Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 68: A Genius Beyond Compare

The Student Council headquarters office had become more luxurious and imposing than the previous year. Vice President Kasagadō Mitsugorō had graduated and moved on to Squad Six. Before leaving, he'd gifted Shin with several new furnishings, effectively giving the office a makeover.

Shin, truthfully, was reluctant to see him go. Despite being a noble, Mitsugorō had always been hands-off—never vying for authority in the Student Council. Quiet, obedient. Like a lucky charm.

And more importantly... like a wallet.

Now that he was gone, Shin wasn't sure who he'd tap next for funding.

Hopefully some new rich kids would show up.

"Big Brother Shin!"

Dressed in a fresh Shin'ō Academy uniform, Shiba Ganjaku stood before Shin, posture straight and respectful.

"Did your brother say anything before you came?" Shin asked, amused.

"He said if I ever needed anything at school, I should come straight to you."

Shin chuckled. "Vice-Captain Shiba knows how to delegate."

Ganjaku's burly frame seemed strangely... docile. "I'll be counting on you, Big Brother Shin."

Shin clapped him on the shoulder. "If your brother considers me a friend, you're like family too. No need to be so polite."

"Got it, Big Brother Shin."

"You're new here, so spend your first month getting used to everything. Once Student Council recruitment starts, make sure you apply."

As they chatted, Hinamori and Rukia knocked on the door and entered—accompanied by a white-haired boy.

Shin's eyes lit up with a smile. "Ah, if it isn't our once-in-a-century prodigy—Hitsugaya Tōshirō, right?"

So this is Hitsugaya Tōshirō? Ganjaku looked stunned. He'd heard the name constantly over the past two days—the boy who'd shattered expectations during entrance exams.

Sixth-grade spiritual pressure. Same as his brother, Kaien, back when he enrolled.

And the kid looked... tiny.

Ganjaku himself only scored Eighth Grade in the test—already exceptional. Anyone scoring that high would be assigned to Class A. Seventh Grade candidates were extremely rare. Maybe one in several years.

Someone like Hitsugaya, entering with a Sixth Grade rating, hadn't appeared since Ichimaru Gin or Shiba Kaien decades ago.

Even Tachikawa Shin, the current student idol of the Academy, had only entered with an Eighth Grade.

Hinamori beamed, clearly proud. "Tōshirō said he wanted to thank you in person, President."

"No need to be so formal. We're all classmates now. The Academy's lucky to have newcomers like you." Shin gestured toward Ganjaku. "This is Shiba Ganjaku—he's in your class too. Get to know each other."

Shiba? The moment that surname was spoken, everyone in the room perked up. Even Hitsugaya, despite growing up in Rukongai, knew of the Four Great Noble Houses.

Two nobles in one room. The Academy really did attract dragons hiding among snakes.

After some polite introductions, Ganjaku noticed Rukia's name and blinked. Kuchiki...?

He studied her for a few seconds but didn't sense the usual arrogant air of nobility.

"Pleased to meet you, senpai."

Being called senpai made Hinamori practically glow. She used to be the one saying that. Now the tables had turned.

Given how close Ganjaku seemed with Shin, Hinamori surmised they were tight.

She then mentioned that Hitsugaya planned to apply to the Student Council.

Rukia added that Renji had also expressed interest.

"...Renji, huh?" Shin struck a thoughtful pose. "Can he even pass the written exam?"

"He's improved a lot this past year!" Rukia said quickly.

Though honestly, whether he passed or not was really just Shin's call. For Ganjaku's test, Shin planned to grade it personally.

Not long after, the trio departed. Hitsugaya bowed and stubbornly insisted on giving thanks before leaving.

Once they were gone, Ganjaku turned to Shin. "Big Brother Shin, that Hitsugaya guy..."

"Treat him as your benchmark," Shin said casually.

"...Got it."

With the previous Sixth-Year class graduated, the Student Council had lost a number of key members.

A new internal election was held. Hisagi Shūhei and Kani Sawa retained their posts as heads of the Organization and Disciplinary Committees. Aokami rose to head of the Academic Committee.

Departments like Arts, PR, and Finance also gained new leads.

Though Hinamori, Rukia, and Kira Izuru were all promising second-years, they remained committee members and Presidential Assistants due to their age.

The role of Vice President, however, wasn't elected—it was directly appointed by the Academy's leadership.

The position went to Katō Hayaha, a noble of high pedigree. With Mitsugorō gone, he became the de facto head of the Academy's noble circle (excluding Rukia).

Fortunately, he respected Shin and pledged to follow his leadership.

A month later, the entrance exam for new Student Council candidates was held.

Renji sat among a sea of students, clawing at his hair. Hinamori, Rukia, and Kira had crammed knowledge into him beforehand... but the effect was, well, minimal.

He looked around at the students scribbling confidently and felt sweat beading down his back.

This year's applicants weren't as numerous as last year's, but they still filled a large lecture hall.

Mostly first-years.

Renji squeezed out what answers he could like toothpaste from a near-empty tube, groaning with each line.

Finally, the exam ended.

Outside, the others were already waiting.

"Renji!" Kira waved. "How'd it go?"

"...Okay, I guess," Renji muttered, unsure.

"You better have passed, or you've wasted all three of our efforts!" Hinamori scolded.

Renji grumbled, "Who comes up with these questions, anyway? They were insane..."

"What was that?!" Hinamori snapped.

Of course the questions had been written by the President himself. Renji knew that—he looked away, sheepishly.

Just then, Hinamori waved at someone. "Tōshirō!"

The white-haired boy approached, calm and cool.

Renji had never seen him before.

Kira whispered, "That's the prodigy everyone's talking about."

Renji blinked. "That's him, huh?"

Because of his youthful appearance, people had taken to calling Hitsugaya "The Prodigy Child."

"How was the exam?" Hinamori asked.

"Just a few questions. All pretty easy," Hitsugaya replied nonchalantly.

"...Really?" Hinamori blinked, surprised.

She glanced at Renji. "What about you?"

"..."

Renji didn't say a word. The more this kid talked, the more annoying he became.

Brat's showing off. Watch him bomb the interview.