"You actually pierced through the floor made of murderous stone?"
Looking at the pitch-black gully that appeared on the ground, Unohana-taichō's expression became complex.
The murderous stone barrier is known to block all Reiatsu—a fundamental rule of the Soul Society, known by all. Even captains who have amassed more than two millennia of Reiatsu in their bodies are bound by this stone.
This includes the likes of Yamamoto-sōtaichō and even Unohana-taichō herself.
However, Saikyō, using his unique talent and the fully mastered scimitar cutting technique, managed to pierce the floor of the training hall. As his teacher, Unohana-taichō was understandably shocked, struggling to believe what she had witnessed.
More astonishing was the ease with which Saikyō performed the technique, looking as if it had cost him no effort at all. His casual demeanor only served to deepen Unohana-taichō's amazement.
As the original Kenpachi, Unohana Retsu had once believed that even with her greatest effort, she might not have achieved such a result.
The power of Saikyō's full-level scimitar slash had left a lasting impression on her.
"Perhaps it's luck," Saikyō said with a modest smile as he gazed at the cracks in the marble floor.
In truth, it wasn't luck but the effect of his newly awakened "weakness insight" talent. Just before executing the strike, Saikyō noticed a flaw in the floor. Exploiting that weakness, he struck, leading to the remarkable outcome.
After experiencing the strike firsthand, Saikyō realized how valuable the talent was. It allowed him to see vulnerabilities that even the murderous stone could not protect against.
It was a perfect talent!
"Saikyō-kun, after today's training, I can clearly sense that your talent for Zanjutsu will lead you to great achievements in time," Unohana-taichō said, her words offering the highest form of praise.
Coming from her, a former Kenpachi, this was no small compliment. It meant she recognized his immense potential.
"Thank you, Unohana-taichō. It's only due to your patient guidance that I've made such progress. Please continue to teach me well," Saikyō responded with his usual humility.
"By the way, there's something else I need to inform you about." Unohana-taichō's tone shifted as she prepared to bring up a different matter.
"What is it?" Saikyō asked, curious.
"Word of your joining Squad Four has spread quickly throughout the Gotei 13. If my prediction is correct, the Shinigami Women's Association will likely feature you as the cover character of the next issue of their magazine. It's bound to create quite a stir."
Unohana-taichō's words left Saikyō momentarily speechless.
"The Shinigami Women's Association? Magazine cover?"
What in the world is that?
"It's nothing unusual," Unohana-taichō continued with a rare, playful smile. "Byakuya-kun from the Kuchiki clan was once in a similar position. He was also quite popular with the female Shinigami."
"Pfft!"
Saikyō nearly choked at the thought.
"Byakuya-kun from the Kuchiki clan"—wasn't she referring to the famously stoic, stone-faced Byakuya Kuchiki?
Suddenly, an image of the future Kuchiki-taichō, with his cool and aloof demeanor, flashed through Saikyō's mind.
Of course, at this point in time, Byakuya was just a child, constantly teased by Yoruichi-san, and hadn't yet joined the Gotei 13. His grandfather, Kuchiki Ginrei, was still serving as the captain of the Sixth Division.
An idea popped into Saikyō's head—if the opportunity arose, maybe he'd pay a visit to the Kuchiki family and have a little fun with the younger Byakuya-kun.
"Are you saying that I've become some kind of celebrity, Unohana-taichō?" Saikyō shrugged.
The idea of gaining popularity so quickly after just his first day seemed almost surreal.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it soon enough. After all, I'm also a member of the Shinigami Women's Association," Unohana-taichō added with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"No way, you're part of the fan circle too, Unohana-taichō?" Saikyō was genuinely surprised.
He hadn't expected someone of her stature to be involved in something like this.
Indeed, being admired by Unohana-taichō herself felt like the ultimate achievement.
"That's right. I serve as the vice-president of the association, so I know all about the magazine's inner workings. I even participate in its activities," Unohana-taichō revealed, much to Saikyō's surprise.
"This is too good! Looks like I'll have to work even harder!" Saikyō laughed, feeling a sudden surge of motivation.
Not only did he want to improve his strength, but now, he also wanted to win over Unohana-taichō's admiration as a fan.
"Be prepared, Saikyō-kun. If things go as expected, you'll be a regular feature in the Shinigami Women's Association magazine from now on," Unohana-taichō said with an elegant smile.
Saikyō could only remain speechless.
It seemed that not only strength but appearance mattered as well. Luckily for him, he excelled in both, which explained his swift rise in popularity.
Finally, with the end of their conversation, both Unohana-taichō and Saikyō left the training hall together.
The first day of training had come to a successful conclusion.