From the shadows cast by the dim light, a young man emerged, clad in a wide haori. His short, ear-length unusual silver hair framed a face with narrow, slightly narrowed eyes that concealed his expression.
Gin Ichimaru, speaking in a Kyoto dialect, slowly said, "After all, I've only met him a few times. The only thing I can say for certain is that Kyōraku Callum is exceptionally talented."
A slight smile touched Aizen's lips after hearing Gin Ichimaru's assessment; his glasses reflected the cold light.
"Even you think so? It seems my plan is sound. Let's hope this Hueco Mundo trip yields useful information."
Night fell, the moon silent. Shinigami still moved through the Seireitei streets. Kyōraku Callum, having left the Fourth Division, headed towards the Eighth Division barracks.
"Yo, Callum's here," Kyōraku Shunsui said, setting down a rather racy magazine and looking at his nephew. "Nanao, get Callum some calming tea. What's the big emergency at this hour?"
Only the three of them were in the room. Kyōraku Callum didn't bother maintaining appearances. He plopped down opposite Kyōraku Shunsui, grabbed the teacup, and drained it in one gulp.
"I'm heading to Hueco Mundo tomorrow," he said. "Any last words of wisdom?"
Kyōraku Shunsui looked at his nephew with an odd smile. "What's your real plan? The Kyōraku family legacy rests on my shoulders. Aren't you worried about me getting into trouble in Hueco Mundo?"
Kyōraku Callum retorted, exasperated. He couldn't understand his uncle's motives; Kyōraku Shunsui had offered questionable advice more than once.
"To succeed me as head of the family, you need some experience. Your actions in the Fourth Division have angered some old-timers in the family."
Surprisingly, this wasn't Kyōraku Shunsui's idea.
"Those old geezers whose lifespans are almost over?" Kyōraku Callum thought, picturing several elderly figures.
Kyōraku Shunsui nodded wearily. "While I'm the head of the family and make most decisions, the succession requires their approval. These old-timers don't want a weakling as the next Kyōraku head. This Hueco Mundo mission is to prove your strength to them."
Kyōraku Callum frowned; everything was piling up at once. Logically, those old men should be asleep due to their weakening souls. Why were they suddenly awake?
As the first rays of sunlight touched the Seireitei, Kyōraku Callum had already assembled the 6th Medical Squad.
"Everyone, our special training has lasted a year," Kyōraku Callum addressed them, his gaze serious. "You've all seen the changes in yourselves. You're far stronger than a year ago. Now it's time to prove your progress!"
The 6th Medical Squad looked at each other, excitement evident.
"Captain Unohana gave me a mission yesterday," Kyōraku Callum said, his expression unreadable. He explained the Hueco Mundo rescue mission. To his satisfaction, they showed no fear. Their gazes were firm and resolute.
"A year of hard work wasn't wasted," he said.
Isane Kotetsu smiled faintly. Kyōraku Callum had spent the year beating up his squad members; he hadn't done much else.
"Then let's go! We'll meet up with the Eleventh Division!"
Led by Kyōraku Callum, the twelve members of the 6th Medical Squad set off for the Eleventh Division. A year ago, they numbered thirty-six. As the training intensified, most were transferred to other squads. Those remaining were naturally talented, especially in Kidō.
Eleventh Division.
Madarame Ikkaku was selecting his team members.
"Yumichika, you're coming too."
Yumichika Ayasegawa smiled triumphantly. "It seems you still need the help of someone as beautiful as myself!"
Madarame Ikkaku's temples throbbed as he tried to ignore the narcissistic boast. If not for the fact that Yumichika Ayasegawa was the strongest in the Eleventh Division besides the captain and lieutenant, he wouldn't have chosen him.
Slap slap!
"Little bald head, good luck!" Yachiru Kusajishi appeared above Madarame Ikkaku's head, her pink hair cascading down. Her bright eyes sparkled with joy. She patted his head vigorously. "Little Kenpachi and I will be waiting for you back in the Seireitei."
Madarame Ikkaku's anger flared, but he couldn't retaliate. As a bald man, he hated having his head patted. Yachiru Kusajishi, as lieutenant, seemed to enjoy it.
"If you pat my head again, I'll cut you!" Madarame Ikkaku roared.
Yachiru Kusajishi leaped off his shoulder and ran towards the barracks, giggling.
Slap!
"Yo, Ikkaku, ready?"
Madarame Ikkaku drew his Zanpakutō, whirling around. He was about to carve the person who dared pat his head into mincemeat, but froze upon seeing who it was. He couldn't raise his Zanpakutō.
"What's with that expression?" Kyōraku Callum asked, puzzled.
"N-nothing," Madarame Ikkaku stammered, realizing it was Kyōraku Callum. He immediately softened his stance. While he enjoyed challenging strong opponents, he didn't enjoy being beaten. He knew the vast difference in strength between himself and Kyōraku Callum—an insurmountable gap.
"I smell the scent of a strong warrior," a voice said. Yachiru Kusajishi and Kenpachi Zaraki had appeared.
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