"Oh, right. Since each person's Zanpakuto is different, I won't say much about Zanpakuto training. But remember one thing: Bankai's power isn't fixed. With a Shinigami's development, Bankai can also change and improve," Yamamoto added.
"Go on. Return after you've familiarized yourself with your Bankai's power. Then, I'll teach you Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, Kido, and other abilities," Yamamoto concluded.
"Yes, I'll take my leave then," Toshiro responded and walked out.
On the way back, Toshiro kept pondering Yamamoto's words.
Suddenly being told he could become the next Captain-Commander left Toshiro with mixed emotions.
At his core, Toshiro wasn't an ambitious person. His relentless training and desire to become a Captain were primarily for survival in this dangerous world.
A cool breeze suddenly blew against his face, refreshing his mind and clearing his thoughts.
'Well, whatever. No point overthinking. Like the Captain-Commander said, strength is most important. As long as I'm strong, I can handle anything,' Toshiro muttered to himself.
'Better return to the Shin'o Academy first. I just mastered Bankai, I should go back and properly comprehend it.'
With that, Toshiro headed towards the Shin'o Academy.
Shin'o Academy, Toshiro's Residence.
In the training room, Toshiro sat cross-legged, entering the Inner World of his Zanpakuto.
Upon entering, he was surprised to find that an enormous iceberg now rose from the once-endless icy plains. Atop the iceberg stood a magnificent palace constructed of ice, shimmering with icy blue light.
He stood before the palace's grand entrance.
Creak!
The palace gates suddenly opened on their own.
Toshiro stepped inside.
"You're here, Toshiro," Hyorinmaru's voice sounded.
Following the voice, Toshiro saw Hyorinmaru reclining languidly on a tall throne atop a high flight of steps.
"What's with this palace? Does the Inner World change after mastering Bankai?" Toshiro asked.
"Oh, this? It's not related to Bankai. I just built it as a place to live. You told me to stay in human form. I couldn't just keep lying on the icy ground to rest, could I?" Hyorinmaru countered.
"I see," Toshiro said, ascending the steps to stand before the throne.
"Having your master stand below while you lounge on the throne... have you got things mixed up, Hyorinmaru?" Toshiro said, looking at the relaxed Hyorinmaru.
"Yare yare, fine. I'll share half with you," Hyorinmaru said, sitting up and moving to make space on the throne.
Toshiro unceremoniously sat down beside her.
"What's up? Got time to visit? Not cuddling with your Momo-chan?" Hyorinmaru asked, leaning against Toshiro.
"Can't you respect my privacy and stop peeping?" Toshiro frowned.
"Alright, I'm here on serious business," Toshiro said solemnly.
"You wouldn't come otherwise," Hyorinmaru mumbled.
"I just mastered Bankai. I want to thoroughly understand my current power," Toshiro said.
"Then go train by yourself. I won't bother you," Hyorinmaru said casually.
"In that case, I'll go train now," Toshiro said, walking out.
Standing on the icy plains, Toshiro closed his eyes, calmly sensing the power within his body.
His sealed Reiatsu was only at the mid Captain-level, but its quality and density were several times that of others. Combined with his powerful Zanpakuto, even late Captain-level opponents weren't a match.
This had been proven in his fight with Zaraki.
With his current strength, even peak Captain-level opponents likely couldn't defeat him easily.
Then, Toshiro released his Bankai, testing its power.
On the palace plaza, although she had told Toshiro to train alone, Hyorinmaru came out, unable to help but check on him.
Gazing at the distant, endless icy plains, a trace of loneliness appeared on her face.
"Well, the scenery is spectacular, but it does get boring after a while," Hyorinmaru murmured to herself.
"That guy Toshiro only comes here to train, never spending time with me. It really is lonely by myself," Hyorinmaru sighed.
"Sorry. I'll come chat with you more often in the future," Toshiro's voice suddenly sounded.
"You... when did you get here? What I just said was nonsense!" Hyorinmaru said, flustered.
"Yeah, yeah, such an untruthful person," Toshiro said helplessly.
"Weren't you training? Why are you out so soon?" Hyorinmaru asked.
"Let's do it together," Toshiro said.
"Huh?" Hyorinmaru was confused.
"Training alone really is dull. So, let's train together, Hyorinmaru."
"Can't help it then. I'll keep you company," Hyorinmaru said, smiling brightly.
Toshiro trained until afternoon before emerging from the training room.
Just as he was about to go to the school cafeteria for dinner, a knocking sound came from the door.
Opening it, he found Momo, Renji, Kira, and Rukia.
"Great! You're back, Toshiro! I just came to check, but you're really here! I thought the Captain-Commander might have kept you busy and you might not return today," Momo said happily.
"Nothing much. The Captain-Commander just talked to me about some things."
Toshiro stepped aside to let them in.
"Hey, Toshiro, you're something else! Momo said you've already mastered Bankai and even met the Captain-Commander personally. We haven't even awakened our Zanpakuto yet?" Renji exclaimed as soon as they sat down.
"By the way, Toshiro, what exactly did the Captain-Commander want? Did he want to take you as his student, like Captain Kyoraku said?" Kira also asked.
"Well..."
The Captain-Commander guiding his training wasn't the main point of the meeting.