Itachi was already awake the following day and was en route to the headquarters of the tenth squad, where Toshiro awaited his arrival in order to commence their collaborative efforts in procuring his zanpakuto.
The young Uchiha harbored hope that this endeavor would not consume a significant amount of time. Furthermore, he had begun experiencing auditory perceptions, which he speculated originated from his zanpakuto.
Internally addressing the voice, Itachi pondered, 'If you are attempting to communicate with me, kindly enlighten me of your designation.' To his inquiry, the zanpakuto responded in a resonant, feminine timbre, 'In due time, you shall ascertain my identity.' This retort prompted Itachi to arch an eyebrow in bemusement, but he promptly dismissed the matter from his thoughts as he arrived at the tenth squad quarters.
Itachi proceeded to knock on the door, alerting Toshiro to his presence. In response, Toshiro's voice emanated from the opposite side, commanding, 'Enter.' Following the directive, Itachi ventured inside.
Itachi closed the door behind him once he was fully inside. "Good morning, Captain Hitsuyagya," he greeted with a slight bow. He observed as Toshiro was about to speak when a woman with strawberry blond hair, crystal blue eyes, and a noticeably ample bosom interrupted him.
"Damn it, Rangiku, must you do this right in front of someone?" Toshiro inquired with an annoyed tone, giving her a stern look. His lieutenant moved away with a giggle.
"Apologies, captain, but I simply wanted to get a better look at the new captain," Rangiku explained, gazing at Itachi who responded with a raised eyebrow.
"My, you are handsome," Rangiku complimented, releasing her captain and walking towards the young man. "I am Rangiku Matsumoto, lieutenant of squad ten," she introduced herself with a smile.
Itachi couldn't help but glance at Toshiro over Rangiku's shoulder. "She's always like this; consider yourself fortunate to have Izuru," Toshiro remarked. Itachi nodded in understanding and turned his attention back to Rangiku. "I am Itachi Uchiha," he introduced himself with a small smile.
Toshiro addressed Rangiku, "Do you have any plans to bother Shuhei?" he inquired, with Rangiku responding by flashing a grin. "Very well, I will leave for the time being," Rangiku stated, making her way towards the door. She bid farewell to Itachi with a wink, saying, "See you later, Itachi."
After Rangiku had left and closed the door, Toshiro let out a sigh. "Don't pay too much attention to her, she's always flirtatious," Toshiro remarked as he turned back to Itachi, who nodded in response.
"In any case, are you ready to attempt to connect with your zanpakuto?" Toshiro asked as he stood up and guided Itachi out of the office.
Itachi followed him, affirming, "Yes, Captain." He thought that he should inform Toshiro that he had indeed heard his zanpakuto's voice to some extent.
"I don't know if you need to be aware of this, but I did hear someone whispering in my mind," Itachi revealed.
Toshiro glanced back at Itachi and nodded. "Yes, that information is helpful, thank you," the captain with white hair replied as he continued walking. "It could be your zanpakuto reaching out to you now that you are aware of its existence."
Speaking as they stopped outside in a vast courtyard, Toshiro mentioned that it became a bit easier and faster to accomplish. Itachi followed suit and nodded.
As Itachi stood behind the tenth captain, he inquired, 'What should I do?' while observing Toshiro turning to face him. Toshiro replied, 'Sit down and attempt to enter a meditative state.' Toshiro proceeded to sit down and positioned his legs underneath him.
The young Uchiha mimicked Toshiro's sitting position and asked, 'So, all I have to do is close my eyes and meditate?' Itachi found this task rather uncomplicated.
'Indeed, it may take some time or even days to connect with your Zanpakuto, but we are in no rush,' Toshiro remarked. 'We will engage in this process every two hours and then take breaks to relax before starting again.' Itachi nodded in agreement.
Taking a deep breath, Itachi closed his eyes and sincerely wished, 'If you are present and still willing to communicate with me, please make your presence known,' as he directed his thoughts towards his Zanpakuto.
After a period of time, Itachi opened his eyes upon hearing the female voice that had previously addressed him. 'Welcome, Master Itachi,' the woman calmly spoke as if carried by the wind.
Itachi glanced around in search of the woman, and his gaze fell upon a captivating figure standing before him. The woman possessed long white hair with streaks of gray, pale blue eyes, a fair complexion, and adorned herself with long golden earrings.
'Are you my Zanpakuto?' Itachi inquired as he rose to his feet, carefully observing his surroundings. 'And where is Captain Hitsuyagya?' Itachi realized he was no longer in the squad courtyard but instead found himself in a vast meadow adorned with a few trees and a multitude of flowers swaying in the breeze.
'My name is Kaze Megami, and indeed, I am your Zanpakuto, at least in your Shikai form,' the woman responded as she gracefully descended towards him. 'Only you have the ability to perceive my presence, as you are currently within your own mind,' she explained.
Itachi attentively listened to Kaze Megami. 'How long have you been with me? I did not notice your presence until now.'
Kaze Megami observed her master with a slight smile," Well, because we have the ability to choose when and how we communicate our presence to you," she explained, approaching Itachi's location. "And what must I do in order to engage in conversation with you?" Itachi inquired.
Curiously, Itachi directed his attention towards his zanpakuto. "And why do you take the form of a woman?" he asked. He found it intriguing, as he had not previously considered that a sword could possess a gender or physical appearance.
Kaze Megami emitted a soft laugh in response to Itachi's question. "You see, we zanpakuto have the capability to manifest ourselves in any form of our choosing, including animals," she revealed, her blue eyes shimmering.
Playfully, Kaze Megami teased Itachi, "But you're an Uchiha, I thought you were meant to be intelligent." The remark caused Itachi to blush and glare at her. "Very amusing," he retorted.
Itachi couldn't help but roll his eyes at his zanpakuto's shifting demeanor. One moment she was affectionate, and the next she found humor in his expense. "In any case, what must I do to establish a cooperative relationship with you?" he inquired.
Kaze Megami inquired, gazing at Itachi, 'Why do you desire to collaborate with me?' As she rested her hand on the hilt of her katana, which was sheathed on her left hip.
"Is there a specific motive for our teamwork?" Itachi questioned his zanpakuto, met with her piercing blue eyes. "Certainly, there is. If we are unable to cooperate as ordinary individuals rather than engaging in conflict against one another," responded Kaze Megami.
"I aspire for a level playing field, similar to how most Soul Reapers are with their zanpakuto," Kaze Megami asserted, capturing Itachi's attention. "I suppose you have a valid point in that regard," he conceded.
A smile spread across the white-haired woman's face. "See? It is not so difficult to collaborate with me," she remarked, her eyes aglow with warmth. Then, adopting a more serious tone, she inquired, "So, tell me, what is it that you require my assistance for?"
Itachi fixed his gaze upon Kaze Megami, his expression serious. "I yearn for your, no, I need your help to attain the position of captain," he began.
And I am willing to comply with your desires, seeking your assistance as we collaborate on our journey. Furthermore, my objective is to strengthen myself in order to safeguard those in my proximity and undergo a transformation in my behavior." Itachi expressed while maintaining his gaze upon Kaze Megami, who remained motionless and silent.
Upon witnessing the woman's contemplative blinking, Itachi observed as she inquired, exhibiting perplexity, "So, your intention is to alter your previous conduct?"
"Yes, indeed. I am determined to abandon my former ways, aspiring to employ my abilities in order to shield those who hold significance in my life," Itachi responded firmly, never breaking eye contact with the woman who acknowledged him with a nod.
Kaze Megami briefly closed her eyes, absorbing Itachi's words. Subsequently, she reopened them, providing her affirmation, "Very well, I shall become your zanpakuto, which implies that you will engage in training with me to comprehend my capabilities."
Itachi couldn't help but display a faint smile of gratitude. "Thank you, Kaze Megami, I shall-" he began, only to be interrupted by his zanpakuto, who interjected, "There is no need for gratitude. Now, proceed to take a respite, and later, we shall address the remaining matters."