After the battle, which could only be described as theatrical, Shigure's qualification for soul burial was, of course, confirmed.
A group of students followed their instructor into the preparation room, listening intently as he explained various precautions.
"This time, we will open the Senkaimon for you to travel to the World of the Living," the instructor began.
"However, the Senkaimon is merely a passage connecting the World of the Living and the Soul Society."
"This passage is generally safe, but there are still unknown dangers lurking within."
As the instructor mentioned this, many students displayed puzzled expressions. However, Shigure understood immediately—he was referring to the Dangai and the Koryū.
"But there's no need to worry too much. As long as you follow the Hell Butterflies closely and proceed steadily, you'll reach your destination safely."
"Once you arrive in the World of the Living, we will…"
The instructor went on to explain various details, most of which had been covered repeatedly in the past. After all, this wasn't the first field training for sixth-year students.
However, Shigure paid close attention. It was his first time hearing these instructions, and he wanted to make sure he understood everything. Once he grasped the content, though, it didn't seem too complicated.
The Shinō Academy had already laid out all the necessary preparations and facilities to ensure the students' field training would go smoothly. Moreover, a captain-level figure would accompany them to oversee the mission.
Although officially described as supervision, Shigure understood it was more of a protective measure.
At this point, the instructor stood up and announced, "This time, the supervisor will be the Lieutenant of the 10th Division of the Gotei 13... Rangiku Matsumoto!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a beautiful woman appeared in front of them with a graceful Shunpo.
"Hel——lo——every——one——!" she greeted, dragging out her words with a playful tone, raising her right hand and smiling warmly at the group.
The moment they saw her, many students were left speechless, their eyes glued to her.
Her wavy, orange hair cascaded down her back, her figure was curvaceous, and the pink shawl draped over her black Shihakushō added an extra touch of allure. She exuded confidence and sensuality.
"Ah, why is no one saying hello?" Rangiku Matsumoto asked with a sly smile, narrowing her eyes.
"Good day, ma'am!!" The students quickly snapped out of their daze, responding enthusiastically and loudly.
"That's more like it!" Rangiku laughed happily.
Then, she began scanning the group, as if searching for someone.
"Um… are you looking for someone?" the instructor asked, puzzled.
Hearing this, Rangiku turned to him and replied, "Oh, I'm looking for someone with the last name Segawa. I heard he signed up for the soul burial training ahead of schedule. Isn't he here?"
As she said this, she looked somewhat disappointed. "No way… I specifically volunteered for this job because I heard he'd be participating…"
Upon hearing this, many students couldn't help but feel envious. Truly, geniuses received special treatment.
Feeling the gazes of those around him, Shigure raised his hand calmly and said, "That would be me."
The moment he spoke, Rangiku Matsumoto's eyes lit up as she turned toward him.
"Ah, Shigure! There you are!" she exclaimed, walking over quickly. She bent down slightly, leaning closer to him.
This intimate gesture instantly ignited a wave of jealousy among the other students.
But then, Rangiku suddenly asked, "Why don't you join the 10th Division? What do you think?!"
Her words left the room in stunned silence.
Not only the students, but even Shigure was taken aback. While it wasn't unusual for geniuses at the Shinō Academy to receive invitations from the Gotei 13, Rangiku Matsumoto's invitation seemed a bit… premature.
Moreover, her tone didn't sound like an official offer—it felt more like a personal invitation.
Shigure chuckled and replied, "You're being quite direct."
"Hehe," Rangiku laughed mischievously. "That's because I really want to see you compete with Captain Hitsugaya! Who knows, maybe you'll surpass him! Just imagining the look on Captain Hitsugaya's face makes me laugh, hahaha!"
As Rangiku burst into laughter, Shigure was about to respond when she suddenly stopped laughing and said, "On a serious note, when you graduate, I'm sure there will be plenty of divisions eager to recruit you. Consider this my early reservation, okay?!"
Even the instructor, who had remained silent until now, couldn't help but intervene. Clearing his throat, he said, "Ahem, Lieutenant Matsumoto, the Senkaimon is about to open."
"Oh no, I almost forgot about the mission!" Rangiku apologized with a sheepish smile. She quickly walked to the front of the group, cleared her throat, and adopted a more serious expression.
"You've all been briefed on the precautions, so I'll only say this: If you encounter any emergencies, notify me immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!!" the students responded with enthusiasm.
"Great! Let's head out!" Rangiku said, her cheerful demeanor returning as she led the way to the Senkaimon.
This time, the soul burial training would take place in the World of the Living, specifically in Karakura Town.
What few people knew was that this location had been chosen by Shigure himself.
After being recommended by Shunsui Kyōraku and the academy staff, Shigure had requested that the training take place in Karakura Town. There had been several options for the training site, and choosing Karakura Town wasn't a big deal. After all, the town had hosted similar training sessions in the past and was considered very safe.
Moreover, the urban environment and the wandering souls there made it an ideal location for the academy's soul burial training.
Shortly after, in the World of the Living, within Karakura Town.
A man wearing a green haori and wooden sandals, holding a white fan, glanced up at the sky and murmured to himself:
"Hm? These spiritual pressures…"
"Ah, must be the soul burial trainees from the Shinō Academy..."
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