"Hoshi, wait here. I'll go inside and speak with the captain," said Katori before walking into the room without waiting for a response.
Inside, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the Commander-General of the Gotei 13, sat cross-legged, exuding an overwhelming spiritual pressure even as he appeared calm. His youthful appearance was striking compared to the elderly form depicted in later events. However, even without moving, his presence filled the room with oppressive energy that made it hard to breathe.
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As Hoshi waited, he noted that Yamamoto's forehead bore only a single scar, a stark contrast to the older version seen in the later conflicts. This meant the events involving Sasakibe Chōjirō, Yamamoto's vice-captain, had yet to occur.
> Sasakibe Chōjirō Tadaoki, the lieutenant of the First Division, was known for his unwavering loyalty to Yamamoto. Almost two thousand years ago, he trained tirelessly to perfect his Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō. During his efforts to become Yamamoto's subordinate, he even managed to scar the captain's forehead, marking Yamamoto's acknowledgment of his strength. As a result, Yamamoto added "Genryūsai" to his name. Sadly, during the Thousand-Year Blood War, Chōjirō was killed by the Quincy King, Yhwach, in an ambush.<
While Hoshi considered these historical details, Yamamoto opened his eyes slightly, focusing his intense gaze on the newcomer.
"Batsu'unsai tells me you're a newly born soul with spiritual pressure at the sixth level," Yamamoto said, his deep voice carrying the weight of authority. "You've shown the ability to remain composed despite my spiritual pressure. That's rare. However, you lack the training necessary to master the Zanpakutō, Hakuda, Shunpo, or Kidō. If you truly wish to grow stronger, you must begin your journey as a Shinigami. I will personally oversee your training at Genji School."
Hoshi couldn't hide his excitement. Genji School—this must be the precursor to the Shin'ō Academy established later.
"Captain Yamamoto," Hoshi asked, "if I train under you, can I grow as strong as you?"
Yamamoto's expression hardened slightly before he spoke. "Your ambition is bold, and boldness is necessary for a warrior. However, strength is not simply given. I can teach you the path, but how far you go depends entirely on your will and determination. Becoming a great warrior is never easy."
Yamamoto's sharp eyes bore into Hoshi as he concluded, "Baunsai, provide him with an Asauchi and begin his basic training. We start tomorrow. You are dismissed."
"Yes, Captain," Katori replied, bowing respectfully. She turned to Hoshi, motioning for him to follow.
---
Once outside the First Division barracks, Katori addressed Hoshi. "You're lucky, kid. Getting training directly from the Commander-General is rare. You've got potential, but you've got a long way to go. For now, you'll stay in the Eighth Division barracks. I'll introduce you to the basics of being a Shinigami."
"Thank you, Captain Katori," Hoshi said sincerely.
Upon arriving at the Eighth Division barracks, Katori began explaining the core disciplines of a Shinigami. "To become a proper Shinigami, you must master the four fundamental techniques collectively known as Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō.
1. Zanjutsu refers to swordsmanship, with the Zanpakutō as your primary weapon.
2. Hakuda is hand-to-hand combat, an unarmed fighting style.
3. Hohō involves speed techniques, primarily Shunpo, used for swift movement and evasion.
4. Kidō is a form of spiritual magic that encompasses offensive, defensive, and binding spells."
Katori paused, letting the information sink in. "Each of these techniques requires dedication and rigorous practice. For instance, Shunpo is the foundation of battlefield maneuverability, while Kidō can provide versatile support. Mastering these arts will make you an exceptional warrior."
Hoshi nodded, absorbing the explanation. He asked curiously, "What exactly is Kidō? It sounds amazing."
Katori smirked. "Kidō is spiritual sorcery. It involves casting spells by chanting incantations. Depending on the spell, it can attack, defend, or immobilize your opponent. Its effectiveness depends on your spiritual power and control, which, judging by your latent potential, shouldn't be a problem for you."
"That's incredible," Hoshi said, his eyes gleaming with interest.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Katori warned. "Kidō is one of the hardest disciplines to master. Missteps in control can backfire, sometimes fatally. Still, with proper guidance, I'm confident you'll excel."
---
Katori then provided a rundown of the current Gotei 13 captains:
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1. First Division: Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni - Commander-General and the strongest Shinigami.
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2. Second Division: Shihōin Senhi - The noble leader of the Shihōin family, overseeing both the Second Division and the Onmitsukidō (Stealth Force).
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3. Third Division: Kinroku Izuhara - A stern man with slicked-back hair and glasses.
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4. Fourth Division: Chigiri Shijima - Known for his grim demeanor and expertise in healing techniques.
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5. Fifth Division: Danjirō Obana - A towering, cheerful man with immense strength.
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6. Sixth Division: Furōfushi Saitō - A wild and eccentric woman with twin tails and an eyepatch.
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7. Seventh Division: Nobutsunā Shigyo - A fierce and intimidating figure who wears fur-lined robes.
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8. Eighth Division: Batsu'unsai Katori - A skilled and commanding warrior, unafraid to speak her mind.
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9. Ninth Division: Entetsu Kumoi - A bald Shinigami with a golden tooth and fearsome presence.
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10. Tenth Division: Furuoki Ōtogawa - A reserved yet approachable captain who wears a hat.
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11. Eleventh Division: Unohana Yachiru - A terrifying master of all combat arts with a blood-stained past.
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12. Twelfth Division: Uhin Zenjōji - A stout Shinigami with a commanding aura.
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13. Thirteenth Division: Saizō Sakahone - A hunchbacked warrior with a deceptive charm.
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---
Katori concluded, "These are the captains of the Gotei 13. Each has unique talents and traits. You'll meet them all eventually. For now, focus on mastering the basics. Captain Yamamoto will handle your Zanjutsu during the day, and I'll train you in the evenings. The road ahead won't be easy, but I expect great things from you."
Hoshi nodded with determination, silently vowing to surpass even his wildest expectations.
---
That night, lying in the barracks, Hoshi replayed the day's events in his mind. From meeting Yamamoto to learning the basics of Shinigami combat, he couldn't help but feel excited about what lay ahead.
"This is my beginning," he thought. "In this world, no one stands above the sky from the start—not me, not even the gods. From now on, I'll carve my place at the top!"