BUTZ: Chapter 25

Kyōraku Callum sat at the low table, pouring himself a cup of tea.

"Last time, you redecorated my dorm with pink wallpaper and Usagi-chan decorations while I was gone," he began.

"The time before that, your experimental cooking nearly sent me to the 4th Division. And the time before that was even worse, you..."

Before he could finish, Rukia's face flushed, and she quickly interrupted.

"Stop, stop!" she exclaimed. "Let's just say those were accidents. I'm here to thank you."

Rukia clasped her hands behind her back, looking secretive.

"Sister's recovery is all thanks to you. To show my gratitude, I decided..."

She trailed off, piquing Kyōraku Callum's curiosity. He looked at her questioningly.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Ta-da!" Rukia suddenly produced something from behind her back, a triumphant expression on her face. "The latest Usagi-chan plushie! I spent three days getting it!"

Kyōraku Callum looked closely. Rukia held up a pink rabbit plushie, her face flushed with excitement.

Kyōraku Callum neither mocked nor refused. He gently placed a hand on her head and whispered,

"Thank you, I like it very much."

He accepted the plushie, but what happened next surprised him. Rukia tiptoed, leaning forward. Before Kyōraku Callum could react, he felt a cool sensation on his cheek.

"Remember to treasure Usagi-chan!" she whispered, her face burning crimson, a blush spreading to her ears. Steam seemed to rise from her head as she fled Kyōraku Callum's dorm like a startled rabbit.

Kyōraku Callum watched her go, his mood considerably brighter.

"What are you grinning about?"

Rukia had barely left when another person entered Kyōraku Callum's dorm. The signature pink-patterned haori and worn hat identified the visitor.

Kyōraku Shunsui looked at his nephew quizzically.

"What's with the grin?"

Kyōraku Callum feigned ignorance.

Kyōraku Shunsui clapped him on the shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"The girl who just ran out of your dorm... is she Captain Kuchiki's newly adopted younger sister?"

"How far has it progressed?" Kyōraku Shunsui asked, his voice full of gossip. "The future of the Kyōraku family rests on your shoulders!"

Kyōraku Callum glared at his irresponsible uncle.

"If the Kyōraku family relies on you, it'll be bankrupt sooner or later!"

Kyōraku Shunsui's face flushed red.

"Let's get to the point," he said, changing the subject to avoid further embarrassment about his romantic failures.

"Joining the 4th Division shouldn't be difficult, but there's a small problem."

Kyōraku Shunsui felt his face burn with shame. As the head of the Kyōraku family and Captain of the 8th Division, why did he feel so utterly lacking in dignity in front of his nephew?

Kyōraku Callum had expressed his desire to join the 4th Division long ago. It seemed simple, but complications had arisen.

"Perhaps the 8th Division wouldn't be a bad option," Kyōraku Shunsui suggested. "We have the 3rd Seat position open for you. If Nanao doesn't mind, you could even be a lieutenant."

Kyōraku Callum placed the Usagi-chan plushie in his bag; he was about to leave Shinigami Academy and needed to take it with him.

"And I'll take over your job?" he asked. "You're neglecting Kyōraku family matters and now abandoning the 8th Division entirely?"

Kyōraku Shunsui leaned against the doorframe, sighing.

"You've got me there," he admitted. "But joining the 4th Division does present a slight problem."

Kyōraku Callum continued packing, not looking up.

"What problem?"

Kyōraku Shunsui sighed.

"Seinosuke Yamada, the 4th Division's lieutenant, suspects that you, a high-ranking noble and a top Shinigami Academy graduate, have impure motives for joining the support division. He's proposed a test of your Kidō skills."

At this, Kyōraku Callum looked up, recalling some relevant details. At that time, Isane Kotetsu wasn't the 4th Division's lieutenant yet; he was likely a seated officer or a member.

The current lieutenant, in Kyōraku Callum's memory, was a dark and even sinister character. His only redeeming quality was loyalty to the 4th Division Captain, Retsu Unohana.

However, Kyōraku Callum knew he'd never had any conflict with this Seinosuke Yamada. Why was he suddenly targeting him?

"Perhaps he's worried you'll take his position?" Kyōraku Shunsui asked, the wisdom in his eyes belying his nonchalant demeanor.

"Replacement or harassment?" Kyōraku Callum murmured, then smiled. "He doesn't seem to realize his mistake."

Beneath his calm gaze, a sharp sword intent flickered. Kyōraku Callum was never a gentle person; otherwise, he wouldn't have grasped such a unique sword intent from the Mugen Kenpō.

"It seems you've made your decision," Kyōraku Shunsui said, his gaze calm yet admiring. He was clearly pleased with his nephew, both in terms of personality and talent.

"Yes," Kyōraku Callum said, tightening the straps of his heavy bag and placing it on the tatami mat. "Since he's issued a challenge, how can I refuse? A Kyōraku man doesn't retreat."

Kyōraku Shunsui stretched and stood up.

"Excellent. I won't disturb you further. The Yōkon Club has been hounding me for revisions."

With that, he left Shinigami Academy.

Next...

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