Spirit Arts Academy, Special Class, also known as Class One.
Hachihara poked Takashi’s back and whispered:
“Ichigo looks terrible? Did he have a nightmare about a Hollow last night?”
“Maybe, but given his courage, to scare him, he’d at least have to have his girlfriend stolen by a Hollow, then get beaten up twice, and have a punctured heart.”
“Hey! I heard that!”
Ichigo, in the next seat, had a vein throbbing on his forehead.
“So what if you heard it? Want to fight?”
“…”
Normally, facing such blatant provocation from Takashi, there would be no reason to back down, and certainly no possibility of being afraid just because the opponent was strong, even stronger than himself.
But Ichigo still held back.
This situation made Hachihara widen her eyes in surprise.
“Ichigo, did you… really have a nightmare about a Hollow stealing your girlfriend?”
[?]
Even Rindō slowly typed out a question mark, expressing concern for his housemate.
“Don’t listen to that bastard’s nonsense!”
Ichigo went frantic, then glared at Takashi in annoyance.
“Don’t think I don’t know you’re trying to show off your Shikai by picking a fight. I won’t give you the chance.”
“Who said I wanted to show off? I saw that you were envious of me mastering Shikai faster than you, and I didn’t give you a chance to surpass me, so I wanted to broaden your horizons and help you improve. Ichigo misunderstands me so deeply, it’s truly disheartening.”
Takashi shook his head and sighed.
“I’m too lazy to argue with you. Anyway, my Kaidō has already reached the entry level. From a technical difficulty standpoint, my Kidō is on par with yours, hehe.”
“That’s truly amazing.”
“…”
Watching Takashi give a thumbs-up, his admiration seemed genuine, and Ichigo’s expression froze.
Whether it was sarcasm or sincerity, it was quite frustrating.
To be honest, Takashi was telling the truth.
Under Aizen’s careful guidance, Ichigo not only entered the entry level of Kaidō but also solidified his foundation.
His rapidly increasing spiritual pressure showed no signs of losing control.
Clearly,
His Quincy ability to manipulate reishi was beginning to shine.
Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Shunpo were not neglected either. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
In a normal spar, even a Third Seat of the Fifth Division was no match.
Early graduation was a foregone conclusion.
To say amazing would be an understatement.
Of course, Takashi was no less impressive.
Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Shunpo, and Kidō, he was only stronger, not weaker, than Ichigo.
For example, a Hadō of the Shakkahō level could still retain half its power without incantation, which even the ordinary genius Hachihara found unbelievable.
After the last class ended, Ōnabara suddenly came to the classroom.
As the homeroom teacher of Class One, he had many responsibilities, but none was more important than personal safety.
Now, that bottom line had been broken.
“I’ll take a moment of your time. On behalf of the Spirit Arts Academy, I am issuing an urgent notice.”
Ōnabara’s expression was grave.
Everyone at this moment had an ominous premonition.
“Just recently, it has been confirmed that one student each from Class One and Class Two have gone missing without a trace in the Outer District of Junrin’an. If anyone has any information, please report it to me immediately. Furthermore, until the investigation is complete, it is not recommended for anyone to leave the Seireitei.”
With that, Ōnabara left in a hurry.
The classroom fell silent for a moment, then erupted in a buzz.
“I never thought something like this would happen.”
Hachihara stroked her chin and mumbled, “I hope those two students are safe.”
“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve been beaten up, with that grim expression.”
Takashi glanced at Ichigo.
“Didn’t Teacher Ōnabara say that the disappearance happened in Junrin’an?”
Ichigo’s tone was grave.
“Don’t be nervous. Even if some villain is at work, they can’t threaten the Elder. That place isn’t as weak and easily bullied as you think.”
“The student who disappeared from our class, though I haven’t interacted with him much, I remember he was also from Rukongai, but not Junrin’an.”
…
A flicker of doubt crossed Takashi’s eyes.
A commoner not from Junrin’an disappeared in Junrin’an.
The key was that no one knew why he went to Junrin’an, otherwise the word unprovoked wouldn’t have been used.
Could it be the teachers?
The possibility was very low.
After all, the time when people needed to disappear had long passed.
But this, on the contrary, made people feel that danger was lurking.
“I have to admit your concerns have some merit, but this isn’t our business. Look at those people; they’re practically wearing entertainment and excitement on their faces. People from Rukongai are less important than a good show in their eyes; there’s no such thing as camaraderie among classmates.”
Hearing this, Ichigo turned his gaze to the noble students in the class, who were discussing heatedly, and fell into an unspoken silence.
“…Though that’s true, but…”
“But then again, it’s been a while since I’ve seen the Elder. It’s time for a long-overdue visit to report our safety and such. Want to come along?”
Takashi suddenly said.
…
Ichigo was stunned for a moment, then let out a cold snort.
“Is that even a question? I don’t want people to talk behind my back, saying this guy is ungrateful.”
“Are you two going to get involved in this? It’s very dangerous. This isn’t like playing around in a usual practice match.”
Hachihara had heard everything clearly from behind, so she spoke up to remind them.
“You’re right, so… want to come along?”
“Guhahaha~”
There was no need to answer; that sly laugh said it all.
“And Rindō… well, it seems there’s no need to ask.”
Takashi turned his head and met Rindō’s earnest gaze directly.
Everything was unsaid.
“Takashi, you have your foolish moments too. We’re in the same living group; of course, we’ll advance and retreat together.”
Ichigo’s words were more teasing than mocking.
And more indirectly stating his attitude than teasing.
“No time to lose, we’re leaving tonight! Go! Go! Go! Hachihara Squad is going to conquer Rukongai!”
Hachihara clenched her fists, looking full of passion.
“Why Hachihara Squad? I started the topic, didn’t I? It should be Kurosaki Squad… no, that sounds a bit embarrassing too. Let’s just skip this topic.”
???
Takashi looked at Ichigo in confusion.
Did you start it?
And that phrase about leaving tonight sounded very ominous for a team.