The entrance exam to the Shinigami Academy was approaching closer than Hajime imagined. She only had a week to not only study the material to pass the written test, but she also needed to learn how to be able to access and emit her spiritual energy. Rukia and Renji devoted as much time as they could teaching her about the history of Shinigami and the Gotei 13 as well as how to control her spiritual energy.

"Okay Hajime, let's get this training session started," Rukia ordered as the three of them gathered in Renji's office to start their spiritual energy training. Hajime sat on the table in the center of the room with her legs crossed and eyes closed. "Now remember, clear your mind and control your breathing."

As Hajime was able to access her subconsciousness, she entered the spiritual realm. This is where she will learn to harness her spiritual power. As she made her way through the spiritual realm, her spiritual pressure was enveloping her in a white aura.

"She's in," Renji observed as he took a seat on the couch opposite Rukia. "Okay Hajime, I'm going to transfer some of my spiritual power over to you." As he placed his hand on her shoulder and did as he explained, a variety of ribbons appeared in the vast white space of the spiritual realm.

"What do you see, Hajime?" Rukia asked.

"Ribbons, of many different colors." She explained.

"All right, don't touch any of them yet. In the spiritual realm, you need to concentrate on the spiritual energy that courses through your body."

This was easier said than done. Hajime's spiritual pressure spiked multiple times as she was trying to access her Reiryoku.

"Just… breathe." Rukia explained, "Clear your mind of all thoughts, feel the power flowing from within you and the rest will follow."

After taking a couple of deep breaths, Hajime's spiritual pressure stabilized and, in her subconsciousness, a ball of yellow light appeared before her. As she reached her hand out, she latched on to a lavender ribbon. She finally accessed her Reiryoku, which converted her white spiritual pressure into a soft purple aura.

"Finally!" Renji and Rukia exclaimed as they let out heavy sighs. The three of them have been at this for almost two days now.

"Thank you," Hajime spoke as she slowly opened her eyes, "I couldn't have done this without the two of you."

"Don't thank us yet," Renji stated, "You have to get into the Academy first. There are two days left, you should go hit the books again."

. . .

It is finally the day to take the entrance exam for the Shinigami Academy and Hajime was growing nervous. Making her way to the Shinigami Academy Testing Site, the building was absolutely packed with hopeful Shinigami-to-be. Hajime grew even more anxious and started picking at her fingers, a nervous habit she's had since she was a child.

There were multiple booths with highly qualified Shinigami that were checking applicants, if you were not able to emit your spiritual pressure before these officials, you were immediately denied from the Academy. Hajime quickly jumped into one of the long lines to await her turn.

"Next!" After about an hour, it was finally Hajime's turn. As she walked to the booth's window, she was greeted by Hisagi Shuuhei, Vice-Captain of the Ninth Division. "Name?" He asked.

"Right, it's Kisumoto Hajime."

Hisagi looked up at her and was already able to sense the amount of spiritual pressure she had. "You know the rules. You're only allowed admittance if you're able to access your spiritual pressure directly, show me if you have what it takes, and release some of your spiritual energy."

Hajime did as she practiced and took deep controlled breaths. She was able to successfully emit her spiritual energy to Hisagi and gained admittance to the next step of the exam. Part two of the entrance exam consisted of the written portion of the exam. As Hajime made her way to the conference hall, she took a seat and began her test. All the cramming she did with Rukia and Renji helped her secure a 95% on her exam. Her success landed her in the special accelerated program of the Academy. She was given her uniform and dorm key that evening.

. . .

"Congratulations!" Rukia, Renji, and Hajime went out to the local bar to celebrate and clinked their glasses of beer in glee.

"Whaa, I still can't believe it, thank you both so much for all your help!"

"This is just the beginning," Rukia began, "the real challenge starts next week."

"Right. I'll make sure to do my best." For Hiyoshi-Kun.

"Well, well, if it isn't Kisumoto Hajime!" Hisagi called out as he entered the bar with Rangiku, Kira, and Hinamori.

"Ah, you're-"

"Hisagi Shuuhei, Vice-Captain of the Ninth Division. Pleased to officially meet you." He held out his hand for a handshake.

"Thank you for your hard work today, Vice-Captain Shuuhei," Hajime spoke with a smile as she shook the Vice-Captain's hand.

"I look forward to seeing what you can do, make sure you check into your dorm on time tonight!" Hisagi bid his farewell as he made his way to a different table with the other Vice-Captains he entered with.

Hajime gave a bow as he walked away, "Will do!"

. . .

After gathering the necessary supplies, Rukia, Renji, and Hajime made their way to the Academy dorms. Hajime made her way to room 329 to find that the door was left open. As she peaked inside, she saw her roommate already settled in with company over.

"You must be my roommate. The name's Sakura." The girl announced, as she showed no interest in Hajime and turned her attention back to her friends.

"Kisumoto Hajime, pleased to meet you." She gave a small bow and Sakura and her friends simply ignored her.

As Renji and Rukia entered the room, Sakura looked at them with surprised expressions.

"Ah-" Before Rukia could finish, Sakura quickly butt in, "I can't believe Vice-Captains Abarai Renji and Kuchiki Rukia are here!" With her loud announcement, the curious and eager students of the dorm floor quickly made their way to surround the two Shinigami.

With too many students surrounding them, they were unable to make their way back to Hajime's dorm, as they were being pushed further and further away by the crowd. "Hajime!" Rukia shouted, "We'll meet up with you later!"

"Okay!" Hajime shouted back. Though, with the commotion created by the students, she doubt they heard her. Who knew they were so popular…?

"Yo, Sakura, you all settled in yet?" A well-dressed boy with blue hair and blue eyes stood by the doorway. As he glanced over to Hajime, his eyes grew lustful, "And who are you?" he asked as he walked closer to Hajime and kissed a strand of her hair.

Blushing, she replied, "Hajime, and you are?"

"This annoying loaf is Kisume," Sakura butted in, pushing Kisume away, "Don't let his charms fool you, he ogles at every pretty girl he sees."

"Now, is that any way to talk to your best friend?" Kisume teased as he was being pushed out the door.

"Will you hurry up," Sakura urged, "Can we please get out of here before someone notices me?"

"All right, all right, such a bossy little princess-"

"Kisume!" Sakura yelled angrily.

"Relax," He assured Sakura as he turned his gaze back over to a confused Hajime, "Until we meet again, Hajime-Chan~" He gave a wink and quickly left the room with Sakura.

"Yeah, I was wrong, this is definitely not like high school." Hajime finally finished settling in and made her way to bed as she starts her first day at the Academy tomorrow.