The weather today was a little gloomy, and a light breeze blew, making it quite cool.
Suō Tsukasa slowed his pace, his gaze seeing through the rare emotion on Tōshirō's face.
"Are you thinking about being assigned to different Squads later?"
"Yes, I'm hesitating between Squad Ten and Squad Thirteen."
Tōshirō's face froze, then he nodded in affirmation.
"There's no need to change your choice because of me."
"Those who walk the same road may just be passersby; those who can shine on different paths are true friends."
"Besides, the areas of Squad Ten and Squad Thirteen aren't particularly far apart; it's not like we won't see each other again."
"Just work hard, and in the future, we might even apply for adjacent personal residences within the Seireitei."
Suō Tsukasa showed no surprise. Everyone has their own choices and life path.
In fact, Tōshirō placing Squad Ten before Squad Thirteen somewhat indicated his internal preference.
As a friend, what he could do was offer his perspective, his voice gentle.
"It's a shame my fundamentals are still too weak. I estimate Kamiki-sensei won't approve my graduation application."
Hearing Suō Tsukasa's words, Tōshirō's expression eased slightly, his tone still carrying a hint of regret.
"No need to be too anxious. Graduating a year earlier or later is just that; we have plenty of time."
Seeing the lingering frown on Tōshirō's face, Suō Tsukasa continued with a relaxed tone.
Tōshirō's talent was already one in ten thousand; even Suō Tsukasa's current spiritual pressure level was still slightly lower than his.
The biggest difference between them was that Tōshirō's fundamentals in all aspects were much weaker than Suō Tsukasa's, requiring him to spend more time practicing the four Shinigami techniques.
Given Kamiki Mokushū's serious personality, even though Tōshirō's strength already surpassed the vast majority of ordinary Shinigami, it was impossible for him to easily approve his early graduation.
"Come on, let's go eat!"
With that, he lightly patted Tōshirō's shoulder.
"Mhm, you're right."
"Let's go eat!"
Nodding, Tōshirō realized he had been a little too eager, and he replied with a smile.
Just then, the clouds in the sky parted slightly, revealing a corner of the sun hidden within. Light scattered through the gap, casting a layer of pale gold onto the stone path ahead, illuminating their way forward.
Two days later, at the Senkaimon plaza.
The location for the Soul Burial practical is the Human World, and the only way to travel from the Soul Society to the Human World is through the Senkaimon, passing through the intervening space—the Dangai.
In the plaza, students from the Elite Class One stood in groups of three.
Everyone wore the blue and white school uniform, with the cloth bag containing their Asauchi (Shallow Hit) strapped to their backs. Most faces were filled with excitement or nervousness.
Today was one of the few days when they were allowed to carry their Asauchi.
This special permission not only made them feel the seriousness of this Soul Burial practical but also quietly ignited a sense of pride as aspiring Shinigami within their hearts.
Suō Tsukasa stood calmly at the front of the line, his observant gaze fixed on the Senkaimon ahead of the queue.
The Senkaimon's exterior was merely two ordinary paper-covered wooden doors. The yellowish, off-white paper still bore traces of age, looking no different from the door of a common residence.
However, behind the doors, there was no house, only a slightly taller circular paper door and an expanse of endless blue sky and white clouds behind it.
This Soul Burial practical used a random grouping by drawing lots; three people who drew the same pattern formed one team.
This time, Suō Tsukasa was not grouped with Tōshirō but with two other classmates.
"Suō-kun, aren't you nervous?"
"I haven't slept well these past few days. I'm constantly worried about running into a Hollow during this practical."
The speaker was a team member, Kenta Takahashi. His voice was somewhat timid, and the faint dark circles under his eyes proved he hadn't rested well lately.
Looking at the calm Suō Tsukasa beside him, he couldn't help but strike up a conversation, hoping to ease his inner, restless tension.
"What are you talking about? You think everyone's as timid as you are?"
"Besides, with Suō-kun here, what's there to be nervous about?"
The other team member, Taichi Kawada, shot him a contemptuous look. He stood next to Suō Tsukasa, arms crossed and looking excited, without a trace of nervousness on his face.
His tone was certain, as if stating an undeniable fact.
"We won't even mention normal Hollows. Even if we run into a large Hollow, he can definitely handle it easily."
"Right, Suō-kun!"
Taichi Kawada's voice carried complete confidence in Suō Tsukasa's strength, and even a touch of shared pride.
"You're right. I was just worrying too much. After all, the accidents in previous years are a bit scary to hear about."
"It's lucky I drew a group with Suō-kun this time."
"Suō-kun, please take care of us during this practical."
Infected by Taichi Kawada's confidence, Kenta Takahashi scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.
He felt fortunate for his luck in the morning's draw and bowed deeply to Suō Tsukasa with clasped hands.
"Don't be strangers."
"It's normal to be nervous, but as long as you perform normally according to your regular training and try to remain calm in special circumstances, there won't be any problems."
Suō Tsukasa smiled slightly, his tone gentle.
In truth, students selected for the Elite Class generally possess some talent; some ordinary Shinigami are actually weaker than they are. What they lack is proficiency in techniques and combat experience.
Before Hollows evolve into the lowest-level Menos, Gillian, their strength is mostly judged by their size, which is why there's a unique category called the Large Hollow type.
His two classmates might not be able to defeat a Large Hollow, but avoiding one shouldn't be a major issue.
"Is that so..."
Suō Tsukasa's words seemed to carry a reassuring power.
Hearing them, Kenta Takahashi seemed infected by his composed attitude. He took a deep breath, and his previously tense body relaxed considerably.
Just then, three figures appeared on the departure platform in front of the Senkaimon.
"Everyone quiet down!"
"Everyone's present. Now, everyone listen to my instructions!"
The person at the head of the group swept his gaze across the field, silencing all the murmurs in the plaza.
"I am Tōyama, the guide for this Soul Burial practical. To my left is Fukuda, and to my right is Iguchi."
"Everyone first release the Hell Butterflies from your bags."
"After entering the Senkaimon, you'll be in the Dangai. If you don't stick close to the Hell Butterflies, no one will take responsibility if something happens to you."
"Remember two points after entering the gate: Stick close! Run fast!"
After no abnormal incidents occurred in recent years' practicals, the Shin'ō Academy reverted to its usual custom of having three sixth-year students lead the teams to the Human World for the Soul Burial practical.
All students pulled the string of the cloth bag behind them, slightly loosening the opening.
Dozens of black butterflies, their wings emitting spiritual light, fluttered out of the bags, silently circling in front of the students.