Bleach: The Unique Time Zanpakutō

Madarame Ikkaku grumbled, "Even though I lost to Kyōraku-kun, there's no need to keep bringing it up, is there?"

Isane Kotetsu, startled by his aggressive tone, quickly apologized. "I'm so sorry, Third Seat Madarame. I didn't mean to."

Just then, Kyōraku Callum's voice came from the side.

"Third Seat Madarame, bullying the weak isn't the mark of a true strong person."

His calm words instantly tensed Madarame Ikkaku, putting him on high alert. He sensed Kyōraku Callum's killing intent.

"How's the treatment progressing?" Kyōraku Callum asked, turning his attention to the injured Shinigami.

Discussing treatment, Isane Kotetsu regained her confidence. Even in the 4th Division, with Kyōraku Callum's arrival, her Kidō skills were top-tier. This was her area of expertise.

"They're out of immediate danger," she reported. "But full recovery will take a considerable amount of time. Lieutenant Kyōraku's large-scale Kidō saved their lives."

Kyōraku Callum paused, then smiled. "No need to be so formal, just call me Kyōraku."

Madarame Ikkaku stared at Kyōraku Callum in astonishment. He hadn't realized his men's survival depended on Kyōraku Callum's large-scale Kidō, adding to his guilt.

He replayed the fight in his mind: the Zanjutsu, the Shunpo...

Madarame Ikkaku's eyes widened. He finally understood. As a member of the Eleventh Division, he wasn't skilled in Kidō. But that didn't mean his opponent wasn't!

During their fight, Kyōraku Callum had only used Zanjutsu and Shunpo. This meant he was hiding an immense amount of strength!

This realization deepened Madarame Ikkaku's respect for Kyōraku Callum.

After a brief rest, the 6th Medical Squad transported the Eleventh Division's injured back to the Fourth Division.

The Eleventh Division's intense atmosphere wasn't conducive to recovery, and given they'd only received initial treatment, the Fourth Division was clearly more suitable.

Although some of the injured, upon waking, wanted to return to the front lines, after friendly conversations with Kyōraku Callum, they abandoned that dangerous idea.

Subsequent treatment took considerable time. Evening fell.

4th Division Captain's Office.

After a long day, Kyōraku Callum and Isane Kotetsu reported to Retsu Unohana. Isane Kotetsu carefully detailed the day's events, frequently checking Kyōraku Callum's reaction. Seeing his unconcern, she relaxed.

"Kyōraku-kun, you did very well," Retsu Unohana said, her smile gentle. "Giving Third Seat Madarame a lesson might actually help his growth. You seem to be adapting well to being lieutenant."

Kyōraku Callum felt a sense of unease.

"In that case, I'm comfortable entrusting the next task to you."

"As you've witnessed," Retsu Unohana stated, "the Fourth Division is highly unpopular with the other divisions.

I've tried to change that, but with little success." Her smile dimmed. "It wasn't until your arrival that I realized the problem wasn't external, but internal to the Fourth Division itself."

Kyōraku Callum was surprised. "Is it related to Kurashima Daiki?"

Retsu Unohana nodded. "Not just him. Many similar members—bullying the weak, insubordination—it's widespread."

"So I want to entrust you with the task of reorganizing the Fourth Division."

Kyōraku Callum hesitated. "But I just arrived..."

Retsu Unohana's smile was warm and reassuring. "It's alright. Just handle those who break the rules, the same way you handled Kurashima Daiki."

Kyōraku Callum remained conflicted. He stared at the desk, hand on his chin, deep in thought. The silence grew heavy before he realized something was wrong.

He looked up at Retsu Unohana. Her smile remained unchanged, but a cunning glint was in her eyes.

"Kyōraku-kun, are you ready?"

"Uh, I'll do my best," Kyōraku Callum mumbled, trying to avoid being reprimanded.

6th Squad Barracks.

Back in his room, Kyōraku Callum let out a long sigh.

"Being around Captain Unohana is incredibly stressful. That subtle ruthlessness feels like she could turn into a hellish demon at any moment."

He shivered. "I came to the Fourth Division hoping for a relaxing life." Things were unfolding far beyond his expectations.

"Forget it," he muttered. "I have something more important to deal with tonight!"

The battle with Madarame Ikkaku made Kyōraku Callum realize he could attempt to climb the Time Staircase again.

He'd already done his daily sword training before the spiritual pressure amplification, so he hadn't tried then. But tonight, he had another chance.

Kyōraku Callum sat on a meditation cushion in the center of the room, eyes closed, mind calm. His Zanpakutō lay across his legs; one hand resting on the scabbard, the other on the blade.

Within moments, his consciousness blurred, and he entered his Zanpakutō's space once more.

The Time Staircase stretched before him. The Throne of Time remained distant, even though he'd climbed a hundred steps.

Compared to the endless staircase, it was only a tiny fraction. Following his previous progress, he released his spiritual pressure, pushing upwards against the resistance.

One step.

Two steps.

Three steps...

On the Time Staircase, time lost all meaning. Kyōraku Callum didn't know how long he'd been climbing.

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