Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Yuichi and Mei arrived at the Academy wearing the institution's uniform, which resembled the standard Shinigami shihakushō uniform but had a different color scheme.

 

The women's uniform included a red shitagi (undershirt), a white kosode (shirt) with red stripes, red hakama (trousers), white socks, and sandals. In the male version of the uniform, the red was replaced with blue. Both uniforms bore a circular symbol on each breast, presumably representing the Academy's emblem.

 

Impressed by the architecture of the Academy, which resembled that of Seireitei, they observed classrooms, dormitories, and practice areas for Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō. They realized that the next six years of their lives would be spent in these halls, honing their skills to become soul reapers.

 

Upon entering the Academy, they received a warm welcome from fellow students, each hailing from diverse backgrounds and possessing different abilities. Mei eagerly anticipated the opportunity to meet new people and acquire knowledge, while Yuichi was resolute in making the most of their time at the Academy, determined to absorb as much as he could. With the Academy's commencement, Yuichi's journey as a Soul Reaper truly began.

 

Yuichi feigned disinterest, while Mei genuinely looked forward to learning from some of the most renowned Soul Reapers within the Gotei 13. Among the notable figures was Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the Academy's founder, recognized for personally instructing the likes of Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, two of the most powerful and respected Soul Reapers in the Gotei 13, although he had since retired.

 

Another esteemed instructor was Gengorō Ōnabara, who served as the chief instructor for Class #1, the special accelerated class. Yuichi recalled that he had played a pivotal role in training some of the most talented Soul Reapers in the Gotei 13, including Renji, Hinamori, and Kira, when they attended the Academy over the next 50 years.

 

Sōsuke Aizen, currently a vice-captain, also conducted an optional calligraphy class at the Academy, known for its popularity. His classes attracted such large numbers of students that some had to sit in the corridors during lectures. Aizen's charisma and teaching style earned him admiration from many students, despite his eventual revelation as the series' main antagonist. Yuichi resolved to avoid Aizen's classes without arousing suspicion.

 

As they embarked on their journey at the Academy, students were grouped into classes based on their entrance exam scores. Mei, who had excelled in the exam, was placed in Class #1, reserved for the most gifted and talented students who were destined to become future Soul Reapers.

 

Meanwhile, Yuichi, who had achieved slightly above-average results, was assigned to Class #2, comprising students considered above average in ability. This class maintained a competitive atmosphere and featured numerous talented students expected to become competent Soul Reapers.

 

Those who had scored below average in the entrance exam were placed in Class #3. While this class was deemed the most challenging, students received additional support and guidance to help them improve their skills.

 

Yuichi and Mei were content with their respective class placements. Yuichi saw it as an opportunity to learn without drawing too much attention, especially since Mei was in a higher class and could provide assistance. Mei, on the other hand, was excited to train with the top students and expedite her graduation to join Yoruichi's squad.

 

As they made their way to the orientation, they spotted the striking young lady from the entrance exam. Her presence, long blonde hair, and bright blue eyes were instantly recognizable to Yuichi. She introduced herself as Kira Ankoku, and they all discovered they were running a bit late for the orientation.

 

Mei and Yuichi introduced themselves, and the three of them entered the orientation hall together.

 

Inside, they were welcomed by the Academy's founder, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. He delivered a speech outlining the expectations of the Academy, stressing discipline, hard work, and respect for others. Yamamoto reminded the students that they were here to become powerful Soul Reapers and that the journey ahead would be challenging. However, he assured them that with perseverance, they could achieve greatness.

 

After the orientation, Yuichi, Mei, and Kira decided to explore the Academy grounds together. They discussed the welcome speech and their thoughts on the Academy.

 

Yuichi asked Kira, "So, you're also in class #1?"

 

Kira replied, "Yes, I am. I'm apparently one of the top students here."

 

Yuichi commented, "That's great! I'm in class #2, I did okay on the entrance exam."

 

Mei added, "I'm in class #1 too. I'm looking forward to learning from the best of the best and becoming an amazing Soul Reaper."

 

Kira warmly responded, "It's great to have you both here. I'm sure we'll have a great time together at the Academy."

 

As they strolled through the Academy, Kira asked Mei and Yuichi about their families. Mei explained her upbringing, sharing that she had been taken in by Yoruichi, the captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13, at a young age. "Yoruichi-sama found me when I was young and took me in," Mei recounted. "She's been like a mother to me and has been training me to become a Soul Reaper."

 

Yuichi chose not to divulge too much about his past, giving a vague explanation of his arrival in the Soul Society and the assistance he received from Yoruichi. He emphasized his determination to make the most of the opportunity given to him.

 

Kira, on the other hand, shared her background openly, revealing her lineage from the Ankoku noble family and her father's position within the Gotei 13. Her determination and ambition were evident as she expressed her unwavering commitment to becoming a powerful Soul Reaper.

 

As the three of them conversed, Mei and Yuichi couldn't help but notice Kira's intense determination and ambition. Yuichi observed her closely and was struck by her strong sense of purpose.

 

When Kira bid them farewell and left, Yuichi couldn't help but notice her zanpakuto for the first time. It surprised him that he had been so focused on Kira yet only now noticed her zanpakuto. The katana had a unique design, featuring a black body with a silver blade edge and a circular tsuba with swirling designs. This indicated that Kira had already achieved a shikai, similar to Mei.

 

Yuichi decided to bring this to Mei's attention, thinking it was odd that she hadn't noticed Kira's zanpakuto. He told Mei to be cautious because Kira had her zanpakuto. Mei, however, couldn't confirm this and expressed her confusion, suggesting that Kira's family might not be supportive of her.

 

Yuichi was taken aback by Mei's response, as he had seen the zanpakuto himself. He knew that something unusual was going on. He thought to himself, 'Why can't Mei see Kira's zanpakuto, and why is she hiding it? There's more to Kira than meets the eye, and I need to find out what's really happening here.' He recognized that understanding Kira's true nature was crucial in this world, where alliances could be powerful assets or potential threats.

 

Yuichi analyzed Kira's words and actions, noting her cold and calculating personality. Her value for power and her determination to achieve her goals made him cautious. He knew that he would have to be vigilant and gather more information about Kira to determine her intentions and how she might fit into his own plans in the future.