Within the Captain-level, there are also differences in strength. The Captains of the Gotei 13 are all at least mid-stage Captain-level, having fully mastered Bankai.
Since the strength gap within the Captain-level is huge… the weaker ones, like his original self and Komamura, were constantly being instantly defeated, while the stronger ones, like Aizen's level, could single-handedly take on the entire Gotei 13… Toshiro made this simple classification based on his own understanding.
He divided the Captain-level and above into Captain-level and Super Captain-level.
Each level is further divided into early stage, mid-stage, late stage, and peak based on Reiatsu strength.
Byakuya once said that even if an ordinary person learns Bankai, it takes decades to fully master its power.
Therefore, generally speaking, those who have just obtained Bankai but haven't fully mastered it are only early-stage Captain-level.
For example, there are Lieutenants in the Gotei 13 who have comprehended Bankai but are clearly no match for the Captains.
The Hollow before him likely belonged to this category.
The weakest Captains of the Gotei 13 are at least mid-stage Captain-level or above.
Of course, there are also special exceptions… those who can rival Captains right after comprehending Bankai.
Like the cheater Ichigo, who defeated Byakuya right after learning Bankai, though Byakuya might have been holding back.
There are also those with overly powerful Zanpakuto, like his original self.
Because his Zanpakuto was too powerful, even without fully mastering Bankai, Toshiro could rival mid-stage Captain-level or above.
The Super Captain-level for Shinigami corresponds to Vasto Lorde among Hollows.
As for levels beyond Super Captain, Toshiro hadn't personally experienced them, so he wasn't too clear yet.
Toshiro looked at the Hollow named Alfred before him and thought to himself, 'If it's only early-stage Captain-level, then it's not impossible to fight.'
Although Toshiro was still only Lieutenant-level, he was at the peak of Lieutenant-level. While his total Reiatsu might not compare to the other party's, its density was several times greater.
Combined with the formidable power of the Strongest Ice-type Zanpakuto, his chances of winning weren't small.
Toshiro glanced back, seeing all the students had fallen to the ground, and couldn't help but frown.
Although there was no immediate life danger, once he fought with all his might, he definitely wouldn't be able to look after them.
Being on the ground, they wouldn't even be able to evade the aftermath of the battle.
Thinking this, Toshiro turned back to face Alfred, releasing his Reiatsu with all his might to oppose him.
Boom!
The two Reiatsu collided, emitting rumbling sounds.
The students behind Toshiro immediately felt relieved, as the immense pressure on them vanished.
"What immense Reiatsu... Is Captain-level truly this powerful?"
After the pressure from Alfred's Reiatsu disappeared, Kira stood up but was still trembling all over.
"Toshiro, don't worry about us. Escape by yourself. If you're alone, you can definitely get away." Momo spoke up.
"Shut up! Momo, how can I escape with you all here?" Toshiro reprimanded.
"Hisagi, take the other students and get as far away as possible. When the fight starts, you might get caught in it." Toshiro said with his back to the students.
"Leader Hitsugaya, don't worry! I will protect them even if it costs my life. Fight with all your might." Hisagi said loudly.
Shing!
"Come, Alfred. Let me show you my true power!" Toshiro drew Hyorinmaru and pointed it at Alfred.
"Shunpo!"
Toshiro instantly appeared before Alfred, gripping his sword with both hands to slash at him.
Clang!
Alfred swung his claw to block Toshiro's slash.
"Ha!"
Toshiro stomped his right foot on the ground, erupting with spiritual pressure. Alfred was pushed back continuously by Toshiro, his feet carving a trench in the ground. Both sides moved further and further away from where the students were.
To prevent the battle from affecting the students, Toshiro used the other's underestimation. From the start, he erupted with all his strength to push Alfred far away from the students.
"Don't underestimate me, Shinigami brat!"
Alfred shouted in furious shame. Then he forcefully planted his right foot into the ground.
Finally, the speed of his retreat gradually decreased until it stopped completely.
Then, with his left claw blocking Toshiro's Zanpakuto, he swung his right claw to grab Toshiro.
Facing this claw, Toshiro's figure flickered at the last possible moment, narrowly avoiding it.
Rip!
A tear appeared on the sleeve of Toshiro's left arm.
Any slower, and Toshiro's left arm would have been severed.
'As expected of a Captain-level Menos Grande. Truly not simple.' Toshiro thought to himself.
Whoosh!
Alfred's figure vanished instantly, then appeared before Toshiro.
A gleam flashed in Toshiro's eyes. Sonído, the Hollow's movement technique, related to spatial power like Toshiro's Shunkuho.
However, Toshiro's Shunkuho combined the advantages of both Shunpo and Sonído, superior to both.
But the other party's Reiatsu was greater than his, so his speed wasn't much slower.
[Shunkuho!]
Toshiro used Shunkuho again to evade.
Toshiro didn't mind comparing speed with the other party to buy time. As long as he dragged it out a while, it would be unreasonable for Aizen not to appear.
After all, they had already requested backup from the Soul Society. Not showing up would be too abnormal.
After failing to hit Toshiro several times in a row, a strange glint flashed in Alfred's eyes.
"Quite impressive speed. Different from a Shinigami's Shunpo. It's somewhat similar to our Hollows' Sonído." Alfred said calmly.
In terms of pure speed, Hollows' Sonído is noticeably faster than Shinigami's Shunpo. But Shinigami's Shunpo is more agile, suitable for small-scale maneuvering during combat.
But the footwork Toshiro just used combined the advantages of both. In terms of pure speed, it was even faster than his.
Remember, Toshiro was only Lieutenant-level. In terms of level, he was higher than Toshiro. Yet in speed, he was at a disadvantage. If not for that, Toshiro would have been hit long ago, not barely avoiding it at the last second every time.
"Hmph!"
Alfred snorted coldly, but that was the end of it. From now on, he would get serious.