As members of the Fourth Division, they'd always been at the bottom of the Gotei 13's social hierarchy. Although some had tried to change this, they were ultimately defeated by reality and abandoned their ideals.
Kyōraku Callum surveyed his squad, his tone growing serious.
"It's Kidō! The Fourth Division's greatest strength is Kidō!"
Hanatarō Yamada, seemingly overcoming his shyness, raised his hand. Kyōraku Callum nodded, allowing him to speak.
"Lieutenant Kyōraku, but other divisions also use Kidō. It's just that ours is more refined."
Kyōraku Callum was prepared for this.
"That's right!" he said. "Kidō is a skill most Shinigami possess. But the Fourth Division's mastery of Kidō far surpasses other divisions!"
"And that's our advantage!"
Kyōraku Callum's plan was simple: to improve the Fourth Division's combat skills and Kidō proficiency. Standard Shinigami combat involves four basic techniques: swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, Shunpo, and Kidō. Without a significant difference in spiritual pressure, superior skill determines the victor.
He didn't expect them to reach any extraordinary level. He just wanted them to earn the respect they deserved from other divisions.
"Combat is primary, Kidō is secondary," Kyōraku Callum declared, full of energy. "Fight and heal—holy knights are the best!"
Hanatarō Yamada raised his hand again. "Lieutenant Kyōraku, what are 'holy knights'?"
Kyōraku Callum hesitated, then said, "That's the future name of the 6th Medical Squad! When you earn respect through your strength, you will earn the title of 'holy knight'!"
Kyōraku Callum painted a picture of a bright future, rekindling their enthusiasm. However, incredibly rigorous training awaited them. Hanatarō Yamada was put in charge, pairing members for combat training, while Kyōraku Callum oversaw their progress.
"The key to becoming stronger is conquering pain! Kidō can restore your condition!"
The training continued day after day, and Kyōraku Callum noticed their combat abilities rapidly improving. Under the threat of death, a Shinigami's potential is often greatly unlocked. They progressed from one-on-one sparring to the entire 6th Medical Squad attacking Kyōraku Callum. Although they were always beaten badly, they saw significant progress in their abilities. The 6th Medical Squad's reputation began to grow within the 4th Division.
One year later.
4th Division Captain's Office.
Kyōraku Callum sat opposite Retsu Unohana, sipping tea and admiring the flower arrangement.
"Captain Unohana, you didn't call me here just to show off your new flower arrangement, did you?"
Retsu Unohana smiled. "You're too perceptive, Kyōraku-kun. I have a new mission for you."
Kyōraku Callum sighed, setting down his teacup. "I figured as much. What is it?"
Retsu Unohana gently placed a gentian flower in the arrangement, its beauty striking. Although Kyōraku Callum didn't understand flower arranging, he knew the gentian was the 4th Division's flower, suggesting the mission was related.
"I've been watching the 6th Medical Squad's transformation," she said. "It's time to test them." Her tone grew serious. "Recently, a Soul Society expeditionary force was trapped in Hueco Mundo and unable to return. The Captain-Commander has ordered the Fourth and First Divisions to each send a squad for a joint rescue mission. The Eleventh Division's squad will be led by Madarame Ikkaku. Captain Kyōraku and I have both recommended you."
Kyōraku Callum facepalmed. "Captain Unohana recommending me is understandable. But what's my uncle up to now?!"
Retsu Unohana's smile widened. "Captain Kyōraku said, as your uncle, he needs to test his nephew's mettle. He thinks this is a great opportunity and has high hopes for you!"
Kyōraku Callum took a deep breath. "So, I'm leading the 6th Medical Squad to join Madarame Ikkaku's squad in a Hueco Mundo rescue mission."
Retsu Unohana nodded. "Furthermore, Captain Aizen also approved of your deployment to Hueco Mundo. He mentioned your performance at the Shinigami Academy. He said you are the most talented student he's ever seen, comparable to even Captain Hitsugaya."
Kyōraku Callum's heart pounded, his expression betraying his unease.
"I think life in the Fourth Division suits me better."
[New check-in task issued. Please check in at the Great Forest of Menos and defeat 100 Adjuchas there. Reward: Soul Breakthrough.]
"Ahem, for the stability of Soul Society, I will gladly accept!" Kyōraku Callum's rapid change of heart caused Retsu Unohana's smile to falter slightly.
"It's best that you agreed," she said. "Otherwise, only the 6th Medical Squad would have gone."
After receiving the mission, Kyōraku Callum left Unohana's office with a heavy heart. He understood both Unohana's and his uncle's recommendations.
If it were only them, he wouldn't have much resistance to going to Hueco Mundo. But Aizen's involvement was unsettling.
As the architect of Hueco Mundo, Aizen held absolute authority there. Kyōraku Callum remembered Aizen's special attention at the Shinigami Academy. His approval of this mission raised serious concerns.
"What is Aizen planning?" Kyōraku Callum frowned, considering the possibilities.
5th Division Barracks.
Aizen Sousuke calmly reviewed paperwork. Despite the mountain of documents, his expression remained calm and unperturbed.
"Gin, what are your thoughts on Shinigami Kyōraku Callum?" Aizen suddenly asked, setting down his brush and looking towards the shadows beside him.
"Oh my, it's difficult for me to comment," Gin replied.
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