As night fell, Ito Makoto lay resting on the tatami mat in a clean and tidy guest room.
He was staying in a private room specially prepared for him by San Hana baba, while Iwasaki Eri was staying in the same room as San Hana baba.
As for the other long term residents, they did not receive this treatment.
Ito Makoto looked at the tiny sand like particle in his hand, shimmering with blue light. Combined with Tōsen Kaname's actions during the day, it was clear this item was closely related to Aizen Sōsuke's experiment.
"Could this be…"
…
Fifth Division barracks.
Inside the Vice Captain's private room, Aizen Sōsuke was lighting an oil lamp and writing at his desk.
Whoosh
A figure appeared in the room. It was Tōsen Kaname, Fifth Seat of the Ninth Division.
"Lord Aizen, the lost Hollow entered a residential area of Rukongai and vanished. It is suspected the lost fragment of the Hōgyoku was obtained by a Rukongai resident."
Aizen smiled calmly, unconcerned.
"It does not matter. It is only an unstable defective product. At most it can be used once. It poses no threat. We can simply make another."
Hearing this, Tōsen Kaname relaxed and vanished.
Seven days later, Ito Makoto left early. Today was the monthly enrollment assessment for the Spiritual Arts Academy.
A petite figure had been waiting at the gate for a long time. It was Iwasaki Eri.
She held a package. Seeing Ito Makoto, her face flushed.
"Makoto kun, this is a robe I sewed for you with the cloth I earned helping San Hana baba these past days."
Ito Makoto smiled wryly. Having lived two lives, he understood her feelings.
But his goal was transcendence. He would not stop for a flower by the road.
He took the package and smiled gently.
"Thank you. I like it very much. Take care of yourself. Farewell, Miss Eri."
Iwasaki Eri froze, words vanishing from her lips.
She could only watch his back.
"Makoto kun, have a safe journey."
Ito Makoto did not turn back. He only waved.
He did not see her tearful eyes.
…
"This is Seireitei. It is even grander than in the anime."
Looking at the towering city, Ito Makoto exclaimed.
The splendor of Seireitei contrasted sharply with the low houses of Rukongai.
"Every world is the same."
Seireitei stood at the center of Soul Society, seat of power and home of nobles and Shinigami.
Ito Makoto arrived at the East Gate, Qingryu Gate. Many youths were already lining up, all here for the Academy exam.
After queuing, it was his turn. He handed his identification card to Jidanbō, the giant gatekeeper, and entered.
Following the crowd, Ito Makoto soon reached the Spiritual Arts Academy.
He queued again. When his turn came, he handed both his own card and San Hana baba's letter.
Looking at the long line, he muttered,
"How long is this going to take."
Just then, a burly middle aged man with sunglasses and spiky hair walked out.
"You, you, you, and you, come with me."
He pointed at several people, including Ito Makoto, and led them through a side door.
"You have tokens, so you test early. But don't celebrate. If you lack talent, you still fail."
He complained as he walked.
"The higher ups always dump you connected types on me. So annoying."
Ito Makoto knew this was Oda You.
"So the tributes of Rukongai aren't evenly shared. No wonder he's bitter."
They followed Oda You into a hall.
Many applicants were already there, all with letters or noble backing.
Those without connections were still queuing outside.
Ito Makoto saw four machines ahead, each with a scale and crystal cores.
"These measure spiritual power. Hold the handle. Power is ranked in twenty levels. You must reach the ninth rank to continue. Though I doubt any of you will."
Oda You crossed his arms, scornful.
The four lines whispered nervously.
"Silence. Anyone who speaks again is disqualified."
The guards shouted. The hall fell silent.
Soon, a figure wrapped in a white robe slowly emerged from the gate behind them.