Compared to having a complete stranger from elsewhere parachute in as captain, having Toshiro, a long-time member of the 10th Division, become Captain was undoubtedly welcomed. The division's members wouldn't oppose it, and they'd strongly support it.
Toshiro was originally the 10th Division's Third Seat. Moreover, he had been handling division affairs all along, giving him even higher prestige within the division than Isshin. Therefore, the members absolutely supported Toshiro becoming Captain with both hands and feet.
"Oh, right, notify everyone to assemble. I need to announce this officially," Toshiro instructed the member.
"Yes, Captain Hitsugaya!" The Shinigami replied respectfully.
Typically, when a new Captain takes office, they gather all members for mutual introductions. Although Toshiro was already familiar to everyone, going through the formalities to officially announce the news was necessary.
10th Division, Large Training Ground.
Most 10th Division's members had gathered. Toshiro stood before the ranks, with Rangiku beside him.
Toshiro surveyed the members, then solemnly declared, "Everyone... the Captain-Commander has announced the appointment. Therefore, from today onward, I, Hitsugaya Toshiro, am the captain of the 10th Division..."
"Captain Hitsugaya!"
"Captain Hitsugaya!"
"Captain Hitsugaya!"
Hearing the announcement, all members cheered enthusiastically.
Seeing their joyful response, Toshiro felt deeply gratified.
'It seems all these years of effort weren't in vain!' he thought inwardly.
After graduating from the Shin'o Academy, Toshiro declined the 1st Division's invitation to become the 10th Division's Third Seat not just because the original Toshiro belonged there, but also because he knew Isshin would eventually leave the Soul Society. So, he joined early to familiarize himself and prepare for eventually taking over.
Over the years, Toshiro diligently handled division affairs, boosting his prestige. He invested far more effort and care into the 10th Division than the so-called Captain, Isshin.
Toshiro's efforts paid off. Now officially Captain, the members held him in high regard. Therefore, his transition encountered no obstacles, and everyone cooperated fully.
For the rest of the day, the newly appointed Toshiro focused on handling division work. The search for Isshin had caused backlog, so the new Captain immersed himself in tasks.
After a busy day, Toshiro finally found time to meet with Kyoraku and Ukitake. Then, to celebrate his captaincy, Momo, Rangiku, Renji, Kira, and others held a celebration party.
Only after celebrating with all close friends and colleagues did Toshiro fully devote himself to work again.
…
One month later.
Having cleared the accumulated work, Toshiro found himself with some leisure again. Although daily tasks remained, given his efficiency, they didn't take much time. So, he refocused on training.
Judging from his recent battle with Aizen in the Living World, Toshiro felt his strength still fell short. While the gap had significantly narrowed compared to their first encounter in Hueco Mundo, Toshiro estimated he'd still lose if Aizen fought seriously.
Although Toshiro had means to escape even if he couldn't win, mere survival wasn't his goal… he sought the strength to truly defeat Aizen.
10th Division Captain's Private Training Room.
Toshiro, seated cross-legged with eyes closed, suddenly opened them. For an instant, a piercing light seemed to flash in the room before subsiding.
"Sigh..."
Ending his session, Toshiro sighed helplessly.
"My training hasn't progressed at all recently," He muttered, frustrated.
Since reaching the pinnacle of beyond Captain-level, his progress had slowed dramatically, recently coming to a complete halt.
'It seems without breaking through the beyond Captain-level, my strength can't improve further...'
'But... what is the level above beyond Captain-level?'
Shinigami power levels were categorized as: Ordinary Shinigami, Seated Officer, Lieutenant-level, Captain-level. There was no official classification beyond Captain-level. Even 'beyond Captain-level' was a term Toshiro coined himself, as the Soul Society had no such designation.
Yet, even among Captain-level, strength varied immensely. Could one say Yamamoto and those Captains often instantly defeated were equally strong? Simply labeling all Bankai-users above Lieutenant-level as 'Captain-level' was too vague.
To better distinguish power levels, Toshiro introduced the 'beyond Captain-level' tier above captain-level. But now, by his own classification, he had reached its peak.
Captain-level and beyond Captain-level essentially involved honing Bankai and increasing Reiatsu… nothing overly complex. But regarding the next level, whether it followed similar principles, Toshiro was uncertain, let alone how to break through.
He could explore independently, but that would likely take more time and involve detours.
'It seems I must seek out Genryusai-sensei,' Toshiro decided.
If a level truly existed above beyond Captain-level, Yamamoto was undoubtedly part of it.
…
1st Division, Duty Room.
"Toshiro, what brings you here? Are there unfamiliar aspects of captaincy work?" Yamamoto asked, seeing his visitor.
"No, it's not about work," Toshiro replied. Although newly appointed, he had been performing Captain's duties for over two decades and was thoroughly proficient.
"I came to seek your guidance on training matters," Toshiro explained.
"Training? Of course, no problem. Ask whatever you wish," Yamamoto agreed without hesitation. He held high hopes for Toshiro, wishing for him to surpass himself, so he wouldn't withhold knowledge.
"My question is… what is the level above beyond Captain-level?" Toshiro asked gravely.