novelblue
Chapter 185
Chapter 185
Chapter 185
“This young man here—is he your classmate, Kaelith?”
“I recall his name is S?suke?”
“So young and already a Lieutenant—truly enviable!”
Ky?raku adjusted his straw hat and approached with a smile.
Aizen remained silent. He could already guess Ky?raku was about to probe him, indirectly asking why he was here and what role he played in the recent battle.
As expected, after a brief exchange, Ky?raku asked, “S?suke, did you specifically stay behind to help Kaelith? That Hollow earlier was no weakling, so if you were active in a fight at that level, it’s truly impressive.”
Aizen put on a somewhat bashful smile. “Not at all, I—”
“Ha! As expected of Uncle Shunsui, you’ve discovered my hidden treasure!” Kaelith cut in, laughing loudly. He strode over and draped an arm over Aizen’s shoulder.
Hearing Kaelith’s words made Aizen tense. What was this idiot planning?
“Oh?” Ky?raku responded, placing his Zanpakut? into the air as if unlocking the Senkaimon and stepping through. “A hidden treasure, you say?” he prompted as he moved into the gateway.
Kaelith followed with Aizen in tow. “Uncle Shunsui, don’t be fooled by S?suke’s gentle looks. If you underestimate him, you’d be wrong. While his offensive output is just a tad below mine, his ability to analyze the battlefield is top-notch.”
Kaelith grinned. “Just now, when I was fighting that Hollow, if S?suke hadn’t picked up on its fighting style and habits, and preemptively warned me of possible dangers, you might not be seeing me so intact now. This guy is like a walking encyclopedia of combat skills. He might not be the strongest fighter, but he’s got a treasure trove of knowledge in that head of his!
Ky?raku’s expression cleared in understanding. Indeed, this S?suke fellow looked like the observational, analytical type.
Aizen glanced at Kaelith. Unexpectedly, at this crucial moment, Kaelith seemed somewhat reliable. If Aizen claimed he hadn’t done much, Ky?raku might grow suspicious. But if he admitted he’d helped, Ky?raku’s interest would increase, and that would be another headache. Kaelith’s words minimized Aizen’s presence while still giving a plausible explanation for him staying behind.
Aizen’s lips curved slightly. Then Kaelith added, “Of course, I was just giving my pal a chance to shine. With my brilliance, I could’ve analyzed it myself easily. Isn’t that right, S?suke?”
Aizen took a deep breath and nodded. “Indeed.”
Kaelith burst into hearty laughter, delighted with himself. Aizen narrowed his eyes, a chill rising within. Kaelith’s name would be recorded with heavy ink in his mental ledger of grudges.
…
After hearing Kaelith’s report, Yamamoto frowned.
A Hollow that broke its mask, looked human, and could even release a Zanpakut?… Could such a being even be called a Hollow anymore?
He asked Ky?raku for a description of its spiritual pressure. After some mental comparison, Yamamoto realized that, according to Ky?raku, this Hollow’s Reiatsu surpassed even the Vasto Lorde class he had in mind. A Hollow beyond Vasto Lorde level, plus the recent abnormal movements of the Gates of Hell—two dangerous omens at once were hardly a good sign.
After gathering some intel about Szayelaporro, Yamamoto waved a hand, preparing to send the two disciples away. But then he remembered something and added, “By the way, Kuchiki K?ga isn’t dead yet. You two should stay alert. Especially you, Kaelith. You and Kuchiki K?ga have a feud—he might seek revenge. I tracked him with Kido and can confirm he’s hiding in Hueco Mundo. Most likely he’s still with Kanna Inaz?. After their crushing defeat last time, they probably won’t act rashly for a while. Alright, off you go.”
Kaelith and Ky?raku both nodded and left the First Division.
Outside the doors, Ky?raku grinned and was about to invite Kaelith for a drink, but before he could speak, Lisa Yad?maru emerged from hiding.
“Captain! Here’s the directory of the official duties you must handle. Go through them on your way back. All must be settled today!” she said sternly.
Ky?raku’s eyes widened, his face paling instantly.
Lisa then noticed Kaelith and paused, giving him a serious look. “I’m sorry, Kaelith. As a warrior, I abandoned you and fled. I’ll remember this shame and train desperately to become stronger. Next time, I’ll repay this debt!”
Kaelith tilted his head. He’d had Chojiro Sasakibe take them away. What was this about abandonment? If she hadn’t left, that would have been insubordination, not loyalty.
Seemingly guessing his thoughts, Lisa sighed. “Vice-Captain Sasakibe told me the Fifth Division Lieutenant didn’t leave with us. He stayed to help you, right? I’ve been a Shinigami longer, yet in the face of danger, I let two newly appointed Lieutenants handle it. I…”
Hearing that, Kaelith understood. He casually comforted her, feeling a bit emotional. Now someone was going to get famous.
S?suke, oh S?suke, my friend, I’ve done my best. The rest is up to you.
Sure enough, that very evening in the Second Division’s cafeteria, Kaelith began hearing all sorts of rumors:
“Did you hear? The new Fifth Division Lieutenant—he just graduated not long ago—actually participated in a battle alongside Third Seat Kaelith against a powerful Hollow!”
“Of course I heard. They say that Hollow was incredibly strong, stronger than hundreds of Gillians combined!”
“Unbelievable! The Fifth Division really struck gold this time.”
“Indeed. So young and already fighting side-by-side with Kaelith. Who knows what he’ll accomplish in the future!”
Kaelith: “?”
Sitting in the cafeteria’s corner, he fell into thought. Why did it sound like they were making him out to be some old veteran?
Yoruichi, seated opposite him, lowered her voice, “Kaelith, you didn’t run into Baraggan, did you?”
She’d once seen Kaelith’s strength in Hueco Mundo. This guy could cut down Adjuchas-level Hollows like they were nothing. Even a Vasto Lorde shouldn’t have been too hard for him.
So if he had trouble, maybe Baraggan himself showed up?
Hearing that, Soifon, sitting nearby, froze. Baraggan? The King of Hueco Mundo? She opened her eyes wide, staring at Kaelith. Had this guy really stirred up something that big?