On the way to the 1st Division, neither spoke, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere.
"Lieutenant Kotetsu, how did you get so tall?" Toshiro suddenly broke the silence.
"Well, I'm not really sure. I just kept growing until I reached this height," Isane said, touching her head.
"What foods do you usually like to eat?" Toshiro asked, frowning.
"Favorite foods? I really like rice porridge. I could eat it three times a day," Isane said, a happy smile appearing at the mention of porridge.
"Rice porridge? Can eating porridge increase height?" Toshiro mused, stroking his chin.
"I don't think that's it," Isane said.
"Why not? Didn't you grow this tall from eating porridge every day?" Toshiro asked, puzzled.
"Actually, when my height exceeded about 170 cm, I didn't want to grow any taller. So, I started eating only non-nutritious porridge. Unfortunately, I'm now almost 190 cm," Isane said with a pained expression.
Being too tall wasn't necessarily a good thing for a girl.
"So, I think height isn't really related to food," Isane guessed.
"Toshiro-kun, are you asking because you want to know how to grow taller?"
Isane gestured to compare Toshiro's height with her own.
Toshiro was only slightly taller than Isane's waist.
"Shut up!"
Toshiro glared fiercely at Isane.
"Giggle..."
This time, instead of being afraid, Isane laughed.
"I suddenly feel Toshiro-kun isn't so scary after all," Isane chuckled.
"I was never scary in the first place," Toshiro said helplessly.
Talking as they walked, they soon arrived at the 1st Division.
"Well then, Toshiro-kun, you can go in by yourself. I'll head back," Isane said.
"Mhm. Please tell Captain Unohana I appreciate her hospitality these past few days," Toshiro said.
…
1st Division, Duty Room.
"Captain-Commander, Shin'o Academy's student, Hitsugaya Toshiro requests an audience," A 1st Division member reported.
"Is that so? Let him in," Yamamoto said.
Creak.
Toshiro pushed the door open and entered.
"My apologies, Captain-Commander. I heard from Captain Kyoraku that you wanted to see me. I planned to come several times, but something always came up," Toshiro said.
"It's fine. By the way, how was your fight with Captain Kenpachi yesterday?" Yamamoto asked.
"I managed to win by luck," Toshiro said modestly.
"No need for modesty. Defeating Kenpachi at Lieutenant-level is impressive. With Bankai, it must have been even easier. However, don't become arrogant just because you defeated the current Zaraki Kenpachi," Yamamoto cautioned.
"Yes, I understand. During the fight with Captain Kenpachi, I felt a very dangerous power hidden within him," Toshiro said seriously.
"Correct. Due to certain reasons, Kenpachi has sealed away most of his power. The strength he displays now is merely the tip of the iceberg. In his prime, in the entire Soul Society, likely only me could suppress him," Yamamoto stated gravely.
"But never think that because his power is sealed, you could easily kill him. Whenever he faces a true life-or-death crisis, his power gradually unlocks," Yamamoto added.
"Alright, enough of that. Do you know why I wanted to see you?" Yamamoto asked.
"Captain Kyoraku mentioned you might be interested in taking me as a student," Toshiro answered truthfully.
"If by 'taking you as a student' you mean formally, not exactly. I simply wish to guide you in terms of strength. Besides you, Kenpachi also once learned swordsmanship from me," Yamamoto clarified.
"I dislike beating around the bush, so I'll be direct. I have listed you as one of the candidates for the position of Captain-Commander," Yamamoto casually dropped a bombshell.
"Captain-Commander's candidate?!" Toshiro exclaimed, shocked.
A Captain-Commander's candidate, as the name implied, was a contender for the next Captain-Commander, meaning a high chance of becoming the successor.
While Toshiro was determined to become a Captain, he never expected an opportunity to become Captain-Commander.
"What about Captain Kyoraku?" Toshiro asked.
He remembered from his previous life that after Yamamoto died in battle, Kyoraku became the next Captain-Commander.
"You aren't the only candidate. Shunsui is also one. However, since your appearance, I've been more optimistic about you. Although Shunsui is decent, he's too lazy, and most importantly, his strength isn't sufficient," Yamamoto explained.
"Though your current strength is even inferior to Shunsui's, given your talent, catching up to or even surpassing me in the future shouldn't be difficult," Yamamoto said.
"Because Shinigami constantly battle Hollows and others with ill intentions towards the Soul Society, strength is crucial for a Shinigami. As Captain-Commander, one must possess the strength to suppress all internal instability and defeat all external enemies."
"If you hadn't appeared, although Shunsui has shortcomings, there would be no more suitable candidate than him," Yamamoto said.
"Originally, I called you here to properly guide your training. However, you've just mastered Bankai. It's better to return and deeply comprehend your Bankai's power first. Also, think carefully about what I just said," Yamamoto told Toshiro.
"Although becoming Captain-Commander requires the Soul King's appointment, as the founder of the Gotei 13, if I recommend someone, the Soul King likely won't refuse. So, carefully consider becoming a Captain-Commander's candidate," Yamamoto said confidently.