Yamamoto looked at Sasakibe, his expression serious. "What is the current situation?"
"The leader of this training mission, Hitsugaya Toshiro, is currently engaged in combat with the Captain-level Adjuchas. So far, there have been no reports of student casualties," Sasakibe replied.
"What about the details of the battle?" Yamamoto pressed further.
"The specifics of the battle are still unclear. However, considering Hitsugaya Toshiro hasn't yet broken through to Captain-level, I believe he likely won't be able to hold out for long," Sasakibe speculated.
"Chojiro, immediately notify Captain Aizen of the 5th Division. Order him to personally go and provide support. He must ensure Hitsugaya Toshiro's safety," Yamamoto commanded without hesitation.
"Yes, sir! I'll go right away," Sasakibe said and hurried out.
'Hitsugaya Toshiro, don't disappoint me. Otherwise, it will simply prove you were nothing extraordinary after all,' Yamamoto thought to himself.
Ever since hearing about Toshiro, Yamamoto had paid close attention to his affairs, even to the point of offending the Utsunomiya Family over him.
Although Yamamoto had never met Toshiro, he held a certain expectation for him in his heart.
That hope was that one day, Toshiro might catch up to or even surpass him in terms of strength.
Yamamoto had founded the Gotei 13 nearly two thousand years ago and had served as its Captain-Commander for nearly two millennia.
As for how long he had lived, even Yamamoto himself had forgotten. But one thing was undeniable: he was old.
As much as he disliked admitting it, he was indeed old. Shinigami had long lifespans, and the stronger one was, the longer one lived. However, that did not equate to immortality.
Since the establishment of the Gotei 13, despite numerous upheavals and wars, the Soul Society had never fallen, largely because he had suppressed all threats.
There was no denying that this world had always revered strength.
Yamamoto did not know how many more years he could live or how many more years he could protect the Soul Society.
Therefore, the Soul Society needed new, powerful individuals capable of suppressing all threats to step forward and take over his role as the new, unshakable pillar.
That was why, upon seeing Kyoraku and Ukitake's talents all those years ago, he had joyfully taken them as his disciples.
But each of them had their own flaws. Kyoraku was too lazy and indolent, while Ukitake was a sickly man.
Although both were quite strong, ranking among the top Captains within the thirteen divisions, it wasn't enough. Not only were they far from reaching his level, but they likely weren't even matches for Captain Unohana Retsu of the 4th Division or Zaraki in his prime.
Especially Ukitake, constantly falling ill, with his strength dropping almost below Captain-level during his sick periods.
Therefore, when Yamamoto first heard about Toshiro's talent, his initial reaction was astonishment, followed by a powerful surge of hope. He hoped that Toshiro's future strength might one day surpass his own.
'Hitsugaya Toshiro, if you wish to become the most talented individual in the history of the Soul Society and surpass this old man, then first, survive against a Captain-level Menos Grande,' Yamamoto thought to himself.
Toshiro had always been called the most talented student in the history of the Shin'o Academy. But why not the most talented person in the history of the Soul Society?
Others called him that because they didn't know if there had been other outstanding talents throughout the Soul Society's long history, as clear records of student talents only began after the Shin'o Academy was established.
But Yamamoto knew. Yes, there were. Throughout the countless years of the Soul Society's history, many brilliant, dazzling geniuses had appeared.
Moreover, he himself had been a genius who stood unparalleled among his peers in his youth.
In his time, when he was at the peak of Lieutenant-level, Yamamoto had also faced Captain-level enemies. After a fierce battle, although he couldn't defeat his opponent, he retreated calmly. His opponent, wary of his strength, did not pursue.
Toshiro was the first person Yamamoto had ever encountered in his long life whose talent seemed to surpass his own.
'With his talent, he should at least be able to preserve his life against a Captain-level opponent, right?' Yamamoto said, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back.
Suddenly, Yamamoto stopped and turned towards the door.
"Captain-Commander, the situation regarding the students in the Living World has been reported," Sasakibe said, walking in briskly.
"What happened?" Yamamoto asked, his expression tense.
"All the students are safe. Moreover, the Captain-level Menos Grande has been defeated," Sasakibe replied.
"Is that so? Captain Aizen must have arrived in time," Yamamoto said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"No, it was Hitsugaya Toshiro. The Captain-level Menos Grande was defeated by Hitsugaya Toshiro!" Sasakibe said, sounding somewhat incredulous himself.
"What!" Yamamoto exclaimed in shock.
"Has he already broken through to Captain-level then?" Yamamoto asked further.
"No. He did not use Bankai," Sasakibe denied.
"Truly astonishing..." Yamamoto thought, filled with amazement.
He had originally thought that Toshiro managing to preserve his life against a Captain-level opponent while at Lieutenant-level, as he himself had done, would be impressive enough. Never did he expect the result to exceed his expectations so dramatically.
'My Zanpakuto is the strongest of the fire-type, while Hitsugaya Toshiro's Zanpakuto is the strongest of the ice-type. Is this fate's design? Perhaps the Soul Society will usher in the era of Hitsugaya Toshiro,' Yamamoto pondered.
'Perhaps the person I've truly been looking for is him...'