Kyōraku Callum nodded. "Anything happen?"
Kyōraku Shunsui paused, then smiled. "Why would you ask that?"
Kyōraku Callum scoffed. "Even if you're resting, you shouldn't be at home. Besides, it's work hours."
Kyōraku Shunsui's smile remained, but he raised his sake cup. "I was waiting for you. I wanted to thank you on Hitsugaya's behalf. Thank you for bringing Asido back."
Leaving the noble district, Kyōraku Callum returned to the Fourth Division and met Unohana Retsu.
"Callum, you're finally back," Unohana Retsu said, a gentle smile on her face.
Her tension visibly eased. "I was worried about losing a friend for kendo practice. I'm glad you're back." She offered a plausible reason for her relief.
Kyōraku Callum smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, Captain Unohana. I value my life."
After a brief exchange, Unohana Retsu inquired about the Hueco Mundo rescue mission details. Except for Nelliel's situation, Kyōraku Callum told her everything.
While the 6th Medical Squad obeyed him implicitly, the Eleventh Division wouldn't. Keeping secrets was nearly impossible.
Unohana Retsu listened and took notes; a report would be necessary due to the mission's sensitive nature. Kyōraku Callum waited quietly, sensing she had more to say.
After finishing her notes, Unohana Retsu looked at Kyōraku Callum, her gaze soft. "Callum, rest today. Tomorrow, you need to go to the Eleventh Division barracks with me. The Captain-Commander wants to discuss something with you."
Kyōraku Callum was surprised. "So suddenly?"
Unohana Retsu hesitated. "The discussion likely concerns the Arrancar and Hollows encountered in Hueco Mundo."
Kyōraku Callum nodded. "Nnoitra? I understand." He guessed Yamamoto's purpose: his strength and information about Hueco Mundo.
He'd face it head-on. He was a positive figure: a top graduate of the Shinigami Academy, a unique lieutenant who changed the Fourth Division's atmosphere, and a high-class noble. The Captain-Commander had no reason to attack him.
After greeting Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Kyōraku Callum returned to the 6th Squad barracks. He hadn't entered his Zanpakutō space since his Soul Breakthrough.
Danger and battles were constant in Hueco Mundo. The Zen state after his spiritual pressure amplification still haunted him. Running out of spiritual pressure in Hueco Mundo would leave him vulnerable.
There was also someone else to consider: Captain of the Fifth Division, Aizen Sōsuke. He doubted the fight with Nnoitra happened without Aizen's interference.
The Great Forest of Menos was a nest for Gillians and lower-level Hollows. Even Adjuchas only maintained order there; Espada-level Hollows were rare. Dozens of Runugangas had sent them there, followed by ambushes and an Espada. Was it all coincidence?
Kyōraku Callum sat cross-legged, his gaze as deep as the stars. After organizing his thoughts, he began his Zen meditation. After Hueco Mundo, his vigilance had increased. As long as Aizen hadn't revealed his intentions, extra caution was necessary. He set up Kidō around his barracks to detect intruders.
With everything prepared, he entered his Zanpakutō space. The scenery was unchanged.
"Wait, something's different!" As Kyōraku Callum ascended the Staircase of Time, everything slowly changed. The distorted clockwork space reappeared. The ticking of clocks echoed throughout the space. With each step, another layer of clocks appeared, and his spiritual pressure limit increased slightly. Every step brought a boost!
Kyōraku Callum eyed the Time Throne. How strong will I be if I complete it? That was a distant goal. He'd finish today's climb first.
Thump... thump... A dull rhythm echoed in the Zanpakutō space, blending with the ticking clocks.
Kyōraku Callum exited the space, a satisfied smile on his face. "Time Stop increased to seven seconds. Time Rewind consumption reduced by one-fifth. Spatial Stasis power enhanced!"
[Ding! A new check-in task has been issued. Please check in at the Nest of Maggots and subdue all prisoners.]
[Task Reward: Shunpo Mastery!]
The unexpected task surprised Kyōraku Callum.
"Nest of Maggots?!" He frowned. "Isn't that where dangerous individuals are held? Why a check-in task related to the Nest of Maggots?"
Through past check-in tasks, Kyōraku Callum had learned that the tasks were often related to upcoming events.
And now...
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