Time flew by, and before he realized it, Shigure had been studying kendo for half a month.
During the initial weeks, he still handled some 13th Division affairs.
However, when he returned to the 13th Division exhausted every evening, Kotetsu Kiyone and others proactively offered to assume all his duties.
After all, for a considerable period following Shiba Kaien's death, she had served as acting captain.
Generally, when a vice-captain is in active service, full proxy representation isn't permitted.
For instance, during Shigure's time in the 5th Division, he was still assigned patrol duties.
But now, with Ukitake's endorsement, as long as no major incidents like the previous one occurred, Central 46 simply lacked the time to micromanage such matters.
Consequently, Shigure would depart for the 4th Division from early morning onward, returning to the 13th Division only when night fell and the moon rose.
Even after returning, however, he never rested.
Every night, he would spend three hours practicing alone in the 13th Division's kendo room, returning to his quarters only when he deemed his training sufficient.
This intensive regimen deeply concerned many 13th Division members.
Ukitake even visited him personally, urging him not to push himself so relentlessly.
Naturally, Shigure maintained his limits. Using his Resonance Vision, he could easily monitor his body's condition.
Moreover, with the medicine provided by Unohana Retsu, his physical state remained stable.
During this period, Shigure even asked Unohana Retsu if she needed rest.
After hearing this, Unohana Retsu smiled and replied, "I'm not tired at all. After all, it's always Segawa who ends up completely exhausted."
Hearing this, Shigure was rendered speechless.
If spiritual pressure were permitted, he could nourish his body with spiritual power and enhance his endurance.
However, within this sword chamber, Tessai Tsukabishi's kidō inscriptions made such techniques impossible.
Furthermore, he genuinely required this form of pure training.
"The vice-captain... seems to have become an entirely different person..."
"Right, during the previous two months, he practically never visited the training grounds."
"This is positive development, but... it feels like he's pushing himself excessively..."
The 13th Division members would engage in such discussions whenever they witnessed Shigure's departures and returns.
Naturally, Shigure's dedication gradually became known throughout the other divisions.
Even division members he encountered en route to the 4th Division would greet him with enthusiasm.
Today, Shigure headed toward the 4th Division barracks as usual.
However, he encountered an unexpected figure: Matsumoto Rangiku.
"Hey there, Vice-Captain Segawa! Good morning!" She raised her arm in an animated greeting.
Shigure smiled warmly. "Morning, Vice-Captain Matsumoto. You actually have leisure time to be here?"
Matsumoto Rangiku approached with her characteristic cheerful demeanor.
"The 10th Division covers an extensive patrol area, so my assigned district is actually quite manageable."
Shigure nodded knowingly.
"So what brings Vice-Captain Matsumoto here?"
"Actually, it's about Captain Hitsugaya..." Rangiku replied with a peculiar smile.
"Captain Hitsugaya?" Shigure appeared startled.
Since the 5th Division incident, he had maintained virtually no contact with Hitsugaya Tōshirō.
"Mm-hmm. He originally intended to approach you personally, but couldn't swallow his pride, so he dispatched me instead."
Rangiku clasped her hands behind her back and fell into step beside Shigure.
Shigure immediately expressed surprise. "What does Captain Hitsugaya require of me?"
"I'm not entirely certain myself." Rangiku shook her head lightly.
"He simply mentioned that if you have time today, you should visit the 10th Division barracks."
Upon hearing this, Shigure released a wry chuckle.
Hitsugaya Tōshirō remained characteristically stubborn about maintaining his dignity in such matters.
Nevertheless, he responded, "Very well. I'll visit this evening."
Rangiku nodded, then adopted a somewhat mischievous expression:
"I've heard that recently, Segawa, you... frequently visit Captain Unohana of the 4th Division for kendo training?"
Shigure nodded with a smile. "That's correct."
"Ah... how wonderful... Segawa, you still possess personal aspirations."
Rangiku smiled with genuine warmth.
"It feels like yesterday I was observing you at Shinō Academy."
"But now, hehe, you've become the strongest vice-captain renowned throughout Soul Society."
Hearing this, Shigure smiled without verbal response.
He had encountered this assessment through Kotetsu Kiyone as well.
Apparently, it represented a ranking the Gotei division members had secretly established during private conversations.
They had positioned his strength at the pinnacle, evaluating him as "undoubtedly the most formidable existence below captain rank."
"Well then, I'll take my leave!" Rangiku smiled and winked playfully. "I'll be waiting for you tonight!"
Her words, coupled with her expression, carried obviously suggestive undertones.
Shigure merely smiled gently and nodded. "Understood."
Rangiku turned away with apparent deflation. "Honestly, Segawa, couldn't you respond to that sort of thing occasionally..."
After Rangiku's figure vanished into the distance, Shigure continued toward the 4th Division barracks without pause.
While Hitsugaya Tōshirō's invitation intrigued him, his current priority remained kendo training.
Half a month had elapsed. Although he sensed considerable improvement in his swordsmanship—a sentiment Unohana shared—the system's silence indicated his current level remained insufficient for "excellence."
Therefore, he must persevere.
According to the original manga timeline, Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions' invasion approached rapidly.
Ichigo Kurosaki's Zanpakutō release training would require ten days.
Subsequently, Urahara Kisuke would need seven days to construct the Senkaimon.
In essence, Shigure possessed approximately three days remaining.
Within those three days, he must elevate his kendo proficiency.
Shigure's expression hardened with renewed determination as he proceeded directly to the sword chamber.
Throughout recent days, he had been arriving early to await Unohana Retsu.
Upon reaching the sword chamber, Shigure selected an ordinary wooden sword from the rack and settled into quiet anticipation.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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