Even with such an ability, Yoshio naturally refused with the utmost respect.
He had no intention of marrying and having children now; even if he did, he wouldn't use his ability to force them into filial piety.
If they weren't filial, that would only mean his ability wasn't enough, or his education was lacking.
He followed the old woman into the house. After they sat, she even poured him a cup of tea.
"You're here to see Tōshirō, aren't you?" the old woman said softly. "He went to buy Amanattō. He should be back soon."
Went to buy Amanattō?
Yoshio froze. What a coincidence? Did he stumble into the plot the moment he arrived?
"As you said, I am indeed here for Tōshirō," Yoshio admitted. "Tōshirō… he should become a Shinigami."
"To be frank, Tōshirō's talent is perhaps exceedingly rare in the history of Seireitei."
Hitsugaya Tōshirō really was a prodigy.
Yoshio glanced around the room. Although Hitsugaya Tōshirō wasn't present, there seemed to be a residual trace of spiritual pressure from him, leaving the room a bit chilly.
And also…
How could a Zanpakutō spirit proactively seek out someone who doesn't even have an Asauchi yet? That's flat-out cheating, isn't it?
No wonder he became a captain in just forty years—talent like that is insanely monstrous.
"I see…" The old woman's expression held some disappointment, but even more a sense of relief.
"Tōshirō, he…"
"Grandma!"
Before the old woman could finish, a voice came from outside, followed by a flurry of footsteps.
The old woman said softly, "The child is back. Don't push Tōshirō any further."
"Don't worry," Yoshio nodded. "I won't force him to become a Shinigami."
Then, the door opened.
Hitsugaya Tōshirō was startled by the scene inside and exclaimed, "Ah… a Shinigami?"
Yoshio looked over. Tōshirō was indeed quite short—maybe only around 130 cm. Silver-white hair, emerald-green eyes—quite uncommon in the Soul Society.
He was holding a bag of Amanattō, frozen in the doorway.
Yoshio said, "Hello, I'm Yoshio Kamado, a friend of Hinamori in the Seireitei."
Hearing the name Hinamori Momo, Hitsugaya Tōshirō finally let out a breath.
"So you're Hinamori's friend. I thought you were with that Shinigami I ran into before."
"That Shinigami from before?" Yoshio knew it was Rangiku, but feigned a little confusion.
Tōshirō wanted to say more, but seeing his grandma nearby, he shut his mouth.
Yoshio stood and said, "Hitsugaya, I came specifically to see you. Can we talk in private?"
"…"
Hitsugaya glanced at his grandma. She nodded to him, then said, "Yes, if you want to talk, go outside."
He headed out, and Yoshio followed.
Yoshio stood a full 1.8 meters, while Tōshirō didn't even reach his chest, which gave Yoshio the feeling of looking after a child.
He looked at Hitsugaya Tōshirō's soul core.
["Child of Kirin: You will gain unparalleled talent in all things."]
He really was a genius!
A genius among geniuses—this is exactly the kind of talent I need!
A flicker of excitement rose in Yoshio's heart. If he could obtain this ability himself, becoming a captain in forty years like Tōshirō shouldn't be a problem, right?
And Child of Kirin's ability wasn't limited to training. Its description said one would gain exceptional talent in anything, which naturally included scientific research.
Bear in mind, the scientists in this world are no joke. Whether it's Kisuke Urahara or Mayuri Kurotsuchi, they're MVP-tier in every war!
I must obtain this ability!
The moment he saw the ability, Yoshio decided to become friends with Hitsugaya Tōshirō.
"Hitsugaya Tōshirō…"
Yoshio said softly, "You should become a Shinigami."
"…?" Hitsugaya Tōshirō paused, then said, "If you came for that, you can go back. I don't want to become a Shinigami."
"Don't refuse so hastily," Yoshio said coolly. "Because your rash refusal may cause your grandma's health to decline further."
"What did you say?!" Hitsugaya Tōshirō's pupils flared, and he grew agitated!
"You must have noticed it," Yoshio said. "As you've grown, your grandma's health has grown worse. It's all because you can't control your ever-increasing spiritual power."
"Wha—" Hitsugaya Tōshirō looked at his hands, astonished. "My spiritual power?"
"After hearing from Hinamori about your story, I started to suspect this, so I came today to find you. Because I don't want Hinamori's friend to kill his own grandmother with his own hands, I'm telling you this."
Yoshio said slowly, "You should become a Shinigami and learn to control your power, like this…"
Yoshio placed a hand on Hitsugaya's head. He still had the [Strict Teacher Produces Outstanding Students] ability active, so he could clearly perceive the flow of Hitsugaya Tōshirō's spiritual power.
As he guided his reiryoku, Hitsugaya's reiatsu immediately shifted; the icy pressure that had been spilling out gradually receded.
"Notice anything different?" Yoshio asked.
"It's so hot…" Hitsugaya said uncomfortably.
"It's not heat. I sealed the icy reiatsu you were leaking."
"Put it another way: previously your grandma was sleeping under that icy reiatsu. The heat you feel now is the cold she must have felt before."
"So, even now, do you still think you shouldn't become a Shinigami?"
"!"
Hitsugaya Tōshirō's eyes widened.
Yoshio then crouched again and pressed his hand to Hitsugaya Tōshirō's chest.
"You can hear a voice, can't you?"
"Even among Shinigami, only a few can hear that kind of voice. It means you should become a Shinigami."
"If you don't become a Shinigami, you won't be able to find the source of that voice, and you'll keep hurting those around you because you can't control your power."
"I'll say it again, Hitsugaya."
"Come with me to the Spiritual Arts Academy. Master your power. When you become a Shinigami, you'll find that nothing I've told you is a lie."
With that, he stood.
"The choice is entirely yours. If you decide, meet me at the White Road Gate tomorrow morning. I'll come get you."
He raised a hand in a brief wave and walked away.
He believed Hitsugaya Tōshirō would make the right choice.