An unsettling feeling enveloped Toshiro as he regained consciousness. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but his instincts rarely deceived him. Attempting to open his eyes, he discovered they wouldn't budge. (Don't panic.) The captain of the 10th division took a moment to steady himself. Gradually, he tested his body's movements but found they were not responding as they should, leaving him with an unsettling feeling that something was amiss. His logical mind kicked in, attempting to understand the situation. If his body couldn't respond, there was only one hope for answers. He delved deep into his mind, reaching out to Hyōrinmaru, but received no response. The spirit of the ice dragon, his trusted companion, had vanished. It was at that precise moment when Tōshirō Hitsugaya realized that something had gone terribly wrong.
A sense of dread washed over him, threatening to consume him, but he quickly quelled it and refused to let it take control. (Don't panic,) he reminded himself, though the concern in his voice was palpable. The situation was dire, but he couldn't afford to lose his composure. As he analyzed what had happened, he considered the terrible possibilities that raced through his mind, but he pushed them aside, focusing on the facts. Someone had sealed his eyes, leaving him in disarray, and cunningly stole his Zanpakutō without him noticing. Despite the seemingly hopeless scenario, Toshiro Hitsugaya's determination burned bright. He wouldn't give in to despair; he was a Captain for a reason. With unyielding resolve, he vowed to fight back or die trying.
The first thing Toshiro did was take stock of what remained at his disposal. With his eyes and body rendered useless, he delved into his spiritual power, only to find it barely there. They had even drained his reiryoku, leaving him feeling disheartened yet unsurprised. The level of vigilance displayed by the perpetrator reminded him of a certain traitor he knew all too well. A shudder ran through Toshiro's body as he pondered the gravity of the situation. Which was worse - the potential escape of Aizen from his confinement, or the unsettling possibility that someone else, perhaps as dangerous as the traitor, was behind this calculated attack?
The decision didn't take long for Toshiro to make – Aizen's escape would be the more dreadful scenario, for he couldn't envision anything as terrifying as the perfect hypnosis of Kyouka Suigetsu having an equal. The haunting memory of stabbing his childhood friend replayed in his mind, intensifying his fears.
However, he couldn't shake the doubt that this situation might not be the doing of that traitor. While he acknowledged that Aizen's escape from his prison was possible, the idea that it happened without anyone's notice seemed improbable. Furthermore, Toshiro knew the level of arrogance that Aizen possessed, making it unlikely for him to undertake such a covert act.
The realization that he might not be confronting the traitor this time bolstered Toshiro's confidence ever so slightly. While his adversary could still be formidable, the absence of Aizen in the equation gave him a faint glimmer of hope. He acknowledged that his current condition was precarious, and it might even seem arrogant to hold onto such thoughts. Nevertheless, Toshiro welcomed the prospect of facing anyone else over Aizen any day. The memory of his past encounters with the traitor loomed large in his mind, reminding him of the terrifying power of Kyouka Suigetsu's perfect hypnosis. Despite his weakened condition, the mere possibility of facing a different adversary renewed his resolve to fight back and find a way out of this predicament.
A plan began to take shape in Toshiro's mind, unfolding slowly and methodically. With little else he could do, for now, waiting became his only option, and he embraced it willingly. He knew that patience would be his greatest asset as he kept an eye out for any opportune moment. The unfolding events and the state of his condition would dictate his next moves, and he understood the necessity of planning his actions with utmost care. Should this new adversary prove as dangerous as he suspected, he couldn't afford to make any mistakes. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him, and he was determined to remain vigilant and cautious, ready to seize any chance to regain control and navigate his way out of this precarious situation.
Fortune seemed to favor Toshiro as he soon began to feel something happening to his body. Before he could fully comprehend it, his vision was assaulted by a blinding light. It was clear that someone had unsealed his eyes, presenting both an opportunity and a potential threat.
Suppressing the urge to react impulsively, he chose to observe his surroundings first, cautious of any potential threats. The captain of the 10th division steeled himself to seize any opportunity that arose, but he was also mindful of the consequences of hasty actions. In this perilous situation, he knew that acting with prudence and foresight was the key to finding a way out.
Toshiro's senses alerted him to the fact that he was being carried, and the sheer size of the captor's hand hinted at a formidable opponent. Gathering his wits, he adjusted his plan to handle this unknown situation with caution. Struggling to adjust to the intense light, he took a moment to let his vision adapt. As clarity returned, he discovered himself in a room, and his gaze fell upon the person carrying him. The first thing that struck him was the individual's gigantic size, far beyond that of an ordinary person, and the second was their attire, resembling that of a medical professional. This puzzling discovery added to the mystery surrounding his predicament, and Toshiro's mind buzzed with questions as he contemplated how to proceed.
Examining the person holding him, Toshiro noticed two distinct aspects. Firstly, he surmised that the individual was probably a woman, and secondly, she didn't exhibit the traits of a seasoned fighter. As an experienced combatant, Toshiro could read the subtle signs that distinguished fighters from non-fighters – their gaze, movements, posture, and the energy they exuded. Even those who relied on long-range abilities had a distinct aura. Barring the possibility that this woman was exceptionally skilled at concealing her true nature, Toshiro was almost certain she was not a skilled fighter.
The woman looked at him, seemingly observing him, and Toshiro met her gaze unwaveringly. He could sense her surprise, but her expression soon shifted, and even behind the face mask, Toshiro could discern a smile. Breaking eye contact, the woman turned her attention elsewhere. "Congratulations, Momoe-san. The twins were born healthy."
Toshiro's mind briefly froze as he attempted to process this startling revelation. (What... did she just say?)