Six months later.
1st Division, Training Room.
Toshiro and Yamamoto stood facing each other, each holding a bamboo sword.
Suddenly, Toshiro moved!
He took a step, instantly gliding several meters, and slashed with his right hand. Yet, it lacked the overwhelming momentum of his first exchange with Yamamoto.
Unlike before, where he seemed to pour all his strength and speed into a single strike, this slash felt elegant and natural.
Though appearing as gentle as a falling leaf, its speed was astonishing. The attack trajectory was elusive, creating a sense that evasion was impossible.
Simultaneously, a chilling sensation spread, as if plunging everyone into an icy wasteland.
Seeing this, Yamamoto raised his bamboo sword to meet it.
Just as their swords were about to clash, Toshiro's bamboo sword suddenly slid past Yamamoto's, striking Yamamoto's shoulder and forcing him back several steps.
Of course, this didn't mean Toshiro's swordsmanship had surpassed Yamamoto's, as Yamamoto hadn't used his full strength.
"Excellent, Toshiro. You have mastered and integrated all the swordsmanship techniques you've learned, comprehending your own path of the sword. You've reached the 9th Dan," Yamamoto said, nodding with satisfaction.
"I have nothing left to teach you, Toshiro. As for the highest level, the 10th Dan, it isn't achieved easily. It requires the accumulation and sedimentation of years. However, if you continue on your swordsmanship path, with your talent, reaching that stage won't be difficult," Yamamoto explained.
"Your Hakuda and Kido are also quite impressive. As for footwork, your self-created [Shukuho] surpasses even the Shinigami's Shunpo," Yamamoto continued.
"So, you have graduated, Toshiro," Yamamoto said with a hint of nostalgia.
"How many years has it been? How many years since I last taught a student? I had decided to stop teaching, never expecting to meet you," Yamamoto mused.
Originally, Yamamoto's profession was teaching. From the head instructor of the [Genji School] to the founder of the Shin'o Academy, Yamamoto's contributions to the Soul Society's education were immense.
"Thank you for your guidance these past six months, Genryusai-sensei," Toshiro said sincerely, bowing deeply to Yamamoto.
Though not formally master and disciple, Yamamoto had taught Toshiro wholeheartedly without reservation for half a year.
Part of the reason was ensuring Toshiro could eventually succeed him in protecting the Soul Society.
But during these six months, Yamamoto had genuinely come to regard Toshiro as a student, much like Kyoraku and Ukitake.
Now, Toshiro was one of the few personally close to Yamamoto.
"Toshiro, the Shin'o Academy's graduation exams are approaching, aren't they?" Yamamoto asked.
"Yes, Genryusai-sensei. They start tomorrow," Toshiro replied.
"With your strength, you could have graduated long ago. But the graduation exams are held only once a year. So, don't miss this one, or you'll have to wait another year."
Although Toshiro had hardly attended classes, he was still officially a Shin'o Academy's student.
Passing the graduation exam was the primary path to join the Gotei 13 as a Shinigami.
Aside from exceptions like Zaraki, who directly defeated the previous Kenpachi to become Captain, or Unohana, who was recruited by Yamamoto, most Shinigami joined the Gotei 13 by graduating from the Shin'o Academy via exams.
"Return to the Shin'o Academy and prepare for tomorrow's exams," Yamamoto said.
"Alright," Toshiro said, glancing around the training room with some reluctance.
Having trained here for half a year, leaving brought a tinge of sadness.
"No need for sorrow. You can visit anytime in the future," Yamamoto consoled.
"Then, Genryusai-sensei, I'll take my leave."
Toshiro turned and walked out without hesitation.
On the way back, Toshiro reflected on the past six months.
Firstly, under Yamamoto's guidance, his swordsmanship, Hakuda, and other skills had improved significantly. Few in the Gotei 13 could surpass him in these areas now.
Secondly, he never neglected Reiatsu training. He had now reached the late Captain-class.
In terms of Reiatsu level alone, he was no longer among the lowest-ranked Captains in the Gotei 13.
Over these six months, certain events occurred in the Soul Society.
For long-lived Shinigami, six months wasn't a long time, but some important developments took place.
Most notably, the Gotei 13's Captain positions were finally filled.
Originally, due to Aizen's schemes decades ago, the Gotei 13 lost nearly half its Captains.
Even after decades of recovery, the Captain positions remained unfilled, with the 3rd Division's Captain seat still vacant.
But shortly after Toshiro began training with Yamamoto, 5th Division's Lieutenant, Ichimaru Gin passed the Captain Proficiency Test and became the 3rd Division's Captain.
Yamamoto had initially planned to recommend Toshiro for the 3rd Division's Captain position after graduation, filling the vacancy.
However, he couldn't deny someone who passed the Captain's test the position.
Thus, the plan was abandoned.
Toshiro almost became a student who could immediately become a Captain upon graduation.
It's unclear whether Gin became Captain at this time originally or if Aizen pushed for it early to prevent Toshiro from taking the last remaining Captain's position.
Simultaneously, 6th Division's Captain, Kuchiki Ginrei retired, passing the captaincy and headship of the Kuchiki Clan to Kuchiki Byakuya.
The 6th Division was the nobility's division, and outsiders couldn't interfere in Captain succession.