Just as Suō Tsukasa and Tōshirō maintained their spiritual sense training state, subsequent groups of students began to arrive in succession.
Every short while, another group of students emerged from the gate of light.
The newly arrived students were instructed by the guide Tōyama to move to the side, where they joined the ranks of those admiring the night view.
It was only after the last group of students passed through the gate of light and arrived in the Human World that all the students participating in the Soul Burial practical training were present.
"Gather!"
Once all personnel had arrived, the voice of the guide Tōyama broke the silence of the night. Standing before the gathered elite class students, his expression was solemn.
"The priority for this practice is to guide the Pluses (Wholes) whose emotions are stable. The use of Binding Spells (Bakudō) for auxiliary work is permitted. Harming the soul body is strictly forbidden."
"If you encounter a Hollow, decide whether to engage based on the situation. Do not fight alone. Retreat and calling for help is permitted. Acting alone and breaking away from the team is strictly forbidden."
"And don't think that retreating is something to be ashamed of. A true Shinigami must know how to judge the situation and conserve strength."
"That is all!"
The guide Tōyama paused in his speech, his gaze sweeping over every student before him, and he spoke seriously.
The original intention of the Soul Burial practice was to allow students to test their theoretical knowledge and combat skills in a practical setting, to train their future working ability as Shinigami.
This practice requires not only guiding the Pluses through Soul Burial but also learning to balance fighting and self-preservation when danger suddenly arises, as well as adapting to teamwork.
In fact, teamwork is the most common way Shinigami carry out most missions, apart from Captain and Lieutenant-level figures.
Even if Suō Tsukasa is immediately appointed as a seated officer after joining a division, some other tasks during most missions still require assistance and support from other Shinigami. It's not just about running around and slashing things with a sword.
Based on this understanding, Suō Tsukasa never thought of acting alone and leaving his group members behind; instead, he endeavored to adapt to the team's pace.
"Yes!"
These words made many students instinctively clench their fists, realizing the difference between this practice and their usual studies at the academy.
"Good, now all groups prepare to depart!"
The guide Tōyama looked at the students' reactions and waved his hand.
As soon as the words fell, the groups immediately sprang into action.
Soon, Tōshirō led his team members and set off in one direction, while Suō Tsukasa said to Kenta Takahashi and Taichi Kawata.
"Let's go!"
"Yes!"
The two responded in unison, following Suō Tsukasa to the edge of the rooftop.
Following the direction chosen by Suō Tsukasa, the three leaped down from the rooftop and quickly headed towards the Soul Burial targets following the guidance of their spiritual sense.
One minute later, Suō Tsukasa's group arrived at the location of the first Plus.
"Who are you people?"
"How can you see me!"
The Plus looked like an ordinary middle-aged office worker.
He was wearing a wrinkled grey suit with a slightly crooked tie, standing under a street lamp, looking around blankly with unfocused eyes.
Seeing the three strangely dressed young people carrying swords suddenly appear before him, he was so startled that he took half a step back, his face tense.
"Don't worry, we are here to bring you peace."
"Takahashi-kun, I'll leave the guidance of this Plus to you first."
Suō Tsukasa answered the Plus's question gently, then turned to speak to Kenta Takahashi.
The Soul Burial practice was of little significance to him, but it was a precious opportunity for the other students.
From the start, the role Suō Tsukasa set for himself was that of a helper.
Although he could complete the Soul Burial of all Pluses in this area by himself with extreme speed and efficiency, he would not deprive others of the opportunity to grow. After all, performance and grades during the practical training were closely linked.
"Yes!"
Takahashi took a deep breath and stepped forward to explain to the Plus before him.
"Um... we are people from the Soul Society. Souls who have passed away like you can be guided to the Soul Society through the Soul Burial ritual."
"That is the resting place for souls. There is no hunger, no disease, and your body will become lighter and freer."
Kenta Takahashi comforted the Plus with the persuasive words from the textbook. He stuttered slightly at first, but as he continued, he quickly became smoother.
"Soul Society? Are you talking about... Heaven?"
The middle-aged Plus listened with a vacant expression, the tension in his eyes gradually turning into a glimmer of hope, like catching a straw to survive. He asked with confusion.
Since the day he died, he felt like he had been trapped in an invisible cage, unable to find his way home and wandering aimlessly.
He could see the busy figures of the living on the street and hear their laughter, but no one could see or hear him anymore.
These few days of being a wandering spirit had been torture for him.
"It is not the Heaven you speak of, but it is indeed a peaceful place for souls to dwell."
"I will prepare the ritual for you now. Please trust me."
"Okay."
The middle-aged Plus lowered his head to look at his body. After a moment of hesitation, he finally nodded gently.
Kenta Takahashi breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Suō Tsukasa, with a trace of uncertainty in his eyes.
"Relax, trust yourself. Start now."
Suō Tsukasa nodded lightly, signaling that he could begin.
Receiving the affirmation, Kenta Takahashi immediately gained confidence. He drew the Asauchi (Shallow Hit) from his back and gently pressed the base of the hilt against the middle-aged Plus's forehead.
Spiritual pressure surged like a gentle stream, emitting a soft spiritual glow at the point of contact.
A moment later, the Shinigami's Mark was successfully inscribed, the pattern clearly printed on the middle-aged Plus's forehead.
"This is your emblem, which will serve as your proof once you arrive at the Soul Society. Please keep it safe."
Kenta Takahashi handed a yellowed paper ticket into his hand, completing his first Soul Burial ritual in his life.
"Thank you."
The middle-aged Plus carefully put away the ticket and bowed deeply to Kenta Takahashi in thanks.
After expressing his gratitude, he felt a sense of lightness in his heart, and his body began to turn into specks of spiritual particles, slowly dissipating and rising into the night sky like fireflies.
"Very well done."
Suō Tsukasa smiled and nodded in praise.
Truthfully, although Kenta Takahashi's personality carried a certain timidity, he also possessed the advantage of being emotionally sensitive.
Precisely because of this personality, the middle-aged Plus guided by him went smoothly to the Soul Society without enduring any pain.
The fluent Soul Burial ritual he performed just now was a textbook example.
"Thank you."
Kenta Takahashi was pleasantly surprised by Suō Tsukasa's compliment.
"Let's go, continue."
"Kawata-kun, this time, you take charge of finding and guiding the next Plus."
Suō Tsukasa glanced at Taichi Kawata, who looked eager at his side, and said.
From the moment they drew lots, both members had tacitly acknowledged Suō Tsukasa's leadership position in the group.
Upon hearing this, Taichi Kawata immediately straightened his back, his eyes shining with eagerness.
"You can rely on me!"
Taichi Kawata patted his chest, then immediately expanded his spiritual sense.
"This way."
Not long after, he led Suō Tsukasa and Tōshirō towards the location of the next Plus.