Although Toshiro had already achieved Shikai, avoiding the unstable Reiatsu Fluctuations that occur just before a Zanpakuto awakens, he still planned to leave for the Shin'o Academy.
He didn't want to part with his grandmother, but Toshiro would eventually leave this place for the Seireitei, the gathering place of Shinigami.
"Matsumoto, I have a question. If I enroll in the Shinigami Academy, do I need to pay tuition, dormitory fees, or anything like that?" Toshiro asked.
After all, if he went to the academy, only Grandmother would be left at home. If tuition was required, Grandmother would have to bear Toshiro's school and living expenses alone.
Toshiro's grandmother was just an ordinary soul without Reiryoku. She didn't need to eat to avoid hunger, and she usually ate with Toshiro simply because she enjoyed the feeling of family meals together.
But Grandmother was getting old, and Toshiro didn't want to overburden her.
"You don't need to worry about costs. As long as you can pass the entrance exam for Shin'o Academy, there are no fees. In fact, if you achieve good results in various assessments and trials, there are even rewards," Rangiku replied.
Many Shinigami come from the Rukongai. For most, simply having enough to eat is an achievement. If tuition were required, most couldn't afford it.
Shin'o Academy doesn't admit many students each year… only two classes in total. How many people could that be? These expenses are no issue for the Seireitei at all. So, the Seireitei generously waived them.
"Oh, that's really great. There's even a scholarship? Then I'll gratefully accept it," Toshiro said confidently.
Hearing the word 'scholarship', Toshiro couldn't help but think of his previous life, where due to poor family conditions, he studied desperately for scholarships and ended up becoming a top student.
"You're really confident. But Shin'o Academy gathers geniuses from across the entire Soul Society. Getting a scholarship won't be that easy for you."
Seeing Toshiro's confident demeanor, Rangiku couldn't help but sprinkle a little cold water.
"Hmph, who do you think I am? I am Hitsugaya Toshiro, a man destined to become a Captain." Toshiro didn't hide his ambitions at all.
Rangiku was about to advise Toshiro not to aim too high when she saw Toshiro pull out a peculiarly shaped sword from behind him. At the same time, a powerful Reiatsu erupted toward her.
"What?! How is this possible? Such strong Reiatsu… it's almost on par with mine! And... is that a Zanpakuto?" Rangiku looked utterly shocked.
Toshiro's Reiatsu flared and then instantly receded.
"Well, what do you think?" He said proudly.
"That's truly astonishing. I've never seen such a genius. You're definitely a talent not seen in hundreds… no, a thousand years in the Soul Society." Rangiku was still reeling from the shock.
"Matsumoto, can you lend me some money? I'll pay you back after I become a Shinigami." Toshiro asked.
"I can, but what do you need money for?" Rangiku asked, puzzled.
Toshiro gently stroked the blade and smiled. "After all, from now on, this is a partner I'll fight alongside, spend my life with, and eventually die together with. So I want to make a good scabbard for this guy."
As if sensing his words, Hyorinmaru's blade trembled slightly, emitting a faint blue light.
"You're not bad, kid. Sure." Rangiku nodded.
"Then, could you please explain the specifics of Shin'o Academy's entrance exam and some basic Shinigami common knowledge next?" This was one of the main things Toshiro wanted to ask.
"Mm, alright. Shin'o Academy's entrance exam mainly..."
The two chatted until late into the night before ending the conversation. After agreeing that Rangiku would accompany Toshiro and Momo to the entrance exam, Rangiku Matsumoto left.
However, Toshiro didn't return to his room to sleep. Instead, he went to a nearby forest, climbed a large tree, leaned against the trunk, placed his Zanpakuto on his lap, and began meditating to enter his Inner World and communicate with his Zanpakuto.
To avoid suffering as much as in the original work, Toshiro wanted to seize every moment to increase his strength. But he was afraid practicing at home might disturb Grandmother, so he found a secluded spot.
The next day, before Grandmother woke up, Toshiro sneaked back home and slipped into bed.
One week later.
"Toshiro, let's go to the entrance exam together." Momo walked into Toshiro's house.
It must be said that people with high Reiryoku also have good physical fitness. In just a week, Momo had fully recovered.
"Hinamori, you came at the right time. Let me introduce you. This is Matsumoto Rangiku. She's a Shinigami and will take us to Shin'o Academy's entrance exam."
Toshiro, who was fiddling with Hyorinmaru's newly made scabbard, pointed at Rangiku beside him.
Only then did Momo notice Rangiku. Seeing how familiar the other woman seemed with Toshiro, she couldn't help feeling displeased. Her expression turned hostile as she looked at Rangiku. "Toshiro, what's your relationship with this woman?"
"Ara, ara, is someone jealous? Toshiro and I are very close, you know." Rangiku placed her right hand on Toshiro's shoulder, acting overly friendly and flirtatious.
Toshiro was speechless at Rangiku's mischief. But seeing Momo on the verge of tears, he quickly explained, "Hinamori, don't misunderstand. Matsumoto is just a Shinigami friend I recently met. She's taking us to the Shinigami academy for the exam."
"Hey, Matsumoto, say something too." Toshiro said to Rangiku.
"Sorry, sorry, I was just joking earlier. Toshiro and I are just recently acquainted friends." Rangiku hurriedly apologized.