Toshiro exclaimed in surprise, "This technique is..."
"Zanka no Tachi, South: Kaka Juman'okushi Daisojin."
Yamamoto explained: "This technique involves plunging Zanka no Tachi's blade into the ground. The sword's high temperature reawakens the ashes of those who have died by my blade, transforming them into a legion of charred skeletons that ceaselessly slay those I deem enemies!"
Seeing the number of charred skeletons nearly matching his own ice-bound souls, a shiver ran down Toshiro's spine.
'So many charred skeletons... How many people had Genryusai-sensei killed?!'
At this point, Toshiro couldn't help but recall the original work's description.
In the past, Yamamoto was a man who would stop at nothing to achieve victory. To crush his enemies, he wouldn't hesitate to use any method, even viewing his own subordinates as expendable pawns. He was a man Yhwach described as a [Sword Demon].
It was only after his battle with Yhwach a thousand years ago that Yamamoto's character gradually began to change.
Seeing Toshiro's strange expression, Yamamoto immediately knew what he was thinking.
Thus, Yamamoto sighed, "Toshiro, when you succeed me as Captain-Commander in the future, you will understand. To protect the Soul Society, some things must be done."
"Perhaps..."
Toshiro said, somewhat confused.
However, Toshiro composed himself and said, "Well, never mind that for now. Let's focus on the battle!"
With that, Toshiro continued commanding his ice-bound souls to attack Yamamoto.
Yamamoto also ordered his legion of charred skeletons to engage.
Boom!
Toshiro's army of ice-bound souls and Yamamoto's legion of charred skeletons immediately clashed.
Both sides fought fearlessly, slashing and hacking at each other. Ice-bound souls and charred skeletons fell one after another. Yet, the numbers on the battlefield never seemed to diminish.
Because both Toshiro's ice-bound souls and Yamamoto's charred skeletons were sustained by their Reiatsu, even when destroyed, both could summon new ones.
Time passed continuously.
Toshiro's soul army and Yamamoto's skeleton legion remained locked in stalemate, as if the battle would continue eternally.
However, Toshiro knew this battle would eventually end. Both his ice-bound souls and Yamamoto's skeleton legion were sustained by their Reiatsu.
And while their Reiatsu was immense, it wasn't infinite.
"Alright, Toshiro. Let's end this battle here!"
Yamamoto suddenly declared.
Saying so, Yamamoto voluntarily released his Bankai.
Seeing Yamamoto stop, Toshiro didn't insist on continuing either. He also stopped and released his Bankai.
"Huff... huff... huff..."
Toshiro gasped heavily for breath. Sustaining the countless ice-bound souls had consumed an enormous amount of his Reiatsu. If they continued, Toshiro wasn't sure how long he could last.
Glancing across, Toshiro saw Yamamoto also panting heavily, seemingly not much better off than him.
Seeing this, Toshiro felt somewhat balanced. While Yamamoto's Reiatsu was deeper than his, with the amplification from Frozen Kingdom, he wasn't far behind. If they continued, even Yamamoto wouldn't find victory easy.
After catching his breath, Toshiro asked, "Genryusai-sensei, is that it? We're not continuing?"
Toshiro thought they would definitely determine a winner this time. Although their Reiatsu was somewhat depleted, they could still continue.
Yamamoto shook his head. "No need. The purpose of this battle was to personally gauge your strength. That objective has been achieved. Moreover, continuing further to determine a victor would require us to go all out, risking our lives."
Honestly, Toshiro's strength far exceeded Yamamoto's expectations.
Yamamoto originally thought that since Toshiro had just broken through, even if they were on the same level, his own millennia-deep accumulated experience should make victory relatively easy.
But judging by Toshiro's performance in the battle, Yamamoto estimated that to win, he would have to go all out without holding back, possibly risking his life.
However, if they truly fought to the death, after the battle, even if they didn't die, both would be severely wounded.
Well, Yamamoto thought the likelihood was him being severely wounded and Toshiro dying.
But Toshiro was Yamamoto's chosen successor as Captain-Commander, not a mortal enemy. Naturally, they wouldn't fight to the death.
After resting on the spot for a while, Yamamoto said, "Alright, let's return, Toshiro."
…
1st Division, Duty Room.
Toshiro sat cross-legged on the clean floor, sipping a cup of hot tea, appearing calm and composed.
Meanwhile, Yamamoto paced back and forth in the duty room with his hands behind his back, seemingly pondering something.
After returning to the Soul Society, Yamamoto didn't let Toshiro leave immediately. Instead, he asked Toshiro to accompany him to the duty room.
"Genryusai-sensei, are you troubled by something? If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask."
Toshiro inquired with concern.
After arriving at the duty room, Yamamoto had been pacing continuously, clearly having difficulty deciding something.
Yamamoto was not only Toshiro's swordsmanship teacher but also chose Toshiro as the next Captain-Commander. Given Yamamoto's high regard for him, Toshiro was deeply grateful.
Thus, he couldn't help but ask, wondering if he could be of assistance.
"Hmm... It's not exactly trouble. It's something related to you. I'm uncertain whether to decide on it now."
Yamamoto said hesitantly.
"Something related to me?"
Toshiro exclaimed in surprise.
However, Yamamoto didn't tell Toshiro what it was.
After pondering a while longer, Yamamoto seemed to reach a decision. "Toshiro, you go back first. In one week, I will convene a Captains' Meeting and announce this matter publicly. Don't forget to attend!"
Toshiro still wanted to ask what this matter concerning him was. But seeing Yamamoto had no intention of explaining, Toshiro could only reluctantly leave for now.
After all, in one week, Yamamoto would announce it himself.
After Toshiro left, Yamamoto couldn't help but mutter to himself, "I hope my decision is not mistaken..."