The Ferocity of a Menos Grande

"Again! Bang!"

The sound of two swords clashing echoed repeatedly.

After days of rigorous training, Hoshi was no longer helplessly beaten during sparring sessions. Though he still struggled to keep up, he was slowly holding his ground against the Head Captain's relentless strikes.

"You've improved greatly," Yamamoto remarked, his voice heavy with approval. "Your Shunpo and physical endurance are developing well."

Hoshi smiled humbly. "Thank you, Captain. But compared to your strength, I still have a long way to go."

Yamamoto laughed heartily. "Don't sell yourself short. At this rate, you'll soon be capable of holding your own. But enough of that—what brings you to me today?"

Hoshi grew serious. "Captain, I'd like to request a few days' leave. My swordsmanship feels stuck at a bottleneck, and I believe I need practical experience in Rukongai to sharpen my spirit and achieve true harmony with my Zanpakutō."

Yamamoto's expression turned contemplative. "That's a sound idea. However, Rukongai isn't without its dangers. It's a chaotic place with all manner of people and factions. You must tread carefully."

"I'll be cautious, Captain," Hoshi assured him. "I'm confident this journey will help me grow stronger."

Yamamoto nodded in approval. "Very well. Your current level of skill should suffice for self-protection. Go, and return with swordsmanship worthy of a Shinigami who represents the Gotei 13."

"Thank you, Captain. I won't let you down," Hoshi said with a bow, preparing to leave.

"Wait," Yamamoto suddenly called out.

Hoshi paused, confusion flashing across his face. "Did you change your mind, Captain?"

Yamamoto smiled faintly. "You'll need a pass to re-enter the Seireitei. Otherwise, how will you return?"

Hoshi smirked sheepishly. "I almost forgot."

Yamamoto's expression softened. "One more thing—if you encounter a threat you can't handle, don't hesitate to signal for reinforcements. The safety of a Gotei 13 member is paramount."

Moved by the concern, Hoshi bowed deeply. "Thank you, Captain. I'll keep that in mind."

With his pass secured, Hoshi left the First Division, humming to himself. His primary goal wasn't just honing his skills—it was also to avoid Captain Katori's persistent attention. She had been showing up unannounced, and Hoshi wasn't keen on risking another scolding—or worse.

---

Arrival at Rukongai

Stepping out from the West Gate, Hoshi marveled at the bustling streets of Rukongai.

"Seireitei lacks the vibrancy of this place," he mused, weaving through the lively crowd.

He wandered aimlessly, soaking in the atmosphere, when a sudden surge of oppressive spiritual pressure caused him to freeze. Turning toward the source, he saw a black rift tear open in the sky. From within emerged a massive figure, its grotesque mask unmistakable—a Gillian, the lowest rank of Menos Grande, yet still far beyond the strength of ordinary Hollows.

Hoshi's heart raced. "A Menos Grande... here?"

Instinctively, he reached for his Zanpakutō. Though unprepared, he decided to face the challenge. His training had to mean something. Releasing his spiritual pressure, he called out to the Menos, luring it away from the nearby village.

"Come on, big guy. Let's see what you've got!"

The Menos roared, drawn to the spiritual energy of the Shinigami. Hoshi leapt into battle, his Zanpakutō clashing against the creature's massive claws. Sparks flew, and the ground trembled beneath their struggle.

---

A Desperate Fight

Hoshi darted around the Menos, his Shunpo allowing him to evade its attacks while landing slashes across its towering frame. But its thick hide didn't resisted his blade, and each strike left more than a scratch.

"Dammit... it's tougher than I expected," he muttered, narrowly avoiding a crushing blow.

The Menos reared back, its mask glowing ominously.

"A Cero?! No way—this one's evolving into an Adjuchas!"

The blast of red energy surged toward him. With no time to dodge, Hoshi raised his Zanpakutō in a desperate attempt to shield himself. The explosion sent him hurtling through the forest, his body battered and bleeding.

Gasping for air, Hoshi struggled to rise. "This... might be it for me."

But as the Menos approached to deliver the final blow, a familiar voice rang out.

"You reckless idiot!"

A surge of spiritual pressure overwhelmed the area, forcing the Menos to hesitate. A figure darted into view—a petite yet commanding presence with wild determination in her eyes.

"Captain Katori..." Hoshi murmured before losing consciousness.

---

Aftermath

When Hoshi awoke, he found himself in the Eighth Division's barracks, his body wrapped in bandages.

"You're awake," Katori said, her tone somewhere between relief and annoyance.

"Captain... you saved me?"

She huffed. "Of course I did. What were you thinking, fighting a Menos Grande alone?"

"It was evolving into an Adjuchas," Hoshi explained weakly. "I couldn't let it harm the village."

Her expression softened. "You did well, but you need to learn your limits. You're lucky to be alive."

Handing him a report, she continued, "I've already informed Captain Yamamoto. Central 46 has approved your promotion to Lieutenant, effective once you've recovered."

"Lieutenant? But I haven't even mastered Shikai..." [T/N] Bro you don't even know your Zanpakutō's name.]

"Exceptional circumstances call for exceptions. You killed a Menos Grande on your own. That's no small feat." [T/N] Define the word kill]

Blushing slightly, Katori added, "Just... don't scare me like that again."

Hoshi smiled. "I'll do my best to keep up, Captain."