It was the entrance ceremony for new students at the Spiritual Arts Academy.
Normally, only the teaching staff and incoming first-years would attend.
But at this moment, Shinichi was standing among the instructors, beside Nanada Hidezawa.
Headmaster Shakubō Kyōsō was on stage addressing the newly admitted first-year students. His speech was official and formal, encouraging students to study diligently, strive for excellence, and become outstanding Shinigami as soon as possible.
Shinichi looked distracted, his eyes drifting blankly as he stood there.
Nanada Hidezawa nudged his calf lightly, reminding him to pay attention.
The new students were full of enthusiasm, eager about their upcoming school life, and the headmaster's speech was quite effective.
"And now, let us welcome our representative of the Spiritual Arts Academy student body, the Student Council President, fifth-year student Tachikawa Shinichi, to give a speech."
There had never been a precedent for a student to speak at the entrance ceremony.
Hearing his name called, Shinichi adjusted his casual expression and slowly made his way up to the podium.
The ceremony venue was massive. Several hundred students stood below, many of them curious—wondering what exactly this "student council" was, and just what kind of person Tachikawa Shinichi might be.
Shinichi had a prepared speech, one the faculty had given him. It was mostly words of encouragement for the new students and an introduction to the student council.
He didn't try anything strange. He gave the speech properly and then stepped off the stage.
After the ceremony ended, Shinichi was just about to return to the dorms when someone blocked his path.
"And you are?"
The person was another student, dressed in a pristine white uniform. Shinichi didn't recognize him.
"Kazamaji Mitsugorō," the student said with a neutral tone.
Shinichi thought for a moment, then grinned. "Ah, so it's you. First time meeting, huh?"
This was the student whom the higher-ups had chosen as the vice president of the student council—a sixth-year student from the noble Kasamaji clan.
He was also the reason Shinichi had been unable to appoint Shūhei as vice president, as he had originally intended.
"I've heard plenty about you," Kazamaji Mitsugorō said.
Shinichi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Am I really that famous?"
The Kasamaji family was a high-ranking noble house in Seireitei—just below the top-tier houses like Kuchiki or Shihōin. However, the Kasamaji family had always been matriarchal, and the males within the family held far less status.
Mitsugorō frowned at Shinichi. "I looked at the list of student council appointments. You filled a bunch of the department head positions with your friends, didn't you?"
Shinichi replied casually, "Not that many. Just two."
According to decisions made by the upper echelons, the student council was divided into seven departments:
The Executive Committee, the Academic Department, the Organization Department, the Disciplinary Department, the Arts and Culture Department, the Public Relations Department, and the Finance Department.
Vice-Captain Shiba Kaien of the 13th Division was named Honorary President of the student council.
What Mitsugorō was referring to were Shinichi's appointments of Hisagi Shūhei as head of the Organization Department and Kanisawa as head of the Disciplinary Department—two key roles.
Seeing how Shinichi didn't even try to explain himself and simply admitted it, Mitsugorō's frown deepened. "Why didn't you consult me before making those decisions?"
Shinichi looked innocent. "This is our first meeting, right? I had no idea where to find you before this. And besides, the student council had already begun forming half a month before school started. I didn't see you showing any interest back then."
In other words—you're the one who came out of nowhere.
Mitsugorō's face darkened. He, too, had only been informed by his family out of the blue that he was to become vice president of something called the student council. And when he heard that the president was Tachikawa Shinichi, he had been both stunned and confused.
Tachikawa Shinichi was a well-known figure in the Academy. Everyone knew he came from the worst part of Rukongai—District 80, Zaraki. Rumor had it he often skipped class. How could a guy like that become student council president? And now I have to assist him?!
"I think you chose those two purely out of favoritism. I don't approve," Mitsugorō said flatly.
Shinichi countered, "Then, Kazamaji-san, do you know either of them?"
"I'm your upperclassman. You should call me senpai."
Shinichi beamed. "Aren't we discussing student council matters? Shouldn't we use official titles while working? You should be calling me President, don't you think?"
"Y-You...!"
What Shinichi didn't expect, though, was that Mitsugorō actually held back his anger.
"President," Mitsugorō said with effort, "I believe we should reconsider the appointments for the Organization and Disciplinary Departments. As vice president, I have the right to be involved in the selection process."
His sudden shift in attitude caught Shinichi off guard. And then… disappointed him. Where was that classic noble arrogance and disdain for commoners?
"Kazamaji-san, if you doubt my decisions, you're welcome to evaluate both of them personally and decide if they're suitable."
"I will," Mitsugorō said seriously. "Just don't abuse your authority for personal gain, President."
Shinichi waved him off and walked past. Internally, his impression of Kazamaji Mitsugorō had softened quite a bit.
What's wrong with helping out people close to you?
If I can't even do that, what's the point of being president?
Still, he had full confidence in both Hisagi and Kanisawa's qualifications.
The campus was now full of fresh new faces. These new students exuded an energy the upperclassmen didn't—they were younger, livelier, and curious about everything.
Shinichi had been like that once too.
Petals floated gently through the air, carried by the breeze. A faint floral scent lingered in the air.
Shinichi really enjoyed this peaceful, leisurely life. If he didn't know what the future held, he would've liked to remain a student forever.
Even before the first-years arrived, the student council had already recruited some upperclassmen, forming a foundational team.
And many of those members hadn't been chosen by Shinichi.
Apart from Hisagi and Kanisawa, the rest of the department heads were all noble students.
To be honest, Shinichi didn't mind. The student council was just a tool to him.
But there wasn't much he could do right now. As for Mitsugorō—who knew what the future of the student council would look like?
At the central plaza, several bulletin boards had been set up, displaying information about the student council and recruiting new first-years.
As Shinichi scanned the area, his eyes suddenly stopped.
[Rukia]
Affinity: 7
Every 10 affinity points: +1 Reiatsu Level, +1% Zanpakutō Unlock Progress
At 90 affinity: unlocks "Home Run" reward
Can form a Shinigami Bond; unlocks third-tier reward upon bonding
He had drunk too much and nearly forgot to update.