Students were lining up in a row in front of a powerful looking shinigami. The man had short, spiked, navy blue hair and severely tanned skin. He was also noticeably taller than many of the students, although he was close to the same age. As she got closer, Haruka was able to see his eyes. They were a deep hazel, and danced with the amusement of something known only to him. His mouth was set in a slight smile, and his hands were clasped behind his back. Haruka took a place at the end of the row, and waited patiently for the class to begin.
She didn't have to wait long. The last few students sprinted into the courtyard only moments after Haruka had taken her place in line. The young instructor nodded to them, and allowed the slight smile on his face to become complete. "Good afternoon. It has probably been a rather long morning for all of you talented shinigami-in-training. I know that you are probably all very hungry after expending so much spiritual energy. Well, lucky for you, lunch is right after this.
"However, if you don't understand that simple fact and begin to think that you do not have to wait for lunch to come, then you will find that it never will.”
He paused a moment to allowed his words to sink in and become fully appreciated. A few students laughed, and when they were not scolded, Haruka began to wonder whether or not the man was serious. Then he continued.
"Welcome to Shunpo. My name is Kouguu Juusha. You will, of course, call me Kouguu-sensei. I've never much enjoyed my given name, anyhow.*As you all well know, this is Shunpo Class A. What is expected of you here far exceeds what is expected of the students in the other classes. Remember that. If you cannot handle our exercises, I will be glad to remove you from Class A.
"But with all those formalities aside, I would like to think that you will have fun in this class. I have no problems with you experimenting with your shunpo techniques, just make sure you complete all the work I assign you first. My rules for this class are simple: Get your work done. After that, I don't care what happens- just don't eat.
"However, I do want you to remember that if your skills do not improve over the course of the year, you may find yourself in another Class besides A next year. Let that be an incentive for your hard work throughout the period.
"Now, to today's assignment. I would like you to see how many steps it takes you to get across the entire field, and then report that number to me. Once you're done, you're welcome to try to improve your number. Report to me each time you do so, but only one number is required of you. Have fun. Get to work." He bowed, and the students began to walk over to one end of the field. "And remember," he shouted, "no eating!"
*Juusha means follower or servant. What can I say, the name suited him somehow, despite the meaning.
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