Early morning, inside the Captain's room of Division 8...
"Captain! Captain! I saw it! I saw my Zanpakutō!" Hoshi barged in, shaking Katori Bastu'unsai awake.
Still half-asleep, Katori opened one irritated eye, only to have his body jostled by the overly enthusiastic young Shinigami.
"You idiot!" Katori snapped, regaining full consciousness. "Dare to disturb my sleep? Go to hell!"
With a single powerful kick, Katori sent Hoshi flying out of the room, crashing through the door.
The commotion startled the members of the 8th Division, who rushed toward the scene, worried something serious had occurred.
"What was that noise?"
"Isn't that the Shinigami the captain picked up recently?"
"His name's Hoshi, right?"
"What on earth happened to him?"
A groggy Hoshi lay sprawled on the ground, groaning amidst the remnants of the door, as the gathered Shinigami exchanged confused whispers.
Meanwhile, Katori appeared in the doorway, hair disheveled and face flushed with frustration. Dressed in light sleepwear, her towering and commanding presence contrasted with her current look.
"Good heavens…" muttered one subordinate, nervously averting his gaze. "The captain's mad—and her aura's terrifying this early in the morning."
Realizing they were in dangerous territory, the Shinigami employed Shunpo to vanish instantly. Those who witnessed Katori's rage moved so quickly, one might mistake them for captain-level combatants.
Inside, Katori sighed in annoyance, muttering under her breath, "Hoshi, I'm going to kill you when you return."
---
Hoshi, pretending to have fainted, quickly regained his footing and sprinted away at full speed.
Upon reaching the 1st Division barracks, he adjusted his breathing and braced himself. "Phew, I made it! Captain Katori is terrifying!"
A 1st Division guard intercepted him at the entrance. "State your business."
"I'm here to see Captain Yamamoto!" Hoshi exclaimed.
After a moment, the guard returned and motioned him inside. Hoshi entered, finding Captain Yamamoto standing by the window, arms crossed behind his back.
"Captain!" Hoshi bowed deeply in respect.
Yamamoto turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "You're covered in dirt. What happened?"
Hoshi sheepishly rubbed his neck. "I tripped while rushing here…"
The captain's sharp gaze lingered for a moment before he spoke. "Very well. Today, you will begin learning Shunpo."
Hoshi's face lit up. "Shunpo? I thought we were practicing swordsmanship today."
"You've already grasped the essence of swordsmanship," Yamamoto replied. "With perseverance, your skills will naturally improve over time. Now, it's time to strengthen your body and movement."
---
Yamamoto began to explain.
"Shunpo is a core technique of the Shinigami. Mastery of this skill relies on precise control of your spiritual energy and physical coordination. Among all the captains, the 2nd Division's leader, Shihōin Chika, is considered unmatched in Shunpo. He is a master of unique techniques passed down through the Shihōin family."
Hoshi listened intently.
"I'll teach you the fundamentals, but I'll also arrange for you to train with Chika when the time comes. For now, we focus on your foundation," Yamamoto continued.
Then, his tone shifted. "However, I've noticed your physical endurance is lacking. For that, I've devised a 'special training' method."
"Special training? What does that involve?"
Yamamoto gave a sly smile as he unsheathed his Zanpakutō. "I'll explain it this way: try to dodge my strikes. If you can't, you'll learn how to endure them."
Before Hoshi could react, Yamamoto's blade swung down with precise but controlled force.
Boom!
Dust and debris filled the training ground as Hoshi was launched backward. Groaning in pain, he muttered, "It hurts… but at least I'm not bleeding."
Yamamoto smirked. "Get up. This is the essence of the training. If you want to survive, master Shunpo. If you fail, at least your body will become tougher."
Despite the unorthodox and brutal method, Hoshi gradually began to adapt. The repeated strikes forced him to focus on timing, agility, and precision. Each time he was knocked down, he stood back up with renewed determination.
Over time, Hoshi's movements grew more fluid, and he managed to dodge some of Yamamoto's strikes. Occasionally, he even succeeded in blocking them.
By the end of the grueling session, Hoshi collapsed, utterly drained.
"Enough for today," Yamamoto said, sheathing his blade. "We'll resume tomorrow."
"Thank you, Captain," Hoshi panted.
---
As the sky darkened, Hoshi hesitated before speaking.
"Captain… could I stay here tonight?"
"Why?" Yamamoto asked.
"Well… I accidentally offended Captain Katori this morning. If I return now, she'll probably kill me," Hoshi admitted sheepishly.
"Haha! What did you do to anger her so much?"
"I… uh… I'd rather not say."
Amused, Yamamoto agreed. "Fine. I'll send word to Captain Katori that you'll be staying here for the time being."
---
Back in the 8th Division, Katori paced angrily in her quarters. "That little brat dared to use the 1st Division as a shield! He's not escaping punishment when he returns!"
Her fists clenched as she muttered threats, imagining all the ways she'd discipline Hoshi.
Meanwhile, Hoshi, resting in a 1st Division barracks, sneezed twice. "Ah… Captain Katori must be thinking about me."
For now, Hoshi could only hope the days ahead wouldn't involve another round of punishment—or worse.