BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

Although Akira doesn't know that a group of powerful figures are keeping an eye on him, he can probably guess.

After all, this is exactly what he wanted to achieve!

Sure enough, by the end of the day, the system confirmed his suspicions.

[Congratulations to the Host for successfully surviving one day. A lottery reward will be issued.]

Akira had full confidence in the value of this lottery.

While others might not understand, he knew better than anyone—his spiritual power could only be used to wield the Sword of Victory. Beyond that, he was nothing more than a paper tiger.

With all of Soul Society's major factions now paying attention to him—both allies and enemies alike—his survival had undoubtedly become much more difficult.

"Start the lottery!"

Excitedly, Akira tapped on the lottery wheel.

A familiar glow flashed, followed by the system's prompt:

[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining 'Elite Hakuda'!]

The reward took Akira by surprise, but it also raised new questions.

"System, what exactly does this 'elite' level mean?"

He recalled that on his system panel, his Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat) skills had only been at an average level.

"Host, the elite level is an upgrade from the mediocre level. Converted to general rankings, you would now be in the top 100 in all of Soul Society."

"Top 100 in all of Soul Society!?"

Akira was stunned. That was unbelievable!

Soul Society, as the afterlife for human souls, contained countless Shinigami. Yet, with just this one lottery draw, he had managed to break into the top 100?

Almost instantly, Akira could feel the change within himself.

A flood of advanced Hakuda knowledge poured into his mind.

Strangely, instead of feeling overwhelmed, he absorbed it effortlessly, as though it had always been a part of him.

"Perfect! One of my weaknesses has been covered. Now, with persistent effort, I can make up for the rest!"

Akira was satisfied. Hakuda was an essential combat skill, after all.

The fundamental combat system of a Shinigami was divided into four disciplines: Zanjutsu (swordsmanship), Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat), Hohō (mobility techniques like Shunpo), and Kidō (spirit-based magic).

While Zanjutsu covered swordsmanship, Hakuda was the art of fighting without weapons.

The remaining two—Hohō and Kidō—were just as important, and Akira was confident he could improve those soon enough.

"I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's draw."

But it seemed that his luck had run out on the second day.

[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining 'Golden Smile'!]

"…Wait, cooking?"

Akira blinked, staring at the slightly eerie-looking steamed bun in front of him. It resembled the one Master Xie had made using a steel rod.

After a moment of hesitation, he picked it up and took a bite.

"Hmm! It doesn't glow, but it's actually delicious!"

His eyes widened in surprise.

To be honest, Soul Society's cuisine was mostly traditional Japanese fare, and after a hundred years, Akira had grown tired of it.

"Well, I guess even if I don't get combat skills or equipment, getting good food isn't bad either. Let's see what happens on the third day…"

So far, no one had approached Akira directly.

This meant he could continue taking things easy, drawing his rewards every day without much effort.

But on the third day, before he could even spin the lottery wheel, a visitor arrived.

"Akira-sama, pardon my intrusion! I am Gin Miyu, Ninth Seat of the Sixth Division!"

A young woman with tea-colored hair and glasses stood before him. Akira vaguely remembered her—she was the daughter of a former vice-captain of the Sixth Division.

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

Gin Miyu adjusted her glasses nervously.

"Yes! I've come to inform you that you're required to attend the celebration banquet following the seating test. Please make sure to be there!"

"Huh, I thought they wouldn't hold it this time. I guess they just postponed it by a day…"

Akira stroked his chin thoughtfully. Normally, these celebration banquets were held the day after the seating test.

Their purpose was to congratulate those who had earned promotions and also served as a networking event within the squad—an opportunity for people to get close to their superiors.

Even in the past, when a commoner Shinigami was beaten to death by a noble one, they still held these banquets. This time, it had been a noble Shinigami who had died, so Akira assumed the event would be canceled.

"I understand. Thank you."

With that, he nodded to Gin Miyu, dismissing her.

That night, in one of the grand banquet halls of Seireitei, the Sixth Division hosted the celebration.

As one of the prestigious noble squads, the Sixth Division spared no expense. The venue was spacious enough to accommodate numerous squad members for the feast.

There was no shortage of fine food and good wine at the banquet, making it a rare indulgence for Akira. However, for the majority of the gathering, his side of the hall remained conspicuously empty.

Most members of the Sixth Division kept their distance from him, though Akira paid it no mind, focusing solely on enjoying the meal before him. He had expected this reaction. After all, he was a former member of the Kuchiki family—the one who had slain a member of one of the Four Great Noble Houses. Such an act had brought no small amount of trouble upon him.

Even with his recent promotion to Third Seat, his rank held little weight in the face of noble politics. The uncertain nature of his standing made his fellow division members wary of associating with him, unwilling to risk the consequences.

Amidst the lively drinking, the conversation took an expected turn.

"The vice-captain, Abarai, is truly impressive—he's held his position again this year!" someone exclaimed, prompting an enthusiastic round of agreement.

It was no surprise. Byakuya Kuchiki's demeanor was notoriously unapproachable, let alone someone daring to challenge him. As a result, Renji Abarai remained the next best thing—a high-ranking officer with both strength and charisma.

"Hah! That's nothing. You haven't even seen my full power yet!" Renji laughed, his face flushed from alcohol.

However, not all Shinigami possessed the same restraint while drinking. Before long, some had begun speaking without thinking.

"Hey, speaking of that… Between Vice-Captain Abarai and the 'god-tier' Third Seat, who's stronger? The two of you didn't face off in the ranking trials."

At those words, the atmosphere in the room instantly shifted.

"W-What kind of question is that? Of course, Vice-Captain Abarai is stronger!"

"That's right! A Third Seat can't possibly compare to a vice-captain!"

Yet, the drunken Shinigami pressed on, mumbling, "But… isn't the Third Seat supposed to be just below the vice-captain?"

"And you all saw that move earlier, right? No ordinary Shikai should've been able to block it…"

Renji's expression darkened, and the shift in atmosphere was palpable.

Many of the Shinigami present had come from the Rukongai like Renji, and normally, he wasn't the type to pick fights while drunk. However, in recent years, his relationship with Rukia had grown increasingly distant—while Akira's bond with her had only deepened.

That lingering sense of being replaced made Renji view Akira in an unfavorable light.

"Speaking of which…"

Renji narrowed his eyes and glanced toward Akira, who was still calmly eating and drinking.

"As the newly appointed Third Seat, Akira has yet to offer me, his vice-captain, a toast."