However, Toshiro didn't pay attention to Sasakibe's explanation. Instead, he asked, puzzled, "Hitsugaya-dono? Why address me like that?"
"Hitsugaya-dono, you are now the esteemed 'Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13', holding a noble status. Naturally, you should be addressed as 'dono'."
Sasakibe stated matter-of-factly.
The term 'dono' is not a casual form of address.
In Japan, 'dono' is used to address individuals of extremely high status.
Within the entire Gotei 13, the only one addressed as 'dono' was Yamamoto.
Many Shinigami referred to Yamamoto as 'Captain-Commander-sama' or 'Genryusai-dono.'
However, usually, Captains like Toshiro and Lieutenants directly addressed Yamamoto as 'Captain-Commander'. So, for a moment, Toshiro had forgotten Yamamoto also had the title 'Genryusai-dono'.
Now that Toshiro had become 'Vice-Captain Commander,' he indeed qualified to be addressed as 'dono'.
But hearing the address 'Hitsugaya-dono', Toshiro felt somewhat awkward, or perhaps a bit cringey.
Thus, Toshiro said, "Lieutenant Sasakibe, no need for 'Hitsugaya-dono'. 'Captain Hitsugaya' is fine."
"If you dislike the address 'Hitsugaya-dono,' then I shall address you as 'Toshiro-dono'."
Sasakibe insisted.
Toshiro said helplessly, "Lieutenant Sasakibe, you once served as my swordsmanship sparring partner. There's no need for such formality. Moreover, you are a Lieutenant yourself. There's really no need to address anyone as 'dono'."
Although 'dono' is an honorific, individuals of high status like Captains and Lieutenants don't need to address anyone as 'dono'.
Toshiro remembered that among the Gotei 13's Captains and Lieutenants, only Komamura and the current Sasakibe, both 'loyal hounds' of Yamamoto, addressed Yamamoto as 'dono' out of immense admiration and gratitude.
Others who addressed Yamamoto as 'dono' were mostly lower-ranked ordinary Shinigami.
However, upon hearing Toshiro's words, Sasakibe still insisted on addressing Toshiro as 'dono'.
Finally, Toshiro said resignedly, "Well, fine. Do as you please. Address me however you like."
Indeed, as Toshiro mentioned, Sasakibe, as the 1st Division's Lieutenant, held considerable status. Even if he addressed Toshiro as 'dono', it wouldn't be considered impolite.
His insistence on addressing Toshiro as 'dono' stemmed mainly from his relationship with Yamamoto.
In Sasakibe's view, Toshiro was Yamamoto's personally chosen successor as Captain-Commander. Naturally, he should respect Toshiro as he respected Yamamoto.
"Then, Lieutenant Sasakibe, we'll take our leave."
Toshiro said.
Then, Toshiro and Rangiku departed together.
10th Division, Captain's Office.
Returning to the 10th Division, Toshiro resumed handling work, while Rangiku continued slacking off, leaning on the sofa and eating snacks.
Knock, knock—!!
A knocking sound came.
"Enter."
Toshiro said without looking up.
Then a Shinigami entered carrying a stack of documents, though not from the 10th Division.
"You are...?"
Toshiro asked, somewhat puzzled.
Having been 10th Division's Captain for so many years, Toshiro basically knew every Shinigami in the 10th Division, even by name.
So he immediately recognized this Shinigami wasn't from the 10th Division.
The newcomer stood tall, respectfully declaring, "Greetings! Hitsugaya-dono! I am Daichi Aoki from the 1st Division. Captain-Commander-sama instructed me to deliver these 1st Division's documents for your review. Captain-Commander-sama said to have you handle them."
"Is that so? I understand. Please place them here."
Toshiro said.
After placing the documents on Toshiro's desk, Daichi added, "Hitsugaya-dono, there's one more matter."
"What else?"
Toshiro asked.
"Captain-Commander-sama requests your presence tomorrow to accompany him to the Central 46."
Daichi said.
"The Central 46?"
Toshiro frowned.
"Alright, I understand. Inform the Captain-Commander that I will attend tomorrow."
Toshiro said.
"Yes, sir. I shall take my leave then, Hitsugaya-dono."
With that, Daichi departed.
"Going to the Central 46 Chambers? What could it be about?"
Toshiro pondered.
In the original work, whenever the Central 46 appeared, their actions seemed antagonistic. So, Toshiro instinctively felt their summons couldn't be well-intentioned.
'Well, I'll find out then. Although the Central 46 Chambers aren't virtuous, I haven't committed any offense. Without cause, they can't touch me. Moreover, I'm not some rigid fool. If they truly dare provoke me, I'll eliminate them!'
Thinking this, a cold glint flashed in Toshiro's eyes.
Then, Toshiro glanced at the 1st Division's documents Yamamoto sent, then at his own 10th Division's documents, and couldn't help but rub his temples in frustration.
"Although my work efficiency is very high, the combined workload from the 1st and 10th Divisions is too much!"
Toshiro sighed.
Although Yamamoto assigned Toshiro some 1st Division work to familiarize him with Captain-Commander's duties early, the combined workload from both divisions was indeed considerable.
Then, seeing Rangiku leaning leisurely on the sofa, eating snacks, a surge of anger rose within Toshiro. Here he was, working himself to death, while she idly ate.
"MATSUMOTO!!"
Toshiro roared.
"Mmph, mmph?!"
Toshiro's sudden shout startled Rangiku, who was eating. She choked, hastily pouring and gulping down a cup of tea.
"Gulp, gulp!"
"Huff, huff!"
It took a while before Rangiku caught her breath.
"What are you doing?! Captain, shouting out of nowhere like that! You nearly scared me to death choking!"
Rangiku shouted unhappily.
"Cough."
Toshiro cleared his throat, somewhat awkwardly. "Rangiku, you see the Captain-Commander sent over some 1st Division work for me to handle. But combined with our 10th Division work, it's really too much. Could you help me with some of it?"
"Hmph, no way!"
Rangiku immediately turned her head away, ignoring Toshiro.