As Haruki had anticipated, after enteriacia, there were no further Hollow attacks. Aizen's philosophy wouldn't permit a follow-up assault so quickly. Instead, he'd likely sip tea, smile mysteriously, and ponder his move, sav the unfolding game.

  Thus, Haruki returo Seireitei unscathed. Since his patrol duties had been in Rukongai, there was o report back to Squad Five. Instead, he went straight home, where he found Renji, Kira, and Hinamori waiting at his doorstep.

  Yesterday's training had been incredibly effective. In just one session, the trio had experienced a breakthrough, gaining crity on cepts that had previously eluded them.

  "Shinigami are amazing," Renji remarked as they left the previous night. "Even ordinary ones are so much better than us."

  Hearing this, Haruki couldn't help but sweat.

  Ordinary? Really?

  What did he mean by "even ordinary Shinigami"? Still, Haruki let it slide. Winning their favorability was far more important than nitpig ents.

  Especially Hinamori's Ultimate Defehat ability had saved him from being bitten in half by Metastacia. Thanks to it, his defense was parable to a Hollow's Hierro or a Quincy's Blut Vene. Metastacia's bite hadn't even broken his skin.

  ...

  "You're quite the diligent bunch," Haruki said, notig the food they brought. "You're only fifth-year students, after all."

  "Your teag is just too good, Haruki-senpai!" Hinamori said gratefully. "As expected of a Squad Five member! I'm definitely joining Squad Five after graduation!"

  "Squad Five is a great choice," Haruki replied, subtly encing them to stick with that decision. Having them in the same squad would allow him more opportuo i and increase their favorability.

  He led them inside and, seeing their eager expressions, began another round of training. Teag them felt natural, as though he instinctively knew what to say and how to guide them.

  However, his Stern Master-Apprentice Bond ability only sted for three days—meaning it would expire by tomorrow night. He couldn't teach them indefinitely; otherwise, they might start to notisistencies.

  While their Zanjutsu forms, Haruki said, "In a few days, I might not have time to tiraining you. But as students, the three of you are already outstanding."

  "So, don't push yourselves too hard... and I have a task for you."

  "A task?" The trio's initial disappoi shifted to curiosity.

  "This involves you, Hinamori," Haruki said, turning to her. "While patrolling Junrin'an today, I met Hitsugaya. Just as you said, he's an exceptionally talented child."

  "I mao vince him to join the Shin'ō Academy. Tomorrow, I'll be taking him there, so I'll need you to look after him."

  "Little Shiro is ing to the academy?!" Hinamori's face lit up with joy. She'd always hoped he'd join her in Seireitei. Hitsugaya's previous indiffereo being a Shinigami had been discing, but Haruki had persuaded him in just one visit.

  "Is this the differeween us and real Shinigami?" she wondered.

  "Hitsugaya?" Kira asked. "The one Hinamori calls her little brother? Is he really that talented?"

  "Beyond talented," Haruki replied with a smirk.

  He knew Kira took pride in being the top student in their css, but pared to Hitsugaya, Kira's abilities fell short.

  Kira frowned. "We'll see just how talented he is."

  "Don't bully Little Shiro!" Hinamori warned, gring at Kira.

  Blushing, Kira quickly defended himself. "I'd never bully a junior!"

  "Actually..." Haruki mused, "if you want to, you should do it early. With his talent, I doubt you'll be able to bully him in four or five years."

  "What?!" The trio stared at him in disbelief.

  "It's true," Haruki said. "Maybe not surpass you, but at the very least, he'll be your equal."

  Iy, Hitsugaya would far surpass them. Acc to the inal story, Hitsugaya mastered Bankai before even graduating from the academy. Within four or five years, he'd be captain-level.

  What kind of monstrous talent is that?

  Most Shinigami struggled for turies to achieve Bankai. Even Ichigo Kurosaki required special training to unlock it. Yet Hitsugaya had done so while casually attending the academy.

  Recalling this, Haruki couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. If he had such talent, decades of hard work might at least grant him the strength to survive the Thousand-Year Blood War.

  Seeing the trio's shocked expressions, Haruki decided not to press further. Everyone had their own strengths; it wasn't worth paring endlessly.

  ...

  That evening's training mirrored the previous night. After a productive session and a meal, the trio left. Favorability was harder to increase at higher levels—Renji's favorability rose from 75 to 76, while Hinamori and Kira reached 70.

  Hurry and reach 80 already! Haruki thought. At 80, he could permaly acquire their abilities.

  Using Ultimate Defense aructive Death Beam earlier had left him without a backup pn. If he entered another eomorrow, he'd be in serious trouble.

  Lying in bed, Haruki couldn't sleep. Deg to be proactive, he got up and headed out, aiming for Distriine.

  ...

  Haruki had a det retionship with Hisagi Shūhei, a fellow graduate. Perhaps he could gain an ability from him.

  The streets were quiet, with only a few Shinigami patrolling. Most cked soul abilities, and those who did had low favorability toward Haruki.

  Quiing his pace, he tioward his destination.