BUTZ: Chapter 27

Yamada Hanatarō seemed genuinely pleased; his tone was excited.

"I'm the 7th Seat of the 4th Division, and the squad leader of the 14th Advanced Medical Squad, Yamada Hanatarō. Pleased to meet you!"

The 7th Seat bowed to Kyōraku Callum. Kyōraku Callum appreciated his politeness; he would reciprocate respect.

"Pleased to meet you as well," Kyōraku Callum replied with a smile. "By the way, how did you know my name?"

Yamada Hanatarō seemed quite concerned about this.

Kyōraku Callum offered a casual explanation. "Before coming to the 4th Division, I met Lieutenant Yamada Seinosuke. You two look alike."

This was a blatant falsehood. Yamada Seinosuke had narrow eyes and pale skin, giving off a sinister aura.

Yamada Hanatarō, however, appeared timid and meek, easily intimidated. They were polar opposites.

Only someone who knew them would guess they were brothers. The difference in their appearances was striking.

Kyōraku Callum's ability to say this with a straight face was remarkable.

Yamada Hanatarō could only offer an awkward yet polite smile. While timid, he wasn't a fool. This explanation would only fool the uninformed.

However, he didn't dwell on it; his duty was to escort Kyōraku Callum to the Captain's office.

"I see," Yamada Hanatarō said with a smile. "The lieutenant is indeed my brother. We're very close. But I really admire you, Kyōraku-san."

As the conversation progressed, Yamada Hanatarō relaxed his guard around Kyōraku Callum.

"Why would you think that?" Kyōraku Callum asked, his gaze sweeping across the 4th Division barracks.

"I admire your talent," Yamada Hanatarō said, his voice filled with excitement. "Few Shinigami Academy students graduate early. You accomplished this in only two years!"

Kyōraku Callum smiled faintly in response.

"Hanatarō, understand this: talent doesn't explain everything. There's a saying: 'Genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.'"

Yamada Hanatarō's eyes widened. "Re-really? Hard work can replace talent?"

Kyōraku Callum smiled reassuringly. "I can only say, anything is possible."

He stopped, gazing at the building before them—an unremarkable structure, yet the office of Captain Retsu Unohana. Yamada Hanatarō seemed to realize this as well.

"The Captain is waiting for you. I won't disturb you further. I have other tasks to attend to."

Kyōraku Callum nodded with a smile. "Thank you for showing me the way."

Yamada Hanatarō seemed lost in thought about Kyōraku Callum's earlier words, his expression excited.

Even his departing figure conveyed his enthusiasm. While Kyōraku Callum hadn't lied, he'd omitted a crucial detail.

But that 1% inspiration is far more important than 99% perspiration, Kyōraku Callum thought, shaking his head as he approached the barracks.

Knock, knock.

A knock sounded, followed by a response from within.

"Enter."

A gentle, soft voice echoed from inside the barracks.

Kyōraku Callum hesitated for only a moment before entering.

He saw a woman seated at a desk, diligently writing. She had long, black hair braided into pigtails, her expression focused. She wore a white Captain's haori over a less conspicuous grey-pink undergarment, a red cord securing her light-colored sash.

Captain Retsu Unohana of the 4th Division!

Kyōraku Callum waited patiently for her to finish her work. Unohana Retsu's personality was dichotomous—usually gentle and understanding.

She didn't keep him waiting long.

"Welcome to the 4th Division, Kyōraku-kun," Unohana Retsu said with a gentle smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I understand Lieutenant Yamada Seinosuke was rather...unwelcoming during your entrance exam. I apologize for his rudeness and my oversight."

This surprised Kyōraku Callum.

"Captain, you're too kind," he replied. "I wasn't harmed, and you needn't apologize for someone else's mistakes."

Kyōraku Callum was firm on this point; Yamada Seinosuke's actions had angered him. Unohana Retsu clearly sensed this and offered the apology to smooth things over.

"Is that so?" Unohana Retsu said, a hint of regret in her smile. "That's for the best." She clearly wasn't going to reprimand Yamada Seinosuke further; the apology was the extent of her intervention. One must take responsibility for their own actions.

"Kyōraku-kun," Unohana Retsu said, tidying her papers. "May I ask why you chose the 4th Division?"

The 4th Division was one of the lower-ranking divisions, primarily responsible for support—medical care, emergency treatment, and even sanitation.

Kyōraku Callum's choice seemed reckless to others. Rumors had circulated within the academy, suggesting cowardice.

The 4th Division rarely saw combat. If they were ever needed on the front lines, the Seireitei would be near collapse.

Kyōraku Callum hesitated. He knew honesty wasn't always the best policy...

____________________

for more advance chapters visit my p@treon

p@treon.com/kane45

Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters

Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters

Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters