"So, what are your thoughts?" Shiba Kūkaku asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze soft and warm on Kyōraku Callum. K
"So, what are your thoughts?" Shiba Kūkaku asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze soft and warm on Kyōraku Callum.
Kyōraku Callum considered this carefully.
"As a man, it's difficult to refuse such an offer. However, I want to respect Miss Kūkaku's decision. And you both know about Rukia Kuchiki."
Despite the temptation, Kyōraku Callum decided to be completely honest. While he was pleased, he also considered others' feelings. He wasn't the type to seize every beautiful thing he saw.
Like flowers in a garden—is it not overly domineering to pluck them for one's own enjoyment? The principle is simple, but few can truly adhere to it.
Kyōraku Callum was fortunate to remain true to his heart.
Shiba Isshin's response, however, was unexpected. "Haha, I've already discussed this with Kūkaku. We wouldn't force her to marry someone she doesn't like. You young people should decide."
Kyōraku Callum looked at Shiba Kūkaku, who was still intently watching him, but her expression had changed. She smiled serenely.
"I'm glad you were honest with me. As for the arranged marriage, perhaps we could try to develop our feelings?"
Her last sentence was a question.
Kyōraku Callum instinctively asked, "How?"
"Isshin and I submitted Kūkaku's application to join the Fourth Division to Captain Unohana yesterday.
If all goes well, Kūkaku will become a member of the Fourth Division," Kyōraku Shunsui interjected.
Kyōraku Callum felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead.
"Unohana-taichō didn't chop you up?"
Kyōraku Shunsui looked surprised. "What do you mean? Does my position as Captain of the Eighth Division mean nothing? Even if Captain Unohana had a… past, she's much more restrained now. Don't worry, Captain Unohana will agree."
Shiba Isshin also explained, "Kūkaku is exceptionally skilled in Kidō. Even Kaien is no match for her."
Shiba Kaien scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed. "That's true. Kūkaku has always had an exceptional talent for Kidō."
This explanation completely missed the point. Kyōraku Callum sighed, sensing that the Fourth Division would become a terrifying battleground. He just hoped to survive their clashes.
Fourth Division.
"Unohana-taichō, this is…" Kyōraku Callum hesitated, unsure how to introduce Shiba Kūkaku to Unohana Retsu. After leaving the Shiba residence, Shiba Kūkaku had accompanied them to Seireitei. Considering the lifespan of souls, neither set of parents was in a rush.
They decided to develop their feelings slowly, as Shiba Kūkaku suggested.
So, Kyōraku Callum brought Shiba Kūkaku directly to the Fourth Division.
"My fiancé!" Shiba Kūkaku readily admitted. She didn't dislike Kyōraku Callum; in fact, she had a favorable impression of him because of his actions and views. He'd saved Shiba Kaien's life with his information and respected her choice in matters of the heart.
Shiba Kūkaku, though she didn't say it, had already accepted Kyōraku Callum.
Upon hearing this, a subtle smile appeared on Unohana Retsu's usually impassive face.
A chill inexplicably filled the warm Captain's office.
"A Shiba clan member?" Unohana Retsu smiled.
"So, you're the one Captain Kyōraku and Captain Shiba mentioned in their recommendation letter?"
Shiba Kūkaku sensed that things weren't as simple as she'd imagined. The Fourth Division Captain, a legend in Soul Society, the first Kenpachi, Unohana Retsu, seemed to harbor a strange interest in the man she favored.
Thanks to family records, Shiba Kūkaku knew quite a bit about various secrets. After all, the Shiba clan was one of Soul Society's five great noble families, even if it was now in decline.
"Yes, that's right!" Shiba Kūkaku suddenly put her arm around Kyōraku Callum's, her expression haughty, as if claiming him as her possession.
Kyōraku Callum rubbed his nose, silently playing the role of a wooden doll. Despite the closeness of her warmth, under Unohana Retsu's increasingly dangerous gaze, he felt that being a wooden doll was the safest option.
That said, the feeling on his arm wasn't unpleasant!
"Though you were recommended by two Captains," Unohana Retsu smiled, "you'll still start at the bottom of the division. Starting tomorrow, assist at the Integrated Medical Facility."
Shiba Kūkaku looked surprised. "What kind of rule is that? Shouldn't new recruits have the option of an entrance exam or a seat-seizing battle?"
Unohana Retsu smiled, tilting her head. "Because I'm the Fourth Division Captain, I set the rules. Also, if you wish to take the entrance exam, I'll be in charge of the assessment."
Shiba Kūkaku gasped. "I suddenly think starting at the bottom isn't so bad." Between life and death, she chose life. She didn't believe she could survive an exam overseen by the first Kenpachi.
Moreover, this seemingly gentle woman held a strange animosity towards her, clearly stemming from the man she held.
This raised a new question in Shiba Kūkaku's mind: "Why is Kyōraku Callum so popular?"
Unohana Retsu smiled and nodded. "Just go to Isane for your registration and assignment."
Unohana Retsu turned her gaze to Kyōraku Callum. "Kyōraku-kun, it's been a while since we sparred. My work is finished, shall we go to Training Ground Four?"
Shiba Kūkaku's vigilance heightened; she tightened her arm around Kyōraku Callum, asking, "What for?"
Kyōraku Callum sighed, resigned.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters