"What?!" Yamamoto exclaimed in shock.
The Jokaku Enjo, unleashed with Yamamoto's full power in Shikai, had actually been frozen by Toshiro.
"Does this mean I must use Bankai?" Yamamoto murmured, hesitating.
To prevent Toshiro's rampant Reiatsu from harming the Seireitei, Yamamoto had no choice but to use Jokaku Enjo. Yet now, his full-power Shikai technique was frozen. To continue containing Toshiro, he would have to reveal his true strength and use Bankai.
However, Yamamoto was acutely aware of his Bankai's destructive power. Using it could cause immense damage to the Soul Society.
But if he didn't, the Soul Society might freeze. Caught between two grim outcomes, Yamamoto was momentarily at a loss.
Ultimately, after consideration, Yamamoto decided to use Bankai.
'If, after using Bankai, my flames and Toshiro's ice cancel each other out, perhaps the damage to the Soul Society won't be too severe,' He thought.
Just as Yamamoto prepared to release Bankai, a voice suddenly rang out.
"My apologies, everyone!"
They turned to see Toshiro, who had been seated with eyes closed, now standing with his eyes open.
Once upright, Toshiro immediately controlled his immense Reiatsu, reining it in.
"I've caused so much trouble and nearly endangered the Soul Society. I am truly, deeply sorry," Toshiro said with genuine remorse.
"Whew!" Seeing Toshiro successfully suppress his pressure and avert disaster, Yamamoto sighed in relief and sheathed his Zanpakuto.
"Fortunately, no irreversible damage was done. Apologies aren't necessary. However, you must be more careful in the future to prevent such incidents," Yamamoto instructed gravely.
"Yes, Captain-Commander. I will be more cautious from now on," Toshiro assured.
Just then, Kyoraku walked over, patting Toshiro's shoulder with a grin. "Yo, congratulations, Toshiro! After this breakthrough, your strength has completely surpassed mine!"
Kyoraku's strength was at the peak of the Advanced Captain-level, the same realm as Toshiro before his breakthrough.
Regardless of combat prowess within the same level, their levels appeared equal. But now, Toshiro had surpassed Kyoraku in both level and combat power.
Having been taught by Yamamoto, Toshiro and Kyoraku were somewhat like fellow disciples, and they shared a good relationship.
Seeing his 'junior' surpass him in every aspect, Kyoraku felt complex emotions. However, he wasn't narrow-minded and felt mostly happy for Toshiro.
Toshiro brushed Kyoraku's hand off his shoulder. "So, Shunsui, feeling unwilling after being surpassed? Train hard then, and try to catch up to me soon."
"No, no, no. Training is something to be done casually. And if I have time, I'd rather leisurely enjoy a drink or two!" Kyoraku waved dismissively.
"You..." Toshiro smiled helplessly.
If Kyoraku weren't so lazy and trained diligently, while he might not break through to a higher level like Toshiro, he would at least accumulate a deeper foundation, increasing his chances of success when attempting a breakthrough.
Then, Aizen approached with a smile. "Congratulations, Captain Hitsugaya. As expected of the Soul Society's number one genius. Now, after breaking through, I'm afraid among us Captains, besides the Captain-Commander, no one is your match anymore!"
"Is that so? Not necessarily..." Toshiro said meaningfully, looking at Aizen.
Aizen was undoubtedly at the Demi-god level, likely having reached it for some time.
In contrast, Toshiro had just broken through and hadn't fully mastered his current power.
Although Toshiro's combat prowess was formidable, rarely matched within the same level, whether he could defeat Aizen remained unknown.
However, Toshiro believed that even if he couldn't guarantee victory, at least he wouldn't lose to Aizen.
"Alright, enough chatting here. Fortunately, this incident caused no harm to the Soul Society. Everyone, return to your duties," Yamamoto declared.
"Yes, Captain-Commander!" Everyone responded in unison.
Yamamoto then said to Toshiro, "Toshiro, come with me to the 1st Division."
"Yes, Captain-Commander," Toshiro nodded.
As the Captains dispersed, Toshiro followed Yamamoto to the 1st Division.
1st Division, Duty Room.
Tap, tap, tap...
After entering, Yamamoto paced back and forth inside as if deep in thought. Toshiro watched him, his eyes following Yamamoto's movements. Neither spoke for a long while.
Finally, Yamamoto spoke. "To be honest, your breakthrough truly exceeded my expectations. I thought even with your talent, it would take a very long time for you to catch up to me. I never imagined you'd reach the same level as me so quickly."
Toshiro replied modestly, "This breakthrough was somewhat fortuitous..."
"Whether it was fortuitous or not, a breakthrough is a breakthrough," Yamamoto waved dismissively.
"Toshiro, you know I once considered you a candidate for Captain-Commander. Now, with your strength breaking through again, completely surpassing Shunsui and reaching the same level as me, unless something unexpected happens, you will be the next Captain-Commander," Yamamoto stated solemnly.
"Is that so?" Toshiro said, his tone complex.
Hearing he would be the next Captain-Commander, Toshiro felt not just joy but, more significantly, a heavy weight. The position of Captain-Commander bore the safety of the Soul Society and Seireitei… it represented not only power but also immense responsibility.
"However..."
Yamamoto suddenly added, "Before that... fight me, Toshiro!!"
"What?!" Toshiro exclaimed in surprise.
"You heard correctly, Toshiro. Fight me. Let me see with my own eyes whether you have the capability to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Soul Society!!" Yamamoto declared with grave seriousness.