Otherwise, if they cannot fully manifest the Spirit of their own Zanpakuto, how can they possibly master Bankai?
Kyoya's Zanpakuto originates from the Devil Fruit of the One Piece World, and its Spirit is already fully formed.
In other words, just like the others before him, as long as Kyoya can subdue Borsalino, he will have effectively completed his Bankai Training.
Before Kyoya could even process this, Kiganjo stepped forward, approaching Ichinose.
"My apologies, Captain."
Despite his severe injuries, in the presence of Kiganjo, Ichinose trembled as if facing a true deity, struggling to stand as he bowed in apology, "I was too incompetent..."
"You are indeed very incompetent!"
Though Kiganjo understood Ichinose's loyalty to him, what use was loyalty without strength?
With a kick, he sent Ichinose's head snapping to the side, then bent down and tore off the sawgrass Lieutenant's armband from Ichinose's sleeve, tossing it toward Kyoya.
"Kid, from now on, you're the Lieutenant of my 11th Division."
"I look forward to the day you challenge me!"
Without another word, Kiganjo turned and strode out of the training grounds.
Kyoya reached out and caught the armband, then froze for a moment.
Because, the instant he touched the Lieutenant's armband, a rapid series of 'ding' sounds echoed in his mind.
Kyoya's heart leaped with joy.
This sound was all too familiar to him.
Logically, after joining 11th Division and successfully challenging for a seated officer position, his One Piece Achievement System should have granted him a Commander-level achievement.
However, the system had remained silent.
Even after defeating Ichinose, there had been no achievement notification.
But now, the moment he received the Lieutenant's armband, multiple prompts flooded in.
Clearly, becoming a Marine Officer required official recognition from a 'superior'.
Just like in his previous challenges, Kiganjo had never acknowledged them.
In the world of Bleach, defeating the Lieutenant of 11th Division would automatically make Kyoya the new Lieutenant.
However, in the One Piece World, without an official order from the superiors, no Marine, no matter how strong, could simply replace a Vice Admiral by defeating one.
By giving Kyoya the Lieutenant's armband, Kiganjo's action was interpreted by the One Piece Achievement System as a high-ranking Marine granting Kyoya his rank.
Thus, the system finally recognized it and triggered the corresponding achievement rewards.
However, now wasn't the time to check those rewards.
Confirming that his system was still active and that he had obtained the achievements he desired, Kyoya's gaze toward Kiganjo carried a hint of amusement.
Releasing his Shikai, Kyoya sheathed his Zanpakuto and said, "Then I would like to thank you, Captain."
"Congratulations."
"Kyoya-sama, you're amazing!"
After Kiganjo left, the Shinigami who had watched the battle crowded around Kyoya, offering their congratulations.
Some even gave him enthusiastic thumbs-ups.
In the 11th Division, strength was everything!
Through over a dozen challenges, Kyoya had proven his power and earned their respect.
Of course, another key factor was that Kyoya hadn't brutally injured his opponents like Kiganjo often did.
A strong fighter who didn't leave his opponents half-dead was naturally welcomed and admired.
"Kyoya-sama, let me first take you to complete the division registration and issue your Shihakusho."
"Also, Kyoya-sama, do you currently have a residence in Seireitei?"
"If not, you can stay in our division's barracks."
While everyone was celebrating Kyoya's promotion, a rather thin-looking Shinigami pushed through the crowd and addressed him.
Hearing this, the other members of 11th Division suddenly realized that Kyoya had only just joined their division today and hadn't even completed the official registration yet.
Though Kiganjo had already given Kyoya the Lieutenant's armband, if other division's Captains offered similar conditions, there was no guarantee Kyoya wouldn't be swayed to join them instead.
After all, in 11th Division, Kyoya still had the looming threat of Kiganjo's 'five-year challenge'.
But if he transferred to another division, not only would he escape that danger, but he might also receive guidance from other Captains.
So, once this Shinigami spoke up, the others quickly chimed in.
"Right, right! Kyoya-sama, you should go with Suzuki to finish the registration first."
"And Suzuki, after you're done, make sure to show Kyoya-sama around the division's grounds."
"Then, Kyoya-sama, we won't trouble you any further. We'll take our leave now."
"Mm, see you all tomorrow."
Kyoya smiled and bid farewell to the tactful division's members.
Then, he turned to the Shinigami named Suzuki, who had offered to guide him, "I'm from Rukongai and don't have the means to buy property in Seireitei yet, so I'll stay in the barracks for now."
"Understood, Kyoya-sama. This way, please."
"First, I'll take you to complete the registration and receive your Shihakusho. After that, I'll show you to the barracks."
"Alright, thank you, Suzuki."
…
"As expected, once your strength reaches a certain level, everyone around you suddenly becomes a 'good person'!"
Kyoya stretched lazily on the soft, spacious bed.
The difference between a Lieutenant's treatment and a student's was staggering.
At the Shin'o Academy, despite receiving the best accommodations due to his talent, his dorm had still been nothing more than a single room.
But here in 11th Division, Kyoya's quarters were a two-story 'villa', complete with a small garden and pond.
Kyoya was well aware that not everyone who had been friendly today was genuinely kind… many had simply hidden their fangs in his presence, showing only their best side.
"Now then… it's time to witness the miracle."
With excitement bubbling in his chest, Kyoya focused his consciousness into his soul.
Instantly, over a dozen glowing orbs of light appeared before his eyes.
[Ding, congratulations, host, for having been successfully joining the Marine Headquarters as a Marine soldier, achieving the milestone: [Marine Soldier]...]