In the moment of contact,
A majestic wind rushed into the battered body of Ichibei Tatsumi.
Countless wind blades erupted in an instant!
In just a moment,
The hunched figure was obliterated by more than half!
Ichibei Tatsumi widened his eyes, seemingly unable to accept this fact.
"How is it possible..."
"Just a mere kid can..."
Before he could finish speaking, his Reiatsu suddenly dispersed, and he couldn't even sustain his Bankai any longer.
The countless chains formed by the Kidō incantations shattered one by one, like the folds of a fluttering feather, and the pervasive poison dust collapsed in an instant, scattering into the air.
In the distance, the thugs who were on a suicide attack on Nanao Ise suddenly froze in place. Their expressions twisted, and the red light in their eyes became more intense.
With the sound of explosions echoing, dozens of huge fireballs burst into dazzling bloom in the sky, like dazzling fireworks at a festival.
"It seems Captain Tokikaze has already killed the enemy."
Aizen shifted his target, and the partially chanted Kidō incantation of the Black Coffin was released prematurely by sacrificing its power hit the ruins in the distance.
Black stripes emerged in the space, sealing off all directions in an instant. A huge black curtain emerged from between the stripes, covering and concealing the entire ruins.
With a chilling sound, the Black Coffin shattered, and the ruins within it turned into fine dust, drifting in the air.
As the barrier shattered, Tokikaze's figure emerged from within.
Unlike before, this time his appearance looked somewhat disheveled.
The Captain haori was torn by the poison dust, and even his shihakusho, which had a certain defensive ability, was corroded by nearly half. Because of that, his almost perfect streamlined figure was exposed in the air.
On the street, Aizen and Tokikaze looked at each other in silence. The air became extremely quiet for a while, and the atmosphere became more awkward.
"Ahem, Captain Aizen, you came quite in time this time."
Tokikaze clenched his fist and coughed lightly, breaking the silence, but as he moved, a few strands of cloth hanging on his upper body fell off.
"Haha, at the first moment I received the notification from the Research and Development Institute, I immediately set off for Rukongai."
Aizen's attitude was gentle, and he laughed loudly, "But judging from the current situation, even if I didn't come, you could've easily dealt with the enemy."
"Captain Aizen, don't tease me like that."
Tokikaze dusted off his messy shihakusho, "I thought I'm done for just now."
"Look, it was close. The poison from the poison dust almost corroded my body."
"Captain!" Nanao Ise rushed over anxiously from a distance, "Are you okay?!"
What greeted her eyes was the bare-chested Tokikaze talking with the amiable Aizen.
"Sorry, Captain, I didn't see anything."
Nanao Ise subconsciously covered her eyes with both hands and stepped back, "There are still some traces of Reiatsu over there. I'll go collect them."
Tokikaze first glanced at Nanao Ise, who was walking away as fast as possible, then looked down at his muscular chest.
To be honest, this was his first to see someone using Shunpo backwards, and so proficiently at that.
Nanao, next time you cover your eyes, could you not spread your fingers so wide?
When he turned his gaze again, Tokikaze unexpectedly found Aizen smiling at him. There was an undisguised teasing look on his face.
Unexpectedly, he also had such a side.
"Although it's a bit inappropriate, I can't help but mention it."
Aizen floated lightly to the severed body of Ichibei Tatsumi, sealing and preserving it with a Bakudō barrier, and said without raising his head:
"You have an amazing body!"
"Cough, cough!" Tokikaze almost coughed to death.
He never expected that Aizen would make such jokes.
But thinking about it carefully, it made sense.
As the most popular Captain in the Gotei 13, Aizen was elegant, friendly, and could make people feel happy when talking to anyone.
Occasional jokes could also bring people closer.
After the battle with Ichibei Tatsumi ended, the rebels suffered heavy losses, as a Captain-level combatant was considered one of the leaders.
The streets of Zaraki District were in shambles, with huge cracks turning into canyons crisscrossing. Large buildings collapsed, turning into ruins scattered in this apocalyptic scene.
However, most of this was due to Ichibei Tatsumi. His human bomb exploded one by one on the street, causing comparable damage to a barrage of Shakkaho.
Aizen felt guilty for not being able to help Tokikaze, so he took the opportunity to take over the task of collecting clues and evidence.
Watching his busy figure, Tokikaze directly opened his personal panel.
Just now, killing Ichibei Tatsumi also gave considerable rewards.
[Self-discipline daily tasks completed.]
[Reiatsu has increased, currently at Rank 2!]
[Kidō master has increased, mastering Hadō #78: "Zangerin"!]
[Zanpakuto affinity has increased, can enter the second-level Inner World!]
The increase in Spiritual Power allowed Tokikaze to steadily advance on the path of becoming stronger.
Although the quantity is not large, over time he would eventually reach Rank 1 Reiatsu or even higher.
According to his investigation and knowledge, the threshold for becoming a Captain was a Rank 3 Reiatsu, but that was not the only standard.
For example, the Tenth Kenpachi, Kiganjo Kenpachi.
Even though Zaraki Kenpachi's strength was sealed to this extent, he was still killed in one slash.
So, in comparison, Tokikaze's Rank 2 seemed strong, but it depended on who he is compared with.
As for the mastery of Hadō #78: Zangetsurin, there's not much to say.
He had already learned this Hadō when he was still the Third Seat, but he still had a long way to go from mastering it.
What surprised him the most was the last reward.
The increase in Zanpakuto affinity and the so-called second-level Inner World.
As the fundamental power of a Soul Reaper, the Zanpakuto is forged based on the soul of the Soul Reaper.
Soul Reaper could learn the true name of their Zanpakuto through accessing their Inner World, allowing them to release the Zanpakuto's true form.
If the wielder called the wrong name, it would be like the case of Yumichika Ayasegawa's case, where he could use an incomplete Shikai.
Tokikaze was certain that the true name of his Zanpakuto was indeed Arashigane, and there's no mistake in this regard.
As for the so-called second-level Inner World, it reminds him of several typical examples.
Ikkaku Madarame's Hozukimaru, Kisuke Urahara's Benihime, and the Hikone Ubuginu's Ikomikodomoe...
These Zanpakuto could change their forms by using different Shikai commands.
Tokikaze speculated that the second-level Inner World might be related to this, and Arashigane probably had another Shikai form!
Unfortunately, now was not the time to enter the Inner World.
The invasion of the rebels into Rukongai was not a trivial matter. After returning to the Seireitei, he also needed to report the mission process to Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
After collecting enough clues and evidence, the three of them returned to the Seireitei.
...
First Division barracks, Captain's office.
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto leaned on his cane, as imposing as ever, sitting at the front, a flicker of flame passing through his slightly widened pupils:
"Is this all about the details?"
Tokikaze yawned, somewhat tired, and said, "Yes, I've said everything I can think of. You can ask Captain Aizen in case I miss something."
Compared to Tokikaze, Aizen's expression was very serious.
Considering his current character setting, this was normal.
"The former Third Division Captain Ichibei Tatsumi's Zanpakuto can control others through its poison."
Aizen analyzed seriously and explained, "But in past reports, those he controlled did not explode. I suspect this may be the work of other rebels."
Hearing these words, Tokikaze glanced at Aizen, who was serious, and raised his thumb in admiration.
As expected of you, Sosuke Aizen!
After a thorough analysis, he directly pointed out the problem that anyone could see.
That was how to deal with the old man.
"I have also speculated about this, and the specific situation will depend on the analysis results of the Research and Development Institute."
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded solemnly, indicating, "In addition, regarding your previous recommendation, I have discussed it with Captain Kyouraku and Captain Unohana, and we all acknowledged Vice Captain Ichimaru's ability. The Captain Proficiency Test is scheduled for a week later."
Upon hearing this, Tokikaze, who was yawning and bored, suddenly woke up.
"Captain Aizen recommended Ichimaru Gin to be the new Third Division Captain?"
Aizen nodded with a smile:
"Yes, Gin has already mastered Bankai not long ago and has reported to the First Division. Considering that the position of the Third Division Captain has been vacant for a long time, I recommended him to be a Captain for the Third Division."
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto exerted force with both hands, tightly gripping the cane he was holding, and added an explanation:
"I forgot to remind you."
"This time, Vice-Captain Ichimaru's Captain Proficiency Test will be conducted by you."
Tokikaze widened his eyes, and he and Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto stared at each other. At the same time, he pointed back at himself with his hand: "Me?"
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded without changing his expression.
"Hey, Captain-Commander, you're a slave driver, you know that?" Tokikaze protested, "There are a bunch of tasks waiting for me in the Ninth Division!"
"Moreover, I just returned from Zaraki District!"
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto raised an eyebrow, unswayed, and continued: "Vice-Captain's Captain Proficiency Test is on the same day as the graduation assessment of Shin'o Academy. I don't want to see anyone fail."
Threat.
This was already a blatant threat!
Hearing this, Tokikaze took a deep breath and replied solemnly, "I will ensure that the Captain Proficiency Test is carried out perfectly!"
"Thank you, Captain Tokikaze." Aizen replied with a sly smile.
Under the round glasses, his slightly narrowed eyes seemed like a triumphant fox...