The next morning, Shiraha stepped out of the Kuchiki estate wearing the white haori of the Seventh Division and his distinctive star-shaped hair ornament. His presence was composed and steady, reflecting the dignity expected of a captain.
The night before, after returning to the Kuchiki residence, he had released his Zanpakutō and reversed the time of Kuchiki Ginrei by one hundred years. Now, like Ukitake Jūshirō, the old clan head's body had regained the vigor of a century ago, his complexion no longer pale and frail. His strength had diminished only slightly, nothing that would hinder him.
Rukia, Hinamori Momo, and Kira Izuru had visited Shiraha as soon as they learned of his restored eyesight and his imminent dispatch to the Human World. Their concern had been genuine, their smiles filled with warmth that even Shiraha found quietly comforting.
Outside the Kuchiki mansion, the Second Division captain, Sui-Feng, stood waiting with several Onmitsukidō operatives.
"Captain Shiraha, the time has come. Let's move," she said, her tone calm yet disciplined.
Shiraha smiled lightly. "Let's go."
No ceremony followed. Unlike his previous assignment, which had lasted ten years, this time's stationing in the Human World would be a mere two months—barely enough to be considered exile or punishment.
Led by Sui-Feng and the stealth corps, Shiraha arrived at the Second Division's Senkaimon.
"By the way," Sui-Feng said, turning toward him, "Vice-Captain Abarai Renji of the Sixth Division departed yesterday for Karakura Town on garrison duty."
"Oh? Renji as well?" Shiraha asked, amused. In the original record of events, Renji had indeed been sent to Karakura Town on such a mission.
Sui-Feng nodded. "Captain Shiraha, the gate is ready. You may proceed."
Drawing his Zanpakutō, Shiraha inserted it into the key slot and turned it with a smooth motion. The Senkaimon opened slowly, releasing a glow of white light that shimmered like a boundary between worlds.
Sheathing his blade, Shiraha stepped through.
The light consumed his form.
Moments later, above the skyline of Naruki City, the same light reappeared and split open. Shiraha emerged, his haori billowing faintly in the morning wind.
"So this is Naruki City," he murmured, surveying the familiar landscape. A faint smile curved his lips. "It's been a long time."
He exhaled quietly, eyes narrowing in thought. "Let's head to Karakura Town first. I'll find Urahara Kisuke."
With that, he raised a hand. The spell Cang flickered around him, and his figure vanished.
—
Karakura Town – Urahara Shop
In the courtyard, Urahara Kisuke sat cross-legged on a futon, lazily fanning himself with a small white fan. Beside him, in her black cat form, Yoruichi lay stretched out, basking in the sunlight.
"Urahara, how long until Aizen's Hōgyoku awakens?" Yoruichi asked, licking her paw with a measured glance.
"Based on my calculations, less than four months remain," Urahara replied, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "That means the decisive battle will begin by winter."
"Four months?" Yoruichi's golden eyes narrowed. "That's far too soon."
In Seireitei, the defection of Aizen and his two subordinates had left three captain seats vacant. Their absence had weakened the Gotei 13's balance of power more than anyone wished to admit.
"Exactly," Urahara said, flicking the fan once. "Our only option now is to have Kurosaki and the others raise their strength as quickly as possible."
He paused, then smiled faintly. "Speaking of which, Yoruichi-chan, I heard something rather interesting from Abarai yesterday. Care to hear it?"
"Not interested," Yoruichi said, eyes half-closed.
"Ah, really? Even though it's about Shiraha?" Urahara teased, the corner of his mouth curling mischievously.
Her eyes opened instantly. "Shiraha? Speak."
"My, my, you do care about him," Urahara chuckled, waving the fan defensively as Yoruichi extended her claws threateningly. "Alright, alright, I'll talk!"
"According to Abarai," Urahara continued, "yesterday Shiraha perfected his Zanpakutō's Shikai. His vision's been completely restored—and he seriously injured that lunatic, Kurotsuchi Mayuri."
Yoruichi's expression sharpened. "Time-based Zanpakutō… and that kind of power at Shikai level?" Her eyes widened slightly, disbelief flickering across her face.
"Indeed. He can stop time itself. Terrifying, isn't it?" Urahara's voice carried both admiration and unease. "Even more astonishing, Yamamoto-soutaichō's punishment for him was laughably light—just two months stationed in the Human World."
Yoruichi exhaled softly. "That old man… he's being lenient. But if Shiraha's ability truly stops time, then against Aizen, he might be our best chance."
Urahara nodded. "Exactly. The stronger Shiraha becomes, the better our odds."
He smiled again, his eyes hidden beneath the shadow of his hat. "Kurotsuchi really crossed the wrong man this time. I doubt Shiraha will lift that Zanpakutō effect unless the Twelfth Division captain actually bows to him—and knowing Mayuri, that's impossible."
Yoruichi smirked. "He deserves it."
"Anyway," she added, "by your estimation, Shiraha should be arriving today?"
Urahara nodded. "Counting the time, he should be entering the Human World right about—"
A sudden ripple in the air cut him off. The space before them distorted, and Shiraha appeared, stepping gracefully into the courtyard.
"Long time no see, Miss Yoruichi, Mr. Urahara."
His tone was calm, his smile light.
"Well, Shiraha," Urahara said with a grin, "you've been making quite the headlines lately."
"Little Shiraha!"
Yoruichi leapt into his chest in cat form, nuzzling against him. Shiraha chuckled softly, stroking her head.
"Mr. Urahara," he said, "I came to ask for your help."
Urahara blinked. "Oh? What kind of help?"
"I need a Gigai prepared," Shiraha replied evenly.
Urahara tilted his head, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "A Gigai, hmm? Of course. Though I can't help but wonder what you plan to do with it."
Shiraha smiled faintly, the corner of his mouth curving. "You'll see soon enough."
Urahara shrugged lightly. "Very well. I'll have it ready shortly."
He resumed fanning himself, though a faint curiosity lingered behind his eyes.
What was Shiraha planning in Karakura Town this time?
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