Chapter 55: Departure
Today's weather was somewhat overcast. A light breeze blew against them, bringing welcome coolness.
Suoh Tsukasa slowed his pace, his gaze penetrating the rare emotions on Toshiro's face.
"You're thinking about belonging to different divisions later?"
"Yes, I'm torn between choosing the Tenth Division or the Thirteenth."
Toshiro's face showed surprise as he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Don't change your choice because of me."
"Those walking the same path might just be passersby. Those who can shine on different paths—those are true friends."
"Besides, the Tenth and Thirteenth Divisions aren't that far apart. It's not like we won't see each other."
"With some effort, we could even apply for neighboring private residences in the Seireitei in the future."
Suoh's face showed no surprise. Everyone had their own choices and life paths.
The fact that Toshiro had mentioned the Tenth Division before the Thirteenth already revealed his inner preference.
As a friend, all he could do was offer his perspective, his voice gentle.
"Unfortunately, my foundation is still too weak. Kaminoki-sensei probably won't approve my graduation application."
Hearing Suoh's words, Toshiro's expression cleared slightly, though his tone still carried some regret.
"No need to rush. Graduating a year early or late doesn't matter much—we have plenty of time ahead."
Seeing Toshiro's still-furrowed brow, Suoh continued in a relaxed tone.
Toshiro's talent was already one in ten thousand. Even now, Suoh's spiritual pressure level still fell short of his.
The biggest difference between them was that Toshiro's foundation in various areas was much weaker than Suoh's, requiring more time to train in the four Shinigami combat arts.
Given Kaminoki Bokumori's serious and proper nature, even though Toshiro's current strength already exceeded most regular Shinigami, he wouldn't easily approve early graduation.
"Come on, let's eat!"
With that, he gently patted Toshiro's shoulder.
"Yeah, you're right."
"Let's go eat!"
Nodding, Toshiro realized he'd been too impatient and responded with a smile.
Just then, the clouds overhead parted slightly. The sun, hidden within, revealed a corner of itself, its rays falling through the gap to coat the stone path ahead in pale gold, illuminating their way forward.
...
Two days later, at the Senkaimon plaza.
The Konsō practice location was in the World of the Living, and the only way to reach it from Soul Society was through the Senkaimon, passing through the Dangai—the precipice world connecting the two realms.
Elite Class One students stood in groups of three at the plaza's center.
Everyone wore their blue and white academy uniforms, cloth bags containing their asauchi on their backs. Most faces showed excitement or nervousness.
Today was one of the rare days they were permitted to carry their asauchi.
This special permission made them feel both the seriousness of the Konsō practice and quietly kindled pride as quasi-Shinigami in their hearts.
Suoh stood calmly at the front of the formation, his observant gaze falling on the Senkaimon before them.
The Senkaimon's appearance was just two ordinary paper sliding doors. The yellowed off-white paper surface still bore traces of age, looking no different from ordinary residential doors.
Only there was no house behind the doors—just a slightly taller circular paper gate and an endless expanse of blue sky and white clouds beyond.
This Konsō practice used random lottery grouping. Three people who drew the same symbol formed a team.
This time Suoh hadn't been grouped with Toshiro but instead formed a team with two other classmates.
"Suoh-kun, aren't you nervous?"
"I haven't slept well these past few days, always worried about encountering Hollows during this practice."
The speaker was team member Takahashi Kenta, his voice somewhat timid. The faint shadows under his eyes proved he really hadn't rested well recently.
Looking at the calm Suoh beside him, he couldn't help but strike up conversation, wanting to ease his own misplaced nervousness.
"What are you saying? You think everyone's as cowardly as you?"
"Besides, with Suoh-kun here, what's there to be nervous about?"
The other team member, Kawada Taichi, glanced at him disdainfully upon hearing this. Arms crossed, he stood excitedly at Suoh's side, not a trace of nervousness on his face.
His tone was confident, as if stating an indisputable fact.
"Forget regular Hollows—even if we encounter a large Hollow, he can definitely handle it easily."
"Right, Suoh-kun?"
Kawada Taichi's voice carried complete trust in Suoh's abilities, even some reflected pride.
"You're right, I'm just worrying too much. The accidents from previous years were pretty scary to hear about."
"Lucky I drew the same group as Suoh-kun this time."
"Suoh-kun, please take care of us during this practice."
Influenced by Kawada Taichi's confidence, Takahashi Kenta scratched his head and smiled embarrassedly.
He felt fortunate about his morning lottery luck, clasping his hands together and bowing deeply to Suoh.
"No need to be so formal."
"Being nervous is normal, but as long as you perform like in regular training and try to stay calm when special situations arise, there won't be problems."
Suoh smiled slightly, speaking gently.
The students selected for the elite class all had some talent. Some regular Shinigami were actually weaker than them—the difference was just skill proficiency and combat experience.
Before Hollows evolved into the lowest-class Menos Grande Gillians, they were basically judged by size, hence the unique classification of "large-type Hollow."
His two classmates might not be able to defeat a large Hollow, but dodging shouldn't be much of a problem.
"Is that so..."
Suoh's words seemed to carry reassuring power.
Hearing this, Takahashi Kenta seemed influenced by his composed attitude. He took a deep breath, his previously tense body relaxing considerably.
Just then, three figures appeared on the departure platform before the Senkaimon.
"Everyone quiet!"
"Everyone's here. Now follow my commands!"
The leader's gaze swept across the plaza, silencing all whispered conversations.
"I'm Toyama, this practice's guide. On my left is Fukuda, on my right is Iguchi."
"First, everyone release the Hell Butterflies from your bags."
"Once we enter the Senkaimon, we'll be in the Dangai. If you don't follow the Hell Butterflies closely and something happens, no one will help you."
"After entering, remember two things: Stay close! Run fast!"
After recent practices passed without incident, the Shinoreijutsuin had returned to its usual custom of having three sixth-year students lead the teams to the World of the Living for Konsō practice.
All students pulled the strings on their cloth bags as instructed, loosening the openings slightly.
Black butterflies with spirit-glowing wings fluttered out from the bag openings, silently circling before the students.
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