Fourth Division barracks, Coordinated Relief Station.
As soon as Tokikaze came out of Unohana Retsu's dojo, Tokikaze was awaited by a disgruntled Yamada Seinosuke.
Although aware of the considerable gap in their positions, he couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed with himself.
Facing someone who was often invited to the Fourth Division barracks for a spar by Unohana Retsu, Yamada Seinosuke couldn't contain his temper.
Why should his revered Captain involve herself with such a dangerous guy?
Yamada Seinosuke, who claimed to know Tokikaze's true nature, was genuinely worried that his Captain would be taken away one day.
Given the recent signs, it wasn't entirely implausible.
Frustrated but unable to do anything about it, after comparing their strengths and positions, Yamada Seinosuke decisively gave up on his dangerous thoughts.
Before that, let's achieve his own ideals.
Twenty-Seventh Research Institute.
Being dragged there forcibly by Yamada Seinosuke, Tokikaze couldn't help but feel a bit curious.
Unexpectedly, he had made some progress in this short time.
Equipment as massive as a boiler stood in an expansive room, connected by metal pipes running up and down, occasionally emitting steam that made the temperature here much higher than outside.
"I haven't figured out the Kaido yet."
Wearing a white coat, Yamada Seinosuke, looking like a standard doctor with special rubber gloves on his hands, reported with a hint of frustration.
"But through the analysis of that Adjuchas, I've made some breakthrough in another field."
Tokikaze, rubbing his chin, listened attentively.
Yamada Seinosuke was a talent, as passionate about research as Mayuri and Szayelaporro.
In this short time, he had made some progress, evident from the deep dark circles under his eyes.
"About the similarities between Soul Reaper and Menos Grande."
Yamada Seinosuke began to explain, "Although it's not completely certain yet, we've got some clues. But to grasp this simlarity, we need to undergo body modification and soul modification."
Tokikaze pondered.
In terms of research direction, Yamada Seinosuke, Aizen Sosuke, and Urahara Kisuke were now in line.
For Soul Reaper to master the power of Hollows, fundamentally, they needed to change their own souls.
At present, the Hogyoku was undoubtedly the best solution.
Tokikaze didn't know much about the Hogyoku, but its core was undoubtedly related to the Soul King.
As the creator god of the three realms, the existence of the Soul King spanned millions of years of history.
"However, I still found a way for Soul Reaper to use the power of Hollows!"
Yamada Seinosuke forgot his earlier displeasure and became more excited. He reached his right hand into the boiler-like apparatus.
In a moment, a blood-red hand emerged from it.
Under Tokikaze's unexpectedly curious gaze, Yamada Seinosuke released substantial Reiatsu, manipulating it to outline into lines, linking several Reishi, instantly creating a pattern resembling a stellar trajectory.
At the center of the spirit particles, a strong pressure continually spread, and a brilliant red light bloomed within it.
"Cero!"
Taking a deep breath, Yamada Seinosuke, with a solemn expression, said, "Using the blood of Menos Grande as the main material, assisted by my self-created Kido technique, you can release the Cero!"
As he finished speaking, he instantly withdrew his Reiatsu, dissipating the light on his right hand.
Although it was just an ordinary basic Cero, releasing it in a relatively small room still caused astonishing destruction.
Yamada Seinosuke really wanted to show Tokikaze, but if he destroyed the research institute, he would be the unlucky one.
"Two questions. First, does the blood of different-level Menos Grande affect the power of the Cero?"
Tokikaze accurately grasped the key point. "Second, can something else replace the blood of Menos Grande?"
Hearing his words, Yamada Seinosuke's expression showed a hint of appreciation.
Communicating with intelligent people sure was fruitful; Tokikaze's questions instinctively reminded him of the 11th Division Seated Officer who came to the Fourth Division for treatment recently.
The foolish reaction was simply infuriating.
If it weren't for considering the impact, Yamada Seinosuke even considered to replace that guy's brain.
Even a Hollow's brain would be more useful than his brain!"
"Firstly, the blood of different-level Menos Grande does affect the power of Cero Flash," clarified Yamada Seinosuke, adjusting his demeanor. "However, it primarily serves as a medium. Smearing the blood of Menos Grande on the hands allows a Soul Reaper to capture the Reishi in the atmosphere in the form of a Hollow for a short period. Then, through Kidō, forcibly constrict them and release them. The key to influencing the power lies more in controlling one's own Reiatsu."
"Secondly, there is currently no substitute for Menos Grande's blood."
Saying this, Yamada Seinosuke's expression carried a tinge of regret.
"If there were more samples of Menos Grande, I believe the experiment could advance further."
Tokikaze caught the underlying meaning in his words.
He needed more samples of Menos Grande.
"This kind of thing is not easy to come by," Tokikaze reminded him. "If you are in a hurry, you might as well visit the Hueco Mundo."
"With your skills as the Vice-Captain, defeating a mere Gillian shouldn't be a problem."
Yamada Seinosuke's face darkened.
If he dared to go to Hueco Mundo to hunt Menos Grande, was there a need to say it to Tokikaze?
Although he carried a supporting role, Yamada Seinosuke was quite proficient in Kidō. Defeating a Gillian with Kidō alone was not a difficult task for him.
However, Hueco Mundo was fraught with danger. From any corner, a Vasto Lorde might emerge. If that happened, they might as well hold a funeral on the spot.
Even in the Human World, Vasto Lorde could appear, let alone Hueco Mundo.
"Cough, the Fourth Division has a heavy workload," Yamada Seinosuke concealed his embarrassment. "I can't be away at the moment."
"Captain Tokikaze, this is about the Kidō technique for releasing Cero. The difficulty of learning is equal to 70-ish Kidō."
He quickly shifted the topic, taking out a record file from the nearby desk.
"Additionally, you need to master Dual Incantation technique."
Tokikaze took the file and earnestly perused its contents, quickly memorizing the information.
It had to be said that Yamada Seinosuke's mind was indeed more efficient than that of an average person. Just the creation of this Kidō already demonstrated that his Kidō level was not inferior to the current Chief of Kidō Corps' Commander.
As for Dual Incantation.
It was a relatively advanced Kidō technique, an evolved version of the Incantationless version.
Injecting Reiatsu into the desired Kidō in a complex manner and conducting multiple releases in an instant.
It required high control over Reiatsu and mastery of Kidō.