Being the only offspring in the family, Au Hokutan was destined to be a Shinigami. However, before they took her into lifetime servitude, both the family and the scout agreed that she would remain with the family for a century for broad reasons - largely to assist with her family so they could try and produce another offspring.
Her 'peaceful' times with the family though long, eventual moments were too far in between. She was told not to speak to strangers, do as she was told, and train with the sword on top of being an assistant to her father's work. Very often she attempted to be disobedient but in all cases was caught and severely punished.
When Au reached her first century of existing, she was no longer the only offspring. Now the eldest of six, she was given less attention. Her siblings were ordered not to disturb her training but she knows better: she was being forgotten.
She joined the Academy, proving her capability as a swordswoman to her peers and found herself being proud of her efforts. However it all came crumbling down when she was bested in sparring repeatedly. She tried remedying this by training harder but as though she was an above average swordfighter, she still found herself being bested. By graduation, Au could not best the remaining students. In addition to this, the evaluation of hers was deemed acceptable, but average.
She became a unseated member of eleventh squad, playing as the sheep than the shepherd.