"So, what do you suggest as a punishment?"
"Should I send you to the Punishment Palace for a month, then subject you to double punishment? Or perhaps to the Naraka, for several thousand or tens of thousands of years?"
Byakuya Kuchiki found it difficult to intervene in Kyōraku Callum's actions. Firstly, Kyōraku Callum was one of the few people he could speak to as an equal. Secondly, he still hadn't repaid his debt to Kyōraku Callum, and it was only growing larger.
At this rate, Byakuya Kuchiki felt he might need a lifetime to repay his debt.
"What are your thoughts on Rukia joining the Thirteenth Division after graduation?" Byakuya Kuchiki abruptly changed the subject.
"What thoughts could I have?" Kyōraku Callum replied calmly. "Isn't that your arrangement?"
"Compared to other divisions, the Thirteenth Division is indeed better for honing one's skills, and it's less dangerous. But after this Soul Burial internship, is there no danger in the World of the Living?"
Byakuya Kuchiki was speechless, unsure what to say.
"Just leave it to Rukia," Kyōraku Callum said, unconcerned.
Until the Hollowfication research was complete, Rukia's safety wouldn't be compromised. Moreover, now that he was officially involved in the game, why follow Aizen's plan?
He was ready to try manipulating the flow of events.
The starting point would depend on whether the other party was willing to play.
The Soul Burial internship incident was initially considered a scandal at the Shinigami Academy.
The Academy's higher-ups intended to suppress the information. However, before they could act, the news spread throughout Seireitei.
The Academy's headmaster even inquired with the Ninth Division's communications division, but they denied any involvement.
The widely circulated information consisted of three points:
1. Heavy casualties among the Academy's intern Shinigami, one of the worst incidents in a century.
2. Captain Aizen Sōsuke and Vice-Captain Gin Ichimaru of the Fifth Division, along with Vice-Captain Kyōraku Callum of the Fourth Division, arrived in time to reduce casualties.
3. Information about Vice-Captain Kyōraku Callum: strength comparable to a Captain, a rare space-type Zanpakutō, and swordsmanship praised by Captain Aizen himself.
Kyōraku Callum's name once again entered the minds of the Seireitei Shinigami. The last time they'd heard it was at his graduation. They suddenly realized that within a few years, Kyōraku Callum had transformed from a top graduate into a pillar of the Seireitei!
Second Division.
Suì-Fēng was handling paperwork in the Captain's quarters, reviewing intelligence from the communications division.
"Kyōraku Callum?" she murmured, her slender eyebrows raised, then furrowed. "That villain again! Lately, there's been too much news about him."
Fourth Division.
Kyōraku Callum finished his special training, soundly defeating the Sixth Squad, leaving him feeling refreshed.
A Shinigami approached.
"Vice-Captain, Vice-Captain Nemu Kurotsuchi from the Twelfth Division is here to see you."
"Nemu?" Kyōraku Callum looked puzzled. "What does she want?"
He was quite familiar with the Twelfth Division's vice-captain.
Being an artificial creation of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, she strictly followed his orders.
Therefore, Nemu Kurotsuchi's visit must be on Kurotsuchi's instructions.
What was Kurotsuchi up to now? Kyōraku Callum pondered for a moment, then smiled.
"Let her in."
Under the guidance of a Fourth Division Shinigami, the expressionless Nemu Kurotsuchi approached Kyōraku Callum.
"Vice-Captain Nemu Kurotsuchi, what brings you here?" Kyōraku Callum began politely, but was interrupted.
"Captain Kurotsuchi requests your presence at the Twelfth Division for a research discussion," Nemu Kurotsuchi said, her expression unchanged.
Kyōraku Callum looked troubled. He was certain that a refusal would provoke an attack. Nemu Kurotsuchi's absolute loyalty to Kurotsuchi made his commands her top priority.
He didn't want a fight in the Fourth Division.
"I'll have to go eventually," Kyōraku Callum decided. "Let's go, Vice-Captain Nemu. Lead the way."
Nemu Kurotsuchi's taciturn nature was her most striking characteristic. She'd use as few words as possible.
Twelfth Division barracks.
The moment Kyōraku Callum entered, the atmosphere changed drastically.
Unlike other divisions, the complex mechanical decorations and steel structures made it feel like an industrial age setting.
This wasn't just the Twelfth Division's barracks; it was a research facility for new technologies and tools, founded decades ago by the former Twelfth Division Captain, Kisuke Urahara.
After rescuing Mayuri Kurotsuchi from the Maggot's Nest, he'd been appointed vice-captain and put in charge of the development bureau.
However, Kurotsuchi felt no gratitude.
Following Urahara's defection, Kurotsuchi became Captain of the Twelfth Division, overseeing most research projects.
Almost every member was immersed in their work, ignoring Kyōraku Callum's presence.
Their experiments were clearly more important.
At the deepest point, a large door stood before him, bearing a giant "Forbidden" character written in red ink.
Nemu Kurotsuchi turned, bowing slightly.
"Please wait here. I will inform Captain Kurotsuchi."
Kyōraku Callum nodded, watching her leave.
Most of the Twelfth Division's equipment was highly advanced. Before Nemu Kurotsuchi reached the door, it seemed to recognize her, automatically opening.
After she entered, the door closed again, the red "Forbidden" character reappearing.
Inside, a figure wearing a purple Captain's haori and a strange headdress was bent over a workbench, seemingly working on something.
The workbench was covered in a disturbingly bloody red substance.
"Captain Kurotsuchi, Lieutenant Kyōraku Callum is waiting outside."
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