Rukongai.
Toshiro was leading Momo and several other 10th Division's members on patrol.
Momo had been in the 10th Division for a while now, gaining some understanding of division affairs. But this was her first time out on patrol, so Toshiro, feeling concerned, personally led the team.
Though the 10th Division was only responsible for patrols, with a casualty rate not as high as the combat-specialized 11th Division, they were often the first to discover Hollows, so the danger wasn't small either.
Suddenly, Toshiro, leading at the front, stopped. Momo, closely following behind, unexpectedly bumped into Toshiro's back.
With Toshiro's robust physique, he wasn't hurt, but the feeling of something soft pressing against his back sent a ripple through his mind.
Toshiro couldn't help but think inwardly, 'This girl's developing really fast. Though she can't compare to that cow Matsumoto Rangiku, she's quite well-developed among her peers. Damn it, when will this body of mine grow up? Hmph, when the time comes, I'll definitely...'
Momo, completely unaware, asked, "Toshiro, what's wrong? Why did you stop suddenly?"
"Ahem, remember, during work, you should call me Third Seat Hitsugaya."
Toshiro said seriously.
"There seems to be Reiatsu from a Hollow not far ahead. Let's hurry and check the situation."
When it came to business, Toshiro's expression turned serious.
Hearing this, everyone quickly used Shunpo to rush over.
"Roar!"
At the foot of a mountain, a Gillian was roaring.
It then prepared to head towards a village in the distance.
Swish!
Toshiro and the others appeared.
Seeing only one Hollow, and just a Gillian slightly stronger than ordinary Hollows, no one was too concerned.
A member stepped forward. "Hitsugaya-sama, it's just one Hollow. Leave it to me."
This member wasn't a seated officer but had been in the division for years. Though not particularly talented, through hard training, his strength was quite respectable, approaching seated officer level.
Seeing only one Hollow, this member wanted to show off in front of Toshiro. Given Toshiro's prestige in the 10th Division, being noticed by him would guarantee a bright future.
However, Toshiro didn't grant his request. Instead, he said to the newly joined Momo, "Momo, you handle this Hollow."
"Just... just me?"
Momo said with a dazed expression.
Although Momo had graduated from Shin'o Academy and joined the 10th Division, she had never killed a Hollow.
She had only seen a real Hollow once during that field training mission when they were attacked.
Back then, Momo, a newborn calf unafraid of the tiger, wanted to fight the Hollow. She, along with Renji, Kira, and Hisagi, teamed up against a real Hollow. Unfortunately, even with their combined efforts, they couldn't do much to it.
If Toshiro hadn't saved them, they might have died. Since then, Momo had developed a bit of a psychological shadow towards Hollows.
Momo said fearfully, "N-no, I can't. If it's just me, I can't defeat a Hollow."
Toshiro said sternly, "Momo! You must remember, you are a Shinigami now. You must possess a Shinigami's resolve. As a Shinigami, fighting Hollows and protecting Soul Society is an unshirkable duty.
"Moreover, you now know your Zanpakuto's true name and have mastered Shikai. Your strength is different from before. It's just one Gillian. I believe you can defeat it. As a Shinigami, sooner or later, your hands will be stained with Hollow blood."
Since Momo joined the 10th Division, Toshiro had been guiding her training. Momo had finally mastered Shikai a few days ago.
Although her Reiatsu hadn't reached seated officer level yet, her overall strength approached it.
After all, in the original work, she became a Lieutenant, so Momo's talent wasn't bad.
And her opponent was just a Gillian, only slightly stronger than the weakest ordinary Hollows. With Momo's current strength, performing normally, she could definitely win.
"Mm... I understand, Toshiro."
Though still somewhat afraid, Momo drew her Zanpakuto and walked towards the Hollow.
"Third Seat Hitsugaya, is it really okay to let Member Hinamori go? Should I go help? Although Member Hinamori's strength is decent, she's just joined the division and lacks experience fighting Hollows."
The Shinigami who volunteered earlier asked worriedly.
He wasn't trying to steal Momo's chance to shine but genuinely concerned for her safety.
Though Momo's strength was okay, this was real, life-and-death combat against a Hollow. If her mindset faltered, performing poorly, she could die even with higher strength.
He had seen many newcomers die because, lacking experience, fear prevented them from performing at their true strength during Hollow battles.
"It's fine. She'll have to experience this sooner or later. I believe Momo can handle it."
Toshiro said with certainty.
Though he said this, Toshiro couldn't help but tense up, ready to rush in and rescue Momo at any moment.
Though he wanted to temper Momo, if she were truly in danger, Toshiro absolutely wouldn't stand by and watch.
"Ha!"
Momo shouted, slashing at the Hollow.
The Gillian, though large, dodged nimbly to the side.
Schlick!
Momo's Zanpakuto only left a shallow wound on the Hollow.
The Hollow seized the opening during Momo's attack, swiping a claw at her.
Momo hastily raised her sword to block.
Clang!
The Hollow's claw struck Momo's blade, sparks flying, and the sound of metal clashing rang out.
Momo was forced back several steps. Clearly, close combat wasn't Momo's forte.
Seeing this, Momo quickly used Shunpo to create distance.
"Hado #31, Shakkaho!"
Momo extended her right hand towards the Hollow and shouted. A red energy sphere appeared before her palm and shot towards the Hollow.
Boom!
The Shakkaho struck the Hollow, blasting a sizable hole in its body.
"Roar!"
Intense pain made the Hollow scream.
Enraged, the Hollow fired a Bala rapidly at Momo.
Boom!
The Bala's explosion created a decent-sized crater in the ground.
Though Momo dodged in time, she was still caught in the blast's shockwave.
"Damn, can't finish it with just Kido?"
Momo muttered.
"It seems I have to use that move."
Momo decided.
"Snap, Tobiume!"
Momo shouted. Pink light erupted, and plum blossom petals swirled.
Her Zanpakuto grew three forked branches like a tree.
"Ha!"
Momo shouted, swinging her Zanpakuto at the Hollow. A pink fireball shot towards it.
Boom!
An explosion louder than the previous Shakkaho resounded.