Bleach: The Unique Time Zanpakutō

Listening to Kyōraku Callum's explanation, Rukia's expression shifted from bewilderment to shock, finally settling into a somber silence.

"So, I have family," she whispered.

Kyōraku Callum placed a hand on Rukia's head, offering a somewhat awkward comfort.

"Hisana later met Kuchiki Byakuya in Rukongai—that stoic jerk walking ahead," he explained.

"Byakuya, disregarding his noble status, married Hisana. After settling down, she dedicated herself to finding you. But Hisana's health is quite frail."

At this, Rukia's grip on Kyōraku Callum's hand tightened.

"Why?" she asked.

Kyōraku Callum clasped both their hands together.

"Hisana was always frail. She frequently went to Rukongai to search for you during her free time, and it took a toll on her health."

He added softly, "So, the world didn't abandon you."

Rukia looked up, a hint of gratitude in her deep purple eyes. She understood this was all Kyōraku Callum's doing.

"Ahem," Kuchiki Byakuya, walking ahead, interrupted impatiently. "Don't keep Hisana waiting."

Kyōraku Callum glared at him. "I think you have some resentment towards me."

"Nonsense," Kuchiki Byakuya's lips curved into a slight smile, his haori billowing as he quickened his pace. He maintained a calm demeanor throughout.

Kyōraku Callum glared at Kuchiki Byakuya, then pulled Rukia along to catch up.

They arrived at a secluded courtyard within the Kuchiki estate.

Passing through several circular corridors, the scenery transformed. Cherry blossoms drifted on the breeze, adding to the serene beauty of the courtyard.

Outside a quiet room, a woman in a light-colored kimono sat beneath the eaves, gazing at the gently rippling water, lost in thought. She resembled Rukia, as if cast from the same mold, the only differences being her slightly downcast eyes and her gentle, reserved demeanor.

"Hisana," Kuchiki Byakuya's voice softened, a stark contrast to his usual coldness. Only the woman before him noticed this change. "I brought someone to see you."

Hisana turned to Kyōraku Callum and Rukia. The moment their eyes met, her body froze. Tears welled up; her expression, like still water disturbed, became overwhelmingly emotional.

Ignoring Kuchiki Byakuya's attempts to stop her, Hisana stumbled towards Rukia.

Kyōraku Callum released Rukia's hand and stepped back. Before he could move far, Kuchiki Byakuya placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Give them some space," he said.

With those words, Kuchiki Byakuya used Shunpo, taking Kyōraku Callum with him. The surge of spiritual pressure forced Kyōraku Callum to keep pace.

"Damn it!" he muttered, mobilizing his spiritual pressure. Kuchiki Byakuya, noticing Kyōraku Callum's Shunpo speed, showed a flicker of surprise in his usually calm eyes.

"Impressive," he conceded.

They arrived at a neighboring courtyard and sat facing each other in a pavilion.

"There's much you don't know!" Kyōraku Callum said, looking at Kuchiki Byakuya disdainfully. "Cold on the outside, warm on the inside—a classic tsundere."

"In just a few months at Shinigami Academy, you've made incredible progress," Kuchiki Byakuya calmly observed, "Decided which division you'll join?"

Kyōraku Callum scoffed, "Definitely not the 6th or 8th."

Kuchiki Byakuya paused; Kyōraku Callum's answer was unexpected.

"Why?"

Kyōraku Callum looked towards the sky, a hint of defiance in his calm voice.

"A young bird needs to test its wings before it can truly fly. The 6th and 8th Divisions aren't for me."

Kuchiki Byakuya considered a possibility.

"You wouldn't be aiming for the 11th Division, would you?"

Based on Kyōraku Callum's words, only the combat-focused 11th Division seemed suitable.

Kyōraku Callum turned, meeting Kuchiki Byakuya's gaze with a mischievous smile.

"Wrong!"

"My choice is the 4th Division!"

Kuchiki Byakuya's temples throbbed; Kyōraku Callum had once again disrupted his composure.

"Then what did you mean by that earlier?"

Kyōraku Callum lightly tapped the stone table, a rhythmic sound.

"Do you remember Soul Society's greatest villain?"

Kuchiki Byakuya's pupils constricted; he seemed to recall something unpleasant.

"Why bring this up?"

Kyōraku Callum smiled, displaying an expression Kuchiki Byakuya couldn't comprehend.

"Besides challenging the Captain-Commander, what's more exciting than provoking the first Kenpachi?"

Kuchiki Byakuya's Zanpakutō stirred restlessly. Kyōraku Callum's words were shocking.

After a long moment, he recovered, looking at Kyōraku Callum with a pitying gaze.

"In return, I'll arrange your burial," he said dryly. "And I'll take good care of Rukia; she's Hisana's sister, after all. If necessary, I can use my authority to have her join the Kyōraku family."

A dark line appeared on Kyōraku Callum's forehead; his face fell.

"Can't you be a little more optimistic?"

"I've done you a favor!"

Kuchiki Byakuya shook his head, his expression growing more sympathetic.

"Kind words don't help the dead, great compassion doesn't save the self-destructive."

"Some things are beyond my control."

Kyōraku Callum was speechless. He'd realized that since becoming friendly with Kuchiki Byakuya, his inner darkness had become more apparent—a darkness Kyōraku Callum himself had inadvertently unleashed. Before this, Kuchiki Byakuya wouldn't have spoken like that.

"Well, since you've made your decision, I won't say anything more," Kuchiki Byakuya said, his tone shifting back to its usual calm.

"But the doors of the 6th Division are always open to you. And the lieutenant's position is waiting for you."

____________________

for more advance chapters visit my p@treon

[email protected]/kane45

Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters

Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters

Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters