In the heart of their conversation, Isshin paused his meticulous examination of the Zanpakuto's hilt to address his father's earlier mention.

"It's a magnificent relic, Father. By the way, what exactly is a Zanpakuto?" he inquired, his gaze shifting from the hilt to his father.

"Oh, I didn't explain that yet, did I? A Zanpakuto is the primary weapon of a Shinigami, just as Quincy wield bows," Jinpachi explained succinctly, refraining from delving into the depths of lore due to his limited time.

Now, however, it was time for Jinpachi to deliver unexpected news to his son, and he did so with a degree of solemnity. "Isshin, starting today, you will be living on your own for a few months. I understand it's sudden, but rest assured, your mother and I have arranged for you to stay with a human friend of mine. We've taken care of everything."

Isshin processed this revelation calmly, refraining from causing a commotion, as he understood that his father had made careful preparations for his temporary solo living situation.

"Why, and where?" he inquired, seeking clarification.

Jinpachi responded with reassurance, "It's nothing major, just a business trip for me, your mother, and Ichiro. We'll be in America for a month. During that time, you'll stay with my friend, who owes me quite a sum of yen. He has ample resources, and if you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to contact me, and I'll handle them."

Furthermore, Jinpachi divulged another piece of crucial information. "Additionally, Isshin, I've moved numerous manuals and books related to combat techniques used by Shinigami. In other words, your mother's books. They contain hundreds of teachings."

This revelation brought a smile to Isshin's face. "Now, I have plenty to occupy my time without any interruptions," he thought, clenching his fist in anticipation of the opportunity to grow stronger with a clear path ahead.

Jinpachi added a final, heartfelt note of encouragement before taking his leave. "And one more thing, Isshin. From now on, try to communicate with your sword or hilt every three to four hours. I want you to finish learning everything within those books and train daily. I expect significant progress from you, son."

Isshin's response was resolute, tears welling in his eyes as he felt overwhelmed by his determination to prove himself. "I will surpass anyone who stands in my way, Father. I promise to become the strongest."

Jinpachi smiled with a mixture of thrill and satisfaction, standing just outside Isshin's room, acknowledging his son's declaration. As a Quincy and, more importantly, as a father, he, too, was overcome with emotions, though he chose to express them only through his smile.

With a sense of purpose, Isshin muttered to himself, "It's time to meditate." He settled into a cross-legged position, the Zanpakuto hilt resting on his legs. Ignoring the distractions and extraneous thoughts around him, he delved deep into meditation, sinking into a state of profound focus.

"So you must be the new inheritor of mine, I miss Akira but you are his son. That will also work well, you have potential but what should be our relationship?"

During his meditation, he felt a gradual strengthening of his bond with the hilt, like the inexorable pull of a magnet. And then, the voice of a woman resonated in his mind, belonging to the Zanpakuto, bombarding him with a barrage of perplexing questions. This connection was a testament to the hilt's longstanding presence in his mother's clan.

The woman's voice, seductive as a drug, was met with Isshin's serious and sincere tone as he addressed her directly, breaking the tense silence that had fallen between them.

"I can hear you, but I can't see you. Is it because I'm not ready, or is it due to my limitations?" Isshin inquired straightforwardly, dispelling the awkward, icy tension with his genuine question.

The woman replied, "Jeez, you are... Never mind. It's simple; you're weak. Second, I didn't view you as a worthy candidate. Lastly, this is our first encounter." Her words conveyed a neutrality, neither too friendly nor overtly hostile.

Seeking feedback, Isshin asked, "So, for a first attempt, how was it? Great, good, fine, or just okay compared to previous inheritors?"

The woman offered her assessment, "Honestly, you did exceptionally well. Most inheritors take between two to fifty years to establish and sustain this initial contact with me." She paused momentarily before concluding with an air of arrogance, "But don't assume this alone makes you worthy of me, brat."

Playing along with her, Isshin responded with mock reverence, "Yes, my princess."

Before their connection broke, Isshin expressed his last words to her, saying, "It was a pleasure talking with you."

Meanwhile, in the woman's world:

"KYyaaaaa!!!!" she screamed with delight, finally releasing the pent-up excitement and intensity she had been suppressing to create a strong, lasting impression on Isshin. Had he still been present, her antics might have taken an even more intriguing turn.

"He was so cute and adorable! Ahh!" She hugged herself in delight, her mannerisms revealing an unusually obsessive side. "I want to hug him. Haaa!" She fell to her knees in enthusiasm.

A second voice interjected, teasing her, "If you want him so badly, why put on a tough act?"

Back with Isshin:

"That took quite a while. I need to eat. I'm exhausted," he admitted, finding it challenging to stand up after hours of meditation.