-parties-anymore' mister! Hey, it's been a while!"

When I was thinking about familiar faces in the queue, I should've mentioned him. The same restless troublemaker who used to encourage everyone to steal drinks from the adults' table when we were kids… Though that was four or five years ago. What was his name again?

"You… Fumio?"

"Fumio Rao," he nodded. "What, didn't recognize me? Yeah, I've grown up and become a real heartthrob!"

He winked at Kasumi, but she either didn't catch the message or chose not to. She stared back at him with confusion. His cheerful demeanor faltered for a moment, but he quickly bounced back and rattled off:

"Anyway, I heard you talking. I'm bored alone, so let's go — I'll show you the baths, and you take me along to explore the Academy!"

Without waiting for a response, he confidently walked toward the hall. Kasumi looked at me; I looked at her. After an awkward second, I shrugged and nodded toward the hall, signaling, Let's go, whatever — let him lead the way.