Toshiro had just forgotten that while electric light bulbs had existed for many years, they hadn't yet acquired that specific metaphorical meaning.
Moreover, such things were rarely used in the Soul Society. Most people maintained ancient lifestyles, using oil lamps, candles, and the like.
After eating and resting for a bit, Renji said he wanted to go train. Kira and Rukia eagerly agreed.
Toshiro had thought he could finally spend some time alone with Momo, but to his dismay, Momo said she wanted to train hard too, so she wouldn't hold Toshiro back in the future.
No choice, Toshiro tagged along, watching them train.
In the woods behind Shin'o Academy.
Momo and Renji were engaged in a chase and fight.
Momo had great talent in Kido, but her other skills weren't as good. So, she practiced Zanjutsu by sparring with Renji.
Initially, Toshiro had sparred with Momo, but he was too worried about hurting her and held back too much.
Momo disliked his lack of seriousness, so she switched to sparring with Renji.
Toshiro sat bored on a large tree branch, watching them train.
"Yawn-"
Toshiro yawned, bored to the point of wanting to sleep.
"Should've just gone back to train alone," Toshiro said lazily.
On the training ground.
Momo was completely outmatched by Renji.
Although Renji's Kido talent was abysmal, having grown up in the chaotic districts of the Rukongai, he had been fighting since childhood.
Thus, his combat experience was quite good.
Momo continuously used Shunpo, her figure stepping from tree to tree, evading Renji's pursuit.
"Hah!"
Renji forcefully pushed off the ground, leaping up to catch up with Momo.
Then, he swung his sword forcefully at her.
Clang!
Momo gripped her sword with both hands, trying to block Renji's strike.
However, Renji's strength far surpassed Momo's. Momo's sword was sent flying, and her body plummeted rapidly towards the ground.
"Ow, that hurts! Really, Renji, I told you to fight seriously, but you didn't have to go this far, did you? My hand is injured," Momo said, holding her bruised right hand.
"Tch! You're so hard to please, Momo. Of course you train seriously! If you don't train seriously, what's the point? You might as well go find Toshiro then," Renji said, somewhat displeased.
"Hey, Renji, you dare hurt Momo? Feeling brave, huh? Want me to spar with you instead?"
Toshiro sat on the tree, looking down at Renji with an unfriendly gaze.
"N-no... you can't blame me. Momo told me to fight seriously," Renji said, sweating profusely.
"It's fine, Toshiro. I was just joking. My hand just got a bit sore from the impact," Momo said.
Then, she resumed sparring with Renji.
…
"Hey, Yachiru, why did we end up in the woods?"
Zaraki looked around, feeling surrounded by trees.
"Huh? Didn't Ken-chan walk here himself? I just followed you," Yachiru said cutely, biting her finger.
Zaraki directly jumped onto a tree, surveying the surroundings.
"Oh, finally see it. Let's go that way. It's closer to the exit."
From a higher vantage point, seeing further, Zaraki finally spotted the exit after jumping into the trees.
At the other end of the woods were Toshiro and the others.
Zaraki stepped from tree to tree, rapidly moving through the forest canopy.
Suddenly, Zaraki's figure stopped.
"Hmm? There are some people ahead. And one of them has pretty good Reiatsu," Zaraki said excitedly.
"Who is it? Ah, whatever. I'll find out when I get there," Zaraki said, his figure swiftly disappearing.
…
"Hmm? Two Reiatsu approaching rapidly. Who is it?" Toshiro, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.
Saying this, Toshiro immediately jumped to the top of a tree, looking behind him.
Jingle jingle!
Suddenly, the sound of bells rang out.
The sound arrived before the person.
Swish!
A figure appeared atop a tree opposite Toshiro.
The wind pressure stirred by his movement caused nearby trees to bend.
Simultaneously, a wild, violent Reiatsu surged towards Toshiro's direction.
Their eyes met, sparks seeming to fly between them.
The newcomer had a fierce appearance: a scar on his left cheek, an eyepatch over his right eye, his hair tied into several spiky tufts like horns, with small bells attached to them.
It was the Captain of the 11th Division, Zaraki Kenpachi!
"You are the Captain of the 11th Division, Zaraki Kenpachi?"
Although phrased as a question, Toshiro was already absolutely certain in his heart.
He had seen him many times in the anime in his previous life, but meeting him in person was a first.
"Oh, you know me?" Zaraki said.
"Well, you're wearing a Captain's Haori, meaning you're one of the Gotei 13's Captains. Combined with your distinct features, guessing you're Captain Kenpachi isn't difficult," Toshiro said calmly.
"Is that so," Zaraki said noncommittally.
Jingle jingle!
The bells on Zaraki's head, specifically used to sense Reiatsu, rang again.
"Hmm, you are indeed the strongest among the five. But speaking of which, why does your Reiatsu feel somewhat familiar?" Zaraki said, puzzled.
"Ken-chan, Ken-chan, I know!" Suddenly, a small pink head popped up from behind Kenpachi's shoulder.
Pink short hair, two red spots on her cheeks, even shorter than Toshiro… it was the 11th Division Lieutenant, Yachiru.
"Half a year ago, we got a report of a Menos Grande appearing in the Rukongai. But when we arrived, the Hollow was already dealt with, leaving only a pile of ice shards. The Reiatsu emanating from those ice shards was exactly the same as his," Yachiru said with certainty.
"Is that so? So you're the one who stole my prey?" Zaraki said, realization dawning.
"Hey, kid, what's your name? The matter of stealing my prey can't just be dropped," Zaraki said, clearly looking for a fight.
"Hitsugaya. Hitsugaya Toshiro," Toshiro said, frowning.
'This guy means trouble,' Toshiro thought to himself.
"Oh? You said your name is Hitsugaya Toshiro just now?" Zaraki asked.
"That's right," Toshiro said, puzzled, not understanding why Zaraki suddenly seemed excited.
"Hahaha..." Zaraki suddenly burst out laughing.