Summary:

Kazuto and Asuna both dies in the real world, in 2026 due to the Maximum Acceleration, instantly once it started. Informed about the future collapse of this world by the 'Author' due to the Soul King's death. They are given a chance to save the world, and come back to 2026. The chance was simple: Return back in time, to 1897, within the Soul Society… With only tidbits of warnings about Aizen and Yhwach… And the key to defeating these all, they aim to return back to their own future.

Here's the following things you'll need to know:

This = Zanpakuto speaking This means speaking in monologue or to Zanpakuto.

I don't own bleach, Tite Kubo does. Reki Kawahara also owns SAO, because if I did EugeoxTiese would be a thing.

Rated T until next chapter

XXXXX

Chapter 9: We're finally here: Shin'o Academy

XXXXX

After hearing the announcement of Kazuto's victory, both duelists stopped. Kazuto gave a grin, as he sheathed his sword and extended his hand to Byakuya.

"Let's fight again some time, Byakuya."

Byakuya scoffed as he too sheathed his sword and extended his hand, fearing his grandfather's judgement. Ginrei and the other Captain's hadn't left the stands yet.

As he shook Kazuto's hand firmly, the young impulsive noble replied. "The next time we fight, victory will shine on me."

Kazuto gave a grin, as he saw Byakuya begin to walk off, back inside towards the tunnels. "I'll win next time, and anytime you challenge me."

Following Byakuya was his grandfather, Ginrei, who muttered in a voice so low no normal soul could hear. "That boy, he truly has changed. Now that he truly has a rival on his level."

Despite his low sounded muttering, Yoruichi could hear it. The Shihoin clan were gifted traditionally with their cat forms, along with cat-like hearing.

"Bya-bo truly has changed, I could see it from his eyes. His spirit is burning now, a desire to improve and overcome… Whilst that boy over there, he seems so relaxed. He almost looks like Kisuke!"

Ginrei sighed, as he walked away. "Let us hope this is for the best then, not just for both of them… But the soul society and the Gotei 13."

He flash stepped away, heading out, as Yoruichi waved him good bye like she always did. Ginrei walked out of the arena, as he saw a bright future ahead for the two young talents seen today. One, his grandson, a Kuchiki, traditionally powerful. And another, an unorthodoxly powerful young prodigy.

XXXXX

Arena

Kazuto had just won. He smiled slightly, not wanting to wait to run out just yet. Asuna may be waiting for him outside, but he just wanted this moment of glory.

Unfortunately for him, he felt a spiritual pressure next to him. It was Captain Muragama. Kensei slapped his back, as he looked down imposingly, as Kazuto turned around.

The muscular, tall, white haired man, wearing a Captain's haori staring you down perhaps was one of the most scariest experiences you could have in the Gotei. That, or 3rd Seat Kurotsuchi experimenting on you, or facing an angry Head Captain Yamamoto. The old man's spiritual pressure was so intense, it was rumoured that even Captain's couldn't breathe.

After battling hundreds of hollows and Shinigami, Kazuto and Asuna both knew about the Gotei as the travelled through the Rukongai. And of course, they'd know at least bits and pieces.

And so, despite facing the Captain known for his Drill Sergeant like attitude, Kazuto was, unlike others who faced him. The young trainee faced him confidently, and didn't stutter. "Yes, Captain Muragama?"

Kensei grinned somewhat inside, but kept serious on the outside for appearances sake. This one'll be a tough nut to break. His attitude's exactly what the division needs. Ah, it's good to be young… That headstrong attitude.

"You did well. That was the son of the lieutenant of the 6th, and the future heir of the Kuchiki Clan…"

Kazuto shrugged, as he nonchalantly replied. "Meh, didn't know who that was, but that wasn't the toughest fight I had, at least with Asuna."

Kensei could feel his veins popping up. Thank the soul king Kazuto didn't say this in front of Ginrei or Byakuya.

"Listen kid, do you even know who you're talking about?"

"Some spoiled brat who thinks he's god in this world?"

Kazuto's perception about nobles, ever since Swordcraft Academy was skewed to say the least. Whilst Rina had given him a good look on what nobles should be like, that was for woman. For men… Chudelkin, Raios, Humbert and all the others he had encountered was in his dictionary, a spoiled brat.

Kensei almost fell to the ground at that statement, as he shouted at Kazuto. "Kid, don't go saying that in front of the Kuchiki's! Do you know how much influence they have?!"

Kazuto shook his head and shrugged. "When I was in the living world… I once met some corrupt nobles…"

He held his fist tight, thinking about Quinella, Raios, Humbert, Chuldelkin… "And I learnt that respecting them isn't the way to go. When it comes down to it… Power, is the only way they'll learn to not mess with you."

Kensei shook his head and sighed. "You might learn that… Your philosophy might not work here."

"That is my own task to deal with when I run into it, Captain."

Kensei had no more words to say. This boy, was stubborn to it all. He liked stubbornness, but this level of stubbornness… Was something he didn't know how to deal with.

"If you excuse me now, I have to leave."

Kensei nodded, and gave permission. "You can leave."

Kazuto gave a slight nod and smiled, as he used flash step and headed back towards the podium.

"Though I'll remember your advice."

XXXXX

Podium

As Kazuto re-entered into the Arena, he saw Asuna running towards him, waving. "Kirito-kun! What took you so long?"

Kazuto sighed as he flash stepped over to Asuna and replied to her. "Byakuya Kuchiki…"

Her expression sorrowed slightly, as she asked him: "Did you…"

He nodded his head, and gave a V sign to her. "Yeah, I won. He was troublesome though, but I still won."

Asuna smiled, as she took his hand and kissed him on the cheek. "I knew you'd be able to do it, Kirito-kun!"

He chuckled slightly, as he rubbed his temples. "It was a hard fight though, that Byakuya was really strong."

Asuna sighed and shook her head. "All you think is about duelling, jeez… Whether it's in SAO, ALO, here or the Underworld…"

Kazuto quickly apologised, as he bowed his head down slightly. "I'm sorry ma'am!"

Asuna giggled, as she led Kazuto back to their seat in the podium. "Then again… This is the same Kirito-kun I fell in love with, the one which got me into duelling with swords."

Kazuto chuckled as he looked back up towards Asuna and replied. "I still remember when you slept that day in SAO…"

Asuna's facial expression grew complicated, as she hissed: "Shush… Don't talk about that…"

Kazuto and Asuna both chuckled as they walked back to their seat, as the announcement of the placements began, as this time, Captain Shinji Hirako, of the 5th Division, which was responsible for the Shin'o Academy's affairs came out.

XXXXX

Shinji had to refuse to make a scowl as he came up on the stage. Hiyori had already annoyed him enough today, as he walked up. He was forced by Head Captain Yamamoto, 6th Division Captain Kuchiki, 9th Division Captain Kensei Muragama to walk up this stage. Normally, whilst he didn't trust Aizen one bit, he'd still let his lieutenant do all the work. But now, due to the appearance of 'possible prodigies' and Kuchiki's own 'Prodigious grandson'.

Whilst Shinji had seen Byakuya Kuchiki, and knew he was capable of graduating Shin'o academy within a year, he still knew one thing: Byakuya wasn't a prodigy like Kaien was. He had been trained in the arts of Shinigami since he could stand. One could say he basically cheated his way in.

He stared at his pre-prepared script and sighed. "Worthless shit… Really Sousuke?"

His lieutenant, who had been standing next to him gave a kurt nod and continued his smile. "Captain Hirako, I believe this is the best way to announce the results."

Shinji looked at Sousuke as if he were a murderer, (ironically, he is one), and sneered at him. "Fuck you Sousuke, really. Fuck you."

"Everything I can do, Captain Hirako."

Shinji cursed at having such a lieutenant, but still sighed and simply threw the script away and went on stage.

XXXXX

Shinji addressed the examinees. "Hello all, whether you be failures or successors."

The round of applause suddenly stopped at the Captain's blunt wording of his speech. Shinji cringed and sighed internally, as he corrected his wording.

"Aspiring young talents of the Soul Society, I welcome you. I come today to announce the results of the exams."

The audience's boos or applauses at Shinji's terrible opening speech stopped, as the podium was now silent. Even the faintest sounds made could now be heard, as Shinji slowly read through the name list of those who passed.

Reading through the top one hundred, until he had read up to eighty student's names. His mouth felt dry. As a Captain, it wasn't meant to be his job to do this, it was Sousuke's job! Yet now, Yamamoto had forced this gruelling task upon him.

Shinji again cursed at all the people who had caused him to have to endure this level of suffering. Really? Just give an opening speech to the academy? Sure it'd increase the number of recruits in the fifth, but everyone knew the power in the Gotei 13 was held in the upper echelons, on the officers.

As he took a deep breath, he then said out to the students: "The remaining twenty will go into the advanced class, under Onabora."

As he again read out the list, Asuna could feel the sweat coming down, as the 5th division Captain read down the names on the list.

Meanwhile, in comparison, Asuna's partner, Kazuto didn't feel as nervous as Asuna did. As with his personality, he simply preferred to, go with the flow.

Whether he and Asuna would be chosen and allowed to enter the Academy, was something he thought was guaranteed. He had absolute confidence… Yet their names hadn't been called?

Kazuto didn't maul over this too much, but he had confidence that their names were on the top of the top.

"Third place, Byakuya Kuchiki."

Byakuya walked elegantly up the stage, as he received his reward. Albeit, he had gritted his teeth, whilst doing so.

Shinji had a nice chuckle as he finally saw the young elegant heir dethroned from his spot of the strongest in his age group.

As Byakuya walked down from the stage, Shinji couldn't help but give an extensive description of the duo first places.

"A young boy and girl, both for the first time gaining the maximum amount of points, and both from the Rukongai! Both looking as if they were human teens, and both very powerful with their proficiency in the raw combat form of the Shinigami, I welcome… Kazuto Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki!"

Shinji stared at the youthful, arrogant Byakuya. His facial expression was priceless, it was as if he was completely defeated, humbled by something he would've never thought happened.

Looks like Byakuya really got his ass handed to him. Kensei was really right to pick these two and recommend them into the Academy.

As the duo walked together, Shinji couldn't help but notice their closeness towards each other. It was almost as if…

They're fuckin' lovers too? This is going to be material once they enter the Soul Society, damn. The woman's association and Mashiro's gonna be pumping stuff out like crazy if it spreads.

Kazuto approached Shinji first, as Shinji stuck out his hand for courtesy and handed him his uniform.

"Welcome to Shin'o kid, hope ya' have a great time here… Just go over there, gonna have to have ya' give a speech later on, alright?"

Kazuto nodded, as he accepted the uniform. As he did, he felt something metallic inside, with a weird shape. He ignored it. This dude's a Captain, there really isn't any reason for him to harm me… Right?

He shrugged, and walked over to the side of the stage, as Shinji whispered to him. "Congratulations on pissing off Byakuya… You've given many Captains a good impression."

Kazuto gave a kurt nod, as he walked by. Following Kazuto, was Asuna, as Shinji smiled towards Asuna.

"My first love, congratulations on passing the exam, as first no doubt. I'm the Captain of the 5th Division, Shinji Hirako. You're always welcome there, I have a seat for you once you graduate… Be sure to come!"

Asuna smiled awkwardly. Klein was bad enough, was this the Klein in the past? He might be a upper ranked military officer, but he was…

She couldn't find a word to describe him, and decided to stick with 'Klein'. He handed her a white uniform with red patterns and words on it.

"Thank you, Captain Hirako…"

Shinji gave a smile, as he saw her walk away to join Kazuto, as those two began to chatter amongst themselves.

Shinji sighed at the sight. Perhaps they really are lovers… Why can't I ever get a chance…

XXXXX

"We finally made it, Asuna."

She smiled at him, as they chatted. They had finally made it into the academy, they were safe, somewhat.

"Yeah… We're safe somewhat for now… And we'll be able to gain the power to protect."

Kazuto nodded, as he thought back to the hollow which had nearly killed him and Asuna, but also killed the children they cared for. As he clenched his fists, Asuna put her soft hands on top of his fists.

"When we become Shinigami, we'll be able to release their souls. We'll be able to help them… And allow them to…"

Kazuto felt a tear coming down yet again. "I know… I know but…"

Asuna gave him a comforting squeeze of his hand, and calmly said to Kazuto. "We'll find them, like you said, no matter what."

Kazuto looked at her with steeled determination, and smiled, wiping his tears. "No matter what."

Shinji could only sigh as he spoke to the crowd, and somehow had all their attention on him instead of that romantic fiction like couple.

"So now I ask for both of the top examinees to give their opening speeches to the people who has managed to enter Shin'o Academy, Kazuto Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki."

As both came up, there were many eyes staring at Asuna. Her young attractive, teenage look which was due to the de-aging process of the Soul Cycle was now akin to her appearance when she was 17, the age when she had exited SAO. Kazuto's was 16, but both had made no effort to tell each other whatsoever.

What mattered wasn't their appearance, but their heart for each other. But for the audience, the young teenage beauty known as Asuna Yuuki was an idol for them already. Added onto her unquestionable skill and power, her grace and beauty was a target for many nobles and peasant students alike.

Kazuto sighed briefly at the fawning over his lover, and saw Asuna imperceptibly shake her head. This was no stranger to her, in SAO and ALO, this had happened to her as well.

"To uh… Students which succeeded, I hope the best of luck to you all in the following years of study. May we fight by the code and the law… And with honour and pride, purify hollows with the best of our ability."

There were some claps, however, it was mostly chuckles at the poor attempt of the speech. Kazuto shook his head slowly and looked down, and sighed. He'd likely be ridiculed for this trash of a speech. As he left the stage, Asuna took the stage and in an instant there was a thunderous applause.

Male hormones at work… Isn't it?

Females simply stared at Asuna as if she were their arch nemesis, the murderer of their family. Being the most popular girl wasn't easy.

"So uh… Like Kiri-Kazuto-kun said, we all should work together and fight and purify hollows to the best of our ability…"

Asuna sighed, as she walked off the stage, despite the thunderous applause, whilst Shinji looked at the duo. Holy shit, they're worse than Urahara's. And that's bad enough already…

As Shinji waited for the two number ones to return to their seats, he continued his standard word. It was pretty simple here on out, the standard blabber.

"For the hundred who passed, please remember that you're paired in a room with the person which is one score ahead or behind of you. For example, as you all know, Kazuto Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki both had first place in the exams, hence they'd be in a room together."

Murmurs between boys nearby Kazuto, along with glares were shot at him. Nobody liked the fact that he had already been seemingly very close to her prior to the exam, and now that she was noticed, people detested and hated it.

Shinji coughed after the awkward moment of silence and continued. "The classrooms are on the left exit of the Podium. For the advanced classes, top twenty students, please head to your home room in room 101…"

As soon as Shinji said this, Kazuto and Asuna nodded to one another and walked out towards said room, as they entered the hallway.

XXXXX

Room 101

Gengoro Onabara sat down calmly as he saw his twenty students walk in one by one. There were three which he knew would surpass him eventually in rank, strength and skill.

Kazuto Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki. Both Rukongai 'brats' which had the skill and strength to back it up. They didn't seem to have a Zanpakuto so in the chance they unlocked Shikai, they might even surpass him.

Then finally, Byakuya Kuchiki. Being a Kuchiki, and already at the level of a 9th seat, with Captain Ginrei Kuchiki backing him, it was no question that Byakuya was the heir to the Captain's seat of the 6th division.

Ginrei was already old, very old. He was one of the few Captains which had served for more than a hundred years. [1]

As he pondered among his thoughts, he saw his students finally sit down, he stood up and began talking.

"Students, my name is Gengoro Onabora. And I will be your homeroom instructor, for the rest of the six years you stay in Shin'o Academy!"

Gengoro then eyed the three students he believed would pass within mere two to three years of the program.

"Even if you manage to skip years, I shall still be your homeroom instructor, until the very end. Any questions?"

A boy raised up his hand, but Gengoro ignored him. "Now, continuing on, these uniforms…" He raised a sample of the uniform of Shin'o Academy and continued talking.

"Will be what you wear for the rest of your time as students of the Academy. If you're caught not wearing it within the halls of the school, detention! Am I clear?!"

All twenty students nodded their heads, and some even replied to him. "Yes sir!"

"Good! Now, about the subjects. There are eight different subjects in Shin'o Academy, all which are mandatory."

Courtesy of the 12th division's presentation and holo projection technology, the screen behind him flashed to life.

"Hoho, the art of movement and Reishi manipulation for mobility. Even if you cannot master or learn flash step, I fully expect you to understand the concept and theory by the end of these six years of the academy."

He then stared at the three students which already had learnt this technique to an amazing extent. "And for those who already have it… To improve upon it."

The screen switched again, with the word 'Kido' on it. "Kido, something which we expect all graduates to be capable of, to some level. By manipulating Reishi, you'll be able to do Kido spells, whether it be Bakudo or Hado."

He once again stared at Byakuya, who had a slight grin on his face. Having already mastered the Kido spells required for him in the exams, Gengoro had no challenge using the academic basis to challenge Byakuya. Heck, Byakuya's Kido might even surpass Gengoro's own. Nevertheless, he elaborated.

"I expect all those from noble households who have already learnt Kido to help others, and improve upon their technique and not waste time in this class."

"Hakuda, the basic arts of a Shinigami's self defence without a weapon. If you're planning to enter the Omnitsukido, which I'm sure many of you here will, as promising students of the advanced class, will have to learn."

"Zanpakuto Communication, or otherwise known as Jinzen, is a class period which is mostly self-taught, which you all will have to undergo even as a Shinigami. Even Captains undergo this process to communicate with their Zanpakuto."

"Zanjutsu, where I myself shall teach you the art of using a sword. It will be practical combat practice, with myself present to correct your stances."

"Hollow Type class. To fight your enemy, you must understand it, and hence I expect everyone's full attention in this. This could very well be information that saves you in the future."

"Practical combat class, in this class you'll put fourth your full potential to fight against anything this academy throws at you. I expect only excellence from you all as the top class."

Everyone's looks brightened up at the class they would enjoy the most. Practical combat was what they were here for, and now that they were here, they'd get to do it soon.

"Seireitei History, the only fundamental we teach here, which will have you understand the glorious history of the Gotei 13, starting with Head Captain Yamamoto's forming of it."

The students sighed at this subject, it was the most boring of all. Gengoro however, retorted their silence and roared at them: "Do you all have no shame?! History is… The most important subject of them all…"

By the time he was done, his students were almost half asleep, as he woke them up again with a loud thunderous roar, again, to explain the rules of the dormitory.

He roared out, as students once again looked back up at the ex-lieutenant who was now their teacher.

"As for dormitory rules, I shall now explain. For dormitory rules, I expect all of you to be responsible with each other. No fights, no harassment. I don't give a shit if there's sex going on in there, but if the girl get's pregnant, both her dorm mate and her are expelled, unless evidence is provided that another person is responsible. Am I clear?!"

The students, stunned at the bluntness of their instructor all replied with a clear tone of voice to Gengoro. "Yes sir!"

Gengoro nodded, as he continued on: "Good! Now, curfew is at 11pm. If I, or any other member catches you on the hallway after 11, I don't care if you're a Kuchiki, Shihoin a Shiba or any other royal family member, you'll be in detention, am I clear?!"

The students replied with a clear strong voice to their instructor. "Yes sir!"

"Good. Now, this rule doesn't apply at Saturdays and Sundays, which are your days off. You can venture between the Seireitei and the Rukongai at your own will, just don't get yourself killed. And that's all, I expect you all to be in the homeroom by 8am, after you finish breakfast, stat!"

"Yes sir!"

And with that, the first night of the academy was set to begin for the new first year students, including Kirito and Asuna, as the duo walked towards their new room.

"We're lucky to be together in the same room, eh, Asuna."

Asuna smiled brightly, and replied to him. "Maybe it's just fate."

"Fate that we met in SAO."

Asuna nodded, and smiled. "I'm sure that… Our lives were all set in stone, and that I was destined to meet Kirito-kun."

As Kazuto reached for their dormitory room, room '930', he replied to her.

"I'm sure we were meant to be together, just like we are now, Asuna."

A/N: And that's the end of the first arc: Rukongai, and the beginning of the academy arc. Next chapter will have some not so family friendly content, you have been warned. It'll be vanilla though, no NTR I assure.

Unless Kazuto x Asuna is NTR that is.

Sorry for the slow updates, I've got a-lot to do, including updating the Gate-Fic constantly.

[1]: I know this isn't accurate in canon, but for fucks sake, Ginrei's old as shit and probably died of old age or something, let this pass alright?

Reviews:

Nagisa TR: Close, but no. But Eugeo… Hmmm…

Spoilers?