"My apologies, everyone," he announced. "Passage beyond this point is strictly prohibited!" From the very first glimpse of Kyōraku Callum, t
"My apologies, everyone," he announced. "Passage beyond this point is strictly prohibited!"
From the very first glimpse of Kyōraku Callum, the seed of fear planted within Kurosaki Ichigo's heart had begun to sprout and take root.
Recalling the intensity of their previous encounter, his grip on his Zanpakutō tightened, his knuckles white.
In that moment, he discovered that he couldn't even summon the desire to engage in battle.
"Kyōraku Callum," Kyōraku Callum stated, his expression unchanging, his gaze drifting past Kurosaki Ichigo and his companions.
A black cat, upon witnessing his arrival, displayed an expression of weary resignation, shaking its head and sighing at Kyōraku Callum's penchant for playful cruelty.
"Ichigo, let's go," the cat instructed.
Ishida Uryū's condition was similarly dire. The impact of Kyōraku Callum's presence lingered deeply within his memory.
His spiritual pressure alone had been sufficient to incapacitate him, rendering him unconscious.
In over a decade of rigorous training, Ishida Uryū had never before encountered such an overwhelmingly powerful entity.
"With him guarding this place, passage is impossible," Ishida Uryū murmured, his voice low.
"Moreover, there's a Third Division Captain standing beside him."
Upon hearing this, Kurosaki Ichigo's face contorted with grim determination, silently turning and retreating.
It was evident that despite the monumental shift in his own strength, he still lacked the confidence to confront Kyōraku Callum.
The oppressive weight of their previous encounter, akin to an unfathomable abyss, loomed before him.
Observing the Ryoka's retreat, a more pronounced curve formed at the corners of Gin Ichimaru's lips.
"My, my," he mused aloud. "To think that Kyōraku Callum would actually permit the Ryoka to depart. I wonder what repercussions might arise if this were reported to the Captain-Commander?"
Kyōraku Callum cast him a dismissive glance, his voice a low murmur;
"Attend to your own responsibilities," he stated. "I merely sought to avoid burdening the Fourth Division with unnecessary tasks."
With those words, Kyōraku Callum proceeded independently, striding past Jidanbō Ikkanzaka.
"Hm?" A look of inquisitive surprise flickered across Gin Ichimaru's features. "Kyōraku Callum, where are you…"
Kyōraku Callum waved a hand dismissively without turning back. "On official business," he replied.
As he watched Kyōraku Callum's figure disappear through the Hakutōmon Gate, Gin Ichimaru's smile deepened, becoming even more pronounced.
"Truly an inscrutable individual," he mused to himself. As a loyal subordinate of Aizen, he had been exposed to a considerable amount of intelligence regarding Kyōraku Callum, yet each new piece of information seemed to further deepen the mystery surrounding him.
In Gin Ichimaru's estimation, Kyōraku Callum was an entity of unfathomable depth.
"Perhaps, he is the true catalyst for unforeseen change," Gin Ichimaru mused.
"Regardless, my assigned task is complete. I shall simply await the commencement of this intriguing spectacle!"
A pure, sky-blue light momentarily flickered within his narrowed, observant eyes.
Beyond the Hakutōmon Gate.
Kyōraku Callum emerged at a measured pace, his gaze rising to meet Jidanbō Ikkanzaka's. "Lower the gate," he instructed.
Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, his face etched with apprehension, slowly lowered the massive gate, resembling a towering wall.
"Thank you, Vice-Captain Kyōraku Callum!" Jidanbō Ikkanzaka knelt, his immense frame bowed low to the ground, his voice heavy with gratitude.
"If it weren't for your intervention…"
Kyōraku Callum offered a reassuring smile.
"Do not concern yourself," he replied. "It was a trifling matter, a mere gesture. Your sole responsibility is to remember and uphold your assigned duties."
Jidanbō Ikkanzaka raised his head, his expression a blend of awe and bewilderment.
Kyōraku Callum's figure receded into the distance, heading towards the outskirts of West Rukongai.
The previous day, he, along with Shiba Kūkaku and the Shiba household retainers, had overseen the relocation of the entire Shiba family to the western outskirts of Rukongai.
Today, presented the perfect opportunity to witness firsthand the deployment of the Kakaku Taihō cannon.
West Rukongai outskirts. The Shiba residence.
Even though only a single night had elapsed since Kyōraku Callum's previous visit, the Shiba residence had undergone a remarkable transformation.
The distinctive architectural style was immediately apparent.
A modest dwelling stood above a significantly larger subterranean structure; from a distance, it resembled two colossal arms thrusting forth from the earth.
A banner bearing Shiba Kaien's name was prominently displayed within the sculpted hands. As the current head of the Shiba family, he was entitled to a certain level of distinction.
Kyōraku Callum approached the structure at a measured pace.
The Shiba household retainers, Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko, materialized seemingly out of thin air, descending before him.
"Vice-Captain Kyōraku Callum!" Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko exclaimed in unison, their faces registering a mixture of surprise and respect.
"Our sincerest apologies, Vice-Captain. We were engaged in roof repairs and failed to detect your approach."
Kyōraku Callum waved dismissively, unconcerned.
"It is of no consequence," he stated calmly. "Kūkaku should still be within the residence, I presume?"
Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko exchanged a brief glance before simultaneously nodding their heads in confirmation.
"Indeed! Since your departure, Captain Kūkaku has remained within her chambers."
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