After reviving that death warrior, Ichiro had nothing more to do with the matter. He rested briefly in Squad 1 before returning to Squad 4 with the captain. He had also taken leave from the academy; at least until this matter was resolved, there was no chance he would be allowed to leave Squad 4.
Over the next few days, Ichiro quietly remained in Squad 4, studying Kido and Kaido while practicing his swordsmanship. His days were incredibly fulfilling. During that time, he also received messages from Urahara and Yoruichi. Though they had likewise been attacked, both were fortunately unharmed.
Urahara had had it worse. Several counterfeit captain-class opponents had pursued him, and even after he fled all the way to Rukongai, he had been unable to shake them off. Left with no choice, he had used his Bankai and ultimately wiped them all out.
However, he was still staying in Rukongai. In his reply, he said he had found some interesting things and needed to remain there for a while, telling them not to worry.
Issho was also safely staying at the academy. Clearly, after the last incident, Shino Academy had greatly strengthened its defenses. It was no longer somewhere just anyone could easily infiltrate.
Once he learned they were safe, Ichiro finally set his mind at ease and threw himself wholeheartedly back into his research.
His main focus was his Zanpakuto, Flame Sparrow. Ichiro had very high expectations for Flame Sparrow—extremely high!
After evolving several times, its release command had also changed, and its power had increased dramatically. At first, it had merely wrapped the blade in a layer of flames, and the temperature had not been particularly high.
But now, the flames had reached temperatures exceeding a thousand degrees Celsius, and their explosive force had also been