Beginning of the End

Kobayashi Rintaro

TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter contains depiction and mentions of accidents and death. Please proceed with caution

Tobio now stood in front of a panel with the headmaster of the academy sitting in the middle. Had it been the old him, he would have fidgeted. But as he spent more time in the academy, he learned how to get over his insecurities, made new acquaintances, and learned how to do things without second-guessing himself. It was a long way but he's here now.

Tobio stood tall and met the gazes of the panel head-on. The headmaster studied him for a while looking over his file and then nodded.

"Kageyama Tobio, you have grades of Cs and Bs in theory but As in application. I would highly suggest applying to the Soul Retrieval Division but with a recommendation letter from senior reapers in the division you want to apply in, your application would be considered."

Tobio nodded at the headmaster's statement. He had learned that no matter the topic, he always has difficulty in theory, (he couldn't remember the number of times Spears-san sighed at his work) but he also learned that he thrived in application. Hand to hand combat, using death scythes, and grim reaper magic and techniques; Grell-san was thrilled to learn about that fact and gave him some tips and know-hows that also helped Tobio improve.

"For your final exam, I have partnered you with another student but due to some schedule conflicts, you would be meeting them once you're on the field. Their name is Kira Aoi," The headmaster slid a file over the desk and Tobio walked up to them to pick it up.

Tentatively, he opened the file and saw a picture of a handsome man.

Name: Kobayashi Rintaro

Date of Birth: June 15, 1982

Date of Death: March 27, 2012, 2:18 am

Cause of Death: Infection and septic shock

Remarks: [ ]

Tobio stared at the file. The remarks part of the file was left blank for him and his partner to fill out later. Tobio closed the file when one of his professors cleared their throat, "You'll be given one month to observe this person and when the time comes, you and your partner would need to decide whether to reap their soul or not. Good luck."

...

"Are you Kira-san?" A girl around the same age as Tobio turned and nodded.

Kira-san had long black hair and cerulean eyes, she also has the same round glasses perched on the top of her nose albeit slightly skewed. She had a petite structure and was almost the same height as Tobio; now that he died, he also stopped growing. He could use Glamour to alter his appearance but it takes great concentration and he wanted to fully focus on the task at hand.

"Are you Kageyama-kun then?" Kira-san asked as she adjusted her glasses.

"Yes," Tobio nodded and handed the file to Kira-san, "Were you briefed before meeting up?"

"I was but I never had the chance to see the file," Kira-san replied and opened the file and studied its contents.

That's where their conversation ended but Tobio didn't mind. If anything, he appreciates the silence more; it makes everything clearer.

The two of them are currently in the genkan of the apartment their target is staying at. Kira-san chose to sit down as she stared at the file while Tobio opted to lean on the wall near her.

"I'm off to work!" A male voice called out and a man rounded the corner and sat down on the genkan beside Kira-san to put on his shoes.

"Takeru, hurry up! I still have to drop you off at the school!"