However, upon noticing Kyōraku Callum's calm demeanor, Suì-Fēng immediately understood. The three Captains present all had deep connections
However, upon noticing Kyōraku Callum's calm demeanor, Suì-Fēng immediately understood.
The three Captains present all had deep connections with Kyōraku Callum; their arrival was undoubtedly for his safety.
"It seems we're too late," Unohana Retsu said with a gentle smile, her eyes curving into a pleasant arc.
"I never imagined Kyōraku-kun was hiding his strength so well. I hope next time we spar, I'll get to see your full power."
Kyōraku Shunsui, seeing that Kyōraku Callum was unharmed, breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't even work this hard in the Eighth Division, you damn kid!"
Byakuya Kuchiki's response was far more concise: "Good. You're alright."
Kyōraku Callum sighed; this turn of events was unexpected. Still, it was reassuring to know so many people cared about him.
"First, let me clarify," Kyōraku Callum began. "I don't fully understand my own spiritual pressure fluctuations."
"Second, we encountered that suspected Vasto Lorde-class Hollow," he continued. "Its power was immense, comparable to a Captain-level fighter. I only managed to defeat it with Suì-Fēng's assistance."
He turned his gaze to Kyōraku Shunsui. "Third, you foolish old man! Stop broadcasting those embarrassing things in public! If you continue to be this lazy, the Eighth Division should consider replacing you with Nanao Ise!"
Kyōraku Shunsui's eyes widened, his usual laziness momentarily forgotten.
"What right do you have to criticize me? Don't think I don't know what you've been doing in the Fourth Division!
Lieutenant duties are handled by Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu!"
Their mutual revelations lightened the atmosphere considerably.
They didn't doubt Kyōraku Callum's words; his past actions had already established trust. Whether his statements were true or not was irrelevant; they were on his side, and that was all that mattered.
However, on their way back to Seireitei, Suì-Fēng noticed something strange. "Speaking of which, where are all those crazed wandering souls? They've all vanished!"
Kyōraku Callum shrugged vaguely. "Probably fear."
Suì-Fēng's confusion deepened. "Fear? Why would those lunatics experience fear? They showed no fear of death during their attacks!"
Kyōraku Callum glanced at Unohana Retsu, meeting her gentle gaze.
Seeing her nod, he continued, "Like rabbits, weak creatures facing a predator, their only response is to flee. They lose the will to fight; it's an instinct ingrained in their very being."
Suì-Fēng pondered this explanation, still harboring doubts.
"The wandering souls in the North Rukongai's 80th district were like rabbits encountering a natural predator," Kyōraku Callum explained calmly.
"Death itself isn't what frightens them. What terrifies them is the presence that brings death."
Unohana Retsu, as the first Kenpachi, had once recruited her subordinates from the North Rukongai's 80th district.
Though she was scarred from her battles with Kenpachi Zaraki, the damage she inflicted on the North Rukongai's 80th district was no less than Zaraki's.
Using the food chain analogy, Unohana Retsu was undoubtedly at the top of the North Rukongai's 80th district's food chain.
Her presence was far more terrifying than any meaningless slaughter.
With the wandering souls gone, searching for clues in the North Rukongai's 80th district became easier.
Unfortunately, Aizen and his cohorts had cleaned up thoroughly; no clues, not even residual spiritual pressure from the Hōgyoku, remained.
Seireitei, First Division barracks.
The First Division barracks, situated on the side of a mountain, hung like a suspended temple.
Kyōraku Callum and Suì-Fēng's first action upon returning to Seireitei was to report to the Captain-Commander's office.
Although Suì-Fēng led the mission, Kyōraku Callum had been instrumental in its success.
Suì-Fēng had already detailed the mission, and Kyōraku Callum simply confirmed the account.
With the appearance of the Hōgyoku, the waters of Soul Society were once again muddied. Perhaps Seireitei should share some responsibility.
Captain-Commander's office.
Kyōraku Callum and Suì-Fēng calmly awaited the Captain-Commander's response. Yamamoto Genryūsai rested his hands on his cane, eyes closed in thought. The Hōgyoku's appearance was no small matter.
Furthermore, except for Suì-Fēng and Kyōraku Callum, the entire investigation squad had perished—killed by self-detonating Kidō, a method only a Shinigami could employ.
What did this mean?
Instability had emerged within the ranks of the Shinigami, possibly connected to the strange Hollow.
Silence filled the room.
Finally, the aged voice spoke.
"The details of this mission are classified," Yamamoto Genryūsai announced, his eyes opening, revealing an undeniable authority. "Captains and below are not permitted to view or access this information.
Furthermore, regarding Vice-Captain Kyōraku Callum's concealment of his abilities, it is deemed neither meritorious nor blameworthy; no judgment will be passed."
Kyōraku Callum bowed in acknowledgement.
The matter of the Hōgyoku seemed closed, but discerning individuals recognized it as the beginning of something far larger. A heavy atmosphere of foreboding settled over Seireitei.
Having completed the mission, Kyōraku Callum returned to his leisurely life in the Fourth Division, occasionally sparring with Unohana Retsu or playfully teasing Isane Kotetsu.
Life was, to put it mildly, relaxed.
Unfortunately, he was banned from participating in the Fourth Division's monthly flower arranging competition after his first, earth-shattering entry.
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