Suō Tsukasa's gaze swept over the rows of classics on swordsmanship.
He skipped the generic books and finally stopped at the famous texts of several well-known schools of thought.
Katori Shintō-ryū Kenri Hiken (Secret Scroll on the Principles of Katori Shintō-ryū Swordsmanship), Kashima Shintō-ryū Tachisuji Kai (Analysis of Kashima Shintō-ryū Sword Lines), Niten Ichi-ryū Hyōdō Shinan (Guidance on the Way of Strategy of the Two Heavens as One School).
"My current level of swordsmanship is only just sufficient. It's enough to grab a few books for reference for now."
He selected several classics whose philosophies complemented and provided mutual reference for the style he was currently mimicking.
Swordsmanship is the art of killing. To improve further, he needed combat and practical experience; practicing alone had limited effectiveness.
"As for Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat), its core meaning lies more in strengthening the body, tempering the physique, and serving as a last resort when other means are unavailable."
"Aside from Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, Shihōin Yoruichi, and Suì-Fēng (Soifon), hardly anyone uses it. Without a teacher, it's easy to learn but hard to master."
His gaze then shifted to the Hakuda section next to him, but he only glanced over it, shook his head, and didn't delve deeper.
"Among Zanjutsu (Swordsmanship), Hakuda, Hohō (Footwork), and Kidō (Demon Arts), the quickest way to enhance combat ability right now is Kidō and Shunpo (Flash Step)."
His eyes swept over the other two rows. Suō Tsukasa's objective was clear.
Before a Zanpakutō achieves Shikai (Initial Release), a Shinigami's means of frontal engagement are meager.
Unless their Reiryoku (Spiritual Power) is overwhelmingly superior, Shinigami are often at a disadvantage when fighting Hollows.
Physical size, strength, and regenerative ability—these factors crucial in close-quarters combat—are almost entirely in the Hollow's favor.
Even if a Shinigami relies on speed to inflict effective wounds on a Hollow using Zanjutsu in close combat, they cannot necessarily defeat the opponent instantly.
Oftentimes, a Shinigami who has landed a blow finds it difficult to immediately withdraw and escape, instantly falling into a dangerous situation due to the ferocious, death-defying, instinctive counterattack of the Hollow.
Among Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō, the most effective damaging method currently available is Kidō.
Shunpo, on the other hand, is the key to ensuring one remains undefeated.
Kidō Incantation Techniques, Complete Kidō Spell Analysis, Advanced Shunpo Techniques...
Clutching the selected books in the crook of his arm, he walked to a well-lit long desk and sat down.
The afternoon sun streamed through the high window, casting warm light upon the open pages.
Relying on his exceptional memory, Suō Tsukasa quickly absorbed the core philosophies of the swordsmanship classics into his mind.
"Ise Nanao..."
"Hinamori Momo..."
When he opened Kidō Incantation Techniques, the borrowing card clipped beside the pages immediately caught his attention.
On the borrowing card, he saw two very familiar names.
The handwriting of the two was distinct: one was meticulous and neat, the other delicate and soft, each with its own unique style.
In the original work, both were renowned Kidō masters among the new generation of Vice-Captains, so their names appearing on this book's borrowing card was not surprising.
However, this was not the most critical detail; the return date on the borrowing card held significant meaning for him.
"Hmm, I should try to check."
Closing the book in his hands, Suō Tsukasa stood up and headed toward the area of literary and clerical books he had passed earlier.
"Just as I thought."
After flipping through books for more than ten minutes, Suō Tsukasa finally confirmed his speculation and got the answer he wanted.
As he intentionally reviewed the borrowing history of these books, he discovered an interesting detail.
Both girls enjoyed romantic and highly literary works.
Whether it was poetry, essays, or novels, their names often appeared very close together on the borrowing cards.
No wonder the two later became book buddies—their reading tastes were surprisingly consistent.
However, starting from a certain day three years ago, Hinamori Momo's signature began to frequently appear on the borrowing cards of clerical-related books.
Clerical books are tedious and heavily focused on practical work. Such a sudden shift in reading preference was in stark contrast to her previous interests.
"The fate of the follower is to retrace the path walked by their deity."
Suō Tsukasa closed the Detailed Clerical Procedures in his hand, a look of realization flashing in his eyes.
Undoubtedly—
Aizen Sōsuke, the man who earned the moniker "Clerical Dragon" for his meticulous thinking and impeccable documentation skills, had successfully acquired his most loyal believer.
"I feel sorry for Hitsugaya Tōshirō."
"That girl, Hinamori Momo, is beyond saving."
He gently pushed the book back to its original spot, sighing inwardly.
Three years. That's how long it took for a literary girl full of fantasy to wholeheartedly dedicate herself to the study of dry and boring clerical work.
The significance represented by this fact was self-evident.
Let go of the savior complex, respect the fate of others. Some people are truly too difficult to save, or don't want to be saved.
"This trip was well worth it."
This visit to the library had been quite fruitful. Not only did he gain more knowledge, but the timeline also became clearer.
Hinamori Momo was rescued by Aizen three years ago during her real-world Konsō (Soul Burial) internship, leading to her admiration for him.
This means that Kuchiki Rukia, who was in the same class as her, would likely be adopted by the Kuchiki family next year and quickly arranged to join the Gotei 13.
Silently noting this crucial moment, Suō Tsukasa smiled with satisfaction.
Dong—
A bell chimed, its sound echoing through the corridors to the library, signaling the end of the morning classes.
"Since things are settled, let's eat first."
The outline of the timeline was clear, and the worries in his heart lessened a little.
As he relaxed, his physical senses became sharper, and a feeling of hunger surfaced right on time.
Suō Tsukasa returned the swordsmanship books he had finished reading to their original places, gathered the other unread books, and went to the management desk.
The stack of books in his arms made a solid thud as he placed them on the counter.
"Hello, I'd like to check these out."
"Certainly. Just fill out the borrowing cards next to the pages and the borrowing register, and hand them to me."
The librarian behind the wooden counter, who was still busy organizing books, gently adjusted their glasses and replied with a smile after seeing who the visitor was.
They then handed out a thick borrowing register from behind the counter.
Taking the register, Suō Tsukasa followed the instructions and removed the borrowing card from each book.
Picking up the brush pen on the counter, he lightly dipped it in ink, and fluidly wrote his name, the date, and the book titles on the borrowing cards and the register.
The librarian took the filled-out borrowing cards and register, carefully verifying the information.
"The return date is one month from now. Please don't forget."
After confirming everything was correct, the librarian took a brass stamp, pressed it onto the register, and placed the borrowing cards into an adjacent compartment, concluding with a gentle reminder.
"Understood, goodbye."
Bidding farewell to the librarian, Suō Tsukasa, carrying the books with one hand, followed the way he came, heading towards the dining hall.
"What beautiful handwriting."
Shortly after Suō Tsukasa left, the librarian retrieved the borrowing register, turned to the latest page, and admired the handwriting closely.
The script on the paper was strong and sharp, the structure open and clear, and the turns of the strokes possessed a self-assured strength.
Matching the man, the writing, beneath its gentle and composed exterior, concealed the sharp edge of youthful ambition.
"It's a shame the President has been so busy these years and rarely teaches classes at the Academy anymore."
"Otherwise, he would definitely be very happy."
As a member of the Shinigami Calligraphy Association, Suō Tsukasa's handwriting was one of the few she had seen that could compare to the President's.
She murmured softly to herself, a hint of subtle regret in her tone.