Like Haineko, Momo Hinamori's Zanpakutō, Tobiume, was, in Ailin's opinion, immature, its potential capped at lieutenant level, incapable of achieving Bankai.
However, a Zanpakutō's limitations didn't define a Shinigami's potential. Ailin stroked his chin, studying Hinamori thoughtfully. While she lacked the raw talent of some of his other disciples, she possessed distinct advantages.
Firstly, her control over reishi was exceptional, allowing for intricate manipulation. This manifested in her impressive Kidō skills. Among the lieutenants he knew, only Rukia possessed a greater aptitude for Kidō. Izuru Kira, Tetsuzaemon Iba, Shūhei Hisagi, and Renji Abarai were all inferior to her in that regard.
Secondly, she was adaptable, innovative. While others rigidly adhered to traditional Kidō techniques, Hinamori had already begun integrating her Zanpakutō's abilities with Hadō #12, Fushibi, creating a unique attack that had significantly injured Tier Halibel's Fracción, Apacci, Mila Rose, and Sung-Sun.
"Hinamori, while Tobiume is a fine Zanpakutō, it has its limits. It won't be enough for you to achieve Bankai."
A Zanpakutō's evolution to Bankai wasn't guaranteed. Most Zanpakutō lacked the necessary foundation, the inherent potential. Even achieving Shikai, the initial release, was a testament to a Shinigami's talent. Those who succeeded were rare, often rising to seated officer ranks. The most exceptional among them might even become lieutenants.
Hinamori nodded. She knew her Zanpakutō's limitations. Its power, even among lieutenants, was considered weak. Furthermore, her reiatsu reserves were limited. She hadn't reached the level of a lieutenant, let alone a captain.
"Therefore, you must focus on the fundamentals. The four pillars of Shinigami combat: swordsmanship, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō. Mastery of any one of these can elevate you to captain-level, or even beyond. Now, Hinamori, show me what you're capable of."
"What?"
Suddenly, the world around Hinamori shifted. The familiar surroundings of the Fifth Division barracks dissolved, replaced by a fiery red sky encased within massive, rotating gears. Below, an endless expanse of golden sand stretched to the horizon, studded with countless swords, their hilts gleaming in the crimson light. In the distance, a towering mountain pierced the sky.
"Where… where are we?"
"Welcome to my world, Hinamori," Ailin said, appearing before her. "This space is separate from the Soul Society. You can unleash your full power without fear of causing collateral damage. Show me your true strength."
"Yes, Captain Ailin." While she was awestruck by this strange new world, she hadn't forgotten her purpose. She drew her Zanpakutō, her eyes hardening with resolve.
"Bloom, Tobiume!"
Boom!
Two basketball-sized fireballs erupted from her blade towards Ailin.
"Bakudō #37: Tsuriboshi!"
A net of reishi materialized before Ailin, intercepting the fireballs. Two muffled explosions echoed through the air, but the net held firm.
Seeing her attack fail, Hinamori wasn't discouraged. She had expected as much. She knew Ailin's power was far beyond her own. This was a test, an opportunity to demonstrate her abilities. She wouldn't rely solely on her Zanpakutō.
Using the smoke and dust as cover, she flashed towards Ailin with her blade wreathed in flames.
Clang!
Ailin flicked her blade with a single finger, the force of the impact nearly disarmed her. The flames on her Zanpakutō sputtered and died, extinguished by his reiatsu.
Hinamori staggered back, stunned. It was the first time she had experienced such a direct suppression of her Zanpakutō's power. She retreated, then knelt, aiming her palm at Ailin. Red reishi gathered in her hand.
"Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"
"Bakudō #8: Seki!"
A shimmering barrier materialized around Ailin, deflecting the incoming blast.
"His Kidō skills are incredible!" Hinamori thought, impressed. She continued her assault, circling Ailin, showcasing her abilities: Kidō, Bakudō, Hadō, swordsmanship, Hohō, and her Zanpakutō's power.
"That's enough, Hinamori," Ailin said, nodding as she finally slowed. Despite her limited potential, she had demonstrated a genuine desire to improve.
"Yes, Captain Ailin." She sheathed her Zanpakutō, wiping the sweat from her brow.
"Hinamori, your swordsmanship is lacking, your Hohō is average, and your Hakuda is… non-existent. Your only redeeming quality is your Kidō."
"Am I really that bad, Captain?" Hinamori protested.
"I'm the lieutenant of the Fifth Division! And you're saying my only strength is Kidō?" She thought her fireballs had been her most powerful attack. Her Kidō had been primarily for distraction and defense, her strongest offensive spell being Hadō #33, Sōkatsui. She had deliberately focused on her Zanpakutō's abilities, hoping to prove Ailin wrong.
"You thought you could fool me?" Ailin flicked her forehead lightly. "You did well with Tobiume, but that's about its limit. To create larger, more powerful fireballs, you need stronger reiatsu. But if you focus on Kidō… once you master Hadō #63, Raikōhō, that single spell will surpass anything Tobiume can achieve."
"Hadō #63? Me?" Hinamori was stunned. Despite her decades as lieutenant, her Kidō knowledge was limited to the basic spells she had learned at the academy. Aizen had never bothered to teach her more advanced techniques.
"Yes." Ailin ruffled her hair. "Your only real talent is Kidō. And it's the fastest way for you to improve. Once you learn the incantations and reishi manipulation, your control over reishi will allow you to quickly master them. Your only limitation is your reiatsu."
He wasn't lying. While Hinamori was average in other areas, her reishi control was exceptional. She simply lacked guidance.
He didn't expect her to become a Kidō master. The true Kidō expert among the lieutenants was Isane Kotetsu, trained by Retsu Unohana.
She could simultaneously cast Bakudō #77, Tenteikūra, and Bakudō #58, Kakushitsuijaku. It was her Kidō prowess, along with her healing abilities, that had qualified her for the Fourth Division captaincy after Unohana's death.
"But Hinamori, I expect more from you than just reciting incantations. Kidō is a tool. You are the wielder. You must learn to adapt, to improvise. The most effective Kidō isn't always the highest number, but the one most suited to the situation. Different spells can also be combined for greater effect."
He continued, "Remember, both Kidō and Zanpakutō abilities are simply different applications of reishi manipulation. While Tobiume might be weaker than other Zanpakutō, it possesses a rare combination of fire and wind attributes. By integrating your Kidō with your Zanpakutō, you can significantly increase your power."
He was subtly guiding her towards a technique similar to Shunko, Yoruichi Shihōin's signature move, which converted reishi into a power-enhancing aura. While he could teach her Shunko directly, it wouldn't be appropriate.
However, guiding her to develop her own version, using her Zanpakutō's abilities, was acceptable. While Yoruichi's Shunko was a continuous state, Hinamori's version, if she succeeded, would likely be a single, powerful attack.
Ailin spent the next few hours explaining the incantations and reishi manipulation for several mid-level and high-level Kidō spells, even demonstrating some of them. While Hinamori's reiatsu didn't increase significantly, her combat abilities improved dramatically as she mastered more powerful Kidō.
…
Unlike the relative calm of the Fifth Division, the Third was a whirlwind of activity.
Amagai was accepting missions left and right, personally completing most of them, leaving his subordinates with little to do. His swift and decisive actions not only cleared the backlog of support requests but also prevented any further damage to the Third Division's reputation.
"They're gone," Amagai thought after completing another mission. "Have they discovered my identity, or have I earned their trust?"
He was acutely aware of the surveillance. He had been using his dedication to the Third Division as a distraction, but since yesterday, the watchful eyes had vanished. He didn't know what to make of it.
He nodded to the grateful Shinigami he had just assisted and moved on to the next mission. While his primary goal was to divert attention, he also genuinely wanted to help the Third Division. He hoped that when the truth came out, their reputation wouldn't plummet back to its previous state.
He didn't want to be remembered as the one who had brought ruin upon them. He knew, however, that when the time came, they would likely blame him more than Gin.