Kyōraku Callum looked around, noticing several Captains' gazes were fixed on him: the Second, Eighth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Divisions. Even
Kyōraku Callum looked around, noticing several Captains' gazes were fixed on him: the Second, Eighth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Divisions.
Even Jūshirō Ukitake of the Thirteenth Division had his eyes on him.
This was somewhat surprising to Kyōraku Callum. However, noticing their expressions held only curiosity, he didn't overthink it.
Perhaps, due to his long-term illness, Ukitake was simply curious about Kyōraku Callum's recent promotion to vice-captain. Kyōraku Callum had often visited Ukitake with Kyōraku Shunsui when he was younger, and they had always maintained a close and friendly relationship. Ukitake had even suggested he join the Thirteenth Division after graduating from the academy.
Kenpachi Zaraki of the Eleventh Division, however, was openly displaying undisguised battle intent in his gaze. If not for Yamamoto-taichō's presence in the center of the room, Kenpachi Zaraki would likely have already challenged Kyōraku Callum to a fight.
Nothing excited him more than the prospect of battle.
Thump! A heavy knock echoed through the hall, drawing everyone's attention.
"This meeting concerns the recent Hollow attack on two seated officers of the Eleventh Division in the northern Rukongai," Yamamoto-taichō announced, his voice aged yet powerful, a sharp glint in his narrowed eyes.
"A simple attack wouldn't warrant a Captain's meeting. However, based on the seated officers' descriptions, the attacker exhibited characteristics of a Vasto Lorde. I want to hear your opinions on this matter."
The hall fell silent; the Captains largely lacked detailed information about the incident.
Unohana Retsu, her expression calm and serene, spoke softly.
"When treating Third Seat Madarame and Fifth Seat Ayasegawa, their injuries were already approximately a day old. This means they were severely injured and unconscious in the Rukongai for a considerable period before being brought back to Seireitei. Based on their injuries, the attacker possessed overwhelming strength, yet chose not to kill them. It seems more likely they were toying with them, perhaps deriving pleasure from their suffering."
As a renowned healing expert, Unohana Retsu's assessment carried significant weight. Her words prompted thoughtful expressions among the other Captains, Yamamoto-taichō included.
"Oh dear, Yamamoto-ji," Kyōraku Shunsui said, pushing down his hat slightly. "Perhaps we should dispatch a small team to explore the northern Rukongai border. Although two days have already passed, there's still a possibility of finding clues. A Vasto Lorde-class Hollow is no small threat."
Yamamoto-taichō appeared somewhat inclined towards this suggestion, but as Captain-Commander, he had many factors to consider.
"A Vasto Lorde-class Hollow possesses overwhelming power," Jūshirō Ukitake stated, his voice raspy from his chronic illness, yet his concern was evident. "Considering it managed to severely injure Third Seat Madarame and Fifth Seat Ayasegawa, ordinary Shinigami would likely be no match."
Kenpachi Zaraki's face lit up with excitement at Ukitake's words. "Ha! Of course, this is a job for the Eleventh Division! A fight! How could I miss it?" He stepped forward eagerly.
Yamamoto-taichō opened his eyes, his Captain-Commander's aura instantly filling the hall, silencing all other voices.
"Captain Kenpachi, this incident is unsuitable for the Eleventh Division. The target is adept at concealing spiritual pressure and possesses a ferocious temperament. A direct confrontation could result in the complete annihilation of the Shinigami squad.
Furthermore, your personality is not well-suited for reconnaissance missions."
Despite the rejection, Kenpachi Zaraki couldn't openly defy Yamamoto-taichō, only letting out a dismissive snort.
After a moment's reflection, Yamamoto-taichō turned his gaze to Suì-Fēng. His aged voice resonated through the hall. "Captain Suì-Fēng of the Second Division, you will take charge of investigating the Vasto Lorde's appearance in the Rukongai. You have authorization to release your Shikai if necessary."
A wave of surprise rippled across the faces of the assembled Captains.
It was clear that Yamamoto-taichō considered this situation exceptionally grave.
[New check-in mission activated: Please check in at the northern Rukongai border and defeat the first Hōgyoku!]
[Mission reward: Peak Kidō mastery!]
The sudden appearance of this check-in mission caused Kyōraku Callum to feel a pang of exasperation. He had hoped to remain uninvolved, but now he was being forcibly thrust into the situation. There was no avoiding it.
"Yes, Captain-Commander," Suì-Fēng replied, without expressing any dissent.
Investigation was, after all, primarily the Second Division's responsibility. Yamamoto-taichō's concern stemmed solely from the strength of the target.
Just as Yamamoto-taichō was preparing to dismiss the meeting, someone unexpectedly spoke out. All eyes immediately turned towards the source of the interruption.
Kyōraku Callum, his demeanor calm and resolute, stated his case. "Madarame and Ayasegawa were critically injured, nearly losing their lives. As their friend, I feel obligated to assist.
Furthermore, as vice-captain of the Fourth Division, I can provide emergency medical treatment and, if necessary, participate in combat."
Yamamoto-taichō's expression turned thoughtful. Suì-Fēng, too, looked perplexed, her slender eyebrows slightly furrowed as she regarded Kyōraku Callum with a questioning gaze.
"Very well, then. This matter will be handled by Captain Suì-Fēng of the Second Division and Vice-Captain Kyōraku Callum of the Fourth Division," Yamamoto-taichō declared, tapping his cane on the ground, the sound echoing through the hall. The decision was final. He surveyed the assembled Captains.
"The rest of you must remain vigilant, prepared for any crisis! Dismiss!"
The meeting adjourned.
The first person to approach Kyōraku Callum was Suì-Fēng.
"Kyōraku Callum, meet at the Kurogane Gate in one hour. We're proceeding to the northern Rukongai border immediately!" Her tone was strictly businesslike and devoid of any personal inflection.
She didn't even wait for a response, turning and leaving without further ado.
Kyōraku Callum, considering his past actions of repeatedly rubbing her face (over 300 times, to be precise), decided not to dwell on her curt manner.
After Suì-Fēng's departure, another Captain approached.
"I will personally visit the Fourth Division upon your return," Kenpachi Zaraki stated, his voice grim, his fierce expression betraying his eagerness for battle.
He was clearly determined to be involved in the matter.
Following this, Kyōraku Shunsui and Byakuya Kuchiki approached together.
"This is quite unexpected," Kyōraku Shunsui remarked, a note of gravity in his voice. "For someone of your temperament to involve yourself in this…"
Kyōraku Callum chuckled. "If you could easily predict my actions, would I still be myself?"
Kyōraku Shunsui tilted his head in thought for a moment, then smiled.
"True. But do be careful."
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