You Sure Got Guts

"Twenty-seven minutes late."

Yamamoto Genryusai's expression remained unchanged, but a subtle, scorching heat emanated around him.

As the spiritual particles in the air swirled, several Captains instinctively moved away from him again.

Even a slight increase in temperature caused by Yamamoto Genryusai's Shikai was enough to make ordinary Captains wary.

His slightly narrowed eyes slowly opened, and a bright flame flashed in his pupils.

The aged yet majestic voice resonated in the training ground:

"I demand a reasonable explanation."

Facing the oppressive aura, Tokikaze maintained a gentle smile.

In a certain sense, he, at this moment, shared some similarities with the newly appointed Fifth Division Captain, Sosuke Aizen.

"Training."

Tokikaze responded with a determined look, "Daily training is the only way to become stronger."

"After all, a weak Captain is not what the Soul Society wants to see. Doesn't this reasoning make sense?"

As the words fell, silence still lingered in the training ground.

Different gazes looked at Tokikaze from various angles, mostly filled with admiration.

To boldly present one's theories in front of the upset Captain-Commander already deserved praise.

The assessment hadn't even started, yet he already assumed the role of a Captain.

What a brave kid!

As expected, with these words, Yamamoto Genryusai's old face darkened a bit more.

Even Kaname Tosen, who was also there, couldn't keep a straight face.

This reason caused Yamamoto Genryusai, who was about to explode, pause.

Any person with a brain wouldn't make things worse in such a situation.

But obviously, this Third Seat officer from the Ninth Division was not normal.

Just from the rumors circulating in Seireitei, one could glean a bit about him.

Which Shinigami considered activities like one hundred push-ups and a ten-kilometer run daily as part of training?

This level of training could easily be accomplished by a first-year student at Shin'o Academy!

"Barely acceptable."

Yamamoto Genryusai's imposing aura receded, and the elderly voice echoed in the training ground.

"But training also depends on the situation."

"This time, I will let it slide, let's prepare for the assessment!"

Unable to achieve the goal of suppressing Tokikaze's momentum, he redirected everyone's attention back to today's main business.

The assessment!

The fight to determine the new Captain of the 9th Division!

With Captain, Vice-Captain, Fourth Seat officer, Sixth Seat officer, and Seventh Seat officer wiped out, only Tokikaze, and Kaname Tosen remained eligible to compete over this position.

"Fifth Seat."

Tokikaze's gaze turned to Kaname Tosen not far away and smiled gently. "Are you ready?"

Faced with the provocation, Kaname Tosen remained silent, placing his right hand on his scabbard.

In his all-white pupils, there was no hint of emotional change.

Everything about him was hidden behind the googles.

"Quite imposing."

Kyoraku Shunsui adjusted his straw hat lazily, and his lazy gaze wandered between the two.

"In that case, let's begin."

The moment the words fell, two imposing Reiatsu erupted instantly, forming substantial columns of light that surged on the training ground.

Under the impact of this Reiatsu, the stone beneath their feet let out a creaking sound and cracks gradually appeared, followed by gust that swept across the entire training ground.

All observers, be it Captains or lower seat officers seemed shocked.

In fact, some Seat Officers from other divisions were dumbfounded, unable to believe what they were witnessing.

You were both seat officers, why were you hiding your strength this whole time?

We were peacefully slacking off, and suddenly, you burst out with such powerful Reiatsu. How are we supposed to go on at this rate?

The Seat Officers exchanged glances, seeing each other's expressions of frustration.

As for the Captains, they admired the massive Reiatsu that appeared like pillars of light, unable to help but express their admiration.

"The Reiatsu of both Seat Officers have reached Captain level."

"Looks like whoever wins will deserve to be Ninth Division Captain."

"Tokikaze Third Seat joined the Ninth Division only three years ago. He truly lives up to the name of a genius."

Massive Reiatsu confronted each other on the training ground.

Faintly, dazzling columns of light tore through the air.

The Seat Officers observing from a distance felt an indescribable sense of suffocation, as if their throats were being constricted.

Facing Kaname Tosen, Tokikaze did not underestimate him.

After dilligent training for a long time, he needed a worthy opponent to assess his current combat strength, and Kaname Tosen was undoubtedly a perfect opponent.

"Tokikaze Third Seat, here I go!"

Following his principle in sparring, Kaname Tosen warned Tokikaze just before the battle.

A bright light flickered on his left side as his Zanpakuto was unsheathed. Then, followed by a loud sound, he headed straight for Tokikaze.

Its momentum was swift, like a howling hurricane, sweeping the entire training ground in an instant!

Clang!

The sound of metal colliding reverberated.

Under the googles, Kaname Tosen's calm face revealed a hint of surprise.

The overwhelming force transmitted through the Zanpakuto was entirely unlike what a normal Shinigami should possess.

Moreover, it continued to increase, as if it knew no limit!

Tokikaze smiled slightly, and his confident aura radiated, adding a touch of charm.

His strength wasn't limited to the level of Reiatsu.

While completing his daily routine, occasionally, he also enhanced his Reiryoku, though not much.

But over time, the already strong Reiryoku became even more powerful.

This made Tokikaze have a hard time finding a worthy opponent.

"This power... It's far from enough to take on the role of the 9th Division's Captain."

It was as if a flash of lightning flashed across Tokikaze's pupils.

"Tosen Fifth Seat."

Boom!

Kaname Tosen was sent flying instantly, but he managed to thrust his Zanpakuto into the ground and slowed down.

"I'm completely overwhelmed?"

Kaname Tosen muttered to himself as he stood up and raised his Zanpakuto in front of him. A strong Reiatsu exuded from his whole body.

Tokikaze felt as if the surrounding had lost its color, leaving only faint black and white.

At this moment, the world fell into silence.

The clear sound of insects echoed in the training ground.

Kaname Tosen raised the blade in his hand, and Reiatsu resonated on it. Within the buzzing of the insects, there was a low and solemn declaration of war.

"Sing, Suzumushi!"