"So, Sawada Tsunayoshi , Urahara Kisuke—do you have any suggestions?" Yamamoto asked.
Normally, according to Yamamoto's habits, a matter of this magnitude would be directed personally by him, with tasks distributed to each division for execution.
But since the matter of the Quincy had been raised by Tsuna in the first place, Yamamoto decided not to trouble himself with excessive planning and instead asked the one who brought up the issue.
"Tsuna, you should explain it," Urahara said after exchanging a glance with him. "You've been involved in the Quincy matter since the Auswählen. It's best if you say it."
The two of them had already discussed the Quincy situation many times, so Tsuna didn't bother refusing.
"I believe our next steps should move in three directions: objectives, combat strength, and allies."
"First is the objective. I hope the shopkeeper and the Shinigami Shinigami Research and Development Institute can conduct a comprehensive search of the Seireitei's shadows to locate the Wandenreich as soon as possible."
"If possible… I'd prefer it if Yhwach never wakes up at all."
Tsuna had no objections to eliminating Yhwach ahead of time. The problem was how to locate the Wandenreich in reverse.
The Wandenreich had hidden within the shadows of the Seireitei for a thousand years. That meant they possessed extremely sophisticated concealment methods. Opening a path into their domain would not be easy—this would likely become a long-term operation.
"Since the Wandenreich exists within the shadows, Captain Kyōraku Shunsui, your Zanpakutō abilities seem to involve shadows. If possible, I hope you'll participate in the search for the Wandenreich as well."
Kyōraku seemed to have expected this suggestion. He gave a wry smile.
"The shadows within Katen Kyōkotsu's abilities technically belong to the Zanpakutō's independent space. They aren't quite the same as ordinary shadows."
"I'll assist Urahara and Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi with their research, but I can't promise how helpful I'll actually be."
"No matter the result, do everything you can," Yamamoto declared decisively.
"Next is combat strength, which is the most important part. Only by strengthening ourselves can we protect the world from destruction by the Wandenreich."
"I've divided this into three groups: captains, lieutenants, and the forces in the Human World. I'll discuss the living world separately with them later. For now, let's talk about improving the captains' strength."
"In my opinion, the upcoming war with the Quincy will revolve around high-level combat power. That's why all of you are here today."
"But right now, each of you is tied down by the administrative duties of your divisions. The time you can dedicate to training is limited."
"I suggest delegating more responsibilities to your 3rd and 4th seats, freeing both captains and lieutenants from daily paperwork so they can focus entirely on training."
"I believe each of you already has your own training methods. You don't need me to teach you how to improve—just free up your time and prepare for war."
"Captain-class combat power revolves around mastery of Bankai. I have two suggestions."
"First, continue refining your Shikai abilities. The Shadow Invasion Pill hasn't been fully tested yet, and there's still risk involved. Strengthening your base abilities will directly increase your combat effectiveness."
"If possible… try to reach a level where your Shikai can produce combat power comparable to your Bankai."
The moment Tsuna said this, the temperature in the room seemed to rise as everyone inhaled sharply.
"Tsuna… that's a bit too exaggerated," Kensei Muguruma said first, since he was more familiar with Tsuna.
Tsuna rolled his eyes and pointed at Yamamoto.
"Isn't there already a perfect example sitting right here? Ask him for advice."
With Yamamoto's strength, simply releasing Ryūjin Jakka was enough to suppress several captains.
The room instantly fell silent.
After all, Yamamoto Genryūsai was hardly comparable to ordinary Shinigami.
No one dared argue.
"Anyway, try to see how much your combat strength can improve without relying on Bankai. Captains like Soi Fon and Mayuri Kurotsuchi should find this easier."
"Next is the second direction: deepen your connection with your Zanpakutō and strengthen your Jinzen training."
"For Shinigami who have already achieved Bankai, your Zanpakutō's submission doesn't necessarily mean it fully acknowledges you. Strengthening that bond might lead to unexpected results."
At this point, Yamamoto lifted his eyelids slightly and glanced at Tsuna.
Full acknowledgment from a Zanpakutō…
Didn't that sound suspiciously similar to Tsuna's theory about surpassing Bankai?
Only after hearing the theory yesterday did Yamamoto realize something: integrating Hollow power into Shinigami power wasn't the hardest part.
The most difficult part was the Zanpakutō's level of recognition.
Even Yamamoto himself could not claim that Ryūjin Jakka fully acknowledged him.
Just where had this Sawada Tsunayoshi come from to have such an extraordinary bond with his Zanpakutō?
What Yamamoto didn't know was that Tsuna's Zanpakutō spirit resembled the gentle Tenth Generation himself. When Tsuna learned Bankai, the trial had practically been a mere formality.
In fact, Tsuna had encountered almost no obstacles in developing his Shinigami powers.
The real trouble came from Byakuran, who represented his Hollow power.
"As for Jinzen training," Tsuna continued, "just keep practicing for now. Later on, maybe I'll find a way to… give you all a little cheat."
That statement immediately drew everyone's attention.
A cheat?
No one had ever heard of someone being able to help others during Jinzen. Most Shinigami trained alone in a quiet chamber, communicating directly with their Zanpakutō.
Tsuna ignored their stares.
In his mind flashed the image of a long-nailed figure. He still had no idea where that thing came from.
It was something that could only be encountered by chance.
"Sawada Tsunayoshi ," a rough voice interrupted.
"This advice is useless for me."
It was Kenpachi Zaraki.
He couldn't use Shikai—and he couldn't even hear his Zanpakutō's voice.
"Yeah, you're special," Tsuna replied casually.
"I'll just fight you once a week. No fancy training needed."
Honestly, Tsuna didn't think Zaraki was much of a problem.
What had always seemed more tragic was that Retsu Unohana had ultimately sacrificed herself just to help him learn proper swordsmanship.
Zaraki's strength was only sealed because he had stopped fighting truly powerful opponents.
If he fought stronger enemies regularly, his sealed power would naturally begin to return.
"Next is the lieutenant-level plan."
"While captains focus on individual improvement, lieutenants will undergo centralized training. Our goal is for every lieutenant to eventually master Bankai."
"That way, even if the Shadow Invasion Pill fails, we can let the lieutenants use their Bankai as bait for the Quincy medallions—then have the captains eliminate the enemy."
Everyone listening felt numb.
Did he hear himself?
Bankai!
For more than a hundred years, mastering Bankai had been the defining qualification for becoming a captain.
How could it possibly be learned so easily?
"You don't need to look at me," Tsuna said.
"The key to this plan isn't me—it's Madarame Ikkaku of the Eleventh Division."
"Me?"
Ikkaku stepped forward, pointing at his bald head with a dumbfounded expression.
He had thought he was just here to watch the show. Instead, the spotlight suddenly landed on him.
"That's right. You mastered your Bankai on your own, didn't you? You taught Renji Abarai his Bankai too, right?"
"And YAyasegawa Yumichika, who's always with you, obviously knows your training methods."
"And that guy from the Seventh Division, Tetsuzaemon Iba—you taught him as well, didn't you?"
With every sentence Tsuna spoke, Ikkaku's face grew paler and sweat gathered on his head.
For the first time in his life, he felt the crushing pressure of everyone's attention.
And he couldn't refute a single word.
"Madarame Ikkaku!" Sajin Komamura suddenly barked.
"Are you saying Iba can also use Bankai?"
"I—I taught him…" Ikkaku stammered.
"In theory… he learned it… but he still can't actually use it…"
That admission sent shockwaves through the room.
Particularly for the academy-trained captains—and especially Yamamoto.
Yamamoto's eyes practically shone as he looked at Ikkaku.
Only he understood how rare it was for someone to teach others how to achieve Bankai.
Most Shinigami who graduated from the Shin'ō Academy were fortunate if they could even release Shikai, which was enough to earn a seated position in a division.
Bankai was on an entirely different level.
Under the captains' intense gazes, Ikkaku trembled and moved closer to Zaraki, silently begging for help.
But all he saw in Zaraki's eyes was excitement.
For the first time since joining the Eleventh Division, Ikkaku found himself slightly hating that battle-hungry look.
"Ahem. Ikkaku," Yamamoto said gently.
"Would you be interested in joining the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy as an instructor? I could personally appoint you as a special-grade teacher, with a status equal to mine within the academy."
To Ikkaku, those words were like a thunderbolt.
He was someone who didn't even want to become a captain.
Teaching in the academy?
A life without fights—what would be the point?
"Mr. Sawada Tsunayoshi ," Yumichika spoke up.
"You seem to understand us quite well. Then you must understand Ikkaku's thoughts too. Please show us a way forward."
Seeing the amused smile on Tsuna's face, Yumichika instantly realized—
Tsuna had been watching the drama unfold the whole time.
Tsuna clapped his hands to regain everyone's attention.
"Alright, alright. Ikkaku's brain is basically all muscle. I have no idea how he developed a talent for teaching."
"Commander Yamamoto, just let him stay in the Eleventh Division. If someone wants to train for Bankai, they can go find him."
Yamamoto stared at Ikkaku for a long moment before finally relenting.
"Very well."
"My idea," Tsuna continued, "is for Madarame Ikkaku to lead training sessions. All lieutenant-level Shinigami must participate, and other Shinigami can join depending on talent and Reiatsu levels."
"Within these two years, we should aim to produce a batch of semi-complete Bankai users."
"Semi-complete?" everyone asked.
"Oh, right. I forgot to mention," Tsuna said casually.
"Ikkaku's method for teaching Bankai is… unique."
"But the Bankai he produces tend to be incomplete."
"Both Renji Abarai's Hihiō Zabimaru and his own Ryūmon Hōzukimaru are actually incomplete Bankai."
"But incomplete Bankai are still Bankai, right? At the very least, Renji's strength already far surpasses that of ordinary lieutenants."
"If we can produce a group of lieutenants at Renji's level, they'll be extremely helpful against the Quincy."
"I agree," Yamamoto said immediately.
"Madarame Ikkaku is hereby appointed Bankai Training Instructor, responsible for guiding Shinigami in Bankai training for the next three years."
Ikkaku lowered his head.
Once Yamamoto had spoken, he had no choice but to obey.
At least there was a time limit—three years. After that, he'd be free again.
"Don't look so depressed," Tsuna said.
"Commander Yamamoto, have Captain Retsu Unohana guide Ikkaku in swordsmanship for a while. Consider it payment for him training everyone else."
"Oh?" Unohana narrowed her eyes slightly.
"And what do you mean by that, Mr. Tsuna?"
"Ikkaku's Zanpakutō is Hōzukimaru, which is related to the medicinal Hōzuki plant. With your guidance, his Bankai might be improved so it doesn't shatter so easily."
Tsuna smiled.
After all, if you want a horse to run, you have to feed it first.
Ikkaku stared at Tsuna with wide eyes.
He suddenly remembered their first meeting. Everything connected in his mind.
Did he know about the flaws in Hōzukimaru's Bankai?
Of course he did.
Ikkaku had joined the Eleventh Division specifically to follow Zaraki Kenpachi.
He had finally escaped a teaching job at the academy—
And now he was being dragged into training with the Fourth Division?
Just as Ikkaku was about to refuse, Tsuna added calmly:
"Don't underestimate Captain Unohana. She was the first Kenpachi. Guiding you will be easy for her."
Now Ikkaku had no reason left to refuse.
Instead, Unohana smiled gently.
"I have no objections."
"If the opportunity arises, I would very much like to witness the pinnacle of your swordsmanship as well, Mr. Tsuna."
After seeing Tsuna's Cloud-attribute power that surpassed Bankai, Unohana had already set her sights on witnessing his Rain-attribute transcendence beyond Bankai as well.
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