After stepping through the Senkaimon, the scene had shifted to the Living World.
The Living World was currently in the 1960s, far from the prosperity of the 21st century.
"Alright, everyone, take a rest here for now. Don't go outside the barrier's range. The formal training will begin at night." Toshiro instructed.
They were currently inside an abandoned factory, which was also the venue for this training.
Although the location and barrier were ready, things wouldn't start immediately.
While ordinary humans couldn't see them, some people with naturally high Reiryoku could see Shinigami and Hollows.
To avoid being discovered, the real activities would only begin at night.
The Living World at this time didn't have the rich nightlife it would later. After dark, basically everyone would go home and not wander around.
"Toshiro, we're going to eat our boxed lunches together. You should join us too." Momo waved to Toshiro.
It was about 5 p.m. Eating and resting for a bit would be perfect before starting the training.
"Mmm, okay." Toshiro replied.
Toshiro and the others found a spot to sit down.
Everyone took out their boxed lunches to eat, but Toshiro only pulled out two rice balls.
"What's wrong, Toshiro? Didn't you bring a lunch?" Momo asked.
"I decided to come last minute, so I didn't have time to prepare one." Toshiro explained.
"Then try some of mine?" Momo picked up a tamagoyaki with her chopsticks and brought it to Toshiro's mouth.
Toshiro hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth and ate it. Wasn't it normal for couples to feed each other or share chopsticks?
"Hey, Kira, I think I smell the sour stench of romance." Renji said, pinching his nose.
"Oh, Abarai, feeling itchy again, are you? Want me to help you loosen up a bit?" Toshiro stared at Renji with a threatening look.
"No, thanks." Renji shrunk his neck and started shoveling his lunch into his mouth frantically.
Toshiro snorted and then continued eating Momo's lunch with her, taking turns with the chopsticks. Though this time, he didn't let her feed him… he used her chopsticks to pick up the food himself.
After finishing the lunch, Toshiro stood up and said, "You guys keep resting. I'm going to patrol the surrounding area."
"Oh, and you all better not be careless. Even though it's training, real Hollows might appear." Toshiro reminded them again.
If Aizen's scheme hadn't changed, then real Hollows would definitely appear this time.
If Momo and the others weren't careful, they would absolutely be in danger.
Although he would prioritize protecting their safety, being cautious wouldn't hurt.
With that, Toshiro turned and walked away. After all, as the leader this time, the school had entrusted these students' safety to him, so he had to fulfill his responsibility.
Moreover, the Shin'o Academy usually treated him quite well, and the old principal had been especially kind to him, even standing up to the Utsunomiya Family for him.
Considering all that, he couldn't just watch these students suffer heavy casualties.
"Toshiro is so nagging. Even if real Hollows come, I'll definitely defeat them." After Toshiro left, Renji said with a dismissive expression.
"Oh really? Why didn't you say that when Hitsugaya was here just now?" Kira teased.
"Kira, you're so annoying." Renji said, flustered and angry.
"Hehehehe..." Momo giggled beside them.
8 p.m.
The training officially began.
"It's starting. Strengthen the barrier. Being attacked by real Hollows during training is a common occurrence." The barrier team leader said from atop a tall factory structure.
"Understood. But this is a safe zone for us. Nothing should happen." Two members of the barrier team responded casually.
"This is training for us too, so don't slack off." The barrier leader reminded them.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah..." The others clearly didn't take it to heart.
Unbeknownst to them, a transparent silhouette of a Hollow was watching them from behind.
…
"Hinamori, it's running towards you!" Renji shouted loudly.
"I know." Momo said, looking at the spider-like practice Hollow.
"Hado #31, Shakkaho!" Momo fired a Shakkaho at the practice Hollow.
Boom!
After the explosive sound, the practice Hollow was not destroyed.
"Kira!" Momo called out to Kira.
"Ha!"
Kira shouted, leaping down from the building above to slash at the practice Hollow.
The practice Hollow was cut in two and vanished.
"Turns out it's surprisingly simple." Renji said.
"It's because of the three-person cooperation. It wouldn't be so simple for one person." Kira explained.
"Idiot, even I could handle it easily alone. Might as well let me fight a real Hollow instead." Renji said offhandedly.
"Honestly, here he goes again. Abarai is only good at talking big." Momo teased.
"I am not just good at talking big!" Renji retorted.
"Alright, alright, let's go." Momo said, pushing Renji along.
…
Atop the tallest building in the abandoned factory, Toshiro stood with his hands behind his back, watching over the entire factory.
A night breeze blew, causing Toshiro's slightly oversized school uniform to flutter.
Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in Toshiro's eyes as he looked towards a specific direction within the factory.
"So they've finally arrived?" Toshiro said, his tone cold.