Seeing that neither combatant was in immediate danger, the other Captains began to disperse, leaving Unohana Retsu to handle the aftermath.
Seeing that neither combatant was in immediate danger, the other Captains began to disperse, leaving Unohana Retsu to handle the aftermath.
Suì-Fēng, though reluctant, was forced to leave. Her earlier statement about urgent tasks in the Second Division was true; several critical missions awaited her attention.
The Eleventh Division would have to deal with the ruins of their barracks themselves. After all, their Captain had initiated the battle.
Kyōraku Callum's involvement had been entirely reactive; any punishment would be minimal and inconsequential.
Unohana Retsu knelt beside Kyōraku Callum, examining his injuries.
"Hmm?" At her first glance, she noticed something unusual. "Kyōraku, your…" She stopped, choosing not to elaborate.
Unohana Retsu then used Kidō to provide emergency treatment.
"Take both injured men to the Fourth Division's Integrated Medical Facility," she instructed. "As for the Eleventh Division's reconstruction, Ikkaku, that's your responsibility."
A bald head emerged from the crowd.
"But, Captain Unohana…"
"Do you have a problem?"
Aware of the sudden chill in the air, Ikkaku Madarame swallowed his words.
"Uh, no."
Yachiru Kusajishi, dragging her Zanpakutō, cheerfully addressed the group.
"Everyone, cheer up! I'm going to look after Kenpachi!" With that, she skipped off after Unohana Retsu.
The Eleventh Division members stared at their completely devastated barracks in despair. Even with help from other divisions, rebuilding would take considerable time.
Kyōraku Callum, lying on a stretcher, gazed at the blue sky, feeling a sense of contentment. His injuries were entirely self-inflicted. Kenpachi Zaraki's spiritual pressure was powerful, but weaker than his own. In kendo, the difference was even more pronounced.
To conceal his true strength, Kyōraku Callum had created the appearance of injuries sustained from a spiritual pressure surge at the end of the fight.
The lingering Limitless sword intent, however, was immediately apparent to Unohana Retsu. Fortunately, her discretion kept Kyōraku Callum's secret safe. Kenpachi Zaraki also seemed to understand.
However, perhaps out of respect for their battle, or more likely due to his general lack of interest in such things, he remained silent.
Kenpachi Zaraki's sole pleasure was the thrill of battle, especially against stronger opponents. Kyōraku Callum's appearance had reignited his fighting spirit, reminding him that many powerful warriors still existed within the Gotei 13.
Fourth Division, Integrated Medical Facility. Kyōraku Callum had visited this facility many times as Vice-Captain. This was his first visit as a patient. The Fourth Division members stared in astonishment at Kyōraku Callum, lying on the stretcher, their expressions filled with disbelief. Their invincible Vice-Captain was actually injured!
However, upon seeing Kenpachi Zaraki being carried in, their expressions relaxed. Ah, it was Captain Kenpachi. That explained everything.
Wait… Captain Kenpachi?!
Countless Fourth Division members focused their attention on the two.
"Vice-Captain Kyōraku actually fought Captain Kenpachi of the Eleventh Division?"
"It seems Vice-Captain Kyōraku's injuries are less severe!"
"They say the Eleventh Division members are incredibly fierce, yet the Vice-Captain managed to defeat their Captain.
As a member of a support division, I find this utterly unbelievable!"
Kenpachi Zaraki showed clear impatience, feeling like countless flies were buzzing around his ears. The taste of defeat was finally settling in.
"Kenpachi, it's okay!" Yachiru Kusajishi, ever perceptive, said. "We'll surpass Kyōraku-kun!" Her innocent smile seemed untouched by worry.
Kenpachi Zaraki paused, then closed his eyes, muttering, "Someday…"
Whether out of personal amusement or due to a shortage of rooms, Unohana Retsu placed Kyōraku Callum and Kenpachi Zaraki in the same room.
Shiba Kūkaku arrived at Kyōraku Callum's room as soon as she heard.
"Kyōraku-kun!"
As she rushed in, anxiously, Kyōraku Callum realized that while she was boisterous, Shiba Kūkaku possessed the qualities of a typical woman.
As the head of the Shiba main family, she clearly had many admirable traits, though her forthright personality often overshadowed them.
Upon touching Kyōraku Callum's hand, Shiba Kūkaku noticed something. His injuries weren't as severe as she'd expected.
"Whew, that was a close one," she breathed a sigh of relief. Her next words, however, dispelled Kyōraku Callum's relief.
"I thought I'd be a widow before we even got married."
Kyōraku Callum: "? ? ?"
"Since you're alright, I won't disturb your rest," Shiba Kūkaku said, her cheerful smile returning.
"Get plenty of rest and heal quickly! I'll become your capable assistant soon!" She bent down and placed a light kiss on his forehead.
Kyōraku Callum felt his blood pressure spike at the unexpected intimacy. Fortunately, Shiba Kūkaku left promptly.
Kyōraku Callum gazed at the white ceiling, recalling the events, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Kyōraku-kun! Kyōraku-kun!" Shortly after Shiba Kūkaku left, Yachiru Kusajishi cheerfully appeared at his bedside.
"Thank you for letting Kenpachi have such a fun fight! This is a gift for you!" She held out her hands, filled with konpeitō (small, colorful candies).
"Kenpachi asked me to give these to you!"
Kyōraku Callum looked towards the next bed…
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