The clear sound of insect chirping echoed, resonating between Tokikaze's eardrums.
The sound waves materialized like ripples with Kaname Tosen as the center.
In just a moment, Tokikaze was completely enveloped.
Reiatsu erupted, stirring up a gust of wind, sweeping across the training ground.
The transition from silence to noisy only happened in an instant.
The sudden Shikai release somewhat surprised the spectators, but only for a moment.
Although Kaname Tosen was a Fifth Seat Officer, he had demonstrated remarkable talent even before joining the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. He had already learned the true name of his Zanpakuto and had shown his Shikai abilities multiple times in battle, which was why he was considered a candidate for a Captain.
The sound waves surrounded Tokikaze from all directions.
Despite that, Tokikaze remained unfazed. Perhaps if it were the Kaname Tosen in the future, he might have cared a bit, but the current Kaname Tosen was just a stepping stone for him to reach higher levels.
"Bakudo 63: Sajo Sabaku."
Tokikaze raised his left hand and Reiatsu condensed in his palm.
A dazzling golden light burst forth in an instant, like a dazzling sun.
The spectators instinctively covered their eyes as a thunderous roar suppressed the buzzing of the insects. Because of Tokikaze's Bakudo, a burst of explosive lightning tore through the air, heading straight for Kaname Tosen.
The training ground was filled with a dazzling light.
Being caught off guard, Kaname Tosen only managed to shield himself with his Zanpakuto.
The golden lightning burst on the blade, pushing him back.
Witnessing this, the Captains' expressions showed more surprise.
"The power of his Bakudo is surprisingly potent even though he skips the incantation," said Aizen with genuine astonishment on his face. "Perhaps Tokikaze Third Seat is more suited in Kido Corps than in Gotei 13."
"Don't make hasty conclusions, Captain Aizen," commented Kyoraku Shunsui, who had somehow moved his hat above his line of sight. His playful eyes were fixed on the training ground. "Maybe he is even more amazing in other aspects."
"Cough, cough." Jushiro Ukitake coughed and joined in, "After all, he is that famous genius Tokikaze."
The battle in the training ground and the discussions among his subordinates didn't cause any change in Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto's expression. He silently observed them, and in the depths of his calm eyes, no thoughts were discernible.
Perhaps, for him, this level of battle was nothing more than child's play.
As the light faded, Tokikaze gazed forward, but he didn't lower his raised left hand.
"Bakudo 39: Enkosen."
"Hado 33: Sokatsui."
Two voices almost simultaneously rang out, and blue flames rushed towards Tokikaze amidst the fading light, heading straight for him.
As if expecting it, Reiatsu gathered before Tokikaze, forming a circular shield that perfectly blocked Sokatsui.
The exchange between them was evenly matched.
Taking advantage of this, Kaname Tosen once again used Shunpo to close the distance and swung his Zanpakuto at a peculiar angle.
Ding!
Metal clashed against metal, and sparks scattered.
The two engaged in an intense close combat once again.
However...
Compared to Tokikaze, Kaname Tosen was already starting to sweat.
A gap.
An unmistakable gap!
No one could ignore the gap that had opened up!
No one could understand the shock and confusion in Kaname Tosen's heart at this moment.
Every slash felt like it struck a heavy mountain.
Not only was it useless, but the recoil also made his arm numb and difficult to control.
Before today, Kaname Tosen had imagined the countless details of the battle between the two many times. He had even mentally rehearsed the details of the fight numerous times.
But only when facing Tokikaze did he truly realize how gravely mistaken he was.
The speed of Tokikaze's sword became increasingly astonishing, displaying various styles of swordsmanship.
With one swordsmanship style after another, immense pressure started to build up on Kaname Tosen, and at the same time, leaving everyone speechless.
For an ordinary Soul Reaper, mastering two or three styles would already be impressive.
However, Tokikaze had not repeated a single sword style from the beginning of the battle until now!
This remarkable skill surpassed even the Captains.
And that led to...
A certain gentle Fourth Division Captain, whose beautiful eyes were now shining with a captivating light.
"What an exciting battle..."
The somewhat subdued voice was suppressed by the aftermath of clashing metal, not even drawing anyone's attention.
Only the Captain-Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, who had always been calm, subconsciously glanced towards the graceful woman not far away.
Among those present, no one understood this Fourth Division Captain better than he did.
As the first Kenpachi, Unohana Retsu had once boasted of mastering all the styles in the world. Now, witnessing another individual whose swordsmanship skill was no less than hers, how could she not feel joy?
On the training ground, intricate flashes of blades burst forth, weaving into exquisite scenes.
Tokikaze kept cornering Kaname Tosen, completely treating him as a sparring partner for refining his own swordsmanship.
Kaname Tosen wasn't aware of this, not until Tokikaze's swordsmanship became more and more exquisite.
Thinking about it, a trace of annoyance appeared on Kaname Tosen's face.
"You may pay the price if you underestimate me too much," a low, hoarse voice sounded from Kaname Tosen as his Reiatsu soared into the sky, occupying the training ground's airspace.
A tremendous force spread from the blade, momentarily pushing Tokikaze back, disrupting his swordsmanship rhythm.
"Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihiko!"
Kaname Tosen moved the blade around him in a semi-circle, and a trail appeared.
In an instant, sharp blades rained down, sealing off any possible evasion for Tokikaze.
Boom! Boom! Boom!!
The ground collapsed, and a towering dust cloud suddenly rose tens of meters high.
With just this one attack, the entire training ground turned into a mess.
If not for the, the Soul Reapers nearby might be caught in the impact.
Dust filled the air, blocking the spectator's field of vision.
Just when they thought Tokikaze's situation was dire, an even more terrifying Reiatsu erupted from the dust.
The booming pillar of light swallowed everything in its path, revealing a figure within.
A calm voice emerged from the overwhelming Reiatsu. Tokikaze held his Zanpakuto with one hand, calmly gazing forward.
"This is the end, Kaname Tosen Fifth Seat..."