After hearing Mayuri's explanation, Toshiro pondered for a moment and then continued asking, "Why did this Zanpakuto suddenly revert from its materialized state?"
Generally speaking, for a materialized Zanpakuto to revert, it either had to return to its master's sword or die from fatal injuries.
Although this Zanpakuto had been seriously injured and knocked unconscious by Senbonzakura's attack, and given the level of that attack, it wouldn't be surprising if it had died outright, Toshiro wasn't sure if it was really dead.
Because a dead Zanpakuto would turn into a broken blade, but this one was still intact.
"Perhaps this Zanpakuto really is dead. After all, even its Reiatsu has disappeared."
Nemu guessed.
"In any case, to figure out what's going on, we need to capture new Sword Beasts for research. After all, this Zanpakuto has even lost its Reiatsu. We can't research anything from it. Oh right, wasn't there another Sword Beast that escaped? If you catch it and give it to me for research, maybe I can answer your questions."
Mayuri's attitude was clear: if you want answers, go catch me a test subject.
He obviously wanted Toshiro and the others to be his hired muscle.
But Toshiro and the others knew this and would still actively try to capture the Sword Beasts, because these out-of-control Zanpakuto were like unstable bombs for the Soul Society, ready to explode at any time.
"Since that's the case, we'll go back and figure out how to capture the Sword Beasts. Mayuri, we'll leave this Zanpakuto with you for now. Take a closer look and see if you can research anything else."
With that, Toshiro prepared to leave with the others.
"Oh, right."
Mayuri suddenly spoke again. "I should warn you. In their out-of-control state, the power of the Sword Beasts, calculated based on their original Zanpakuto power, should be equivalent to a Bankai state. Although they were originally low-level, their current power has far exceeded our imagination. Be careful not to be harmed by them."
Hearing Mayuri's warning, Toshiro and the others' expressions became serious, but that was all.
Equivalent to a Bankai state didn't mean they actually possessed Captain-class power. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been so easily defeated by Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura.
Leaving the Technology Development Institute, Toshiro and the others walked to a corner of the Seireitei.
"Zanpakuto that lost their masters and went on a rampage... this is getting troublesome."
Rukia suddenly said seriously while pinching her chin. However, her serious look didn't seem very solemn... instead, it was unexpectedly a bit cute.
After Rukia spoke, before Toshiro and Byakuya, who were at the front, could say anything, Senbonzakura spoke indignantly: "They are the villains who caused massive destruction to the Kuchiki estate! Absolutely unforgivable!!"
"That's right!!"
Sode no Shirayuki agreed, also looking indignant.
"Hey! Most of the estate was destroyed by you two!!"
Rukia couldn't help but retort.
In fact, what Rukia said was correct. Although the two Sword Beasts had also caused destruction in the Kuchiki estate, Rukia had rushed over as soon as she heard the commotion, and then Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura appeared shortly after. The Sword Beasts didn't have time to cause much damage, at most smashing some furniture in the rooms.
On the other hand, Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura had shown no restraint in their fight with the Sword Beasts and had destroyed quite a few things.
Hearing Rukia's retort, Sode no Shirayuki awkwardly changed the subject: "The important issue now is how to catch the escaped Sword Beast."
Although it was changing the subject, everyone had to start thinking about this problem. However, after thinking for a while, they had no clue. After all, they knew too little about the Sword Beasts' situation.
Just then, Renji came running from a distance.
"Captain, I finally found you."
Renji ran up to them, panting. "It's almost time for the Seireitei guard shift change. Captain, you need to go quickly."
"I see."
Byakuya pondered for a moment, then said to Toshiro, "Hitsugaya, I won't participate in this matter for now. You should take the lead."
"I'm afraid I can't do that either. I also have something to do. Genryusai-sensei wants to discuss something with me, and it's almost time."
Toshiro refused.
"Is that so?"
Byakuya frowned slightly.
"How about we leave this matter to Rukia, Rangiku, Momo, and their Zanpakuto? Judging from the previous situation, Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura alone should be enough to handle the Sword Beasts."
Toshiro suggested.
"Rukia and the others? Alright."
Seeing Rukia and the others eager to try, Byakuya reluctantly agreed.
However, just in case, Byakuya, being the Siscon that he was, directly left Senbonzakuro behind to protect Rukia.
Toshiro also wanted to leave Hyorinmaru behind to protect Momo and Rangiku, but unfortunately, although the bond between Hyorinmaru and Toshiro was deepening, Hyorinmaru still didn't have much goodwill towards Momo and Rangiku.
Actually, it wasn't just Momo and Rangiku. Hyorinmaru didn't care about anyone except Toshiro.
Therefore, Toshiro didn't insist. After all, the women and their Zanpakuto were already strong enough to handle it. Senbonzakuro was just an extra insurance just in case.
After Toshiro, Byakuya, and Renji left, the remaining Momo, Rangiku, Rukia, and the Zanpakuto began discussing how to lure out the Sword Beast.
"I have a proposal. Severely damage the barracks of some division, concentrate the Seireitei's attention there, and perhaps the villain will be surprised into showing themselves."
Senbonzakura was the first to suggest a method, a rather idiotic one.
"Then how about freezing the villain and the street together into ice? That way, the street's original form could also be preserved."
Sode no Shirayuki also offered a plan.
"Rejected! Idiots! Why do you only think of things like this!! Don't you know this would cause trouble for everyone!!!"
Rukia was so angry she trembled at their suggestions.
"This won't do, that won't do. What exactly would satisfy you?"
Senbonzakura began to get unhappy.
Just then, Rangiku, who had been silent, suddenly spoke: "Then what do you think of this plan?"
"…"
"Mm, mm, I think this plan is very good, Lieutenant Matsumoto."
After hearing Rangiku's plan, Sode no Shirayuki looked very approving.
"Will this really work?"
Rukia looked doubtful.
But since there were no other feasible plans, Rukia hesitated for a moment and decided to give Rangiku's 'plan' a try.
…
Night, 10th Division's barracks.
"Everyone, you've worked hard these days. Cheers!"
Rangiku raised a large sake bowl to everyone.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Rangiku, Haineko, Sode no Shirayuki, Senbonzakura, and all the members of the 10th Division raised their brimming sake bowls and drained them in one gulp.
When Toshiro returned to the 10th Division from Yamamoto's place, this was the scene he saw. Rangiku, Sode no Shirayuki, Rukia, and the others were actually having a banquet with the members of the 10th Division!!
"What is the meaning of this!!"
Toshiro shouted.
"Oh, Captain, you're back too. Come, come, have a drink."
Rangiku raised a sake bowl and offered it to Toshiro.
"No need! Honestly, Rangiku, you're going too far! You're completely ignoring my words! Didn't I tell you to capture the Sword Beast? Why are you here leisurely having a banquet!!"
Toshiro said angrily.
"No, no, Captain. This isn't just a simple banquet. We're actually executing a plan to capture the Sword Beast."
Rangiku defended herself.
"A plan? Having a banquet is your plan?"