He shook his head, suppressing the surprise that welled up within him, and turned to immerse himself once more in his research. From atop a
He shook his head, suppressing the surprise that welled up within him, and turned to immerse himself once more in his research.
From atop a tall building thirty kilometers from the Urahara Shop, Kyōraku Callum observed Hinamori Momo from afar; her figure, clad in a Shinigami uniform, stood out starkly against the backdrop.
"Hinamori!" he called out.
"Kyōraku-kun," Hinamori Momo replied, offering a nod in acknowledgement. Her expression held a certain calmness, a measured composure.
While she hadn't engaged in extensive interactions with this former classmate of hers, she understood the necessity of maintaining basic social etiquette.
In the blink of an eye, Kyōraku Callum had closed the distance, appearing instantly beside Hinamori Momo.
Unlike Hinamori Momo's battle-ready attire, prepared for immediate combat, Kyōraku Callum was dressed in typical, everyday modern clothing.
"That outfit…" Hinamori Momo remarked, her gaze drawn to the incongruity.
Kyōraku Callum subtly tugged at the inner lining of his clothing, offering an explanation.
"This is a Gigai, to facilitate my movements within the World of the Living. After all, guarding an entire city can be rather monotonous."
A look of understanding dawned on Hinamori Momo's face. She had, after all, heard whispers about Kyōraku Callum's personality during her time within the Fifth Division.
And, presently, considering his current rank, she was in no position to question his choices.
As long as no significant problems arose in the World of the Living, everything would remain peaceful and undisturbed.
"I trust you summoned me, Kyōraku-kun, for a pressing matter?" Hinamori Momo inquired directly, getting straight to the point.
Kyōraku Callum nodded, offering an explanation.
"The situation in Karakura Town has been temporarily stabilized. However, Naruki City, Kagamino City, and other places are experiencing a significant worsening of Hollow disturbances."
Hinamori Momo's expression tightened with a hint of apprehension upon hearing this news.
Kyōraku Callum, observing her reaction, continued.
"Over the coming period, I will be periodically departing from Karakura Town to provide support to these other cities. Therefore, I am temporarily entrusting the responsibility of guarding Karakura Town to you, Hinamori."
Up to this point, every word spoken by Kyōraku Callum had been the unvarnished truth.
Hinamori Momo readily agreed, yet a trace of uncertainty lingered on her features.
"But, Kyōraku-kun," she questioned, "why entrust this task to me specifically?"
Kyōraku Callum offered a smile, providing a clear explanation.
"Karakura Town boasts a significantly higher density of spiritual particles compared to other cities, making it considerably more likely to experience another large-scale Hollow disturbance".
Under such circumstances, "I require a squad member of proven capability to withstand the Hollow onslaught for a period of time; someone who can hold the line until my return, should the situation in other cities necessitate my absence".
Your Kidō proficiency is exceptional, and I have complete faith in your abilities."
The uncertainty on Hinamori Momo's face gave way to a look of comprehension.
"Understood!" she declared. "I will assume responsibility for guarding Karakura Town!"
Just as Hinamori Momo prepared to depart, Kyōraku Callum called out to her once more.
"Wait, Hinamori."
Hinamori Momo turned, a questioning expression etched upon her features.
"I have a question for you," Kyōraku Callum stated, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
"Please, Kyōraku-kun, ask away," Hinamori Momo responded with a matching smile.
"What are your thoughts on Captain Aizen?" Kyōraku Callum posed the question that had been weighing on his mind.
Hinamori Momo's face registered surprise, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink at the unexpected query.
"Captain Aizen…," she began, a thoughtful pause preceding her response, "let me see… he's a very kind person, I think!"
When discussing Aizen, Hinamori Momo's words seemed to flow more freely, her speech becoming considerably more animated and expansive.
Kyōraku Callum, in turn, assumed the role of an attentive listener.
Once she had concluded her thoughts, Kyōraku Callum responded, "Is that so? It would appear that Captain Aizen is indeed a remarkably kind individual."
Hinamori Momo nodded enthusiastically, her agreement evident. In her perspective, expressing praise for Captain Aizen was a surefire path to establishing camaraderie.
"I have no further questions," Kyōraku Callum stated.
"Hinamori, please familiarize yourself with the environment of Karakura Town as quickly as possible."
Kyōraku Callum's smile remained consistent, unchanging in its expression.
Hinamori Momo departed, her demeanor markedly different from when she arrived.
As Kyōraku Callum watched her retreating figure, the smile gradually faded from his face. He found himself struggling to adequately assess Hinamori Momo's character.
To label her as simply naive or lacking in intelligence would be an oversimplification.
In his judgment, there was a certain incongruity, a subtle dissonance in her mannerisms and actions.
Her unwavering faith in Aizen had once led her to readily attack her childhood friend, Hitsugaya Tōshirō, all because of a single letter.
Kyōraku Callum had hoped that his intervention in the Soul Burial incident might have prompted some degree of change within Hinamori Momo, but it seemed his expectations had been drastically misplaced.
Her trust in Aizen remained absolute, unwavering, as if he were a divine figure, a beacon of unwavering truth.
"If that's the case," he mused, a thoughtful expression settling upon his features, "then it's time for you to officially become a player in this game."
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