Black Rebirth – Asta’s Journey in Soul Society

Asta followed Kaien through the winding streets of Rukongai, hands behind his head and eyes filled with curiosity. The place reminded him a little of the outer villages back home—rugged, a little run-down, but full of life. People bustled about, kids ran through the streets, and merchants shouted about their goods.

"So, this is Soul Society, huh?" Asta mused. "It's kinda lively!"

Kaien smirked. "Yeah, but don't let your guard down. Rukongai's got different districts—some are peaceful, some are rough. The higher the district number, the worse it gets. You're lucky you landed in one of the decent ones."

Asta nodded, not really understanding but still pumped up. "So what do people do here? Is there a Magic Knight squad or something?"

Kaien gave him a weird look. "Magic Knight? What are you talking about?"

Asta laughed sheepishly. "Ah, never mind! So, what do you do?"

Kaien shrugged. "I'm trying to get into the Shin'ō Academy. If I pass, I can train to become a Soul Reaper."

Asta's eyes sparkled. "Whoa! That sounds awesome! How do I sign up?"

Kaien blinked. "Wait, you want to be a Soul Reaper? Just like that?"

"Yeah! If it's like being a Magic Knight, then I just gotta get strong, right?" Asta grinned, flexing his arms. "No magic, no problem! I'll make up for it with pure effort!"

Kaien stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. "You're insane! But I like the energy."

Just then, a loud crash echoed from a nearby alley. A group of thugs surrounded a frail old man, kicking over his basket of food.

"Hey! What's the big idea?!" Asta shouted, marching over without hesitation.

One of the thugs, a tall guy with a scar across his nose, turned and sneered. "Stay outta this, brat."

Asta cracked his knuckles, his grin never fading. "Nah, I think I'll stay in it! You guys look like you need a lesson in manners!"

The thug scoffed. "Tch. You got a death wish?"

Asta planted his feet and got into a fighting stance. "Nope! But I do have a strong right hook!"

Kaien sighed. "Oh man… You really don't waste time, huh?"

The thug swung at Asta—only for Asta to duck under the punch and slam his fist into the guy's stomach. The thug's eyes bulged, and he crumpled instantly.

The other thugs froze. Asta grinned. "So, who's next?"

The gang took one look at their fallen friend and bolted. Asta dusted off his hands and turned to the old man. "You okay, gramps?"

The old man nodded, eyes wide with shock. "Th-Thank you, young man..."

Kaien crossed his arms, grinning. "Alright, I take it back. You might actually make a good Soul Reaper."

Asta beamed. "Of course! Now, where do I sign up?!"

Kaien laughed. "Come on, I'll show you the way."

Asta pumped his fist in the air. "Alright! Let's gooooo!"