Chapter 3: The Three Seats

The so-called official organization among students was the Student Council, intended to serve as a bridge and link between the Spiritual Arts Academy and the students.

After hearing Shin’s description, Shiba Kaien immediately grasped the significance of this Student Council and the potential it could hold in the future.

Managing students, serving students?

Currently, most Soul Reapers in the Soul Society were directly dispatched from the Spiritual Arts Academy, and the outstanding individuals had become the backbone of the system. If this Student Council could truly be established and absorb some of the talented individuals during their academy days, then after becoming full-fledged Soul Reapers, they would have an additional bond between each other.

Once Shin proposed this concept, countless pros and cons immediately flashed through Shiba Kaien’s mind.

The key question was whether this Student Council would be permitted to exist.

The actual rulers of the Soul Society were the nobles. Although Shiba Kaien himself was a noble, the influence of the Shiba family was no longer what it once was.

In the Soul Society, the gap between nobles and commoners was nearly insurmountable, akin to reproductive isolation. The Spiritual Arts Academy was almost the only path for commoners to become Soul Reapers. Nobles, on the other hand, often had their own training routes; even without attending the academy, they could become Soul Reapers.

What would the nobles think of this Student Council? Would they encourage their descendants to enter the academy for the sake of it?

Perhaps this was overthinking. Maybe the nobles would simply not allow it to be established!

The cafeteria buzzed with various voices, but to Shiba Kaien’s ears, it all blurred into white noise. He paused mid-bite, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the boy before him.

“This matter requires careful consideration,” Shiba Kaien finally said.

Shin’s smile did not waver. “That’s alright, I’m in no rush.”

Shiba Kaien gave a half-smile. “You’re quite the surprise, kid.”

Shin replied slowly, “Vice-Captain Shiba, perhaps you’re overcomplicating things. It’s just a small organization, and it would still be subordinate to the Spiritual Arts Academy.”

Shiba Kaien neither agreed nor disagreed. “If this goes through, in two years when you graduate, will the ordinary officers in the Thirteenth Division still catch your eye?”

“You think me too greedy. I know my limits.”

Shiba Kaien said no more, leaving the remaining food untouched. After a short while, he suddenly stood and left.

After the Thirteenth Division’s Vice-Captain departed, Hisagi Shuhei approached Shin, carrying his tray, and sat opposite him.

“You told him?”

“I had no one else to tell, and only he can help me,” Shin said, lowering his head to eat.

Hisagi Shuhei warned, “I don’t think it’s that simple, Shin. You’re too idealistic. We’re just ordinary students.”

When Shin had proposed the idea to him yesterday, Hisagi was surprised by such thoughts but also thought it was unrealistic.

“You’re right. Precisely because we’re ordinary students, it seems simple to us. Let others handle those troublesome matters.”

That afternoon was another kendo class.

Minada Hidetada was already waiting early in the kendo training hall. Watching students file in, his gaze suddenly fixed on the refined boy who had entered with Hisagi Shuhei.

Shin felt a chill under his gaze.

“Feels like trouble’s brewing…”

Hisagi just gave him a look that said, “Good luck.”

“How did you explain for me yesterday?”

“Honestly, the Vice-Captain Matsumoto of the Tenth Division wants to see you.”

“Hisagi, you…”

Shin had just stood in the classroom and hadn’t yet sat down when a cold voice from Minada Hidetada interrupted.

“Taichikawa, can you explain why you missed class yesterday?”

The students in the classroom had already taken their seats on the side, casting eyes filled with anticipation.

Shin immediately stepped forward, bowing sincerely to Minada. “I apologize, Teacher Minada. It was my fault yesterday. I deeply realize my mistake and shouldn’t have wasted my time at school. I promise it won’t happen again!”

Minada sneered. “How many times have you made that promise?”

Since enrollment, Shin had been relatively well-behaved at first, but by the second year he had grown lax, frequently skipping class. Were it not for his outstanding talent, he would have been expelled long ago.

“This time I’ll definitely improve!”

Minada remained unmoved and turned to the students watching the spectacle.

“Today’s lesson is sparring practice. All of you will face Taichikawa Shin alone. Anyone who can defeat him will receive bonus points on your year-end exams. There’s no limit to the number of challenges.”

“…”

The kendo classroom fell silent for a few seconds. Shin suddenly felt countless burning gazes fixed on him.

“Teacher Minada, this isn’t fair!”

“I think it’s perfectly fair!”

The voice came from Kanisawa, who had already stood, gripping a black shinai.

“Taichikawa, it’s been a while since we last sparred,” Kanisawa said slowly.

A shinai was thrown over by Hisagi. Shin sensed a hint of schadenfreude in Hisagi’s eyes.

Holding the heavy sword, Shin took a deep breath. Seeing the situation was inevitable, he resolved to let others take a few hits and concede quickly.

Minada then said, “Taichikawa, if you lose, I’ll have to deduct points from your comprehensive evaluation. You’ve missed so many classes this year; I wonder if you’ll even graduate.”

Shin’s grip on the sword tightened.

Damn it!

“Bring it on!”

Shin stepped to the center of the classroom, adopting a desperate stance.

Minada stood calmly at the edge of the room. The fourth-year students had already completed their coursework, so this wouldn’t delay anything. Knowing Shin’s skill, Minada believed this kind of practical exercise would better promote the other students’ progress.

But he had underestimated things.

After just over half an hour, none of the more than twenty students present, including top students Kanisawa and Hisagi, could stand against Shin for even a minute.

“Don’t blame me. Though I want you to earn points, I don’t want to fail.”

Shin sheathed his sword, silently murmuring.

“The gap is really that big…”

Minada muttered, looking at the boy in the center of the room whose clothes remained unblemished.

He knew Taichikawa Shin’s kendo skills surpassed his own, but even he did not know the upper limit.

“Teacher Minada, I passed, right?” Shin smiled brightly.

Feeling as if Shin was boasting, Minada’s face darkened. Pointing at several students lying on the ground nursing their pain, he scolded, “You strike your classmates so hard, don’t you have any conscience?”

“Teacher Minada, I used the back of the sword! Not a single one of them bled!”

“You still dare to argue?!” Minada glared. “From now on, you’re responsible for everyone’s sparring exercises in kendo class!”

The students on the floor groaned in anguish.

“No, Teacher Minada!”

“It’s his fault, so why do we suffer?”

“Teacher Minada, you’re biased!”

After class, Shin was called alone to Minada’s office.

Most teachers at the Spiritual Arts Academy knew Shin as a rebellious student under Minada’s wing and were aware of Minada’s “favoritism” toward him.

Minada sat without mentioning the lesson just ended.

“Why don’t you plan to graduate this year?”

Shin thought briefly and asked, “Did Kanisawa not tell you?”

Minada adjusted his glasses. “It’s good to recognize your shortcomings and want to study more and mature over another year, but for you, will another year really fix your bad habits?”

“I’ll try my best to improve!”

“Hisagi and Kanisawa also don’t intend to take the graduation exam because of you, right?”

Shin laughed. “Teacher Minada, even if they take it, what are their chances of passing?”

Minada fell silent. The graduation exam was extremely difficult for fourth-years. Though Hisagi and Kanisawa performed well, Minada couldn’t guarantee they would pass. After the graduation exam came the squad entry exam.

Minada cared deeply about his teaching results, which explained his “favoritism” toward Taichikawa Shin.

“Teacher Minada, don’t put all the blame on me. One can only do as much as one’s ability allows. Whether they take the graduation exam is their choice, and whether I take it is mine. I want to stay longer at the academy and have you continue to guide me. Isn’t that right?”

Minada leafed through some documents on his desk and said, “Several families in the Thirteenth Division have contacted me, asking about your situation and which squad you intend to join. The graduation exam shouldn’t be a big deal for you. No matter which squad you join, you’ll be highly valued.”

This happened every year. The academy’s top students naturally attracted the attention of high-ranking Soul Reapers. Taichikawa Shin had even defeated one during a kendo class, increasing his standing.

If Shin graduated this year and joined the Thirteenth Division, starting as an officer, Minada would not be surprised and would even welcome it.

“Vice-Captain Shiba of the Thirteenth Division came to see you at noon, hoping you would join their squad, right?” Minada asked again.

Shiba Kaien had expressed this intention long ago and had even asked Minada to persuade Shin.

Shin nodded slightly. “Vice-Captain Matsumoto of the Tenth Division also approached me, saying if I joined them, I could directly become the Twenty-third Seat.”

The Twenty-third Seat was quite fitting.

Minada pondered and asked, “Which would you prefer?”

Shin grinned lightly. “I want to continue being your student.”

Minada laughed but quickly returned to seriousness. “Waiting to be sought after is not a good attitude.”

“Teacher Minada, you misunderstand me,” Shin looked innocent. “I’m sincere!”

Minada studied Shin’s eyes, silent for a long moment, unable to discern his true thoughts.

“The graduation exam is voluntary for fourth-years. If you’re unwilling, then stay another year.”

“Teacher Minada, you understand me.”

#

Two days later.

Shiba Kaien returned to the Spiritual Arts Academy and found Shin just as afternoon classes ended.

“Vice-Captain Shiba, have you made up your mind?”

“I want to hear your vision for this Student Council—its organizational structure, specific duties, member roles. Have you thought it through carefully?” Shiba asked.

Shin immediately produced a thick stack of documents and handed them over.

Shiba raised an eyebrow as he looked at the papers but didn’t rush to read them. Instead, he asked, “When did you come up with this idea?”

“About a year ago,” Shin replied. “I saw how hard the teachers worked managing the students, so I suddenly had the thought of helping the teachers and the school.”

Shiba countered, “Then why do you still skip classes so often? If you sympathize with the teachers’ hardships, why not strive to be an exemplary student?”

“That’s different!” Shin argued. “I don’t skip without reason. I actually have real issues. I’m not healthy and need more rest…”

Shiba didn’t argue further and instead began to read the documents seriously.

The papers detailed the Student Council’s structure and functions down to each department and member’s duties. The more Shiba read, the more he felt this was a well-developed organization, not a makeshift group.

This kid had really prepared thoroughly.

Shiba’s thoughts raced as he folded the documents and looked at Taichikawa Shin.

The Spiritual Arts Academy never lacked geniuses. He himself graduated in a year and became the Third Seat. Decades ago, Ichimaru Gin also graduated in a year.

Compared to them, Shin’s record could only be called “excellent.”

What does the title of genius bring?

It smooths their start and promotion after becoming Soul Reapers, but that seemed to be all.

But if this Student Council succeeded, what could it bring this kid?

Shiba didn’t dare think too deeply. He needed to consider carefully, consult his squad captain and his uncle.

“Tell me, which squad do you plan to join after graduation?” he asked again.

Shin answered slowly, “Captain Ukitake of the Thirteenth Division has been in poor health for a long time, and Vice-Captain Shiba, you’ll probably take his place, but that might take a long while.”

Shiba’s expression remained calm. There was more to it than that. The captain of the Tenth Division was his uncle. Could the Gotei Thirteen have two Shibas as captains simultaneously?

Probably not. The Central 46 wouldn’t agree. His future promotions would be difficult. Shiba was well aware of this, but he was comfortable remaining vice-captain of the Thirteenth Division.

Shin’s words revealed much.

He was the vice-captain of the Thirteenth Division; the Third Seat was his fiancée. If Shin joined the Thirteenth Division, at most he could only reach the Fourth Seat.

No wonder he declined Miss Matsumoto’s offer to become the Twenty-third Seat.

“Tenth Division, Third Seat,” Shiba said again.

“Would you be willing?”