Chapter 214: Kūgo Ginjō—The Plot Resurfaces
Time passed, and since Kurosaki Ichigo's departure from Hueco Mundo, little contact had occurred between the two parties.
One week elapsed swiftly. During this period, Kurosaki Karin awakened from her coma. Although relying upon Fiander's powerful Reiatsu to stabilize Karin's soul had proven effective, this situation couldn't persist indefinitely.
Consequently, Kurosaki Ichigo traveled to the Urahara Shop seeking counsel once more. Urahara Kisuke's proposed solution proved relatively straightforward—utilizing a medication called "Yokugan" that could erase the Reiatsu within Karin's body and transform her into an ordinary human, thereby eliminating the risk of Hollow assimilation entirely.
Although Urahara Kisuke felt curious regarding why Kurosaki Karin had suddenly awakened Quincy power, in order to conceal the fact that he'd traveled to Hueco Mundo, Ichigo chose to withhold this information. He simply informed Urahara Kisuke that Karin had awakened spontaneously.
Naturally, the "Yokugan" proposal was rejected by Karin herself. After all, when ordinary people acquire extraordinary power, this sensation becomes addictive to the core. No one willingly accepts mediocrity and returns to normal civilian existence.
"Manager Urahara, do you believe there exists any method for me to train Shinigami power once more?"
Within the small room, Kurosaki Ichigo regarded Urahara Kisuke positioned before him and inquired again. Although he'd already confirmed this same question with the other party one year prior, this time proved different.
Previously, Kurosaki Ichigo had merely asked with hopeful mentality. It would have been wonderful if such methods existed, but he'd already prepared himself for the possibility they didn't. After all, utilizing Mugetsu hadn't been without consequences.
However, after this journey to Hueco Mundo, Kurosaki Ichigo had confirmed he genuinely possessed the possibility of recovery. After all, even his sister could awaken Quincy power—so no reason existed why he couldn't.
Consequently, this renewed questioning actually consisted of three parts inquiry and seven parts testing.
"My apologies, Kurosaki. I can do nothing regarding your situation. After all, your Reiatsu dissipated from your body at that time. This dissipation is permanent. There's nothing I can accomplish!"
Urahara Kisuke concealed his face behind a folding fan and replied with apparent gravity:
"Additionally, you must make appropriate preparations regarding your sister's awakened Quincy power. After all, Quincy and Shinigami differ fundamentally. Shinigami and Hollows possess mutual compatibility, but Quincy are different entirely. To Quincy, Hollow power resembles poison. Even if the soul can be stabilized temporarily, no one can guarantee what results might occur after prolonged duration..."
Urahara Kisuke understood that Kurosaki Ichigo must have experienced something significant, prompting him to pose such questions. However, the other party clearly remained unwilling to divulge details, which indicated something extraordinarily complex existed behind this matter.
"Kurosaki, does your father know about this situation...?"
Hearing what Urahara Kisuke stated, Kurosaki Ichigo didn't dare continue concealing information. He frowned slightly and responded:
"Father... doesn't know about this matter. Moreover, recently, he frequently departs early and returns late. We don't spend much time together!"
Speaking of Kurosaki Isshin, Ichigo hesitated momentarily before speaking truthfully.
"Hah..."
Releasing a profound sigh, Urahara Kisuke closed his eyes, placed his finger against his temple, and spoke slowly: "It seems your father hasn't revealed certain matters to you. Allow me to contemplate how to resolve your sister's predicament. Throughout all these years, I've never encountered such circumstances!"
"Then I'm relying upon you, Manager Urahara!"
After rising to his feet and bowing toward Urahara Kisuke, Kurosaki Ichigo departed from the Urahara Shop. Just as he walked to a street corner positioned not far distant, a tall figure emerged from the shadows, greeted Kurosaki Ichigo, and placed his hand upon Ichigo's shoulder while declaring:
"So, the Urahara Kisuke you'd placed your hopes in didn't provide the results you desired! Kurosaki, you must understand—if you wish to protect the important people surrounding you, relying upon others proves useless. All you can depend upon is yourself!"
The person who spoke possessed short-to-medium hair combed backward, a pair of dark brown eyes sparkling beneath slightly thick, arched eyebrows.
Although late summer and early autumn had arrived, the other party already wore a black coat with a plush collar. A silver cross necklace hung across his chest.
Those familiar with this narrative must recognize who this individual was after witnessing this appearance. None other than the First Generation Substitute Shinigami—Kūgo Ginjō.
As early as several days prior, both parties had already established contact. However, after Fiander's warning, Ichigo had grown extraordinarily wary of all strangers surrounding him.
Although the other party had directly stated his purpose during their first meeting—requesting that Kurosaki Ichigo join his organization—in Ginjō's words, current Karakura Town wasn't safe. Not only himself, but numerous individuals were targeting Kurosaki Ichigo.
Moreover, Ginjō claimed to possess methods that could help Kurosaki Ichigo obtain new power—a unique human ability. This power was called Fullbring.
Ordinary people like Sado Yasutora and Inoue Orihime surrounding Ichigo were all Fullbring users. Witnessing Kūgo Ginjō employing his friends as examples, Ichigo had lowered his guard somewhat and begun attempting to contact the other party.
However, Ichigo had still wanted to try obtaining assistance from Urahara Kisuke. After all, compared to the unfamiliar Kūgo Ginjō, Urahara Kisuke—who'd been helping him consistently—appeared more trustworthy.
As a result, before coming here today, Ginjō Kūgo had warned Ichigo in advance:
"Don't cease questioning someone simply because you've received their assistance!"
Therefore, the above dialogue had been born between them both.
After completely abandoning expectations regarding Urahara Kisuke, Kurosaki Ichigo addressed Ginjō Kūgo: "Where do we proceed now?"
"Naturally... to our base!"
Speaking thus, Ginjō Kūgo—as though extraordinarily familiar with him—placed his hand upon Ichigo's shoulder. Both departed side by side.
Just after both walked away, above the clouds, Ichimaru Gin observed the scene below and smiled faintly. Then he turned and entered the Garganta positioned behind him.