Bleach: The Unique Time Zanpakutō

"There's nothing left for me to learn at Shinigami Academy," Kyōraku Callum stated.

"Graduating early isn't a bad idea. It's the only way I can officially go to the human world."

Shinigami Academy graduates must undergo a Soul Burial exam—a fundamental skill every Shinigami must master. Only those who pass can graduate.

Kuchiki Byakuya fell silent, his gaze downcast. After a long moment, he sighed.

"In that case, I'll leave it to you."

Even without the urgency of Kuchiki Hisana's situation, Kyōraku Callum would have chosen to graduate early. Two years—not long, not short. For a Shinigami, it's a brief work cycle.

Kyōraku Callum had spent nearly two years in this leisurely period. He looked at his system's task list; the only remaining long-term task sat quietly there.

"It's time to complete this task," he murmured, his mind made up. Applying for an early Soul Burial exam? In this corrupt, outdated system, it was hardly a challenge.

Kuchiki Byakuya left, burdened with heavy thoughts. While he trusted Kyōraku Callum, that didn't extend to trusting a stranger.

Whether a cure for Hisana existed in the human world remained unknown, but for now, that was their only hope.

A week later, without telling Rukia, Kyōraku Callum left Dorm 1. Kuchiki Byakuya had already submitted Kyōraku Callum's early graduation application to Shinigami Academy's leadership.

Why not Kyōraku Shunsui? Kyōraku Callum found it amusing; in Shunsui's words, it was a small matter he could handle himself.

Bypassing the usual procedures, Kuchiki Byakuya's application seemed to have worked exceptionally well.

There was, after all, a difference between a high-ranking noble and one of the Four Great Noble Houses.

Kyōraku Callum arrived promptly at the Senkaimon (gate to the human world) only to find an unexpected figure.

The woman wore a standard Shihakushō (Shinigami uniform), her long black hair styled with side-swept bangs, and elegant glasses perched on her high nose bridge.

A knowing smile played on her intelligent face.

"Kyōraku Callum, I'm surprised I'm overseeing your Soul Burial internship," she said.

"Nanao-nee-san?!" Kyōraku Callum exclaimed, surprised.

The visitor was none other than the 8th Division's lieutenant, Iseh Nanao—technically his cousin.

Unlike the complexities of the Iseh family, Kyōraku Callum's parents had died in the line of duty.

What surprised him was that Kyōraku Shunsui hadn't hidden the family's secrets from Nanao, revealing everything to her upon her coming of age.

Nanao had been distraught for a time afterward, but she eventually emerged from the shadows and embraced life again.

The Hakkyoken (Eight-Mirrored Sword), a symbol of the family curse, remained hidden by Kyōraku Shunsui. In his words, he would keep it safe until she was truly ready.

Since joining the 8th Division, Nanao had become much more cheerful. As for her appearance, that was a matter of personal preference.

"It's surprising he let you go to the human world," Kyōraku Callum said calmly, a smile on his face.

Nanao tilted her head, smiling. "It has nothing to do with Captain Kyōraku. I heard you applied for an early Soul Burial test and volunteered to oversee it."

"Decided which division you'll join?" Nanao asked, clearly confident in Kyōraku Callum's abilities; the Soul Burial test wouldn't pose any difficulty for him.

"Why are you all so focused on the division issue?" Kyōraku Callum sighed, brushing a strand of hair from his face.

"Didn't Captain Kyōraku tell you?" he asked. "I told him shortly after enrolling."

Nanao looked bewildered. "Captain never mentioned it to me."

"You know his workload," Kyōraku Callum said, sighing.

Kyōraku Callum covered his face. "Let's give him some face; let's not spread this around. Having an uncle like him is truly heartbreaking."

"My choice is the 4th Division," he stated.

Confusion flickered across Nanao's face, but unlike others, she respected his decision.

The senior students participating in the Soul Burial test were already prepared. After Nanao gave some instructions, she announced the start of the test.

Guided by Jigokuchō (Hell Butterflies), Kyōraku Callum entered the Senkaimon alone.

At Kyōraku Callum's request, and with Kuchiki Byakuya's discreet maneuvering, the test location was set in a specific city.

Whoosh!

Thump!

Kyōraku Callum leaped from the Senkaimon, arriving in the human world. The moon shone brightly on the night. The Jigokuchō, illuminated by the moonlight, dissolved into reishi.

From his vantage point, Kyōraku Callum sensed several intern Shinigami scattering across Karakura Town, preparing for the test.

"I can put off the Soul Burial for now," he thought. "I need to find that man first."

He prioritized his tasks. The Soul Burial test wasn't difficult; he only needed to guide ten lost souls to the Soul Society. Any Hollows he encountered wouldn't be a problem.

Kyōraku Callum placed his hand on his scabbard, his mind racing.

"Zanpakutō," he murmured. "I hope to see your power this time."

A fortnight ago, during his ascent of the time staircase, Kyōraku Callum had finally reached the 100th step, revealing his Zanpakutō's true name—the power residing deep within his soul.

Kyōraku Callum moved between the buildings, searching for his target. Being in Karakura Town for the first time, this was his only option.

He did, however, encounter several lost souls along the way. He didn't waste the opportunity, guiding them to the Soul Society.

This was a Shinigami's duty, a way to maintain world stability. Without Soul Burial, lost souls would wander restlessly, consumed by their resentment, transforming into Hollows or becoming prey for other Hollows.

After several Soul Burials, Kyōraku Callum had become quite proficient.

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