"So, what did the Captain-Commander say?" Kyōraku Callum asked tentatively.
Kyōraku Shunsui looked at him strangely. "After confirming you weren't involved, he immediately released you from the Maggot's Nest."
He gazed at the ceiling, his expression distant. "As for the insider… that's not your concern."
Kyōraku Shunsui's attitude made Kyōraku Callum suspicious. He seemed unwilling to involve him further.
"By the way, keep an eye on this," Kyōraku Shunsui said, refilling his sake cup, his expression somewhat subtle. "Rukia has enrolled in the Soul Burial internship.
Gin Ichimaru from the Fifth Division is in charge."
Kyōraku Callum was taken aback.
The situation was unfolding unexpectedly.
"Rukia's participating in the Soul Burial internship? Gin Ichimaru is in charge?!
Who else is participating?"
Kyōraku Shunsui rubbed his slightly curly hair, sighing.
"Goodness, you're making things difficult. If it weren't for you, why would I be paying attention to the Academy's Soul Burial internship?"
Kyōraku Callum was speechless and decided to investigate himself.
"I'll go to the Shinigami Academy," he said, rising to leave.
"One more thing," Kyōraku Shunsui added. "Stay away from the Eleventh Division. Kenpachi Zaraki seems to be looking for you."
Kyōraku Callum sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "Why is everything happening at once? If that battle maniac finds me, I won't be able to get away easily."
It was obvious why Kenpachi Zaraki was looking for him.
And he also had to watch out for Suì-Fēng and her accusations.
After this, he needed to visit the Twelfth Division.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi's interest in him was unsettling.
With such a mad scientist, who knows what might happen if things weren't clarified?
"Alright, let's go to the Shinigami Academy first," Kyōraku Callum decided, rubbing his temples.
He felt the world around him was changing due to his presence.
His existence was beginning to influence events.
He'd helped save Hisana Kuchiki, leading Rukia to join the Kuchiki family earlier than expected.
Byakuya Kuchiki had also been indirectly affected, his personality improving, causing him to assume the role of Sixth Division Captain prematurely.
And now, Rukia, who should have been exempted from the graduation exam and directly assigned to a division, had chosen the Soul Burial internship.
This puzzled and worried Kyōraku Callum. After all, Gin Ichimaru was in charge of this internship!
Shinigami Academy.
As a top graduate, Kyōraku Callum's appearance was well-known throughout the Academy, ensuring his unimpeded entry.
He found Rukia Kuchiki in her old dorm room.
"Oh my god!" Rukia exclaimed, surprised to see him. "Callum, how did you find time to come to the Academy?"
Seeing Rukia's familiar onion-shaped hairstyle, Kyōraku Callum, usually calm, felt a surge of emotion.
"Of course, it's for you!" He unceremoniously ruffled her newly styled hair.
"Hey, you jerk, Callum!" Rukia cried, her joy evaporating.
"That's my hair!"
She threatened to retaliate, but Kyōraku Callum scooped her up and carried her into the dorm.
"Damn it!" Rukia struggled. "I'll surpass you in strength one day!"
Kyōraku Callum placed her on the tatami mat, looking at her intently. Initially, Rukia met his gaze, but as time passed, a blush crept across her face, and steam seemed to rise from her head.
"What... what are you doing here?" she asked, breaking the silence before her ears turned completely red.
Kyōraku Callum smirked inwardly. "Heh, little missy can't handle it, huh?" He cleared his throat. "I heard you enrolled in the Soul Burial internship?"
Rukia, looking bewildered, nodded. "Yeah!"
"You graduated with top marks," Kyōraku Callum said. "How could I let you surpass me?"
Seeing her stubborn gaze, Kyōraku Callum understood her reasoning. He sighed. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Rukia said matter-of-factly, "It was a surprise!"
"If I graduate early with excellent marks, I can close the gap between us, right?" Her voice trailed off. She hadn't planned to say this, but seeing him after so long, her excitement had gotten the better of her.
Kyōraku Callum understood and comforted her. "Don't worry, Rukia. No matter how hard you try, you won't surpass me."
Rukia: "? ? ?" Her earlier joy vanished.
"Damn you, Callum!" she huffed, turning away.
"If you can't surpass me," Kyōraku Callum continued, "then I can protect you forever!"
Rukia's ears instantly turned crimson, steam visibly rising from her head.
"Who... who needs your protection?! You're being presumptuous!"
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