Yoriichi watched quietly from the side. Before long, he heard Retsu Unohana give a mid-tier evaluation.
Uta was a bit confused by this. Mid-tier Kaido talent… that shouldn't be too bad, right?
Retsu Unohana explained, "It's acceptable. The majority of Shinigami in the Fourth Division fall into this category."
"However, talent doesn't prove much. It only accelerates the healing of a patient's wounds."
"And you don't need to go to the front lines. To heal yourself and those around you, mid-tier talent is sufficient."
After all, Shinigami who master Kaido are ultimately a minority.
One reason is that it's difficult to learn, and another is that even if learned, it doesn't significantly improve one's combat strength.
Considering this, Retsu Unohana nodded slightly and looked at Yoriichi:
"Captain Tsugikuni, I now know Uta's Kaido talent. Regarding her future learning plan, I will provide an answer soon."
"When would you like to arrange our next spar?"
Yoriichi thought for a moment and replied, "In a week, at the same place and time."
"If possible, I hope to personally observe Uta's learning process."
He remained uncertain whether Uta truly wanted to learn Kaido.
Perhaps she was forcing herself to learn to help him.
In that case, no matter what her thoughts were, Yoriichi would not let her continue.
If Yoriichi were to turn a blind eye to her forcing herself to do things she disliked just to help him, he wouldn't be worthy of being a husband.
Of course, it would be different if Uta had an interest in it.
The lifespan of Shinigami is incredibly long; in a life spanning hundreds or thousands of years, one must find some interests.
Upon hearing this, Retsu Unohana showed a slight smile.
Although she wasn't entirely sure about Captain Yoriichi Tsugikuni's current thoughts, as Uta's husband, it was natural for him to care for his wife, so she didn't pay too much attention to it.
She nodded, indicating her understanding, then called Isane Kotetsu and left.
She had to go back and formulate a training plan for Uta, and also review today's battle.
She wanted to block all the attacks that hit her today before the next spar.
Only then could she gain some advantage in the next battle and avoid falling in the same place.
She would remember today's defeat.
After Retsu Unohana left, Yoriichi put down the bamboo sword in his hand, turned, and walked over to Uta.
His movements were gentle, signaling that everything was fine.
Overall, neither side lost out in this spar.
Although Retsu Unohana was defeated, Uta effectively became her disciple.
No matter what happened in the future, Uta now had a backer in Seireitei besides him.
She had also gained a firm footing in Seireitei.
At the same time, after a period of sparring, there would be a certain relationship between the Ninth Division and the Fourth Division in the future.
This was beneficial to both sides; the prison division would inevitably suffer injuries.
Of course, Uta couldn't see the long-term future at the moment.
She only knew that Yoriichi was fine, and that was enough.
Phew…
Uta slowly exhaled.
She gripped Yoriichi's hand, her voice soft and concerned: "Let's go home."
"Don't do such impulsive things for me again next time."
"I know you're strong, but safety is the most important thing."
Low whispers arose as the two slowly walked out of the house…
…
"Good morning, Captain Tsugikuni."
The next day, after Yoriichi sent Uta to the Fourth Division, he headed to the Ninth Division.
Along the way, some Shinigami greeted him respectfully, as if everything was as usual.
It was then that Yoriichi realized that in the Shinigami's perception of time, disappearing for half a month was nothing significant.
Although he had done many things in those two weeks, even easing the relationship between Shinigami and Hollows for thousands of years.
But in others' eyes, his disappearance might have just been a vacation to the Human World.
After all, he was in perfect condition, not at all like someone who had been in a battle.
Of course, his haori was torn, but that was irrelevant.
Looking at the haori on his shoulder, which Uta had roughly sewn back together, Yoriichi's gaze was complex, and he shook his head gently.
Soon, he arrived at the Ninth Division.
As he approached the barracks, he heard a series of shouts, as if a large group of people were engaged in fierce combat.
Entering the barracks, Yoriichi saw the full scene.
A group of bare-chested men were training with swords in an open area.
Kenpachi Zaraki was at the forefront, his ferocious posture fully displayed, sweat pouring down like rain, as if he was desperately pushing his physical limits.
The squad members behind him groaned in agony, but he showed no intention of stopping.
The sound of swords cutting through the air echoed continuously, like roaring beasts, as if to shatter the very air.
On the wall nearby, Yachiru was clapping and cheering: "Yay, Kenpachi! That's how it should be!"
"Mr. Narcissist, and Baldy, can't you guys go faster? If you can't even catch up to Kenpachi, how will you ever defeat him?"
…
You're talking out of your ass, Ikkaku Madarame cursed inwardly while panting heavily.
He gripped his sword hilt tightly, veins throbbing on his forehead.
He didn't know what had happened, but a few days ago, Kenpachi Zaraki had started training like a madman.
He would swing his sword from evening until morning, and not content with just his own training, he dragged them all along.
Heaven help him, though his physical condition was good, he couldn't continuously swing for an entire night.
Not to mention there were other training exercises.
But Kenpachi Zaraki? He had been swinging for days, eight hours a day, and was still going strong.
If it weren't for Kaido helping to relax their muscles and bones, they probably wouldn't even be able to get up after waking up each day.
Yumichika Ayasegawa was about to say something; he felt that a handsome man like himself shouldn't have to undergo such crude training.
But then, he saw Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
A gasp broke the strange atmosphere in the open area.
"Captain Yoriichi!"
That shout suddenly jolted everyone else's thoughts awake.
Everyone looked towards the entrance, their expressions as if they had seen a savior.
Some directly threw down their swords and ran quickly towards Yoriichi Tsugikuni, shouting as they ran: "You're finally back!"
"Please save us quickly!"
"He's practically not human!"
…
…
A long time later, in the office.
After a brief description from some people, Yoriichi generally understood what had happened.
Knowing Kenpachi Zaraki's personality early on, these changes were to be expected, but he hadn't anticipated him being so insane.
Considering the duration of the training, it was likely that Kenpachi Zaraki had learned about his actions in Hueco Mundo.
Although this mission was highly confidential, there were always those in the know.
Perhaps Kenpachi Zaraki's actions were due to the increasingly widening gap between them.
After calling Kenpachi Zaraki to inquire, it was indeed the case.
Thump, thump, thump…
Yoriichi gently tapped the desk with his knuckles, feeling a bit helpless.
He certainly didn't want his Ninth Division to turn into the Eleventh Division. Fortunately, he returned early; if he had been a few months late, who knew what it would have become.
Of course, he didn't blame Kenpachi Zaraki, as his intentions were good.
Yoriichi quietly exhaled, looked around at everyone, and instructed:
"Take a temporary break. I'm back, so daily training should return to normal."
"It's getting late, everyone can disperse."
"Ikkaku, come with me."
Everyone dispersed, smiles of relief on their faces.
Ikkaku Madarame, however, was a bit bewildered.
He watched Yoriichi quietly stand up and walk towards a certain spot. Although he didn't know why, he could only reluctantly follow.
Upon reaching an open area, Yoriichi suddenly turned: "I heard you wanted to learn hand-to-hand combat techniques?"
Ikkaku Madarame immediately snapped back to attention, his posture serious:
"Captain, you knew about that?"
"That's right. Ever since my last battle with Kuna Mashiro, I realized I couldn't rely too much on my Zanpakuto."
"But unfortunately, I searched for a long time and couldn't find a suitable master for me."
"Captain, now that you've mentioned this, could it be…"
Yoriichi pondered for a moment: "It's not that I will teach you. Although I'm back, I don't have much free time at the moment."
"As a member of my Ninth Division, once I know your aspirations, I naturally cannot ignore them."
"I know some Hakuda masters."
"How about this, would you be willing to go to the Second Division for a period of advanced training?"
"The Second Division?" Ikkaku Madarame raised an eyebrow slightly; this was an answer he had never considered.
If he remembered correctly.
Although the Second Division was proficient in Hakuda, arguably the most skilled group in hand-to-hand combat in the entire Gotei 13, even the Eleventh Division was far inferior.
But unfortunately, he had no connection with them.
In his imagination, even if he were to learn Hakuda, he should go to the Eleventh Division. But now, why was he going to the Second Division?
Could it be because of those two guys last time?
The figures of Ōmaeda Marechiyo and Suì-Fēng appeared in Ikkaku Madarame's mind.
Now, both of them had returned to the Second Division after completing their training…
Even though Ikkaku Madarame hadn't taken this matter to heart, his personal encounter still gave rise to some thoughts.
He furrowed his brow and asked Yoriichi Tsugikuni,
"Captain, you haven't made some special deal with the Second Division, have you?"
"Will they accept me?"
Yoriichi shook his head and replied, "Divisions need to communicate with each other to make progress. The combat techniques mastered by the Second Division are not something that cannot be revealed."
"Only when the Shinigami become stronger can your, my, and everyone's lives become more harmonious."
"This has nothing to do with a deal; it's just routine exchange and learning."
"Then why don't I know about this tradition?"
"Hmm… I haven't had a chance to talk to Yoruichi yet, but don't worry, she'll agree."
That was true. After all, he was of a high-ranking noble family. Even though Ikkaku Madarame had many questions in his heart, he was speechless at this moment.
Alas… With his strength, status, and position, it would probably be difficult for him to surpass him in this lifetime.
Ikkaku Madarame sighed inwardly.
…
Ikkaku Madarame left quickly.
Although he had agreed to the suggestion of going to the Second Division for training, when exactly to go would only be decided after Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Yoruichi Shihouin had discussed it carefully.
Ikkaku was not in a hurry about this. In the long lifespan of a Shinigami, training within ten years was not considered late.
Yoriichi gazed at Ikkaku's retreating back. After a moment, he also turned and left the open space.
Returning to his office, Yoriichi casually flipped through the mission reports from the past half-month.
Since Aizen's defection, for some reason, the number of criminals had plummeted.
Overall, this should be considered a good thing, right?
Yoriichi called Kuna Mashiro and asked about Tōsen Kaname's condition.
Currently, Tōsen Kaname's capture was still a secret.
Yamamoto Genryusai was a staunch hater of evil, so if he wanted Tōsen Kaname to return to the squad, he had to wait for the storm to pass.
Kuna Mashiro pondered for a moment before saying, "He's alright, not noisy, not troublesome, and very cooperative."
"By the way, Captain, do you really believe he will turn over a new leaf?"
"Last time…"
"Last time was last time, this time is this time." Yoriichi gently shook his head,
"Last time was because his undercover identity was exposed, which is why he attacked me."
"Now that Aizen has abandoned him, and he has avenged his great grudge, even if he once had thoughts of betrayal and enmity with Soul Society, they will gradually be worn away with the passage of time."
"Furthermore, he believes Soul Society is corrupt and evil, so wouldn't it be better to just change it?"
"The current Central Forty-Six Chambers is one such change."
"I also have Kyōraku Shunsui, and Yoruichi Shihouin, Kuchiki Sōjun, and even some other noble Shinigami involved."
"Although absolute fairness and justice cannot be guaranteed, at least there will be no wrongful convictions."
"If… he even wants to overthrow this, then I can only admit I misjudged him."
"But before that, I must give him a chance."
"He was just an undercover agent, and he didn't do anything irreversible."
"Do you understand?"
"Kuna Mashiro?"
"Captain, you can just call me Kuna. I understand everything you've said, but I just can't trust him, maybe it's a gut feeling."
"However, Captain, since you've said so, I'll trust you this once."
Kuna Mashiro slowly exhaled. After reporting a bit more, she turned and left the office.
Yoriichi quietly watched her retreating back, a hint of regret showing in his eyes.
But soon, he gathered all his thoughts and devoted himself wholeheartedly to his official duties.
…
Some time quietly passed.
A piece of news came like a thunderclap, breaking the surrounding silence.
It was because Kensei Muguruma had perfectly achieved Hollowfication with the power of the Hōgyoku.
Those Hollowfication poisons from before were no longer toxins; instead, they had become his tonic.
His power had ascended to another level.
Yoriichi showed an expected expression after hearing this news.
As a personal witness, he was invited by Kisuke Urahara to the Twelfth Division to see Kensei Muguruma's current condition.
Upon arriving at the Twelfth Division, Yoriichi saw Kensei Muguruma wearing a white bone mask, laughing up at the sky.
He looked as if he was declaring to the world that he had finally made it through, and that he was now invincible.
Hiyori Sarugaki pouted at this. At this moment, she noticed Yoriichi, so she quickly approached and whispered,
"You're here? How is it? Isn't he so full of himself?"
"He had so many battles before and never won once, and now that he's Hollowfied, I still think he's just so-so."
"Do you want to fight him again to deflate his ego?"
"It would also be a good way to see the upper limit of a Hollowfied Shinigami."
Although he knew Hiyori Sarugaki was a bit mischievous, wasn't it a bit too much to beat him up right after he had just recovered?
Yoriichi gently rubbed his forehead: "Let's not. You know me. It would be better if Kisuke fought him."
Hiyori Sarugaki "Tch"ed, quite displeased:
"You, you're too kind. You should make him see the truth."
"I've already heard from Kisuke, in such a short time, your spiritual pressure has actually reached First Class. Are you even letting others live?"
"When I was Fourth Class, you were Third Class. Now you're First Class, and I'm still Fourth Class…"
"I'm afraid by the time I reach Third Class, you'll be able to instantly kill Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
At this rate of improvement, it might indeed be possible, but who could say what the future held?
First Class was already the limit.
Although his true strength had already surpassed the limit, his spiritual pressure was still far from it.
To reach the level of Yamamoto Genryusai, it would probably take several more years.
Thinking of this, Yoriichi gently shook his head. A few years was too long, at least for him.
What others saw as a fleeting moment might be a lifetime for him in human terms.
Regarding strength, Yoriichi was not in a hurry for now. He would rather live well with Uta first.
With Kisuke monitoring Hueco Mundo, Yamamoto Genryusai holding the fort, and a few Vasto Lorde as backup, it was unlikely to cause any major trouble.
Yoriichi exhaled, came back to his senses, and shifted the topic to other matters, such as whether Hollowfication achieved through the Hōgyoku had any hidden dangers.
Hearing this, Hiyori Sarugaki's eyes lit up:
"You've asked the right person about this. The Hōgyoku may seem like Kisuke's creation, but in reality, it's a joint work of all of us."
"Currently, there are no hidden dangers… No, if there is one, there is still one."
"That is, during Hollowfication, a Hollow will appear in your spiritual world. If you can defeat him, you will be able to control Hollowfication."
"It's like using a Tenshintai to master a Zanpakuto's Bankai."
"However, unlike that, a Zanpakuto won't take your life, but that Hollow will."
"Because essentially, that is your dark side. If you are killed by that Hollow, then he will replace you and exist in this world."
"These are Kensei Muguruma's exact words. He successfully defeated that Hollow, which is probably why he's so happy."
"Do you want to try? With your strength, it should be very simple, right?"
Hiyori Sarugaki was eager to see what Yoriichi would look like after Hollowfication. Kensei Muguruma's Hollowfication was truly ordinary.
Of course, she knew that someone with Yoriichi's personality generally wouldn't take risks easily, so she was just making a suggestion.
Anyway, Hollowfication was the future of Shinigami, because only through it could they break their limits and reduce casualties.
And those who didn't accept it didn't matter. They were all fighting for Soul Society, and in time, they would eventually understand.
As Hiyori Sarugaki's words fell, Kensei Muguruma's laughter finally stopped.
He casually waved his hand, erasing the mask from his face.
As soon as he removed the mask, he saw the conspicuous red-haired figure in the crowd.
He immediately shouted loudly:
"Tsugikuni, I succeeded! Let's fight again!"
Beside him, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who was testing data, couldn't help but curse upon hearing this:
"Idiot, he even killed Baraggan! If you want to die, don't drag us down with you… You are my test subject, so stay put obediently."
With that, he immediately released his Zanpakuto, paralyzing Kensei Muguruma to prevent his failure from affecting the perfect value of the Hōgyoku in his mind.
He knew Kensei Muguruma's current strength better than anyone.
Perhaps a one-on-one with an Adjuchas Arrancar was possible, but a one-on-one with Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who had even defeated a Vasto Lorde Arrancar…
How many dishes did he have, to be this drunk.