After discussing personal matters, Yamada Seinosuke handed over all the theoretical knowledge of Inner Kaido: Path One, Life Regeneration to Tokikaze as they had previously agreed. As for Yamada Hanataro's arrangement, that was an additional request.
Tokikaze was satisfied with this outcome. Yamada Seinosuke was already a very useful subordinate, and if he could help change Yamada Hanataro's personality, Seinosuke would become even more loyal. After all, in the original timeline, Seinosuke helped Kurotsuchi Mayuri create Nemu Kurotsuchi. Given how much Tokikaze had helped him, it wasn't excessive to expect Seinosuke to research Inner Kaido diligently.
As they left Lab 13, Yamada Seinosuke inquired about Yamada Hanataro's whereabouts from passing squad members. Learning that his brother, who was close to being promoted to a seated officer, was still sweeping the streets didn't sit well with Seinosuke.
"Cle... Cleared up, brother Seinosuke..."
The speaker, with drooping eyebrows and eyes, tightly clutched a dusty broom. He carried a white first aid pack on his back and exuded a timid demeanour as if he were perpetually bullied.
"Don't make that stupid face, Hanataro."
Yamada Seinosuke sighed, exasperated. "With you looking like such a coward, how can I trust you to handle a seated officer's position?"
Despite his harsh words, he was genuinely concerned about Hanataro. He was just naturally sharp-tongued.
However, Seinosuke would restrain his sharpness, at least in front of Tokikaze and Unohana Retsu. He couldn't afford to offend the former and deeply respected the latter.
"B-Brother Seinosuke..."
Yamada Hanataro kept his head down, not daring to look Seinosuke in the eye. Despite being siblings, their personalities couldn't be more different.
"This is Captain Tokikaze of the Ninth Division."
Seinosuke didn't dwell on the matter, pinning his hopes on Tokikaze's previous suggestion. Hopefully, that madman Ikkaku Madarame could toughen up Hanataro's personality. If not, being bullied was minor; getting killed in battle was a major concern.
"Captain... Captain Tokikaze!"
Sensing his brother's displeasure, Hanataro tried to appear less timid by raising his voice. He had heard Tokikaze's name mentioned by other squad members multiple times. It was rumoured that this Ninth Division captain had an improper relationship with their captain, often visiting alone. The rumours grew more exaggerated within the Fourth Division, even to the point where names for hypothetical children were being discussed. It just went to show that human nature remained unchanged regardless of the world.
"Hah, Ikkaku Madarame is going to have his hands full."
Unrefined Hanataro was worse than Tokikaze had expected. If it weren't for Hanataro's Zanpakuto potential, he wouldn't have bothered with this matter.
"Ik... Ikkaku Third Seat..." Hanataro was confused.
As the Third Seat of the Eleventh Division, Ikkaku had become a frequent visitor to the Fourth Division due to his injuries. Every squad member knew of him.
Hanataro didn't understand the conversation, wondering what it had to do with Ikkaku Madarame.
"For the next while, someone else will handle your duties."
Seinosuke decided without asking Hanataro's opinion. "You'll follow Captain Tokikaze to the Ninth Division for a while."
"But..."
Hanataro began to protest but was silenced by a single look from Seinosuke, reluctantly agreeing.
"Yes, brother Seinosuke."
Leaving the Fourth Division, Tokikaze led Hanataro back to the Ninth Division, Hanataro following closely. At the training ground, Ikkaku readily agreed to the arrangement as long as Seinosuke stopped using strange medicines on him.
Watching the rigorous training, Hanataro realised the source of the malice he had sensed earlier. As a support member, he was now subjected to hellish training by front-line combatants.
"Cap... Captain Tokikaze..."
Hanataro reached out shakily, hoping to awaken Tokikaze's conscience. But before he could finish, Tokikaze had already left the training ground.
All that remained was Ikkaku's devilish grin.
"Let's begin, Hanataro..."
…
Leaving the training ground, Tokikaze first met with Matsumoto Rangiku to deepen their relationship before handing her the files Nanao Ise had organised. Though initially intent on slacking off, Rangiku was swayed by Tokikaze's charm and agreed to handle the files.
Tokikaze then took Nanao to the dojo to fulfil his promise to Kyoraku Shunsui. Despite the difficulties in teaching Kido, things were progressing well. Nanao had moved from initial resistance to acceptance. Her Kido proficiency was improving rapidly, and her combat skills were visibly enhancing. Realising this, her resistance had turned into a mix of reluctance and acceptance.
"Regarding Hado #63..."
Tokikaze stood before a target, pointing his finger.
As electric light sparked, the smell of gunpowder filled the air, and the surrounding temperature rose.
"You've mastered the reiatsu trajectory perfectly."
"Focus on the finer details."
He explained meticulously while Nanao listened intently, her face slightly flushed. Despite her chaotic thoughts, she memorised his teachings.
"Like precisely timing the release and..."
Boom!
A roar struck the distant target, black smoke rising as the sturdy material shattered under the explosive lightning.
Nanao's eyes widened in shock. Compared to last time, the Hado's power had increased.
Just as Tokikaze prepared to continue teaching, several unfamiliar reiatsu signatures tore through the Kido barrier and entered the dojo.
"Tokikaze of the Kanimata clan..."