"The Immeasurable Gap"
"This... is the difference?"
Abarai Renji finally understood the profound meaning behind Kyōraku Callum's words:
Those I defeat… even with time, the gap will only widen.
Several minutes later, Kyōraku Callum slowly opened his eyes, a subtle sword intent flashing in his dark pupils.
"The knowledge is a bit jumbled,"
Kyōraku Callum tapped his head, his brow furrowed. One Sword Style Kendo and Drawing-Sword Technique, both centuries-old kendo styles, contained vast amounts of knowledge.
"But it's still manageable,"
He relaxed, looking towards Gengorō Ōunabara, who was lecturing.
Noticing his gaze, Gengorō Ōunabara paused briefly and nodded. Kyōraku Callum's strength had clearly earned him a high position in Gengorō Ōunabara's estimation.
In their first kendo class, Gengorō Ōunabara kept the lesson focused on the most basic Zanjutsu techniques.
The lesson concluded quickly, with everyone bowing to Gengorō Ōunabara in thanks. Traditional etiquette was highly valued at Shinigami Academy.
As aspiring Shinigami, the students at Shinigami Academy followed a slow-paced curriculum. After kendo, it was Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat) class. Due to the students' varying skill levels, all early classes were mandatory.
Kyōraku Callum hoped the next Hakuda class would trigger a new check-in task, but the system remained silent. While slightly disappointed, he accepted it.
The Hakuda instructor was short, wearing a large black haori, appearing somewhat comical. However, the students were clearly intimidated by him. The casual chatter from the kendo class vanished instantly. His crest indicated his identity.
"I am Sakashita Kan-machi, and I will be your instructor for the coming period."
His brief introduction revealed a decisive personality. He immediately started the lesson.
To Kyōraku Callum's surprise, the class wasn't limited to his group. Not far from him sat a small figure.
Her familiar bobbed hairstyle caught his attention.
Her deep purple eyes intently watched the instructor, diligently recording every word. She meticulously noted key points, the epitome of a diligent student. This continued until her knuckles turned white.
Kuchiki Rukia, slightly annoyed, glanced to her right. She saw a handsome young man looking at her with an expression she couldn't decipher.
Kyōraku Callum's gaze was one of quiet appreciation. Rukia, however, glared back.
Their eyes met, lingering for a long moment, until Rukia's cheeks flushed, and she angrily turned away.
"Strange person,"
she muttered.
Kyōraku Callum smiled faintly, unfazed. He thought:
"An interesting girl."
He thought this would be a good start. However, the next development was unexpected.
[Time-limited check-in task released: Check in at Kuchiki Rukia's dorm (three-day limit).]
[Task reward: Spiritual pressure breakthrough!]
Kyōraku Callum remained surprisingly calm about the reward.
A new kendo style might have caused him to hesitate, but a breakthrough in spiritual pressure, the very foundation of a Shinigami's power?
He couldn't refuse.
However, a new problem arose. How could he, upon their first meeting, suggest visiting Rukia's dorm?
The students' dorms were single occupancy. Such a request on their first meeting would be highly inappropriate.
"It's not just about being inappropriate,"
Kyōraku Callum stroked his chin, his expression troubled.
"It's mainly about worrying that a certain tsundere siscon would chop me up if she found out."
The shift in Kyōraku Callum's gaze caused Rukia to breathe a sigh of relief. Yet, a strange sense of disappointment washed over her, making her irritable.
Is it because of the unfamiliar environment? she wondered, glancing towards Kyōraku Callum.
He was sitting with a furrowed brow, seemingly wrestling with a difficult problem.
Who is he?
Why was he looking at me like that?
She was quickly drawn back to Sakashita Kan-machi's lecture, diligently taking notes.
Kyōraku Callum unintentionally caught sight of her notes, and an idea struck him.
"There might be a way," he thought.
Hakuda class ended swiftly. Sakashita Kan-machi's decisive nature was evident.
Even though he hadn't finished his point, he declared the end of class without hesitation and left the classroom in a hurry.
Kyōraku Callum glanced in the direction he left, seemingly towards the main gate of Shinigami Academy.
Does he still have to perform division duties after becoming a teacher?
He didn't dwell on it. The students stood, heading to their next class.
The packed schedule made Kyōraku Callum nostalgic for his high school days.
"It's quite similar," he mused. "Just the subjects are completely different."
Thump!
A stack of notebooks landed on Kyōraku Callum's desk.
He turned to see Kuchiki Rukia looking down at him with a fierce expression.
"Hey, why were you looking at me like that?"
Kuchiki Rukia, a straightforward person, didn't avoid confrontation.
Her cheeks were puffed out, slightly flushed. She looked more adorable than intimidating.
"Nothing,"
Kyōraku Callum said seriously, meeting her gaze.
"I was simply appreciating beauty. My name is Kyōraku Callum."
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