Just as Yoshio had assumed, after defeating Metastacia no more Hollows attacked him.
Launching multiple attacks in succession wasn't Aizen's style.
He'd sip tea, smile mysteriously, and plan his next move instead.
So Yoshio returned safely. Since he'd been patrolling Rukongai, he didn't even need to officially report back to his division—he simply went home.
There, he found Renji, Kira, and Hinamori waiting at his door.
Yesterday's lesson had been so effective that even with just one night, they felt enlightened—like many past confusions had suddenly become clear.
"Shinigami really are amazing. Even ordinary ones are so much stronger than us," Renji admitted on the way out, making Yoshio sweat a little.
Heh, so you're looking down on me, huh?
What do you mean, even ordinary Shinigami?
But small matters aside, what mattered most was raising their affection levels.
Especially Hinamori's ability—Ultimate Defense—which had literally saved his life. Without it, Metastacia's bite would've killed him instantly.
Thanks to it, his defense was like a Hollow's hierro or a Quincy's Blut Vene—Metastacia's bite hadn't even left a scratch.
"You three sure are diligent," Yoshio said, noticing they'd brought food with them. "And you're only fifth-year students too."
"Because your teaching is so amazing, Senpai!" Hinamori said gratefully. "No wonder you're in the 5th Division. After I graduate, I'm definitely joining the 5th!"
"The 5th really is a great place," Yoshio replied, pitching it even though he knew that's where they'd end up anyway. Spending more time together meant more chances to build goodwill.
He led them inside, and their expectant gazes sparked another round of teaching.
Everything he said and did came naturally, as though teaching was second nature.
But his [Strict Teacher Produces Outstanding Students] ability only lasted three days. Starting from last night—that meant only until tomorrow night. He couldn't guide them for long, or he'd be exposed.
As they practiced swordsmanship, Yoshio said,
"In a few days I won't have time to keep tutoring you. But honestly, as students you're already excellent."
"So, don't push yourselves too hard… Besides, I have a task to give you."
"Huh? What kind of task?" Their faces showed a little disappointment, only to light up again at the word "task."
"It has to do with you, Hinamori." Yoshio told her, "Today on patrol I happened to meet Hitsugaya-kun. Just like you said, he's very talented. I convinced him to enroll at the Shin'ō Academy. Tomorrow I'll bring him to register. I hope you three can take care of him."
"Really?! Shir— I mean, Tōshirō is really coming?!" Hinamori beamed. She'd always hoped he'd join her in Seireitei. To think Yoshio had persuaded him in one try! What a stark contrast to her own efforts…
"Hitsugaya? Ohh, the younger brother you always mention?" Kira asked. "He's a genius?"
"A genius among geniuses," Yoshio teased.
He knew Kira prided himself on being top of their class—but compared to Hitsugaya, his talent was far behind.
Kira frowned. "We'll see just how much of a genius he really is."
"Don't bully Shirō-chan," Hinamori warned him sternly.
Kira flushed, protesting, "I would never bully a junior!"
"Actually," Yoshio mused, "if you plan to, you'd better do it early. At his rate, in four or five years you won't even be able to."
"Huh?! You exaggerate!"
"Maybe not surpass you, but at least keep pace," Yoshio replied.
Though in truth, Hitsugaya would far surpass them.
After all, according to later lore, Hitsugaya had mastered bankai even before graduating.
Reaching captain class within four or five years—
What kind of ridiculous talent is that?!
Others shed blood and sweat for decades just to touch bankai. Even Ichigo needed special extreme training. But Hitsugaya? He'd learned in the relative calm of the Academy.
Remembering this, Yoshio couldn't help but internally rant.
If I had that kind of talent, just training diligently for decades would give me enough strength to survive the Thousand-Year Blood War, even without other abilities!
Despite the trio's disbelief, Yoshio didn't press it further. People were different—it was best not to dwell on comparisons.
The evening passed much like the last: another round of practice, some food, then the three left.
But as affections rose, the increments grew smaller.
Renji's went from 75 → 76.
Hinamori's and Kira's both reached 70.
Almost 80! At 80, he'd permanently unlock their abilities.
Yoshio grew restless. He craved more powers.
After tonight's battle, his trump cards were depleted. If another enemy appeared tomorrow, without abilities, he'd be doomed.
He had planned to rest—but now he couldn't sleep. He decided to go out again, toward the 9th Division's area, hoping to maybe borrow an ability from Hisagi Shūhei, with whom he had a decent relationship.