Student Council Headquarters.
Compared to last year, the office had become noticeably more luxurious and spacious. After Vice President Kasadō Kōgorō graduated and joined the Sixth Division, he'd left Nobu a farewell gift—filling the office with all sorts of new furnishings.
Truthfully, Nobu felt rather reluctant about Kōgorō's departure. Despite being a noble, Kasadō had always been low-key and obedient, content to play a quiet role in the council.
Mostly as a lucky mascot.
And a wallet.
With Kōgorō gone, Nobu had no idea who else he could ask for money in the future.
Hopefully the student council recruits a few more rich members.
"Nobu-aniki!"
Standing respectfully in front of Nobu, dressed in his new academy uniform, was Shiba Ganju.
"Did your brother give you any instructions before you came?"
"Big brother said if anything happens at school, I should come directly to you."
Nobu chuckled lightly. "Lieutenant Shiba sure knows how to delegate."
Ganju stood rigidly, his sturdy figure seeming oddly docile. "From now on, I'll be relying on you, Nobu-aniki."
Nobu patted his shoulder warmly. "Since your brother sees me as a friend, naturally I'll treat you as a younger brother. We're family, so no need for formalities."
"Yes, Nobu-aniki."
"You've just arrived, so take your time settling in. When the student council starts recruiting next month, remember to sign up."
As they chatted, Hinamori and Rukia suddenly knocked and entered, accompanied by a short, white-haired boy.
At the sight of them, Nobu greeted warmly, smiling, "Well, if it isn't Hitsugaya-kun, our once-in-a-century prodigy of Shin'ō Academy!"
So this is Hitsugaya Tōshirō?
Standing nearby, Ganju looked startled. In his two days at the academy, the name he'd heard most frequently was Hitsugaya's.
Scoring Sixth-Class spiritual power in his entrance test was something even his brother Kaien had managed back then—and this Hitsugaya looked so small!
Ganju himself had only reached Eighth-Class spiritual power.
In fact, scoring Eighth-Class was already extremely impressive and guaranteed placement into Class A. Seventh-Class students were rare enough, often appearing only once every few years.
Hitsugaya Tōshirō, with his Sixth-Class entrance score, was comparable only to Ichimaru Gin and Shiba Kaien from decades past.
Even Tachikawa Nobu, now regarded as the academy's benchmark, had only barely reached Eighth-Class upon enrollment.
Hinamori, visibly proud of her childhood friend's genius reputation, smiled cheerfully. "Hitsugaya wanted to personally thank you again, President."
"No need for thanks. We're all classmates now. Having talented newcomers like you is the academy's good fortune." Nobu gestured toward Ganju. "This is Shiba Ganju, also a first-year student. I think he'll be in your class, Hitsugaya, so get acquainted."
Shiba...?
Hearing this surname, all three immediately reacted. Even Hitsugaya, who'd spent most of his life in Rukongai, had heard of Soul Society's Four Great Noble Clans.
To think this small office currently hosted two members from noble houses—
Shin'ō Academy truly hides dragons among fish!
After introductions, Ganju's initial attention on Hitsugaya shifted when he heard Rukia's name.
Kuchiki…?
He stared curiously at Rukia for several moments, but sensed none of the typical noble arrogance from her.
"Nice to meet you, senpai," Ganju greeted politely.
Being called 'senpai' filled Hinamori with delight. Previously, she'd always been the one addressing others that way, and now someone was finally using it for her!
For Shiba Ganju to be here, he must have a close relationship with the president.
Hinamori mentioned Hitsugaya's intention to join the student council next month.
Rukia quickly added, "Renji has the same idea."
"Him, huh…" Nobu appeared thoughtful. "Think he can pass the written test?"
Rukia quickly defended Renji. "He's improved a lot this year!"
Actually, passing was entirely up to Nobu's discretion. For instance, Ganju's paper would surely be personally graded by Nobu himself.
The trio didn't linger. After Hitsugaya stubbornly expressed gratitude again, they departed.
"Nobu-aniki, about Hitsugaya Tōshirō..."
"Him? You can set him as your future goal," Nobu replied casually.
"...Understood."
Due to the previous sixth-years graduating, the student council had lost several key officers.
After a council meeting, new officers were appointed: Hisagi Shūhei and Kanisawa retained leadership of the Discipline and Organization Committees, while Aoshika smoothly became the head of the Academic Committee.
New leaders for the Cultural, Public Relations, and Finance departments were also selected, all aligned with Nobu.
Hinamori, Rukia, and Kira Izuru were talented, but being only second-years, they remained general members and president's assistants.
The new vice-president wasn't elected but directly appointed by the academy administration: a noble named Katori Hayato, from another high-ranking Seireitei family. With Kasadō Kōgorō gone, he'd become the new leader of the council's noble clique (excluding Rukia), though he showed appropriate respect toward Nobu.
Upon receiving his appointment, Hayato immediately expressed his willingness to continue following Nobu's leadership.
...
One Month Later | Student Council Recruitment Exam
Abarai Renji sat anxiously amid the other applicants, scratching his head repeatedly. Before the test began, Hinamori, Rukia, and Kira had intensely drilled him on potential exam topics, though the results were questionable.
Seeing his classmates around him scribbling furiously only deepened his anxiety.
While the number of applicants wasn't as overwhelming as last year, the large auditorium was still completely filled, predominantly with new students.
Renji painstakingly answered each question on the paper, struggling as if squeezing toothpaste from a tube, and finally endured until the exam concluded.
Outside the teaching building, Rukia and the others waited patiently.
"Abarai!" Kira called out, waving. "How'd it go?"
"Not bad," Renji muttered uncertainly.
"If you don't pass, you'll have wasted all our efforts," Hinamori teased.
Renji grumbled quietly, "Who came up with those weird questions anyway…"
Hinamori immediately glared. "What did you just say?!"
The questions were naturally created by the student council president himself—Renji knew that too, so seeing Hinamori annoyed, he quickly averted his gaze.
Will I even pass…?
Just then, Hinamori waved again, greeting someone else.
"Shirō-chan!"
At her voice, the white-haired boy calmly approached.
Renji, having never met him before, glanced curiously.
Kira whispered helpfully, "That's the genius kid everyone's been talking about."
"Oh, so it's him," Renji murmured in understanding.
Hitsugaya's youthful appearance had inevitably earned him the nickname "genius child."
"How was the test?" Hinamori asked warmly.
"Just a few questions, nothing difficult," Hitsugaya replied nonchalantly.
Hinamori looked surprised. "Really?"
She hadn't seen the exam herself yet, so she immediately turned to Renji. "Abarai, did you think it was easy too?"
"..."
Of course not. Hearing Hitsugaya's casual remark irritated Renji further.
This brat's just showing off—who does he think he is?!