Hearing this, Hitsugaya Tōshirō's expression softened slightly. "Then I thank Captain Aizen on Hinamori's behalf," he said. Aizen paused, a
Hearing this, Hitsugaya Tōshirō's expression softened slightly.
"Then I thank Captain Aizen on Hinamori's behalf," he said.
Aizen paused, a hint of surprise in his expression. "No need. It's only natural. Hinamori was, after all, my Vice-Captain."
After a brief visit, Aizen and Hitsugaya Tōshirō left Muken. However, as they neared the edge, Hitsugaya Tōshirō abruptly turned back towards Muken, his expression resolute, as if a decision had been made.
"Captain Aizen," Hitsugaya Tōshirō said quietly, "I have unfinished business in the Tenth Division. I must return."
Aizen nodded. "Very well, Captain Hitsugaya."
Instantly, Hitsugaya Tōshirō vanished with Shunpo, disappearing from atop Muken.
Watching his retreating figure, Aizen clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes flickering.
"This is becoming increasingly interesting," he murmured.
Time flew by. The two weeks were agonizing for Kyōraku Callum, but they eventually passed.
Today, Kyōraku Callum received intelligence from Urahara Kisuke at the Fourth Division—delivered in an unexpected manner.
A Shiba family member had passed the information to Shiba Kūkaku, who then relayed it to Kyōraku Callum.
"Kūkaku," Kyōraku Callum said, examining the envelope with a curious expression. "You're still in contact with Yoruichi Shihōin?"
Shiba Kūkaku's expression was conflicted. "Well… you know Yoruichi Shihōin and the others have been declared exiles. As a member of the Shiba family, how could I possibly be in contact with her?"
This forthright woman didn't seem to be lying.
Kyōraku Callum cleared his throat, masking his embarrassment. "Good. It's best if you aren't." Judging by her expression, Shiba Kūkaku seemed unaware of the complex relationships at play. Otherwise, given her personality, she wouldn't be so calm.
A cat paw print adorned the seal of the envelope, which bore the inscription: For Kyōraku Callum.
Kyōraku Callum was speechless at this unconventional method of communication. The Seireitei's oversight of Urahara's shop was truly remarkable!
After his initial surprise, Kyōraku Callum infused his spiritual pressure into the envelope and opened it.
"Kyōraku Callum," the letter read. "Kurosaki Ichigo and the others will officially enter the Seireitei tomorrow. See you there!" The letter ended with another cat paw print.
Kyōraku Callum held the letter, lost in thought. It seemed a good show was about to begin. He thoughtfully reduced the letter to ashes.
Though Shiba Kūkaku was curious about the letter's contents, she didn't ask. A clever woman, she knew what questions to ask and which to leave unasked.
Possessing a forthright personality, she also had a subtle and perceptive mind. Over time, she'd grown to accept Shibā Isshin's arrangement. Kyōraku Callum, she thought, was truly a remarkable person.
As she drifted into thought, a sharp sound from Kyōraku Callum's direction caught her attention.
"Almost forgot something important," Kyōraku Callum said, suddenly remembering. "If Kūkaku doesn't return to the Shiba house, will Shiba Kaien have to fire the Kakaku Taihō cannon? I'm not confident in Shiba Kaien's ability to operate that."
A premature death? If they couldn't even reach the Seireitei, it would be a complete failure.
Without Kurosaki Ichigo's group to cause chaos in the Seireitei, how would Hinamori Momo escape? Kyōraku Callum's mission would be jeopardized!
Realizing the crucial point, Kyōraku Callum turned to Shiba Kūkaku.
"Kūkaku!"
"Let's go back to the Shiba house tonight!"
Even Shiba Kūkaku, with her forthright nature, was taken aback by the heavily implied suggestion.
After bidding farewell to Unohana Retsu, Kyōraku Callum and Shiba Kūkaku prepared to return to the Rukongai. To be safe, he confirmed with Shiba Kūkaku,
"Kaien really can't use the Kakaku Taihō cannon?"
Shiba Kūkaku replied confidently, "In the entire Seireitei, no, in all of Soul Society, only I can use the Kakaku Taihō cannon!
My brother's talents lie in being a Shinigami. Not everyone is as… extraordinary as you." She knew of Kyōraku Callum's exceptional abilities. He was, to put it mildly, extraordinary.
While returning to the Rukongai, Kyōraku Callum revealed some details, including having her fire the Kakaku Taihō cannon to get Kurosaki Ichigo and the others into the Seireitei. Shiba Kūkaku didn't question his motives, readily agreeing.
"As always, you're the best, Kūkaku!" Kyōraku Callum exclaimed.
"Better than Yoruichi?" Shiba Kūkaku whispered.
"Well… let's save that discussion for another time," Kyōraku Callum said, quickly changing the subject.
The Shiba family, under Shiba Kūkaku's guidance, relocated from the Rurin'an district of North Rukongai to West Rukongai, as Urahara Kisuke's Senkaimon only led to West Rukongai.
Everything was done for convenience.
Shiba Kūkaku's fate had, in fact, changed. Her arm remained intact due to her continued presence in the Seireitei. Without her fireworks experiments, the Shiba family's moves had dropped to zero.
They'd remained in the Rurin'an district until now. If Kyōraku Callum hadn't mentioned it, they would likely have stayed.
After settling everything, Kyōraku Callum returned to the Seireitei, though Shiba Kūkaku's gaze was rather wistful as he left, seemingly disappointed that nothing unexpected had transpired.
On his way back, Kyōraku Callum hurried, almost as if fleeing.
"Marriage is far too soon!" he muttered to himself.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my patreon
patreon.com/kane45
Tier: 10$ Casual Reader - 20+ Advance Chapter
20$ Intermediate Reader - 40+ Advance Chapter
40$ Expert Reader - 80+ Advance Chapter
Update: "Monday to Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day"
"Saturday and Sunday - Off"