BUTZ: Chapter 23

Those few seconds can often decide the outcome of a battle. In a clash between Captain-level fighters, three seconds can determine a great deal.

However, the more powerful an ability, the more restrictions it has. The stronger the target of a time stop, the sooner they can break free. This was evident with Urahara Kisuke.

Kyōraku Callum used Shunpo, stopping before him, but the enigmatic shopkeeper had already broken free from the time stop.

Seeing Kyōraku Callum suddenly appear, Urahara Kisuke couldn't help but chuckle wryly.

"That power…" he murmured. "No wonder you didn't perform your Shikai in the Seireitei."

Such power, if uncontrolled, would cause widespread panic.

Disappearing time? A frozen Soul Society? Urahara Kisuke's mind raced, conjuring various Soul Society ghost stories.

He also understood Kyōraku Callum's intentions—their goals were aligned: to conceal their strength.

Kyōraku Callum released his Shikai; Akatsuki returned to its asauchi form and was sheathed.

"Performing Shikai in the Seireitei would attract unwanted attention," Kyōraku Callum shrugged. "I don't want to become a target."

Urahara Kisuke paused.

"Then, your division choice?"

"The 4th Division!" Kyōraku Callum grinned, showing his teeth. "I've already decided."

Seeing his determined expression, Urahara Kisuke said nothing more.

Due to the time spent at the Urahara Shop, Kyōraku Callum almost failed to complete the Soul Burial test.

Fortunately, Urahara Kisuke helped him find several lost souls, allowing him to finish.

With the Shikai complete, the check-in task was also finished, and Kyōraku Callum's Hakuda skills had improved dramatically.

He might not rival a Captain specializing in Hakuda, but he was at least at the level of a regular Captain.

Under Iseh Nanao's guidance, Kyōraku Callum and the other interns returned to the Seireitei. With the Soul Burial internship complete, he could formally apply for graduation.

But there was something more important to attend to first.

Kuchiki Estate, before the noble-exclusive Senkaimon (gate to the human world).

Kuchiki Byakuya, looking tense, addressed them.

"Kyōraku, it's all up to you." His usual aloof demeanor was gone in front of Kuchiki Hisana.

"Leave it to me!" Kyōraku Callum assured him, thumping his chest.

He then led Kuchiki Hisana towards the Senkaimon.

A few days later, Kyōraku Callum returned to the Urahara Shop. Kuchiki Hisana's condition had worsened.

"Mr. Urahara, how is she?" Kyōraku Callum asked.

Urahara Kisuke's expression was serious.

"The situation is critical," he analyzed. "Hisana's body is extremely weak and requires specific medication to stabilize. Also, I'll need your help during the treatment."

Kyōraku Callum looked puzzled. "But my Kidō skills…"

He was interrupted.

"It's not your Kidō, but your Shikai. I need a one-second time stop!"

Urahara Kisuke then explained the treatment method.

"This is my Soul Stabilizing Pill. It stabilizes a lost soul's state. But its use is extremely dangerous; it must be inserted deep into the soul.

Hisana's condition is critical; forceful intervention would worsen the situation."

Kyōraku Callum pondered.

"So, you want to use my Shikai to stabilize her soul?"

Urahara Kisuke nodded, leading Kyōraku Callum back to the underground space, which had been restored to its original state within days.

Kuchiki Hisana floated in mid-air, protected by a special reishi device. Urahara Kisuke produced the Soul Stabilizing Pill and handed it to Kyōraku Callum.

"I'll perform the procedure quickly," Urahara Kisuke explained. "The moment I open her soul cavity, Kyōraku-kun, you just need to throw it in."

Kyōraku Callum nodded, offering no suggestions; this wasn't his area of expertise.

He didn't want a suggestion or comment of his to cause Kuchiki Hisana's death. The consequences would be severe.

With Kyōraku Callum's confirmation, Urahara Kisuke stood before Kuchiki Hisana and began the procedure.

A large amount of reishi gathered into thread-like strands, swirling in the air, quickly dissolving a cavity in Kuchiki Hisana's soul, similar to a Hollow's.

"Kyōraku-kun!" Urahara Kisuke called out urgently. "Time stop, Akatsuki!"

Kyōraku Callum didn't hesitate. The moment the cavity appeared, he activated his Shikai.

His time stop affected only a ten-meter radius. He flicked the Soul Stabilizing Pill into the cavity.

Within the time stop, only things imbued with Kyōraku Callum's spiritual pressure were unaffected by the time stop.

After three seconds, the time stop ended. The Soul Stabilizing Pill immediately took effect. Visible reishi flowed from the cavity in Kuchiki Hisana's soul, repairing it and stabilizing her soul.

Urahara Kisuke let out a long breath.

"Oh my, that was exhausting!" With the task complete, his tone was much lighter. Until now, he'd been under immense pressure.

If Kuchiki Hisana had died under his care, he would face exile, potentially endangering the Visored hidden in the human world. Urahara Kisuke carried the fate of many on his shoulders.

The soul stabilization continued; Kuchiki Hisana was out of danger. Her gently rising chest indicated she would soon awaken.

"Thank you, Mr. Urahara," Kyōraku Callum said.

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