Tokikaze carefully handled his Hell Butterfly communicator, continuing to enjoy the drama unfolding before him.
Yamamoto Genryusai was as steady as ever, while Zaraki Kenpachi took the brunt of the situation with unwavering resilience.
Faced with the fully enraged Head Captain, the eleventh Kenpachi showed no signs of being fazed, treating everything as trivial.
He didn't even leave a single mark on himself, let alone show any signs of breaking.
Staring at Zaraki Kenpachi with his flame-filled eyes, Yamamoto Genryusai couldn't understand how the captain of the Eleventh Division, who had once defeated Unohana Retsu and carved a bloody path through Zaraki District, could have such a concerning lack of talent in swordsmanship, even less than an ordinary seated officer.
Or, more accurately, it wasn't that Zaraki Kenpachi lacked talent. He simply followed his instincts in battle, viewing swordsmanship as a shackle on his body and instincts.
But in reality, true swordsmanship could enhance Zaraki Kenpachi's combat power.
His instincts, honed through countless battles, were like a beast's—fierce and chaotic.
While these techniques were effective in life-and-death struggles, mastering Yamamoto Genryusai's swordsmanship would undoubtedly elevate Zaraki Kenpachi's strength to another level.
This was a case of the observer being clear while the participant was confused.
Tokikaze watched intently, seeing through Yamamoto Genryusai's outward anger to the calculated calm beneath.
A prime example of a wily old fox.
He knew Zaraki Kenpachi's background and the terrifying nature of his potential.
Even as a child in Zaraki District, Kenpachi created a literal mountain of corpses and fought the first Kenpachi head-on.
Although he sealed his power due to fear of losing his opponents and the joy of battle, his remaining strength was still formidable.
If the Gotei 13 wanted to wield this unstoppable blade effectively, they first needed to keep Zaraki Kenpachi's power within control.
Teaching swordsmanship to someone like Zaraki Kenpachi was incredibly tedious.
Bang!!
Another bamboo sword shattered, its fibres scattering through the air.
In less than half a day, the dojo floor was littered with the remains of broken bamboo swords.
Finally, Zaraki Kenpachi's patience wore thin as his swordsmanship training progressed from basic slashes to dual-handed techniques.
"This useless training ends now."
Kenpachi's fearsome face, capable of scaring children to tears, was filled with palpable displeasure.
"That's enough, old man."
He grabbed his serrated Zanpakuto from the side. "I have no interest in playing house with you."
Without waiting for Yamamoto Genryusai's response, Kenpachi walked straight out of the dojo's only intact door.
The lone door stood in the middle of the ruins, looking quite bizarre.
As Kenpachi walked away, the furious expression on Yamamoto Genryusai's face instantly calmed.
The temperature in the air dropped as if nothing had happened.
"Strange, isn't it?" he asked.
Tokikaze shook his head, smiling. "Not at all. For a beast with Kenpachi's temperament, a bit of restraint is to be expected."
Yamamoto Genryusai nodded slightly, understanding that Tokikaze had grasped his intentions.
However, one thing did surprise Tokikaze. Despite his rage, Yamamoto Genryusai's anger was genuine. Teaching Kenpachi, the most troublesome student in over a millennium, genuinely enraged him.
Kenpachi's behaviour during training only added fuel to the fire. If it had been a thousand years ago, Yamamoto Genryusai would have drawn his flaming sword and cut him down.
"That troublesome idiot is gone."
Yamamoto Genryusai collected his thoughts, looking back at Tokikaze. "Regarding your understanding of Fuzan, there are still a few flaws..."
One taught tirelessly, and the other humbly accepted, creating a harmonious scene starkly different from earlier.
...
After reinforcing his skills in Weimen and Fuzan, night fell. Seeing Yamamoto Genryusai had no intention of inviting him for dinner, Tokikaze left the First Division.
The Head Captain assured him that the First Division's budget would cover the dojo's damages, placing himself on the moral high ground.
Tokikaze didn't mind. The wealthy Kuchiki Clan had more money than the Kamimiyada Clan. Who else should he exploit?
Especially since Kuchiki Ginrei had favours to ask of him, surely he wouldn't work for free, right?
Deep in thought, Tokikaze stepped out of the division's gate, only to be engulfed by a wave of killing intent.
The air turned cold, despite the sweltering heat, as if it were the dead of winter.
"So persistent, Captain Kenpachi."
Tokikaze didn't need to turn around to identify the source of the killing intent.
Surprisingly, Zaraki Kenpachi, often considered dim-witted, showed remarkable cunning when it came to battle.
"I've been waiting for this fight for a long time," Kenpachi growled, carrying his serrated blade, eyes full of murderous intent.
"Besides, Ikkaku is still held in your Ninth Division."
Sighing, Tokikaze knew there was no avoiding this.
If he didn't fight Kenpachi, the man would continue to hound him.
Previously, Kenpachi's and Yachiru's poor sense of direction had kept them from finding the Ninth Division.
Now, having found Tokikaze, he wouldn't let go.
"Fighting here would attract too much attention."
Kenpachi stretched, his joints cracking loudly.
He glanced around, realising they were still within the First Division's territory. A battle here would undoubtedly draw Yamamoto Genryusai's attention, ending the fight prematurely.
"I've decided. I'll follow you for now."
Kenpachi declared, "Once we're far enough, we'll start our fight!"
Tokikaze remained silent.
Anyone who still thought Kenpachi was brainless deserved a slash from his blade.
Did this look like someone without a brain?
Since things had progressed this far, there was no turning back.
Facing Kenpachi's menacing expression, Tokikaze smiled warmly.
"We can fight, but there's one thing you should know first..."
"The loser must pay a price."