Locked away in the lowest cell of the Maggot's Nest for one hundred years, a young woman is granted asylum, and allowed to return to the Soul Society. The only problem is, she can't remember anything about it, her past, or herself.
Strive is the re...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The Spiritual Arts Academy.
It is as I'd expect it to appear. Large in stature, with at least four floors. From where I stand amongst the sea of already-enrolled students, clad in white kosode, and blue or red hakama, the windows look small, but I know they're at least my height.
"Amazing," I breathe. "Truly amazing."
And on the inside, even more so. After having passed through the final set of gates, I'd entered a large foyer, its ceiling even taller than the Kaoku Clan manor. Golden columns hold up the ceiling, with white drapes pinned between them for added decor. A wide set of steps led to two separate hallways. As curious as I am, neither halls led to where I wish to go.
Straight ahead leads to an inner courtyard. I had been informed before my arrival that this month's entrance exam will take place there.
I quickly rush toward it, gathering up my kimono in my hands before breaking into a sprint. As I soon learn (I'd tripped over the threshold of the entrance and landed several feet into the courtyard), running in geta-- not the smartest decision of mine.
The courtyard, filled with dozens of potential entrants, instantaneously erupts into racious laughter, and I flush, having humiliated myself.
"Excellent!" a loud voice shouts. "The final entrant is here. Take your place along line five, Miss Kaoku. Just because you're a noble, that doesn't give way to being tardy; please keep that in mind for future reference."
"Y-Yes!" I yell back from the ground.
""Yes, Sir!" " "Yes, Sir!"
I quickly stand, and hide myself within the large group, standing along the fifth from the front's chalked-on lines. Being called "Miss" instead of "Lady" or "Milady" is a nice change.
"Before we begin," the same voice says. I can't see who it is over the shoulders and heads of the other entrants, and I silently curse my height-- or, my lack, thereof.
"Now, we will begin this years' exam. Keep in mind that in order to become eligible to receive Soul Reaper status, you will be placed under several tests, trials, and examinations."
I feel my body begin to heat up. Trials? Examinations?! This isn't what Inari had told me would happen! I'm so unprepared... I thought I'd only have to prove I have my own spiritual energy?
"Don't get your panties in a twist," an amused voice whispers from my right. Finding myself growing even warmer than I'd already been, I shoot a look at the long, blond-haired man at my side.
"That's disgusting," I hiss back at him. "Don't assume something so vulgar."
"It's just an expression," he grumbles. "Man, you nobles really are high-strung."
"And just who are you to make such assumptions?"
"Does it really matter?" he says. I feel the one corner of my lip raise.
"I would like to know the name of the man I now plan on beating in becoming a Soul Reaper first," I muse. "At a glance, you don't seem all that strong, so you should be an easy rival."
The man chuckles. ""And just who are you to make such assumptions?""
With a scowl, I look around the other entrants to make sure the examinators are out of sight before extending my hand to him.
"I am Abaron Kakaku," I say. The man takes it and grins, incidentally exposing his upper teeth.
![𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄 | 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 [MINOR EDITING]](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/70594433-64-k527462.jpg)