Chapter 11: Big Shot
Central Spirit Arts Academy.
Outdoor Training Ground.
The sky was bright, and a gentle breeze brushed against their faces.
On the spacious training ground, dust swirled.
Along the edge of the training ground were rows of targets, and further away was a blue Kido barrier, covering the entire training ground.
Many students from the Lingshu Institute were already engaged in their regular Kido training, but they would occasionally glance at the figure in the center of the training ground.
Mahiru, wearing the blue and white Lingshu Institute uniform, was in the training ground, aiming his palm at a target.
"Ruler, take heed! The mask of blood and flesh, all creation, soaring on wings, the one crowned with the name of man! Scorching heat and conflict, rolling back from the sea to the south, advance!"
"Hado #31: Shakkahō!"
Accompanied by the incantation, spirit particles rapidly gathered in his hand, finally transforming into flames that shot out.
"Boom!"
A roar came, followed by the ground shaking.
As the smoke dissipated, the target was gone, leaving only a scorched crater.
— This was the scene witnessed by the students of the Lingshu Institute.
" Aozaki Mahiru is really amazing. I haven't even figured out Byakurai yet, and he's already practicing Shakkahō."
When the diligently training students saw this, although their hearts were filled with mixed emotions, they still had to admit Mahiru's talent.
Generally speaking, souls from Rukongai, being far from Seireitei, had not received Shinigami education from a young age, and naturally, their training progress could not compare to that of students from noble families.
Except for exceptionally talented Kido prodigies, most Rukongai students couldn't catch up to the progress of noble students even after graduation.
But they hadn't expected that Mahiru, this guy with a chaotic private life, not only had rapid Reiatsu cultivation but also such high Kido talent.
"Hmph, it's nothing special. What's Kido? Shinigami rely on their Zanpakuto. This afternoon is Zan Dao class. I'm definitely not worse than him in Kendo..."
The noble scions were full of disdain, yet their tone was somewhat sour.
In reality, they were also somewhat shocked; most of them were still practicing "Hado #12: Fushibi."
No wonder the elders in their families told them to interact more with Aozaki Mahiru; this guy was indeed too exaggerated.
After they observed for a while, Mahiru had already completed another Shakkahō.
"Do you want to train together?"
Mahiru patted the dust off his clothes and smiled at Matsumoto Rangiku and Ichimaru Gin, who were walking towards him.
Mahiru smoothed his long hair; sweat streamed down his handsome face and clean neck, disappearing under his collar.
The aesthetically pleasing scene was incredibly impactful, and the eyes of the female students secretly watching from a distance were firmly fixated, as they simultaneously reached into their pockets to count their pocket money.
Teacher Yui, who taught Kido, also blinked her eyes, thinking, "I really can't blame my weak resolve back then."
She had been a Lingshu Institute teacher for nearly a hundred years and certainly wouldn't be so shallow; she truly hadn't expected to be captivated by beauty one day.
Mainly, she had never seen a man like Mahiru in Seireitei.
Even Kuchiki-sensei, who was called a "perfect handsome man," was slightly inferior in comparison.
She thought of the bald dean, then looked at the male students nearby, some indignant, some trying to act cool; in comparison, Mahiru seemed even more attractive.
However, she hadn't forgotten her purpose in coming.
This child was truly the darling of the Central Spirit Arts Academy now.
"Teacher Yui, is something wrong?"
" Aozaki Mahiru, today's Kido class is over," Yui said with a smile. "You should rest well during your break and adjust your condition. This afternoon's Zan Dao class will be very helpful for you."
Mahiru's eyes gleamed.
It seemed the important figure coming this afternoon was indeed very important, and his swordsmanship was not low, worthy of Teacher Yui specifically coming to remind him.
"I understand, Teacher Yui. Then we'll be going now."
Mahiru bowed to Yui and left the training ground with Matsumoto Rangiku and Ichimaru Gin.
The three had finished their meal and rested in the dormitory for two hours.
Mahiru, as was his usual habit, wore Senbonzakura, hanging it at his waist.
This afternoon was Kendo class again, but this time it was a special lecture, given by a very important figure.
An important figure even greater than Kuchiki Cangchún, the Sixth Division Vice-Captain, at least Captain-class.
Most students in the class were most interested in Kendo; Zanpakuto were standard equipment for Shinigami, and any enthusiastic student would diligently study Kendo.
Of course, although Mahiru had obtained his own Zanpakuto and even learned Shikai, he would still attend classes seriously to hone his sword skills.
However, after waiting for a long time, no teacher came to class.
Just as Aozaki Mahiru couldn't help but suspect whether this important figure was Kyōraku Shunsui, a figure slowly walked into the classroom.
Seeing this figure, Mahiru was first stunned, then his eyes widened in shock.
This important figure was indeed great; in the field of Kendo, there was no one greater than her.
Not just Aozaki Mahiru, looking at the figure walking into the Kido Field, all the students showed surprised expressions.
A delicate face, adorned with a gentle and serene smile, long black hair parted in the middle and braided into a plait hanging down her chest, and the white haori with a gray-cherry lining...
"The... the Fourth Division Captain Retsu Unohana?!"
A noble student couldn't help but exclaim.
"Fourth Division?"
Many students from Rukongai showed disappointed expressions.
After all, in their eyes, a Captain was indeed an important figure in Seireitei, but everyone knew that the Fourth Division was the medical squad.
Only one student from the Tsunayashiro Family in the class sat nervously in his seat, not daring to lift his head.
Mahiru knew that the Tsunayashiro Family held the history of Soul Society and perfectly understood this student's reaction.
Retsu Unohana once had another name, Yachiru Unohana. She was not only the first Kenpachi but also an unprecedentedly heinous villain in the history of Soul Society; it was no exaggeration to say she killed without mercy.
Amidst the students' whispers, Retsu Unohana looked at everyone, revealing a gentle smile.
"Good afternoon, everyone."
"I am Retsu Unohana, Captain of the Fourth Division of the Gotei 13."
"Originally, Captain Ukitake was supposed to teach this Kendo class, but due to health reasons, he was unable to come, so I am substituting."
"Please rest assured, as a Captain of the Gotei 13, besides Healing Technique, I also have a slight understanding of Kendo."
Hmm... The first Kenpachi, with a "slight understanding" of Kendo? Does that mean we won't even be able to get started even if we practice Kendo our whole lives?
"Before the formal lecture, I would like to know what content you have learned in previous courses."
Unohana walked in front of Mahiru and said with a smile:
"This student, would you be willing to assist me?"
Even though she had a gentle smile on her face, the moment she spoke, Aozaki Mahiru felt an icy chill instantly shoot up to his scalp.
Mahiru realized something but had no time to think further.
" Aozaki Mahiru?"
This is our first meeting, and she already knows my name. She's definitely here for me!
"It would be my pleasure!" He suddenly stood up, looking as if he were ready to face death.