Crack, crack.
The crab-like giant Hollow's movements froze. Its mask began to crack down the middle, shattering into countless spiritual particles that dissipated into the air.
"Wow, quite a few of them," Kyōraku Callum commented.
Two figures emerged from the Senkaimon in the sky. One, clad in a black Shihakusho, wielding a Zanpakutō, wore a bright smile, his eyes narrowed. The other, wearing a white Captain's haori, had a gentle expression, his brown hair and distinctive black-rimmed glasses instantly identifying him.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting," Aizen said, his smile as warm as spring sunshine, calming the intern Shinigami.
The two descended from the sky.
"Oh, Kyōraku Callum," Gin Ichimaru quickly noticed Kyōraku Callum in the distance, a smile playing on his lips. "I didn't expect to see you here.
What a coincidence!"
Kyōraku Callum returned the smile. "It is rather coincidental. I just arrived."
Gin Ichimaru's smile turned dangerous. "Then it seems we're fated. If it weren't for Rukia's safety…"
Kyōraku Callum, seemingly oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, sighed. "I wouldn't easily use the Senkaimon at my family home."
Gin Ichimaru was momentarily speechless, unsure how to proceed. He'd planned to use Soul Society regulations to reprimand Kyōraku Callum, but the current situation…
Damn it! This rotten noble class system!
"Let's discuss that later," Aizen interrupted. "We still have numerous giant Hollows to deal with."
He maintained his facade perfectly in front of everyone. The interns felt immense gratitude towards the Captain who had saved them at this critical moment.
"Let me handle them all at once," Aizen stepped forward, facing the Hollows. "My Zanpakutō can induce internal conflict among enemies. I'll take care of this." He took full responsibility for the battle.
As Aizen spoke, Kyōraku Callum finally understood the true purpose of this Soul Burial internship! Aizen's target wasn't anyone else, but him, Kyōraku Callum!
He'd sent word to him about Rukia's participation in the internship—even if Kyōraku Shunsui hadn't, he would have learned through other channels.
This was to lure Kyōraku Callum to the World of the Living, to protect Rukia while witnessing Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai.
"Manipulating people's minds with such skill," Kyōraku Callum thought, impressed. "Truly worthy of Aizen!"
He looked towards Aizen, who was also gazing at him with a gentle expression.
Aizen held his Zanpakutō, blade pointing downwards, and said calmly, "Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu!"
A light chime echoed from the blade, and blue light, like ripples of water, bloomed across its surface. Aizen's spiritual pressure instantly enveloped the entire city.
Anyone who saw the blue light fell under his control, Kyōraku Callum included.
Under the influence of the illusion, the giant Hollows began to fight amongst themselves.
Aizen spoke calmly, "The Hollows are now engaged in internal conflict."
Kyōraku Callum drew his own Zanpakutō, smiling. "Let's finish this quickly. I fear things might change."
"Freeze space, Shiga!"
A blood-red, exceptionally long Zanpakutō appeared in Kyōraku Callum's hand.
The instantly frozen space surprised Aizen.
"A remarkable Shikai ability," Aizen commented.
Mugen. Saisetsu! Countless sword beams erupted, transforming into a blizzard of blades that struck the sluggish giant Hollows.
Splash, splash— Numerous wounds erupted on the giant Hollows, spraying blood like fountains. The scene was incredibly bloody.
The onlookers, captivated by the sword beams, didn't notice the faint red light emanating from Kyōraku Callum's Zanpakutō, enveloping him.
Time Rewind! To counter Kyōka Suigetsu, Kyōraku Callum had considered various strategies. When he accidentally realized that different Shikai releases of Shiga allowed him to use all its abilities, his anxiety finally subsided.
Rewinding time was the perfect counter to Kyōka Suigetsu.
By reverting his state to one minute prior, Kyōka Suigetsu's hypnotic effect was nullified.
Aizen didn't mind Kyōraku Callum's interference. His objective was achieved; the process was immaterial.
"Remarkable swordsmanship," Aizen acknowledged Kyōraku Callum's strength, further solidifying his satisfaction with his decision. "What will you do now that you're back on the board?"
Aizen's gaze lingered on Kyōraku Callum, the reflection in his glasses giving him an air of wisdom.
Kyōraku Callum's power was vividly displayed before the intern Shinigami, transforming their jealousy into awe and admiration.
Jealousy arises when the gap is small, but disappears when the gap becomes insurmountable.
"That's Vice-Captain Kyōraku's power?"
He cut down the giant Hollows with a single strike!
"Terrifying!"
"His strength rivals even the Captains!"
In Soul Society, Seireitei, at the Shinigami Academy…
Someone had to take the blame for the unexpected events during the Soul Burial internship. Due to the numerous casualties, the personnel responsible for scouting the location were imprisoned in the underground cells.
Shinigami knew that those who entered rarely returned.
As for Kyōraku Callum's unauthorized trip to the World of the Living, Byakuya Kuchiki, head of the Kuchiki family, was responsible.
After a verbal warning to Kyōraku Callum, the matter was concluded.
Kuchiki Manor, Noble District.
"Byakuya, are you sure about this?" Kyōraku Callum savored the high-quality sake reserved for the Four Noble Families, a look of pure enjoyment on his face.
"This high-grade sake is the only thing worthy of being called sake!"
Byakuya Kuchiki, maintaining his cold demeanor, revealed his helplessness in his tone.
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