Chapter 57: Soul Burial
While Suoh Tsukasa and Toshiro maintained their spiritual perception training, the remaining student groups began arriving one by one.
Every few moments, another group emerged through the glowing portal.
The newly arrived students moved aside at Guide Toyama's direction, then joined the others admiring the night scenery.
Only after the final group passed through the portal to the World of the Living did all the students participating in the Konsō field training fully assemble.
"Gather round!"
Once everyone had arrived, Guide Toyama's voice cut through the night's silence. Standing before the assembled elite class students, his expression turned serious.
"For this training exercise, prioritize guiding emotionally stable Pluses. You're permitted to use Bakudō for auxiliary support, but strictly forbidden from harming the soul itself."
"If you encounter a Hollow, assess the situation before deciding whether to engage. Solo combat is prohibited. Retreating to call for backup is allowed. Acting alone or leaving your group is strictly forbidden."
"And don't think retreating is shameful. True Shinigami know how to read the situation and preserve their strength."
"That is all!"
Guide Toyama paused, his gaze sweeping across each student's face as he spoke earnestly.
The purpose of Konsō field training was to let students apply their theoretical knowledge and combat techniques in real situations, preparing them for their future work as Shinigami.
This training wasn't just about performing soul burials on Pluses—it was about learning to balance combat with self-preservation when danger suddenly struck, and adapting to teamwork.
In truth, aside from captain and lieutenant-level figures, team coordination was the most common approach for Shinigami missions.
Even if Suoh could immediately take a seated officer position after joining a division, most missions would still require assistance and support from other squad members for various tasks. It wasn't just about grabbing a sword and hacking away at everything.
Understanding this, Suoh had never considered abandoning his group members to act alone, instead working hard to adapt to this rhythm.
"Yes, sir!"
These words made many students unconsciously clench their fists, understanding how this training differed from their usual academy studies.
"Good. Now each group, prepare to move out!"
Guide Toyama watched the students' reactions and waved his hand.
At his words, each group immediately sprang into action.
Toshiro soon led his team members in one direction, while Suoh turned to Takahashi Kenta and Kawada Taichi.
"Let's go!"
"Yes!"
The two responded in unison, following Suoh to the rooftop's edge.
The three figures leaped from the rooftop in Suoh's chosen direction, racing toward their Konsō targets guided by spiritual perception.
A minute later, Suoh's group reached their first Plus.
"Who are you?"
"How can you see me?!"
The Plus appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary middle-aged office worker.
Dressed in a wrinkled gray suit with a slightly crooked tie, he stood beneath a streetlight, gazing around with unfocused, bewildered eyes.
Seeing three strangely dressed young people with swords suddenly appear before him, he stepped back in shock, his expression tense.
"Don't be nervous. We're here to bring you peace."
"Takahashi, I'll leave guiding this Plus to you."
Suoh answered the Plus gently, then turned to Takahashi Kenta.
The Konsō training held little significance for himself, but it was a valuable opportunity for the other students.
From the beginning, Suoh had defined his role as a supporter.
Though he could complete the soul burials for every Plus in this area with extreme speed and efficiency on his own, he wouldn't rob others of their chance to grow. After all, performance during training was directly tied to grades.
"Yes!"
Takahashi took a deep breath and stepped forward, explaining to the Plus before him.
"Um... we're from Soul Society. Deceased spirits like yourself can be guided to Soul Society through the Konsō ceremony."
"That place is where souls belong. There's no hunger, no disease, and your body will feel lighter and freer."
Takahashi Kenta comforted the Plus using the textbook phrases. He stumbled slightly at first, but quickly found his rhythm and spoke smoothly.
"Soul Society? Do you mean... Heaven?"
The middle-aged Plus listened with a dazed expression, the tension in his eyes gradually transforming into a glimmer of hope, like grasping at a lifeline as he asked uncertainly.
Since the day he died, he'd been trapped in an invisible cage, unable to find his home, wandering aimlessly.
He could see the living bustling about on the streets, hear their conversations and laughter, but no one could see him or hear him anymore.
These days as a wandering soul had been pure torment.
"Though it's not the Heaven you speak of, it truly is a place where souls can find rest."
"I'll prepare the ceremony for you now. Please trust me."
"Alright."
The middle-aged Plus looked down at his body, hesitated for a moment, then gently nodded.
Takahashi Kenta breathed a sigh of relief and looked back at Suoh, uncertainty in his eyes.
"Relax. Trust yourself. Begin."
Suoh nodded slightly, signaling him to start.
With that approval, Takahashi suddenly felt confident. He drew the Asauchi from his back and gently pressed the pommel against the middle-aged Plus's forehead.
Spiritual pressure flowed like a gentle stream, creating a soft spiritual glow at the point of contact.
Moments later, the Soul Burial mark was complete, the pattern clearly imprinted on the Plus's forehead.
"This is your passage ticket. It's your proof when you arrive in Soul Society. Keep it safe."
Takahashi Kenta handed him a yellowed paper slip, completing his first Konsō ceremony.
"Thank you."
The middle-aged Plus carefully tucked away the ticket and bowed deeply to Takahashi in gratitude.
After giving thanks, he felt a lightness in his heart. His body began dissolving into motes of spirit particles, dispersing and ascending slowly into the night like fireflies.
"Well done."
Suoh smiled and nodded in praise.
Honestly, though Takahashi's personality carried some timidity, he also possessed the advantage of emotional sensitivity.
Because of this temperament, the middle-aged Plus he'd guided hadn't suffered any distress and had smoothly departed for Soul Society.
His smooth, flowing Konsō ceremony could serve as a textbook example.
"Thank you."
Somewhat surprised by Suoh's praise, Takahashi replied happily.
"Let's continue."
"Kawada, it's your turn to find and guide the next Plus."
Suoh glanced at Kawada Taichi beside him, whose expression showed eager anticipation.
From the moment they'd drawn lots, both had tacitly acknowledged Suoh's leadership of their group.
Hearing this, Kawada immediately straightened his spine, his eyes shining.
"Leave it to me!"
Kawada patted his chest confidently, then immediately expanded his spiritual perception.
"This way."
Before long, he was leading Suoh and Takahashi toward the next Plus's location.
****
20+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces
20% off